Greyfriars Bobby Statue

The Greyfriars Bobby Statue is one of Edinburgh’s most beloved and photographed landmarks, located at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row. This small bronze statue commemorates a loyal Skye Terrier who, according to local legend, guarded the grave of his master, John Gray, in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. Perched atop a Victorian fountain, the statue was commissioned by Baroness Burdett-Coutts and unveiled in 1873. It serves as a heartwarming symbol of devotion and fidelity, attracting thousands of visitors who come to hear the story of the city’s most famous canine resident and pay their respects to his enduring spirit.

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Was Sie erwartet

The statue is a public monument located on the street, meaning it is free to view and accessible twenty-four hours a day. While there is no admission fee, many visitors choose to explore the adjacent Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is also free to enter. The churchyard is generally open to the public during daylight hours, though the Greyfriars Kirk itself has specific visiting times, usually between 10:30 and 16:30 from Monday to Friday. Right next to the statue is the Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, a historic pub that leans into the legend and offers a cozy spot for a meal. The City of Edinburgh Council maintains the monument, and nearby shops offer a vast array of Bobby-themed merchandise, from plush toys to illustrated books.

Warum diese Tour buchen

One of the most important things to know is a plea from the city: please do not rub Bobby’s nose! A popular but modern urban myth suggests that rubbing the statue's nose brings good luck, but this practice has caused significant damage to the bronze, requiring frequent and expensive repairs. Instead, show your affection by simply taking a photo. The area around the statue can be quite congested with tour groups, so keep an eye on your belongings. After visiting the statue, be sure to head through the gates into the kirkyard to find the red granite headstone marking Bobby’s grave, where people often leave sticks and dog toys as tokens of appreciation for the loyal terrier.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The statue is centrally located at the southern end of George IV Bridge, making it an easy walk from most Old Town attractions. From the Royal Mile, it is a simple five-minute walk south past the Central Library. If you are coming from the New Town or Waverley Station, it takes about ten to fifteen minutes; head up the Mound and continue straight onto George IV Bridge. Numerous local buses stop almost directly in front of the statue, including services 2, 23, 27, 41, and 42. The hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses also have a dedicated stop nearby. Because it sits at a busy road junction, there is no parking directly at the site, so walking or public transport is highly recommended.

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To capture a photo of the statue without a crowd of other tourists, it is best to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 09:00. The area becomes particularly busy in the afternoon as walking tours congregate at this spot. If you visit at 13:00, you can hear the One O'Clock Gun fire from Edinburgh Castle, a tradition that famously used to signal the time for Bobby to head to his daily meal at a nearby coffee house. The statue is well-lit at night, offering a more atmospheric view for those who prefer a late-evening stroll. During the winter months, the statue is often adorned with a small scarf by locals, adding a touch of charm to your holiday photos.

Greyfriars Bobby Statue