Edinburgh
The Friends of Warriston Cemetery group was set up in July 2013 to care for the first garden cemetery in Edinburgh. Opened in 1843, the cemetery was in private ownership until 1994, when it was compulsorily purchased by the City of Edinburgh Council following years of abandonment. Together the Council and the Friends are working to restore the 14 acres of heavily overgrown cemetery, seeking a balance between family/public access and biodiversity and wildlife protection.
Visitors can explore Warriston Cemetery either as part of a volunteer-led guided tour, or self-guided with maps. Notable graves, Victorian funeral practices, local history and biodiversity projects will be on display. FOWC volunteers will also be on-site taking part in regular workday activities and can demonstrate and instruct visitors on some of our techniques.
Volunteer-led guided tours: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm (45 mins approx.) 20 people max per group, pre-booking required at EventBrite. Tickets are free.
Self-guided tours: 10am-4pm, no pre-booking required. Maps and information will be provided.
The 2026 Doors Open Day theme is Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.
As a historic garden cemetery that suffered from years of neglect, the Friends of Warriston Cemetery are actively working to restore and protect both the built heritage and the biodiversity of its 9+ hectare site.
All photos: Sheila Masson
Facilities
Additional Access Information
The entire site is outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
There are no public toilets at Warriston Cemetry.
While the site is wheelchair accessible, some paths are narrow and bumpy, and inclement weather may make them muddy.
Gallery
Key Information
Volunteer-led guided tours must be booked at
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warriston-cemetery-doors-open-day-2026-tickets-1989656582398
Where to find us
Address
- 40C Warriston Gardens
- Edinburgh
- EH3 5NE