Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby
4
About
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland, after reportedly spending fourteen years guarding his owner's grave, until his own death on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films. A prominent commemorative statue and nearby graves are a tourist attraction.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavoured souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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See what travellers are saying
- PennyGlasgow, United Kingdom35 contributionsHeartwarming taleA lovely little statue and a great story❤️ we went into the Greyfriars bar for lunch and it was so friendly there with great food. We visited the Kirk too and the church where we book a picture book of the Greyfriars Bobby story, lovely church with info about the story in an area at the back. Thank youVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 October 2023
- J-from-MarysvilleMarysville, Ohio1,008 contributionsInteresting storyGreyfriars Bobby, the statue, is right in front of Greyfriars Bobby Bar. If you pet him or rub his nose, supposedly, good luck will come your way. His nose is pretty shiny, so I hope a lot of good luck has been given out. If you're hungry or thirsty, stop in at the bar. We enjoyed a meal there.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- Felicity SLondon, United Kingdom37 contributionsCute and cosyI recommend starting with a walk through the cemetery first then finishing at the pub for lunch/dinner and drinks. The place is so cosy. We did not eat here however the food looked AMAZING and I wish we had enough time to try a pie. We had a few drinks and you must try there own exclusive Nicholson ale. Don’t forget to rub his nose on the way out for good luck.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- KDVienna74 contributionsQuick DinnerWe had a quick dinner at GreyFriars Bobby restaurant, we ordered 2 fish pies, it was outstanding, I want the recipe, so many prawns and the sauce was to die for! The sticky toffee pudding for desert was too yummy. It’s a very busy restaurant however it has good food, we will be back!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- Bernadette ACape Town, South Africa590 contributionsPub dinner- Scottish fareWe ate dinner here. It was busy so tables in the restaurant were not available. After ordering drinks and waiting we found a table in the pub area. Our dinner of stovies and hagis were both good. The service wasn’t bad although we weren’t being “served” as such, being in the pub area. What was a tad shocking was the ladies bathroom. I’m guessing it hasn’t been cleaned for a few days- very dirty toilets, wet paper lying on the floor, no toilet paper in rolls. Just terrible really.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Mr.S Travel QuestSan Angelo, Texas204 contributionsGuardian of the Graveyard: Exploring the Greyfriars Bobby StatueThe Famous Skye Terrier: Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became famous in 19th-century Edinburgh for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray. Touch for Good Luck: It's a tradition for visitors to rub the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue for good luck. Over the years, the constant touching has given the statue's nose a shiny, polished appearance. When visiting Edinburgh you have to give this statue a visit. Check out our full review of Edinburgh, Scotland on YouTube @Mr.S Travel Quest -Mr.S Travel QuestVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 November 2023
- lizzy21Ardrossan, United Kingdom1,881 contributionsScottish history, iconic statue & a fantastic tribute to man’s best friendWas great to finally see the statue after watching the film and it being such an incredible and iconic story and such an amazing part of Scottish history. The statue itself looked exactly how you’d imagine it to look and there was a nice plaque with information about the iconic statue and the history behind its meaning. If you’re in the area I’d definitely tick it off the list and go and have a look.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 December 2023
- relaxingbelfastBelfast, United Kingdom274 contributionsVery emotional but so lovely to have been thereI was so happy to have finally got to vist wee bobby. There where a lot of tourists of course us being 2 of them. We seen the statue, then went over to the grave yard. What a lovely tribute to wee bobby and his past owner. I did get emotional when I was there , just knowing the loyalty of wee bobby and how much he missed his owner. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Edinburgh. Not forgetting to get a wee warm up and a wee dram in the bar before we left.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 December 2023
- Kat WalkerEdinburgh, United Kingdom4 contributionsPoor wee Bobby - STOP TOUCHING HIS NOSEWhat a wonderful story Greyfriars Bobby is, but just so sad at the damage to the wee dugs nose. Seems to be some idiot has been telling people to rub it for good luck. It’s not good luck. Stop damaging it.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 February 2024
- Kev P18 contributionsDelightful dining experienceFollowing on from the Greyfriars graveyard tour, my friends brought me here to avail of traditional Scottish Fare. We were served by a delightful young lady called Deanna The Haggis was Braw Sadly the Cullen Skink soup tasted nothing like traditional Cullen Skink soup, being Scottish we know how it should taste. Twas the only negative of our otherwise delightful dining experience.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
3,026 reviews
Excellent
1,369
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1,017
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553
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56
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31
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Audrey R
Blyth, UK339 contributions
Sept 2020
Visited here for midweek lunch, we had booked a table online which means you pay a £10 deposit which is then taken off your bill when you visit.
We arrived early which was no problem and were taken to our seat, the young man immediately came back with menu's and to take our drinks order. Beer & spirit prices were much the same price as any of the other Edinburgh bars we had visited during our stay.
We decided on the fish & chips with a side order of Mac n Cheese, our meals arrived in a timely manner and were very tasty, especially the Mac n Cheese!
A good meal at a great price as this pub was taking part in the 50% off in September offer.
We arrived early which was no problem and were taken to our seat, the young man immediately came back with menu's and to take our drinks order. Beer & spirit prices were much the same price as any of the other Edinburgh bars we had visited during our stay.
We decided on the fish & chips with a side order of Mac n Cheese, our meals arrived in a timely manner and were very tasty, especially the Mac n Cheese!
A good meal at a great price as this pub was taking part in the 50% off in September offer.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola D
Hessle, UK3,080 contributions
Mar 2020
The statue to commemorate Greyfriars Bobby is on the bridge just opposite the entrance to the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard and the pub of the same name.
Greyfriars Bobby was the Skye terrior who guarded his master’s grave for 13 years and is buried just inside the cemetery gates. His master, the policeman John Gray is also buried nearby.
People have spoilt the lovely statue by rubbing his nose for good luck so now it is worn to bronze instead of black.
Greyfriars Bobby was the Skye terrior who guarded his master’s grave for 13 years and is buried just inside the cemetery gates. His master, the policeman John Gray is also buried nearby.
People have spoilt the lovely statue by rubbing his nose for good luck so now it is worn to bronze instead of black.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy W
Vancouver, Canada1,773 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The small fountain statue of the cute Skye terrier is located on the street. Lots of tourists taking photos. A better photo op is a few yards to the left in front of the church. The church signage boasts ‘free admission’ but asks for a 3 pound donation. The church also boasts a Harry Potter connection but it appears to be only that some Harry Potter surnames can be found on the gravestones. The gelato place up the street to the left did a good business. Tasty gelato.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffley33
Bolton, UK88 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
After a few recommendations we thought we would try Greyfriars Bobby, a traditional Pub in the Heart of Edinburgh. Our waitress was really friendly and helpful. We ordered Halloumi and Calamari for starters… when these came out both we could tell both weren’t fresh and had been quickly fried from frozen, one of the sauces with these was really hard and had a thick skin on, this was replaced when mentioned. Unfortunately this then left us apprehensive about the main course and whether this would be another ‘frozen - microwave’ style course. We had ordered the Toad in the Hole and the Chicken and Leek Pie for our mains, both came with Mash and seasonal veg. When these arrived they looked much better than the starters, the pie looked homemade and fresh and the sausages in the toad in the hole were perfectly seasoned and cooked. The only let down again was a frozen Yorkshire pudding on the toad in the hole. Greyfriars proved they could make excellent home cooked food with the majority of the main so it’s just a shame some of the frozen parts let it down.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma
Manchester, UK1,314 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
You can’t miss going by the statue of Bobby for some good luck while in Edinburgh. Although, fair warning that while we were there a middle aged woman proceeded to like her hand and rub the lucky dogs nose while proclaiming “it’s got to be done” before licking her hand again and rubbing the poor dog a second time. During COVID it may be worth sanitising after a visit to Bobby, especially if you plan on rubbing his lucky nose. There’s some nutters about!
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anu
United Kingdom909 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
One of Edinburgh most famous historical figures is a small dog, known to the world as Greyfrairs Bobby.
Greyfrairs Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th century for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died in 1872.
The Story continues to be well known in Scotland.
This memorial was constructed in memory of this loyal dog. Dogs are indeed man's best friend.
Definitely worth a few moments to learn the feel good story behind this little dog.
Greyfrairs Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th century for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died in 1872.
The Story continues to be well known in Scotland.
This memorial was constructed in memory of this loyal dog. Dogs are indeed man's best friend.
Definitely worth a few moments to learn the feel good story behind this little dog.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim T
Boise, ID114 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
This was a very nice place with a great waiter. He seemed to be the only head waiter with a lot of junior waiters to assist. It was very busy but they were very attentive. We always had our drinks and the main waiter would stop to make us laugh. The food was good and the sticky toffee pudding was great. I would recommend this place to anyone!!
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherpa2286
Alpharetta, GA579 contributions
Jun 2019
Stopped by for Lunch after the obligatory stop at the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. The restaurant was very busy and our new server was definitely overwhelmed. A manager finally stepped in to help. The food though was spot on with my wife having Fish and Chips and I enjoyed the Steak and Ale pie. Worth the wait to be sure.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudio d
Viterbo, Italy41,919 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A poignant story of a little dog who after the death of his master, spent the rest of his life (14 out of 16 years overall) at his grave, moving away only to feed in a bar next to the cemetery entrance. If it's completely true, the story is this: one John Gray was a night watchman at Greyfriars Cemetery and when he was at work he was always followed by his little dog Bobby; when he died, it looks like tuberculosis, he was buried in the same cemetery where he worked and Bobby stayed to watch over his grave. The little dog was adopted by John Traill, who was the Owner of the bar Bobby went to for food (inside the church there is a picture of John Traill's family whose wife holds Bobby in her arms). When Bobby died in 1872, he was buried near the main entrance to Greyfriars Cemetery, not far from his master's grave; in the same year Baroness Lady Burdett-Coutts, moved by the story, had a life-size bronze statue of the little dog made by sculptor William Brodie which was placed over a fountain on the corner of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row, a stone's throw from the main entrance to Greyfriars Cemetery. Inside the cemetery, near the grave of the little dog, a red granite plaque was placed in 1981 and then in 2022, on the 150th anniversary of his death, a further statue a granite surrounded by a flowerbed, was placed near the aforementioned plaque. To the right of the main entrance is still the bar Bobby frequented and which is now called Grayfriars Bobby.
Automatically translated
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaye
Bath, UK8 contributions
Aug 2022
We were extremely disappointed with our experience at Greyfriars Bobby. While the atmosphere of the pub, both inside and out, enticed us in; unfortunately the service and food left us unimpressed. Firstly, we were ignored for around 15 minutes by the 'Please wait to be seated' sign whilst countless staff walked past us. Our waitress was lovely and friendly but we did not see a lot of her. Both of my drink orders came back wrong, the food took an extremely long time to come out and the one meal was missing gravy - when another table's identical meal came out immediately after with it. This problem was fixed but the 'award winning pie' was underwhelmingly bland. There were lots of staff on the floor but we felt massively ignored and left in the corner as we were not checked back on once - for another drink, to check if our meals were okay, or to simply ask if we wanted to bill.
On the flipside, the starters were nice enough, and the fish pie was delicious. I do understand that they were massively busy given the Fringe and I wouldn't normally leave such a negative review as I work in hospitality. However, this was too much even for me.
On the flipside, the starters were nice enough, and the fish pie was delicious. I do understand that they were massively busy given the Fringe and I wouldn't normally leave such a negative review as I work in hospitality. However, this was too much even for me.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Why would you want to touch his nose?
Written 12 August 2018
Good question. Answer is: you wouldn't as it is a completely made-up 'tradition' thought up by some hapless tour guide. Rubbing his nose is NOT a tradition and will NOT bring you luck. Keep the residents of Edinburgh happy and leave his nose alone.
Written 16 August 2018
Why is the statue of Bobby facing away from the graveyard?
Written 11 November 2015
Not sure if it's an urban legend but apparently it was for photogenic reasons so the pub would be caught in the background.
Written 5 March 2017
Please dont rub the statues nose, this is not a local tradition and is damaging it
Written 11 August 2015
It's not a local tradition it's something stupid made up by a tour guide trying to promote their dismal tours. Just because lots of people do it doesn't mean it's right
Written 19 January 2017
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