Greyfriars (Flat 6), Old Town

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Quiet city-centre retreat overlooking Greyfriars Church

A bright, centrally located one-bedroom apartment (sleeps 1–3 with sofabed in living room) on the second floor of an architecturally significant building (B-listed) on Forrest Hill, a quiet lane off George IV Bridge, close to the historic Royal Mile and within easy walking distance of the major tourist attractions, festival venues, shops, nightlife and transport connections.

⇒ About the property
⇒ The local area
⇒ Getting there
⇒ Guest comments Rated by TripAdvisor

Key Features

3 Star
Sleeps up to 3
Free Wi-fi
Second floor (no lift)
Gas central heating
TV and DVD player
Hairdryer
Iron
Public parking nearby
Shops within 50 metres
Linen/towels provided
Non-smoking
Children welcome
Cot/Highchair on request
No pets allowed
Washing machine

More features

Fridge
King bed
Radio
Shower
Microwave

(Show more)

Living room (with double sofabed) with dining area

About the property

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sleeps one to three: one bedroom with king-size double bed; small double sofabed in living room
living room with dining area, separate kitchen, double bedroom, shower-room
a quiet retreat overlooking Greyfriars Church
free wifi internet access
Secondary letting licence EH-70183-P pending
EPC rating C72

This property is a centrally located one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an architecturally significant building (B-listed) on Forrest Hill, a quiet lane off George IV Bridge, close to the historic Royal Mile, within easy walking distance of the major tourist attractions, festival venues, shops, nightlife and transport connections. It is conveniently situated for the University.

The homely living room has a peaceful outlook over Greyfriars Church. The two-seater sofa converts in to a double sofabed and there is an armchair and a dining table. An attractive rug sets off the polished wooden floors, and a TV (with DVD and CD player) and a selection of books and DVDs complete the home comforts. The property is suitable for 1-3 guests: double bed in bedroom and sofabed in living room.

The modern kitchen is well provided with crockery, cutlery, glasses and kitchenware, as well as a washing machine, fridge-freezer, cooker and microwave.

The double bedroom, a quiet room overlooking the church, has wall-to-wall carpeting and is well furnished. The shower-room is tiled and has a wash-hand basin, toilet and standard-size power shower (no bathtub).

The apartment has gas central heating. The price of gas, electricity and local taxes is included. For the comfort of future guests, the apartment is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.

The local area

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The apartment from Greyfriars churchyard

The apartment is beside Greyfriars Church (built in 1620) and churchyard. There are many tales attached to Greyfriars, perhaps the most famous of which is that of Greyfriars Bobby, a faithful Skye terrier. So devoted was the dog to his master John Gray that when Gray died and was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, Bobby kept guard over the grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. The dog is buried close to his master and his faithfulness is commemorated in a statue opposite the entrance to the churchyard at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the churchyard was a haunt of the ‘Resurrection Men’: body-snatchers who would dig up fresh corpses to sell for dissection to anatomists at the nearby medical school. You can find out more about Edinburgh’s grisly past on the guided tours that leave from the Royal Mile (see, for example, Mercat Tours, Witchery Tours and Mary King’s Close). The church is an atmospheric concert venue and there are regular recitals and concerts throughout the year, including during the Edinburgh Festival.

Across the road from Greyfriars Bobby are the National Museum of Scotland, an award-winning modern building that holds the national collections, and the adjoining Royal Scottish Museum, an impressive Victorian building that houses international collections of decorative arts, science, industry, archaeology and the natural world. The Tower Restaurant on the top floor of the Museum of Scotland has terraces with spectacular views over the city.

The apartment is close to the main campus of the University of Edinburgh (established in 1582) and its landmark buildings Old College (the Faculty of Law), the Medical School and the McEwan Hall. Beyond the University lie the Meadows, a large area of open parkland. The Meadows were originally under water: the Burgh Loch, which was drained in 1740, was one of Edinburgh’s main water supplies. The area is now one of the city’s biggest green spaces, ideal for jogging. There are public tennis courts, a children’s playpark and Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, one of the oldest courses in the world, where you can have a round of pitch-and-putt.

From the apartment it is a short walk along George IV Bridge to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle or down Candlemaker Row to the picturesque Grassmarket and the more earthy Cowgate, centre of the city’s nightlife. The Royal Mile, the backbone of medieval Edinburgh, connects Edinburgh Castle at one end with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Parliament at the other. Don’t miss Victoria Street, one of the most charming streets in the city, with its colourful mix of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars; it snakes down from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket. Edinburgh’s main visitor attractions are on your doorstep and the neighbourhood is full of attractive independent shops and restaurants and bars to suit all budgets, from cheap and cheerful cafés to fine dining establishments. The Hub (the official centre for the Edinburgh International Festival) and the Festival Fringe office are on the Royal Mile, and you can easily walk to many of the Festival venues. You are also ideally placed to enjoy the Christmas and Hogmanay/New Year festivities.

See Prices and Availability

Getting there

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The apartment is about a 20-25-minute walk from the tram stop "Princes Street" (which runs directly from/to Edinburgh Airport) and a 20-minute walk from the main railway station: Edinburgh Waverley Station. Taxis can be hailed throughout the city centre. We will send you detailed directions before your arrival.

There is metered parking on Chambers Street, though the maximum parking period is 2 hours. Parking on meters and single-yellow lines is free from 6.30pm to 7.30am; please check on-street signage for exact times of parking restrictions; Edinburgh Quartermile Car Park is a 2-minute walk away from the apartment. The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click on this website and you can search for “Edinburgh Quartermile”.

All tenement apartments in Edinburgh are accessed by shared stairways, which tend to be functional more than luxurious, although the entry-phone system ensures the security of the stairway. Because the building dates from the 18th century, there is no lift and thus no wheelchair access. The apartment is on the second floor.

Edinburgh has an efficient public transport system run by Transport for Edinburgh. Trams and buses run throughout the city from early morning till midnight, after which there is a reduced night service. Transport for Edinburgh's information office is on Waverley Bridge, 5 minutes' walk from Jeffrey Street.

Comments from some of our guests

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Rated by TripAdvisor

“Thank you so much for the stay! 5 stars!! We had a lovely time.”
GW & co, Hong Kong
“We loved this little flat! We could walk everywhere quickly and had hundreds of options for restaurants. Quiet and peaceful even in the middle of the city center. Highly recommend.”
EK, Wichita, KS, USA
“Easy location, very spacious, good value and a very nice apartment. We had a lovely stay.”
JB, Australia
“A great apartment in an amazing location. The flat is a great size and exactly as described. We stayed as a group of 3 and were very comfortable. The location is ideal for seeing all the sights and there are lots of restaurants in the area.”
EW, London, UK
“Martin has been a great host, communication was easy and effective. The apartement is very well situated, we visites Edimbourgh without needing any public transport. There is a lot of shops and bars in the area so I really recommend Martin’s apartement!”
AF, Switzerland
“Character, comfort, and convenience – with a beautiful view into an an ancient green cemetery with stone angels guarding the tombs. All this minutes away from Edinburgh’s royal mile. Unique!”
LHS, Boston, MA, USA
“Martin's apartment was in the perfect location for our visit to Edinburgh – everything we wanted to do was in walking distance and that made our trip very pleasant and hassle-free. Martin was easy to contact if we needed anything. Would recommend.”
NC, Singapore
“Perfect location in Old Town. Very quiet and a lovely bonus that it overlooks Greyfriar’s Church and graveyard.”
JR, England
“Very nice place, close to everything in Old Town. Comfortably stayed here with 3 of us total, utilizing the pull out couch. I would recommend this place to anyone!”
DS & family, Minneapolis, USA
“The apartement was as the description. Good to spend few days and discover Edinburgh. The location was ideal.”
TDP, France

“A soft, warm and very convenient flat! We can enjoy whole trip to Edinburgh from living in this lovely place!”
JTY, China
“We had a very nice stay at this flat. It was spacious a bright for a city flat. It was within walking distance of some great food (Moms restaurant, gelato) and the Royal Mile.”
AF, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
“We loved our stay in Edinburgh. The flat is just a short foot walk away from many interesting sights. The connection to public transport is also nearby. The flat is clean and has everything you need for a short stay. Martin was easy to contact if we needed anything. Thanks for everything. We would recommend the flat.”
NM, Neuwied, Germany
“Absolutely beautiful apartment in the most perfect location. Martin the host was incredibly helpful and kind. This is a perfect way to experience Edinburgh!”
KS, Fort Worth, TX, USA
“Perfect home base! Greyfriars Flat 6 was just what I needed, a clean and cozy space, perfectly located. The flat is an easy walk to all the treasures of Old Town. New Town is an easy walking distance as well. A bus stop is moments away. Though centrally located, this second floor space is off the main streets, overlooking a quiet churchyard, providing the perfect morning tea view. An abundance of restaurants and a market are nearby. The flat itself has a lovely little fireplace for cool evenings, an efficient kitchen and bathroom, and reliable WiFi, a real plus for making plans and bookings each evening. Booking with Martin was easy, and he was always prompt in replying to questions and providing support. My only hesitation in recommending this rental is that it might fill up too frequently and make it harder for me to book again.”
EK, Southington, CT, USA
“Great Location, Very comfortable: The apartment was lovely and very well equipped. Old town feel with modern conveniences. The apartment is clean and spacious. Location is ideal for exploring Edinburgh. Guide books and maps were also a benefit. Historic view out over Greyfriars Cemetery and Bobbie's resting place. We will recommend this place to friends who may be staying in Edinburgh.”
ED & VD, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
“Perfect: The place is quiet and well furnished. Nothing is missing for comfort. The location is perfect and the organization for the rental works perfectly. I'll be back.”
PH, Waterloo, Belgium
“The location, ease of check-in & general communication with Martin, and flat itself make this the ideal place to stay in Edinburgh. Martin provides all details necessary for check-in & directions with how to get to the flat ahead of your arrival in the city providing a very easy experience. The flat itself is quite nice & clean. During our stay, we didn't even need to use public transport around the city, because the flat is located walking distance to practically everything. Being able to wake up & see Greyfriar's Kirkyard from all of the windows made for a truly enchanting experience & set the tone for the whole trip. Should I find myself in Edinburgh again, I'd be more than happy to stay here!”
CB & co, Pordenone, Italy
“My 3rd stay in this great flat: A home away from home while on business.”
AT, Melbourne, Australia
“The flat is central, sweet, quiet, cozy, well thought out, unpretentious, and accommodating. The owner is very helpful. We appreciated the nice linens and duvets, the lovely cityscape from the windows, the luxurious eco-friendly soaps, and green cleaning products. The flat is surrounded by good places to eat, and the National Museum just across the road is a sure bet for children and their friends, rain or shine.”
EF & family, Charlottesville, VA, USA
“The apartment was a perfect size. It was clean and had everything we needed. It was peaceful (lovely view onto Greyfriars churchyard) and the owners made us feel very welcome. On top of this the location was perfect for exploring the centre the centre of Edinburgh, both old and new towns, and there were restaurants and food shops all around, so it was easy to cater for ourselves without going any distance. As we were attending our son's graduation, we couldn't have been better placed for Edinburgh University and the MacEwan Hall. The number of places nearby worth visiting are countless,some right on the doorstep of the flat: Greyfriars Kirk and the National Museum of Scotland, with the Royal Mile and Grassmarket only minutes' walk away. We wouldn't hesitate to rent this apartment again, finding it very good value for money.”
SG & family, Kauttua, Finland
“This is our 8th stay in Edinburgh and, at last, we have found the perfect place to stay. Much appreciated.”
RD, JF & MF, Lewes, East Sussex, England
“Muy tranquilo y bien situado. Muy cerquita de la Royal Mille y supertranquilo. El apartamento está muy bien con unas vistas muy bonitas al cementerio de Greyfriars.”
CR, Malaga, Spain
“Absolutely loved staying in the Greyfriars apt. In the middle of Old Town close to everything. Overlooking Greyfriars Kirkyard which is a great place to wander thru away from hustle and bustle of city streets ... groceries 10minutes away at Sainsbury on middle meadows walk, I'm vegan and gluten intolerant and they had many items for me there! Apartment is cozy and has everything you may need, including a selection of books all set in Edinburgh ... I loved coming home after long days touring or exploring and felt totally at home! It's so quiet at night very peaceful. Very easy contact with a Martin and Ewan, met the lovely Ania who suggested several trips to take and places to shop!!! One of my favorite places I've ever stayed!!! I'll be back thank you!”
SG, Brookfield, CT, USA
“Visiting Edinburgh was a wonderful experience. Staying in this flat was a major part of this great experience. Definitely a five star accommodation in our books.”
CM & HG, Viña del Mar, Chile
“We said we'd be back and here we are. Loved our stay just as much and, guess what? 'We'll be back!'”
PB & DB, Brisbane, Australia
“Professional and efficient service, booking was quick and easy, good communication throughout. Apartment is on 2nd floor of a period property, with lovely views over Greyfriars churchyard. Even though it is right in the heart of the old town, the apartment is quiet and secure. Location is convenient for museums and good choice of local shops and restaurants nearby. Kitchen is small but very well equipped with all the pans, dishes and utensils needed to cook a proper meal and a washing machine so we could do our own laundry. We've used Vacation Rentals Scotland before and were delighted with the consistent quality of the accommodation.”
JH & co, Farnham, Surrey, England
“Your lovely apartment made our stay in beautiful Edinburgh even more enjoyable. Brilliant location! Nice selection of books about the city and the Highlands. The apartment was clean and very nicely furnished. Everything is worth visiting (and revisiting)!”
S & K, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
“Lovely stay at a great location. Great rugby result for Scotland vs. Wales. Will stay again on our yearly visit to Edinburgh.”
RS & CS, Inverness, Scotland
“Had a two night stay in this wonderful apartment on a weekend away with my girlfriend. The flat was lovely inside clean and well kept and looked exactly as expected. Location was perfect, right in the heart of Old Town so close to so many things to do!”
JO & co, Rossorry, Northern Ireland
“We are so happy we booked this apartment. It really added to the wonderful week we had in Edinburgh.”
S & J, Munich, Germany
“Nous avons passé une très agréable semaine à Edinbourg. L'appartement est calme, bien situé et le lit est confortable.”
CB & JFP, Metz, France.
“Beautiful flat with beautiful views. Love the books and DVDs, which really enhanced the Scottishness of the stay. Thank you.”
CV, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
“Thank you ever so much for the wonderful flat. We had a very good time in Edinburgh.”
AH & co, Taipei, Taiwan
“A few days back in my childhood city so I already knew the location was ideal … Ideally situated for eating, relaxation and attractions. For parents with small children.”
MB, CB & SB, Kolbotn, Norway
“A great location, and the flat is cozy, comfortable, well-appointed, and quiet. Stayed for 11 days and it feels like home.”
K & S, Hong Kong
“We had a brilliant time in Edinburgh and environs, and our stay at the apartment was extremely comfortable. We had everything we needed for a young family.”
MM, WM & DM, Newport, Wales
“Fantastic flat with such thoughtful touches. We really enjoyed exploring the city.”
SE, CF & NF, Winnipeg, Canada
“Thank you very much for such a great flat. We loved Edinburgh (as always) and will definitely be back with this charming flat as our base.”
AC & JM, Darlington, Australia
“We got here fine. The flat is really perfect ... really lovely. We've been coming to Edinburgh for years, and this is the most peaceful apartment with such a warm atmosphere! Cheers”
KH & DH, Belfast, Northern Ireland
“Love Edinburgh and love the warm apartment. Such a relief to find a well organised arrangement.”
MD & MH, Melbourne, Australia
“We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you.”
SN, Nairobi, Kenya
“We were on a business trip, but the flat is so lovely that we ended up having a very relaxing time. Many thanks!”
VH & JS, London, England & Helsinki, Finland
“We really enjoyed staying in your flat. Thank you!”
LP & SC, Rome, Italy
“This flat is just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (guess what show we went to see at The Playhouse last night!). Thanks for a stay that was "practically perfect". Hope to be back soon.”
I&SB, Kirkwall, Orkney
“Wonderful place! Quiet, secluded and very cosy indeed. It was a pleasure staying here. Perfect for some rest and studying.”
FP & DT, Qawra, Malta
“Thank you for preparing for our lovely stay. We really enjoyed our stay and hope we can come back again.”
YY & co, Aichi, Japan
“We had a wonderful stay. I loved living here for a few days.”
C & S, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
“What a great location for a stay in the middle of a city. Almost a country-village view from a very comfortable apartment. Enjoyed Edinburgh, enjoyed the Festivals and enjoying Scotland.”
JF & OF, Marmion, Australia
“Un piso muy acogedor y muy bien localizado en esta encantodora ciudad. Realmente nos hemos sentido como en casa. Gracias por hacernos cumplir un sueño.”
F & I, Seville, Spain
“Fabulous! Centrally placed, comfortable, cosy and great for seeing the city. The best of our last three Festival visits.”
CJ & AJ, Bedford, England
“Tranquillity in the centre of a city is rare, but it can be found in this lovely apartment. This was our second stay. Looking forward to returning.”
BE & GE, Retford, Notts, England
“The flat is perfectly located, it's cosy and very clean! Restaurants, bars, clubs and interesting sights are just a short footwalk away but it's still quiet in the flat itself. The fire place was also a great addition! We had a really good time.”
DM & co, Kerpen, Germany
“Great place in one of the best spots in town. All the best and most important atractions in Old Town are only a few steps away from the flat, no need for public transportation. The flat is as neat and comfy as you would expect. Well equiped and with the most interesting view from the window! You should definitly consider booking this great flat.”
TP & co, Brazil