New Calton Cemetery, Edinburgh

New Calton Cemetery is a burial ground on Regent Road that slopes down across Calton Hill's southeastern face, overlooking Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat. The grounds contain hundreds of gravestones ranging from simple markers to elaborate monuments spread across different levels and sections.

The cemetery was established in 1820 as a replacement for the Old Calton Burial Ground, which had to relocate due to construction of Waterloo Place. Many graves were transferred to this new location during that period.

The cemetery holds gravestones of craftspeople and merchants who shaped Edinburgh during the 1800s. The carved stones tell stories of these individuals and their trades as you walk through the grounds.

The grounds are walkable with marked paths, though some sections have steep slopes and uneven surfaces. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the season, as the elevated location can be quite windy and exposed.

A watch tower stands at the upper corner of the cemetery, built specifically in the 1800s to prevent grave robbery. This structure offers a reminder of a time when such defenses were necessary to protect the burial ground.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

GPS coordinates: 55.95350,-3.17630

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08