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The magnificent cemeteries of London

It’s not all doom and gloom – cemeteries are peaceful, beautiful places. Here are the absolute best ones in London

Suggesting a trip to a graveyard as a day out in London  might get you the odd funny look. Your friends will instantly assume you’re going through a goth phase. The truth, however, is that our city’s cemeteries are some of the most astonishing in the whole world.

Not only are these historic places of rest the permanent homes of some of London’s most famous residents, but the on-site architecture is also often spectacular. Little wonder some of the capital’s writers have traditionally used them as places to walk and think. So why not swap an afternoon in a  London park for a peaceful wander through one of these grand and picturesque cemeteries? 

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Cemeteries in London

1.  Highgate Cemetery

This has got to be London's most famous cemetery, offering bags of high Victorian atmosphere,  Grade II-listed catacombs, and illustrious graves galore. It's split into two sections, the east (which includes a towering monument to Karl Marx) and the west (the final resting place of popstar George Michael, among others), which offers guided tours. You'll have to splash out for a ticket to this one (£4.50 for just the east part, £10 for both) but you'll be rewarded by the chance to hobnob with north London's latest and greatest.

2.  Abney Park Cemetery

Opened in 1840, Abney Park is one of London’s so-called ‘Magnificent Seven’ – a ring of seven graveyards built around the capital in response to the booming population. They were encouraged by the government in the early eighteenth century in order to stop body-snatching, grave-overcrowding and other dodgy goings-on. Most fell into disrepair, but recent conservation efforts and community groups are shaking up the way Londoners use the spaces. Hence why you’ll find a lively events calendar at the stunning Abney Park, with nature walks and historical talks about some of its dear departed residents. 

3.  Kensal Green Cemetery

London’s largest and oldest public cemetery, Kensal Green is one of the capital’s Magnificent Seven Victorian graveyards located around the outskirts of the city. Famous residents include Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Lady Byron, but its 77 acres of grounds are also home to a wide array of interesting tombs – from giant mausoleums to three separate catacombs.

4.  Nunhead Cemetery

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It’s one of the least well-known and of London’s Magnificent Seven Victorian cemeteries, but Nunhead is well worth the pilgrimage to south-east London. Attend one of the woodland tree walks, head to an open-air concert in the derelict stone chapel, or tour the graves of famous poets at Nunhead. 

5.  Brompton Cemetery

Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and public health pioneer Dr John Snow are among the most notable residents at this grand  Grade I-listed cemetery. One of London’s Magnificent Seven, this graveyard has 39 acres of peaceful open space to explore, plus a visitors’ centre and regular events, such as mindful walks, bulb-planting and kids’ storytelling. 

6.  West Norwood Cemetery

Film festivals and bird-spotting take place in West Norwood cemetery, a Magnificent Seven graveyard brought back to life thanks to a recent backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Join a guided tour on the first Sunday of the month for impressive mausoleums and striking gothic revival architecture. 

7.  Tower Hamlets Cemetery

For an informative self-guided tour pick up the Tower Hamlets heritage trail and weave through beautiful monuments and fascinating stories of the people buried at this graveyard, one of London’s Magnificent Seven. Brave visitors can take part in spooky lantern-lit tours, or pitch in with some pumpkin-carving. 

8.  Manor Park Cemetery

This small cemetery has been run by the same family since it was founded in 1875, and it still offers burials and cremations to Londoners. Its most well-known residents include Annie Chapman, the second victim of serial killer Jack the Ripper. 

9.  Bunhill Fields

This historic east London burial ground was originally designed for political or religious rebels.  It’s a place steeped in history, with a monument honouring ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ author John Bunyan, an obelisk honouring ‘Robinson Crusoe’ scribe Daniel Defoe, and the painter and poet William Blake. 

10.  Chingford Mount Cemetery

Open since 1884, this council-run cemetery is still very much in use, frequented by people both visiting graves and looking for peace and quiet. Amongst the memorials, you’ll spot The Kray twins, the notorious East End gangsters depicted in  Tom Hardy film ‘Legend’  and 1990 biopic ‘The Krays’.

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A guide to London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries

By Cassie Doney

A cemetery may seem like an odd place to visit for pleasure, but when they are as beautiful as London’s Magnificent Seven, it’s hard to stay away. Inspired by Paris ’s iconic Père Lachaise cemetery, and motivated by the rising population and subsequent overcrowding in parish churchyards, in 1832 Parliament passed a law allowing large cemeteries to be built in the outskirts of the city. Today, London ’s sprawling edges have pulled the cemeteries firmly within its borders, and there’s no better place to take a spooky autumn walk or spend a peaceful afternoon.

Please note that, except for Tower Hamlets, all of the cemeteries are still open for burials, so please be respectful of mourners during your visit.

1. Highgate Cemetery

Best for: first-timers

The most famous of the Magnificent Seven – if you’ve been to any of the places on this list, it’s likely to have been this one. More than 50,000 graves sit in the separate East and West Cemeteries; both are relatively well-maintained and, unlike the other entries in this list, charge an entrance fee for visitors. The West Cemetery can only be explored via guided tour, whereas the East Cemetery is free to roam. Take a moment to note the names on the headstones as you stroll through the pretty walkways as there’s an impressive range of names to be found. Writer Douglas Adams, television presenter Jeremy Beadle, and most famously Karl Marx, all have tombs in the East Cemetery. And as you might expect from a cemetery, there are plenty of rumours of ghostly goings-on which even sparked a media frenzy about vampires in the 1970s. After your visit, head to Hampstead's The Flask , a nearby 17th-century inn that was once the favourite watering-hole of highway Dick Turpin, and is said to be haunted by a Spanish barmaid and a soldier in Cavalier uniform.

2. Abney Park, Stoke Newington

Best for: rebels

This is a cemetery for the adventurous sort who likes to step off the beaten path – quite literally. Despite the grand Egyptian revival entrance and the Gothic chapel in the centre, Abney Park feels truly wild in parts. It was founded in 1840 as a non-denominational resting place and became London’s foremost burial ground for Dissenters, or those who practised their religion outside of the established church. It maintains an air of rebellion even now, with tiny winding routes leading to dead ends, haphazardly-placed monuments, and graves so weathered that the names are illegible. It’s a charmingly atmospheric place for a walk, whether after a long weekend brunch in Stoke Newington’s The Good Egg or before an evening drink at Original Sin.

3. Brompton Cemetery

Best for: family walks  

As one might expect from a graveyard in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Brompton Cemetery is beautifully maintained, with wide even paths and manicured wildflower meadows. It was opened in 1840 and, unusually for London’s graveyards, was built on a flat surface rather than a hill, which serves to make it the most visitor-friendly of the seven. You’re more likely to see a toddler on a tricycle here than a ghost. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on leads, as are bikes, and there’s a pretty corner area with tree trunks and benches that’s perfect for sunny picnics. There’s even a coffee shop within the walls, the North Lodge Café; peruse their selection of pastries, or stroll down to any one of Chelsea’s charming restaurants for supper. 

4. Tower Halmets Cemetery Park

Best for: urban green space

Tower Hamlets may not have the well-preserved monuments of its relatively tidy sisters, but something is bewitching about the woodlands and wildflowers that have taken over this ground. This East End cemetery was repeatedly bombed during London’s blitz, with both the Dissenter’s Chapel and the Anglican Chapel so badly damaged that they were later demolished, and many of the graves are now almost hidden in the undergrowth. But despite the somewhat ramshackle nature of the space and the fact that it’s no longer a working cemetery, it’s still worth a visit. It’s been designated a Local Nature Reserve, and volunteer group Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park have transformed it into an urban green space to serve the local community, with inclusions such as large-scale sculptures scattered throughout, a Plants and People trail to mark the honeysuckle and sweet violet that flourish between the graves, a self-guided sound walk done via smartphone, and an outdoor classroom area for the use of local schools. 

5. Kensal Green Cemetery

Best for: history buffs  

The largest and oldest of the seven, Kensal Green was first opened in 1832. Though still in use today, the sprawling grounds are dominated by crumbling mausoleums, pensive angels covered in ivy, and grand monuments tilting precariously to the side after decades spent in London’s shifting soil. If you’re searching for the resting place of any notable or noble name from the Victorian age onwards, you’re likely to find them; author William Makepeace Thackeray, engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and playwright Harold Pinter are all interred here. Work up an appetite exploring the hidden corners and secret paths, then head to nearby The Whippet for a supper of contemporary European cuisine.

6. West Norwood Cemetery

Best for: something different

West Norwood is a cemetery of contrasts. The recent burials are mingled in between older plots, meaning that once-grand monuments and mausoleums sit alongside ground stones and humble wooden crosses; wild blackberry bushes and overgrown rosehips vie for position with floral arrangements and grave offerings. There’s a pretty rose garden in the centre, but the most notable draw of this cemetery is the Greek Orthodox Necropolis, where particularly beautiful gold-flecked mosaics and tombs surround the magnificent Doric-style St Stephen's Chapel. There are also catacombs, which can usually be visited via private tour but are sadly currently closed for construction in 2021. Stop for a cappuccino and cake at the smart independent cafe, Butter Up Coffee, where drinks are served in cups hand-crafted by local ceramicists. 

7. Nunhead Cemetery 

Best for: those seeking a bit of peace and quiet  

In London, a quiet corner is hard to come by. It’s rare to find somewhere that feels like you’ve left the city behind entirely, but that’s exactly what Nunhead Cemetery offers. It’s far from the grandest example in this list, but there’s something uniquely charming about the wildness of it; walking through dappled woodland trails, weathered headstones glimpsed through thick foliage, you get the sense that nature is truly reclaiming this land. The ramshackle appearance is probably because, in 1969, the founders, London Cemetery Company, were forced to close it due to financial difficulties; residents campaigned for it to remain open, and the Borough of Southwark bought it for £1 in 1975. Since 1981, volunteer group Friends of Nunhead Cemetery have done an admirable job of balancing necessary restoration work with maintaining the cemetery’s wild feel. The group also runs regular events where you can learn more about all the cemetery’s residents, both living and dead; as you ramble through the woodlands, keep your eyes peeled for one of the 50 species of birds including woodpeckers, kestrels, and tawny owls. Even on a sunny Saturday afternoon, it’s rare to pass another person, so if you’re in search of some solitude here’s where you’ll find it. The Ivy House, London’s first cooperatively run pub, is a five-minute walk from the south entrance. Hosted in a pretty 1930s building with a large beer garden filled with ferns and trailing plants, it has an excellent variety of craft beers and does a fantastic Sunday roast. Don’t miss the pillow-sized Yorkshire puddings. 

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A Guide to London’s 7 Magnificent Cemeteries

In 1832, to deal with the ever expanding population of London, Parliament allowed 7 large cemeteries to be built on the outskirts of our city Magnificent Seven Cemeteries of London . Today the city has expanded and these are now within the bounds of London itself. Whilst a day out to a cemetery may. These are now known as the  not sound like the funnest idea, these locations each have their own distinct features that make them enchanting and historic places to explore.

Table of Contents:

• History of the Magnificent 7

Highgate Cemetery

• Abney Park, Stoke Newington

Brompton Cemetery

• Tower Hamlets Cemetery

Kensal Green Cemetery

• West Norwood Cemetery 

Nunhead Cemetery

The history of london’s cemeteries.

In times gone by, London’s passed would be buried in local parish churchyards, but with time as the city got more crowded (in the first half of the 19th century London’s population doubled to 2.3 million), so too did the cemeteries. This is why in 1832 the government passed a law to encourage larger private cemeteries to be created on the outskirts of the Big Smoke . Many of these cemeteries are still active to date, with funerals being held often for new residents.

Highgate Cemetery is the most well known of London’s magnificent seven, and is home to approximately 170,000 people, including many famous residents including German philosopher Karl Marx. The West half of Highgate Cemetery first opened in 1839 and this side is home to the famous Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon which are instantly recognisable. 

In 1860, the East Side of Highgate Cemetery opened and this is where you’ll find the prominent resetting place of Karl Marx. The cemetery runs regular tours where guides will tell you the history and take you into the otherwise inaccessible catacombs. You can also book regular tickets and wander around the grounds yourself.

Abney Park Cemetery

Abney Park was first opened in 1840 and is located in Stoke Newington. With over 196,000 burials this is a very large private cemetery in London. The cemetery is named after Sir Thomas Abney who was Lord Mayor between 1700-1701, and his house Abney Manor used to sit on the site. When it first opened it was a ‘garden cemetery’ and was non-denominational – which was pioneering for its time. 

The entrance to the cemetery was built in the Egyptian Revival style, with hieroglyphics that denote the “Abode of the Mortal Part of Man.” Abney Park was also Europe’s first arboretum combined with a cemetery – intended to also be a place of education, not just burial. Abney Park is open to visitors despite current restoration work.

Not only is Brompton Cemetery one of the magnificent seven but it is also one of London’s Royal Parks . Brompton opened in 1840, founded by inventor Stephen Geary. The design of the cemetery, by Benjamin Baud, was designed to be a tree lined open air cathedral. More than 205,000 people have been laid to rest here since it first opened. 

Like Highgate, Brompton Cemetery has catacombs that can be viewed on the regular tours run by the Friends of Brompton Cemetery. The catacombs had space for 1000s of people, yet only 500 people were ever laid to rest here. 

If you’re looking for some famous headstones in this particular magnificent cemetery you’ll find lots. From Emmeline Pankhurst to Dr John Snow. The cemetery is completely free to visit. 

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park opened in 1841, and today is a local nature reserve as well as historical burial ground. Whilst it closed for burials in 1966, it still has a large number of 350,000 people laid to rest here. During its history, it has also been known as Bow Cemetery. 

The 27 acres was originally split into an Anglican burial site and an area for every other denomination. The Second World War saw the cemetery be bombed 5 times, and shrapnel damage is still visible on graves in the North West corner. The park is open from dawn to dusk and is free to visit. 

First opening in 1933, Kensal Green Cemetery was London’s first commercial one to ever open. A competition was held for the design of Kensal Green with a brief that stipulated the need for two chapels with catacombs, an entrance way, and lodges. 48 people entered with the winner being Henry Kendall who designed in the gothic style. However, Kendall’s designs were never built with the final cemetery being planned by John Griffith who favoured the Greek Revival Style. 

The cemetery was made of two halves: one consecrated for Anglican burials and one non-consecrated for non-Anglicans. The cemetery has also seen vast landscaping taking it to an Arcadian style. 

Many well-known names have been laid to rest here, from both Isambard Brunels, to the daughter of Winston Churchill. You’ll even find a couple of royal burials here too. The cemetery is free to visit each day, and you can also book guided tours. 

West Norwood Cemetery

West Norwood Cemetery first opened in 1837, with the layer addition of a crematorium in 1915. Originally it was called the South Metropolitan Cemetery. Today it holds around 200,000 people laid to rest. With all the plots now full, they no longer offer burials. It is said that this was the very first cemetery in the UK to be built in the new gothic style. 

The land the cemetery sits on was once part of the Great North Wood, and some of the trees that are still present date back to the 1500s! In 1842, part of the cemetery was acquired by the Greek Orthodox community and subsequently holds grand monuments and mausoleums. 

The original chapels were damaged and destroyed over time and have since been replaced with a memorial rose garden which sits over the catacombs. 

The Friends of West Norwood Cemetery hold guided tours on the first Sunday of every month. The cemetery is also open for free to visitors year round. 

The final of our seven magnificent cemeteries is Nunhead, first opening in 1840. Originally known as All Saints’ Cemetery, this is the least well known of the 7 but is the second largest at 52 acres. The chapel here was designed by Thomas Little.  

Today the cemetery is a local nature reserve and is often described as unkempt with vines running across older graves.  Nunhead Cemetery is free to visit by the public daily. The Friends of Nunhead also offer monthly tours of the cemetery that do not tend to require booking and are completely free. 

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The ‘Magnificent Seven’ Cemeteries In London You’ve Just Got To Explore

Halloween is just around the corner, and what's creepier than a cemetery, hey?! London is home to some absolutely magical ones, the 'Magnificent Seven', which are just made for exploring...

All the way back in the early 1800s, London’s rapid population growth proved too much for inner city burial grounds, which were literally overflowing with, well, bodies duh. Subsequently – and inspired by the success of the stunning Père Lachaise Cemetery over the Channel in Paris, the UK parliament decided to establish an array of private cemeteries in London that were actually based outside of the centre. Over the next decade, as series of seven were constructed. Their name? Yep, you guessed it – the ‘ Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries:

1. Highgate Cemetery , Highgate

Kicking off this roundup of the ‘Magnificent Seven Cemeteries’ in London you’ve just got to explore in London is, well, one of the most famous cemeteries on Earth, let’s be honest. Highgate is truly a spellbinding spot (no seriously) in which to wander around, and the graves and mausoleums – which are draped in plentiful foliage – are where funeral architects seriously let their imagination run riot.

In the West Cemetery, Victorian fascination with the Egyptians resulted in the stunning Egyptian Avenue, as well as numerous impressive tombs. Meanwhile, the equally impressive Lebanon Circle has appeared in many an Instagram piccie over the years. And less beautiful, but a lot more spooky (and supposedly haunted by a tall, sinister ghoul with bright red eyes) are the subterranean Terrace Catacombs – so only enter if you dare!

As if that wasn’t enough , you might also stumble across some celebrity graves – the most famous of which is none other than the famous German philosopher Karl Marx.

📍You’ll find Highgate Cemetery at Swain’s Lane, London, N6 6PJ.

🚇 Nearest station is Archway.

2. Brompton Cemetery, Fulham

The stunning, Grade I-listed Brompton Cemetery near Kensington is the resting place of well over 200,000 people, whose graves are commemorated with a range of intricate memorials – including towering columns and grieving angels. It’s also the final resting place of Emmeline Pankhurst – the courageous leader of the suffragettes who fought hard for the women’s right to vote – and Dr John Snow – whose pioneering work established the findings that cholera was spread through water.

As well as some pretty exquisite architecture dotted about, there’s also plenty of wildlife resident here as well as a lovely little café at the northern reaches – perfect for a post-walk cuppa and a slice of cake .

📍You’ll find Brompton Cemetery at Fulham Road, London, SW10 9UG.

🚇 Nearest station is West Brompton.

3. Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington

Another one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries of London, Abney Park is a really lovely place for a stroll. You know, for a graveyard and all. Wandering down crooked paths and amongst the extensive tree cover will lead you to some pretty stunning Victorian architecture, and a rather nice chapel at the park’s centre.

It’s also a designated local wildlife reserve, and there’s everything here from great spotted woodpeckers to sparrowhawks and even tawny owls! As with Brompton, there are 200,000 people buried here, and they also host regular events here like guided walks and even ‘ ghost story walks ’. Yikes!

📍You’ll find Abney Park Cemetery at 215 Stoke Newington High Street, London, N16 0LH.

🚇 Nearest station is Stoke Newington.

4. Kensal Green Cemetery , Kensal Green

Established all the way back in 1832, Kensal Green was the first ever garden cemetery as well as the first of the ‘Magnificent Seven’. The burial ground, often referred to as the ‘General Cemetery of All Souls’, is the final resting place for hundreds of different people; from princes to paupers, writers and actors, engineers and artists, and so on.

Amongst other notable names, you’ll find authors William Makepeace Thackeray and Wilkie Collins, and engineer Charles Babbage, who is known for his invention of the first automatic digital computer! There’s also the ‘Anglican Chapel’ here which is found right in the heart of the cemetery, and it contains several tombs and even a spooky catacomb hidden beneath it. Best bring some company for that one then…

📍You’ll find Kensal Green Cemetery at Harrow Road, London, W10 4RA.

🚇 Nearest station is Kensal Green.

5. Nunhead Cemetery, Nunhead

Heading south of the river now to the fringes of Peckham and you’ll find yourself at the Nunhead Cemetery – arguably the most attractive of all seven of the ‘Magnificent Seven Cemeteries’ (ok, as a South East London I may be biassed).

At 52 acres, it’s the second largest of the seven, and only reopened after a significant period of closure back in 2001. Given that it’s perhaps the least well-known, it’s also the most wild of London’s cemeteries. Many areas are overgrown with ivy and tree climbers, adding to the creepy atmosphere, and this year they’re even showing ‘ An American Werewolf in London ’ here. So if you’re looking for a spooky Halloween screening, then you’d better get yourself here!

📍You’ll find Nunhead Cemetery at Linden Grove, London, SE15 3LP.

🚇 Nearest station is Nunhead.

6. West Norwood Cemetery, West Norwood

Another South London gem here, the West Norwood Cemetery features almost 70 Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings and structures, including a dedicated Greek Orthodox necropolis with 19 listed mausoleums and monuments, as well as catacombs and a beautiful rose garden too.

At 40 acres, it’s the smallest of the ‘Magnificent Seven’, though it’s well worth exploring if you’re ever in this neck of the woods. The catacombs are even open occasionally for guided tours… scary stuff!

📍You’ll find West Norwood Cemetery at Norwood Road, Norwood, London, SE27 9JU.

🚇 Nearest station is West Norwood.

7. Tower Hamlets Cemetery, Bow

The last of our ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries in London here, the Tower Hamlets Cemetery was first opened to burials back in 1841, and it is a beautiful spot in which to be buried to be honest.

The listed spot in between Stepney Green and Bow has a varied network of scenic paths that will take you on a tour through atmospheric woodlands and pretty wildflower meadows too. On your tour you will see many birds, butterflies and plants uncommonly seen in London, as well as past Grade II-listed monuments, graves and tombs of course too.

📍You’ll find Tower Hamlets Cemetery at Southern Grove, London, E3 4PX.

🚇 Nearest stations are Bow Road and Mile End.

And now for another cemetery in London worth a mention:

8. camberwell old cemetery, dulwich.

Ok, so it may not be a part of the ‘Magnificent Seven’, but we still find this place pretty darn enchanting. It’s a peaceful and serene spot that’s well worth a visit if you’re wanting to get an insight into the history of Dulwich and its immediate surroundings and the people that lived within it.

There’s a Gothic Revival lodge here that was restored following a fire back in the 1970s, as well as 288 Commonwealth service war graves from the First World War. There are also two Screen Wall memorials, which mention the names of the men tragically killed during WW1 and WW2 respectively.

📍You’ll find Camberwell Old Cemetery at Forest Hill Road, London, SE22 0RU.

🚇 Nearest station is Honor Oak Park.

So there you have it – a roundup of the ‘ Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries in London that you’ve just got to explore. So whether you’re north, south, east or west in the capital, you’re sure to find one and enjoy a spooky Autumn wander. It’s almost Halloween after all, remember…

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London’s Magnificent Seven – The Most Interesting Cemeteries

When you visit London visit London , you’ll probably make it a point to visit the obvious attractions. You know the ones I’m talking about– the London Eye, Tower Hill, Westminsters. But why not head off the beaten track and visit London’s Magnificent Seven, a collection of Victorian cemeteries you can find scattered around the outskirts of the city? Each one is unique and has quite the history and legends to go with them. Wander through the ghost towns of London and find out for yourself that the city is more than its touristy bits.

London’s Magnificent Seven

1. kensal green cemetery.

Magnificent Seven – Kensal Green Cemetery

Kensal Green Cemetery is the oldest of the magnificent seven burial grounds. It opened in 1833 and   t he construction of the cemetery was based off of Pere la Chaise in Paris. Kensal Green Cemetery is a conservation area and also the final resting place of many famous Brits. Among them are Charles Blondin, the tight rope walker who walked across Niagara Falls on a tight rope several times during his life. And James Malcolm Rymer, the co-creator of Sweeney Todd is buried here.  

But, one of the most popular monuments there is a sarcophagus tomb which was dedicated to Princess Sophia. She spent her life isolated from the royal family. She was buried in a public cemetery when she died.

The cemetery is open daily. Check their website for times as they vary throughout the year.  

2. Brompton Cemetery  

Brompton Cemetery

Located in West London, Brompton Cmetery is one of the most affluent of the Magnificent Seven.  

However, there are also some pretty weird and wonderful things going on here despite its affluence. For instance, there is a tomb, which is said to be a time machine. Hannah Courtoy, a wealthy socialite, is buried inside it. Joseph Bonomi, a well known sculptor and Egyptologist in the 1800s, designed her tomb.  The tomb is completely sealed and features hieroglyphic detailing on the outside. It was said to connect Brompton Cemetery to the rest of London’s Magnificent Seven. 

Another interesting thing about Brompton Cemetery is that it has its own bee apiary. You can even purchase honey at the cemetery when it’s open to visitors. And after you’ve grabbed some honey, you can wander the cemetery visiting the graves of the inventor of sunglasses, Sir William Crookes and the inventor of the traffic light, John Peake knight.  

Brompton Cemetery is open from 7 am to 5 pm.  You can often see locals cycling and running through the park. 

3. Nunhead Cemetery  

Nunhead Cemetery

Now it’s time to head to Southeast London to visit the Nunhead Cemetery, which is the second largest of the Magnificent Seven. There are about 270,000 people buried here dating back to the mid 1800s.  

When you visit Nunhead, you want to visit the Western side of the cemetery to find the famous St. Paul’s viewpoint. The viewpoint is beautiful and you can see St. Paul’s in the distance, perfectly framed by the trees surrounding it. However, if you do want to snap a photo, you’ll need a camera with a good telephoto lens.

After you enjoy the view, take a stroll through the cemetery that cost just one pound. Yes you read that correctly. In 1975 the Southwark Council purchased the cemetery from the United Cemetery Company for just one pound. And it wasn’t until 1990 that restoration even began.  

Nunhead Cemetery is open daily from 8:30-4 pm.  

4. West Norwood Cemetery

West Norwood Cemetery

Continue to explore South of the river and head to West Norwood Cemetery. It’s located in Southwest London. The cool thing about West Norwood is that it’s the first cemetery of its kind. It’s built in a gothic style on top of a hill.  The purpose of building it on a hill was so that the bodies didn’t contaminate the ground around the cemetery in the nearby town.

Out of all of the London’s Magnificent Seven, it was considered quite fashionable to be buried here. Isabella Beeton, is laid to rest here. She was one of the most famous chefs in British history,

West Norwood is open daily. Check their website for hours as they differ year round.  

5. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

The first thing you should know about Tower Hamlets Cemetery is that in 1967, the Greater London Council nearly cleared out the entire thing. The clear out stopped due to protesting. Still, much of the cemetery is empty today.

Once used as a resting place for London’s working class, Tower Hamlets doesn’t have as many notable names buried there. However, there are many stories surrounding the cemetery. For example, three police officers who died at different times and in different situations are buried in one grave.  No one knows why this is.

Another thing to note about this member of the  Magnificent Seven is that it was heavily damaged during the war.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is open 24 hours a day.

6. Abney Park Cemetery

Abney Park Cemetery

Venture to North London to visit the next of the Magnificent Seven. Originally opened in 1840, Abney Park Cemetery is the final resting place for many interesting people. Among them are a lion tamer, Victorian comedians, and 19th century nonconformists.  

In addition, Abney Park Cemetery is also the location for Amy Winehouse’s music video, Back to Black.  

The cemetery is open from Wednesday through Saturday. Please check the website for hours.  

7. Highgate Cemetery  

Highgate Cemetery

And last but not least is the most famous of the Magnificent Seven, Highgate Cemetery. You can find Karl Marx, George Eliot, and many more famous people buried here.  

There are two sections in the cemetery. East and West. You can visit the East section on your own for four pounds but you’ll have to book into a walking tour to visit the West. Find more information on their website !

The West side is where you’ll find the chapel, colonnade, Egyptian Avenue, and more. Fantastic Beasts the Crimes of Grindelwald’s famous cemetery scene was filmed here, making it easily recognizable.  In short, Highgate Cemetery is one of the more visited cemeteries of London’s Magnificent Seven because of who is buried there and the architecture inside of it.

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A guide to the Magnificent Seven Cemeteries in London

What are the magnificent seven cemeteries in london .

The Magnificent Seven comprise seven large private cemeteries which form a ring around London. They were built in the 19 th century to help overcrowding in the capital’s existing burial grounds due to a booming population. 

Today, they are special places to visit, because their rich history can be appreciated through the many famous graves they accommodate. They also make peaceful locations to go for a stroll. The Gothic and classical-style architecture is atmospheric, with ethereal, ivy-clad statues and ostentatious memorials that make striking photos in all seasons. 

Take a look at the complete list of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries to decide which to visit first. We start with a gem in the London Borough of Camden, where nature has resolutely taken over and spectacular memorials loom in the shadows. 

Highgate Cemetery

The first on our list is arguably the most famous of the seven: Highgate Cemetery in the London Borough of Camden. One of the reasons for its fame is that visitors flock from all around the world to see the grave of the philosopher Karl Marx.   

Although it was opened in 1839, it wasn’t properly maintained, and so it deteriorated until the 1970s when the charity The Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust rescued it. Unlike other cemeteries, it’s not run or funded by a local council, so they rely on entrance charges to maintain the grounds and more than 50,000 graves in the East and West Cemeteries. You are free to roam around the East Cemetery, whereas the West Cemetery can only be seen via guided tour. As well as the grave of Karl Marx, you can see other famous graves, including singer George Michael, electro-magnetism scientist Michael Faraday, poet Christina Rossetti and author George Eliot.

As you can imagine, such an extraordinary cemetery inspires plenty of ghost stories. In the 1970s there was a media frenzy about vampires living within its Gothic walls!

Abney Park Cemetery

Next up is Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, founded as a non-denominational resting place in 1940. A walk around this cemetery really feels like stepping off the beaten track. The 32 acres of woodland is home to around 200 old trees in a tangle of roots and vines. It was originally planted as an exotic arboretum by famous Victorian horticulturalists the Loddiges in 1840. 

Today the Gothic chapel in the centre and the imposing Egyptian revival entrance are some of the few areas of order. Nature is now being allowed to run wild in certain areas of the cemetery and this adds to its charm, with haphazardly placed monuments and wildflowers dotted amongst long grasses. This is the perfect place to take a long walk through the overgrown paths and woodland and you can end the trip at one of Stoke Newington’s many drinking establishments.

Brompton Cemetery 

In contrast to Abney Park Cemetery, Brompton Cemetery in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is carefully maintained. It has manicured lawns, flat, clear paths and cultivated wildflower meadows. 

Brompton Cemetery is the only one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries to be managed by The Royal Parks on behalf of the nation. The wide paths make it easy for trips with the family (enticing young children into a walk with scooters). Bikes are also allowed, as are dogs on a lead. 

The cemetery is full of incredible stories about the famous people laid to rest there since the 1830s (suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst to name one), so it’s helpful to do some research before you go. And as with all great days out, when a cup of tea and slice of cake is needed, there is a coffee shop within the walls. 

Kensal Green Cemetery 

Kensal Green Cemetery first opened in 1833, the largest and oldest of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries and one of the world’s first garden cemeteries. The cemetery covers around 72 acres between the Grand Union Canal and Harrow Road in west London. 

Over 250,000 people have been buried at the General Cemetery of All Souls, Kensal Green, since 1833. The list of notable people is an incredible mix of royalty and aristocracy, impressive achievements, colourful stories, talent and adventure. Famous names like playwright Harold Pinter, engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and author William Makepeace Thackeray are buried here, to name just a few.

The cemetery serves all faiths and the memorials range from large mausoleums to smaller graves and graceful grave statues . There are over 150 Grade I, II and III buildings and monuments on the National Heritage List for England. 

West Norwood Cemetery 

West Norwood Cemetery opened in 1837 and is the world’s first-ever Gothic-style cemetery. One of the most beautiful attractions is the Greek Orthodox Necropolis, with stunning gold-flecked mosaics and tombs surrounding the Doric-style St Stephen’s Chapel. Famous people laid to rest here include the architect William Burgess, Sir Henry Tate (founder of the Tate Gallery) and cookery writer Isabella Mary Beeton. 

There are also fascinating (and seriously spooky!) catacombs, with row upon row of dusty coffins, which lie below two chapels that were damaged during bombing the Second World War and demolished. Visitors can walk along the rows of tombs — or you can see the eerie pictures online.

Nunhead Cemetery 

Consecrated in 1840, Nunhead Cemetery is perhaps the least known of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London. It’s a hidden gem, offering a haven of tranquillity in beautiful surroundings on a hilly, wooded site. Less grand than the other cemeteries, it’s run by the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery, which balances restoration work with leaving nature to grow wild. Wildlife has thrived in this environment; there are tawny owls, woodpeckers and kestrels among the many species of birds. 

Reading the inscriptions on the graves here is fascinating and there are a number of war graves for those who died in the two world wars. You can go for a long walk through the 52 acres or you can just sit on one of the many benches and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. If you are seeking solitude, or a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city — this is the place to find it.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery

Tower Hamlets Cemetery is more ramshackle than the other Magnificent Seven cemeteries. Sadly, this is because it was often bombed during the Blitz. The Anglican Chapel and the Dissenter’s Chapel were so badly damaged that they had to be demolished. 

Today, Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park have transformed it into an urban space where nature takes over — an oasis in the middle of London’s East End. Sculptures are scattered throughout, surrounded by flowers and plants such as wild garlic, honeysuckle and sweet violet. It also serves the community — there is an outdoor classroom for schoolchildren. There is certainly more to the Magnificent Seven cemeteries than gravestones!

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Posted on Published: 14th October 2021  - Last updated: 23rd December 2021 Categories London History

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Kensal Green Cemetery: Discovering West London’s Victorian Gem

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The oldest and largest of London’s “Magnificent Seven” burial grounds, Kensal Green Cemetery is one of West London’s most intriguing spots. 

Why Visit Kensal Green Cemetery? 

Set over 72 acres, Kensal Green Cemetery was inspired by Paris’ world famous Pere Lachaise cemetery. The oldest of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries, it’s also the city’s oldest commercial cemetery and its most luxurious – if you can say such a thing about a graveyard.

The cemetery became a rather fashionable place to be laid to rest after two members of the Georgian royal family (more on that anon) were buried here. The result? The cemetery counts numerous well-known names amongst its inhabitants. 

Better maintained than some of the other seven, Kensal Green is also a conservation area, home to rare flora, fauna and several bird species. Add to that opulent Gothic monuments and tombs set amongst the overgrown grounds, it’s a beautiful and interesting place to stroll through.

Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself with this video discovering Kensal Green’s secrets

A Who’s Who of Kensal Green Cemetery’s Most Famous Inhabitants 

Princess sophia and prince augustus frederick, duke of sussex.

Remember how I mentioned the royals buried in Kensal Green?

Those royals – the late Princess Sophia, who was largely estranged from the Royal Family and her father George III after bearing an illegitimate child she was forced to give away and her brother the Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex – are buried across the path from one another. 

5th Duke of Portland

Another notable grave belongs to the fifth Duke of Portland, a man known for being so shy that none of his inferiors were allowed to acknowledge his presence.

He rarely ventured out in daylight and used an umbrella to shield him from anyone who tried to strike up a conversation with him if he did. 

It didn’t end there, the Duke built at least a dozen miles of tunnels at his estate, Welbeck Abbey and would have servants send his food via railway. This curious behaviour earned him a place in Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows under the guise of Mr Badger. 

Wilkie Collins

Kensal Green is also the final resting place of one of my favourite Victorian novelists, Wilkie Collins. 

Collins, who wrote The Woman in White and The Moonstone – credited with being one of the first detective novels in English.

In fact, he’s probably best described as a womaniser whose prolific literary output was only matched by his pursuit of pleasure.

William Makepeace Thackeray 

Few works of literature commit the follies of society as ruthlessly or as wittily as Thackeray’s Vanity Fair.

Though he’d written several other books and worked as a journalist for much of his life, it was Vanity Fair that truly catapulted Thackeray to fame and for which he’s best-known today. 

He died rather unexpectedly at the age of 52, commanding a crowd 50,000 strong for his funeral at Kensington Gardens. Dickens, recently reconciled with Thackeray after a long dispute, attended the burial at Kensal Green. 

Maria Graham 

One of our personal favourites is Maria Graham, who was one of the world’s first travel writers. Her first travel book was published way back in 1812. 

Charles Blondin

You’ll also find the grave of Charles Blondin. Blondin (real name Jean François Gravelet) was a legendary tightrope walker who became known for crossing Niagara Falls on a tightrope, often whilst pulling off different stunts. 

Perhaps the most memorable stunt is when he stopped to cook an omelette halfway across, although he also crossed the falls on stilts, blindfolded and in a sack – take your pick. 

Freddie Mercury? 

Legend has it that the ashes of Freddie Mercury, whose final resting place has always been kept under wraps by ex-girlfriend Mary Austin, were buried here under his real name Farrokh Bulsara. 

There are photos to prove the memorial existed – but no sooner was it discovered in 2013, it disappeared just weeks later. 

Ultimately, with Austin staying silent about the real location of Mercury’s ashes, it’s only speculation that they actually were buried in Kensal Green at all or the meaning of the mysterious disappearing plaque. 

Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter – one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century – is buried here in Kensal Green Cemetery under an unassuming horizontal grave. 

Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005, his famous works include The Birthday Party, The Caretaker and The Homecoming. 

Charles Shirley Brooks 

Perhaps less famous than some of the other names in this guide, Charles Shirley Brooks (often simply called Shirley Brooks) was a well-known novelist and playwright during the Victorian times . 

His best-known works Aspen Court and The Gordian Knot were big sellers of the time, but he’s most associated with his work for Punch Magazine, of which he was the editor from 1870 to 1874. 

Other Famous Names 

• Anthony Trollope: Victorian novelist famous for his works The Chronicles of Barsetshire.  
• Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and son Isambard Kingdom Brunel: two of the Victorian period’s greatest engineers. 
• Harold Pinter: Post-war British playwright with a writing career that spanned more than 50 years. 
• Charles Babbage: Victorian mathematician who came up with the concept of a programmable computer. 

Brief History of the Cemetery 

Kensal Green was founded in 1832 by the General Cemetery Company (incidentally, the same company still owns it today making it the oldest cemetery in England that’s still privately owned). 

The idea for the cemetery came from barrister George Frederick Carden whose visit to Père-Lachaise in Paris gave him the idea for a similar venture in London. 

London’s city centre graveyards were heaving. Concerns about health and sanitation, hastened by several cholera outbreaks, led to significant support for the idea of larger purpose-built cemeteries on what was then the outer fringes of London. 

It opened for its first funeral in January 1933 – the Bishop of London having consecrated a number of plots just a week earlier.

In a short time, Kensal Green became the most fashionable place to be buried in the country – no small feat given competition from others of the Magnificent Seven like Highgate , Nunhead and Brompton. 

Unusually, Kensal Green has continually operated as a cemetery for the duration of its history – with new burials still happening in the cemetery today. 

Practical Information and Map

Address: Harrow Rd, Kensal Green, London W10 4RA

www.kensalgreencemetery.com  

How to Get to Kensal Green Cemetery 

Underground: Kensal Green Station 

Overground Stations: Kensal Green and Kensal Rise 

Bus: Number 18 

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5 cemeteries you should visit in london.

Peaceful, beautiful and full of incredible sculptures, London's cemeteries are havens of tranquility – and offer a chance to visit the resting places of history's most famous people

1. Highgate Cemetery

Swain's Lane, London N6 6PJ

Highgate is one of London’s great Victorian cemeteries, crammed with thousands of gothic style headstones, tombs and memorials. Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon are particularly impressive.

The grounds are full of trees, shrubs and wildflowers that have been left to grow without human interference, making in a de facto nature reserve.

Who’s there?

Dog show founder, Charles Cruft

Douglas Adams

Jeremy Beadle

Sir Ralph Richardson

Malcom McLaren

Authro George Eliot

Catherin Dickens, wife of author Charles Dickens

Interesting fact

The painter Dante Gabriel Rosetti had his wife’s grave there opened so he could retrieve a book of poetry that had been buried with her.

Nearest Tube station

Archway. It’s a much longer walk from Highgate station. 

2. Kensal Green Cemetery

Harrow Rd, London W10 4RA

Set in the well-heeled Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Kensal Green Cemetery is one of London's oldest and most distinguished public burial grounds. Inspired by the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, it covers 72 acres, houses over 65,000 graves and is home to 33 species of birds and wildlife.

Engineer Sir Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Newsagent W.H. Smith

Computer pioneer Charles Babbage

Novelist William Thackeray

Tight-rope walker Charles Blondin

Major Walter Wingfield, inventor of lawn tennis

The armchair-shaped headstone for composer Henry Russell is a reference to his song, ‘My Old Armchair.’

Nearest Tube Station

Kensal Green or Ladbroke Grove 

3. Bunhill Fields Cemetery

38 City Rd, London EC1Y 1AU

Unlike many of the denominational cemeteries in London, Bunhill Fields would accept anyone as long as they could afford the internment fees. It quickly became the most popular final resting place for non-conformists. It also has a Quaker section with an estimated 12,000 ‘residents.’

Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe

John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress

Poet William Blake

The name of the cemetery is a corruption of it’s original name ‘Bone Hill’ from the time the field was used as a dumping ground for human bones before the cemetery was opened in 1665.

Nearest tube station

4. Golders Green Crematorium

Hoop Lane London NW11 7NL

The first crematorium to be opened in London, and one of the first in Britain, the Crematorium at Golders Green is built in a distinctive, red brick Italianate style. While many of the notable people cremated here have had their ashes scattered elsewhere, there are many whose urns remain in the Columbarium.

Sigmund Freud

Dracula author, Bram Stoker

Writer Rudyard Kipling

Actor Sid James

Singer Mark Bolan

Drummer Keith Moon

Actor Peter Sellers

14 holders of the Victoria Cross have been cremated here.

Golders Green

5. Brompton Cemetery

Fulham Rd, London SW10 9UG

Taking inspiration from St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this cemetery features a domed chapel, made from Bath stone, that is flanked by two curving colanades and reached via a tree line avenue. It is home to over 35,000 monuments, 28 of which are listed.

Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhust

Auctioneer Samuel Leigh Sotheby

Boxer John Jackson

American singer Blanche Roosevelt

Beatrix Potter once lived nearby and it is believed that she took the names of many of her characters from tombstones in the cemetery.

Earls Court or West Brompton

Main image:  Karl Marx's headstone ( Shutterstock.com )

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London cemeteries to visit before you die

By Adrienne Wyper on 25/1/2021

There’s nothing morbid about spending time in a cemetery. As wildlife havens and architectural delights they offer much-needed green spaces, and their well-managed wildernesses allow rural escape without the journey. That profoundly peaceful nature means no noisy interruptions of the type you find in a park: kids playing, loud conversations, grunt-accompanied workouts… The celebrated ‘magnificent seven’, which ring London, are enormous private cemeteries built in the early 19 th century to alleviate overcrowding in parish burial grounds. By Adrienne Wyper

Highgate Cemetery

Visitors have flocked to London’s most famous resting place since 1839 (now over 100,000 annual visitors), to gaze upon the graves of the great and the good, and to admire the views over London, one of its original marketing strategies. A site this popular needs a visitor’s centre, and the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, which maintains the cemetery without public funding, is launching a competition to design one, plus shop and café.

The must-see tomb is that of Karl Marx, with its bust and ‘Workers of all lands unite’ inscription. The Victorian fascination with all things Egyptian is evident in the obelisks and lotus flowers of Egyptian Avenue, and the influence can be seen in numerous graves. Take a look at the unusual-for-the-UK catacombs, at the site’s highest point.

Other famous names include George Michael, whose location is private. As a welcome change from angels, weeping women and floral, see artist Patrick Caulfield’s minimalist ‘dead’ headstone – a style contrast to Malcolm McLaren’s.

Find out more

Brompton Cemetery

Its layout evokes an open-air cathedral, with a central domed chapel reached via colonnades based on those in St Peter’s Square in Rome. Among the 60-plus species of tree, planted to shade the graves, the limes date from 1838. It’s Grade I listed, with graves, including Dr John Snow, who proved that cholera is spread through infected drinking water, suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and actor Brian Glover. Combine sightseeing with sustenance at Café North Lodge.

Photo: Robert Stephenson

Postman's Park

For commemoration of deaths of a different kind, visit Postman’s Park, where no one’s actually buried. Instead, 62 individuals, who lost their lives trying to save someone else’s, are remembered. The 54 glazed ceramic memorial plaques tell their moving tales in beautiful script, with the heroes’ ages, where they lived, their jobs, along with the circumstances of their heroic act and death: burning, drowning, run down by horses and hit by trains. The first plaques were installed in 1900, and the last in 2009, commemorating Leigh Pitt, who saved a drowning boy from a canal in Thamesmead in 2007. The Park’s name comes from the staff from the former General Post Office HQ nearby, who, like countless other local workers, spent their lunch break here.

Bunhill Fields Burial Ground

Its name is a corruption of ‘bonehill’, as the site had been used for burials since Saxon times, but also became a dumping ground for bones from St Paul’s charnel house (skeleton store) in 1549. It opened in 1665 and closed for burials in 1852. ‘Big names’ buried here include poet and visionary William Blake and Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe, but among the most eye-catching memorials is that of Dame Mary Page, who probably suffered from oedema (fluid retention). Her enormous sarcophagus records the draining of ‘240 gallons’ of fluid (over 1,000 litres) from her. A small site, and surrounded by tall buildings, it’s popular for local workers’ lunch-breaks.

Photo: GrindtXX

Hyde Park Pet Cemetery

Only open to the public on guided tours (although you can get a glimpse through the Bayswater Road park railings, or take a virtual tour on YouTube ), the Lodge garden was never intended as a graveyard. The first pet, a Maltese terrier named Cherry, was buried here in 1881 as its owners were friendly with the park keeper who lived here. Three hundred burials later, the site officially closed in 1903. The inscriptions of the dogs’, cats’, birds’ and monkeys’ stones: ‘our dear wee Butcha’; ‘Sandy. A faithful friend for 12 years, May 1900’; ‘Darling Dolly – my sunbeam, my consolation, my joy’,and their names – Bogie, Smut, Fattie, Scum – are much less formal than those of humans, and therefore more poignant. Not everyone was touched, though. George Orwell described the cemetery as, ‘Perhaps the most horrible spectacle in Britain.’

Abney Park Cemetery

Opened in 1840, Abney was originally laid out as an arboretum, with 2,500 plant varieties. Trees were planted alphabetically around the perimeter, with oaks, pines and others within. As an inclusive cemetery, it catered for burials of people from all faiths. Many abolitionists, opposed to slavery, and the first black activist, Olaudah Equiano, are buried here, as are Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth, many Victorian music-hall stars, and wildlife enthusiasts. With the last burials in the 1970s, it’s run by Hackney Council in conjunction with the Abney Park Trust, balancing wildlife protection with safeguarding the listed monuments, and is now a nature reserve. Listen to early-morning birdsong, recorded here.

Kensal Green Cemetery

Inspired by Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Kensal Green, lying between Harrow Road and the Grand Union Canal, was London’s first commercial cemetery, opening in 1833. The buildings are neo-classical and neatly laid out on long avenues lined by impressive Gothic mausoleums. Famous names with their final resting places here include engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Freddie Mercury.

Photo: User:Justinc

Nunhead Cemetery

Second largest yet least known of the ‘magnificent seven’, it opened in 1840, but had fallen into disrepair by the middle of the 20 th century. In 1975 Southwark Council bought it for £1 and in the 1980s the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery got involved. After restoration, it reopened in 2001. Now designated as a nature reserve, it can best be described as an elegant wilderness, with occasional glimpses of the city, including a view of St Paul’s Cathedral framed by trimmed trees. It may lack the famous names of other sites, but makes up for it with a wilder nature. However, among the residents are omnibus magnate Thomas Tilling (whose no.12 route still runs between Peckham and Oxford Circus) and – possibly – Jack the Ripper. A few years ago, Thomas Cutbush was identified as the most likely Ripper suspect, and this is where he’s buried.

Photo: Irid Escent

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Highgate Cemetery in London

This post provides all the information you’ll need to visit Highgate Cemetery.

We include details about how to get here, ticket prices, tours, famous gravestones in the cemetery, and more.

And in the video above, let local tour guide, Sinead, with Free Tours by Foot, take you on a virtual walk through the cemetery to see some of the most well-known graves.

Let's dig in (pun intended)!

How to Get Here

• Tickets & Tours
• Famous People Buried Here
• Highgate Vampire
• The Magnificent Seven

This historic cemetery is the final resting place of over 170,000 people in North London, and it is considered one of the “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries in the city. 

Due to the variety of wildlife that can be spotted here, Highgate Cemetery is also considered a de facto nature reserve. 

Designed by architect Stephen Geary, this massive graveyard houses many beautiful mausoleums, obelisks, gravestones, and other pieces that are now centuries old.

There are several famous people buried here, including former Lord Mayors, beloved musicians, notable writers, important philosophers, and more.

You must pay for admission to the cemetery, and they are currently providing entry via timed tickets.

You can also purchase tickets for tours of the cemetery which cover some of the more notable burials and history of this location.

Highgate Cemetery is currently open daily from 10 am - 5 pm.

Highgate Cemetery is located at Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ. This site is just north of Camden Town and right next to Waterlow Park.

You can use this map for directions from anywhere in London.

There is a bus stop near the bottom end of the cemetery on Swain’s Lane which services line C11 . 

Alternatively, there is also a stop at Waterlow Park on Highgate High Street. This stop is close to a path that will take you directly to the gates of Highgate Cemetery.

Bus lines 143 , 210 , and 271 service this stop.

The closest tube station is at Archway, which is southeast of the cemetery.

This location is far enough away that we recommend hopping on either the 143 or 271 at the station and taking it up to the Waterlow Park bus stop.

The Highgate tube station is quite far from this part of town, and it can take 40 minutes or more to walk from there to the Highgate Cemetery.

This can be confusing given the name of the station, so make sure to stop at Archway instead.

For more information about using public transport to get here, check our post covering how to use the London Underground .

Highgate Cemetery is split into both an East section and a West section, each requiring its own ticket.

While you can buy tickets to the East Cemetery alone, entrance to the West Cemetery includes access to both.

It's worth noting that photography is allowed for personal use, so feel free to snap as many pictures as you want - but be respectful!

East Cemetery Ticket Prices

• £4.50/Adults
• £0.50/Child (8-17)
• Free for kids under 8

West and East Cemetery Ticket Prices

• £6/Child (8-17)

Tickets are not sold at the cemetery, so you must purchase them ahead of time online.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

Best Time to Visit Highgate Cemetery

Although they are open daily, it is worth noting that their busiest day is actually Sunday. We recommend visiting during a weekday if you want to avoid crowds.

Alternatively, you might also want to consider visiting on a foggy day for an especially eerie experience walking among the tombstones.

Guided Tours

There are guided tours of the East and West Cemetery led by Friends of Highgate Cemetery which include admission to both the West and East Cemetery.

Guests can expect to learn about both the history of the cemetery and its occupants.

West Cemetery Guided Tour Ticket Prices

• £7/Child (8-17)
• Children under 8 cannot be accommodated.

The West Cemetery Guided Tour is 70 minutes long and includes steep paths, so it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear with good tread.

Still photography via handheld cameras is allowed, but filming is not permitted on the tour.

Full refunds will be offered if any unforeseen problems cause them to cancel your tour.

There are also tours offered for visitors who are hearing impaired.

These outings are offered by their volunteer John Wilson, who is a native user of British Sign Language.

Many members of our Facebook Group suggest that this is an underrated activity, some even insisting that the tour is absolutely worth the price.

British Sign Language Tour Ticket Prices

The British Sign Language Tour of West Cemetery is also 70 minutes long, and it is offered simultaneously in BSL and spoken English.

Tours run only on selected weekends.

If you’re looking for an alternative, you can always enjoy our free virtual tour of Highgate Cemetery!

Famous People Buried at Highgate Cemetery

There are far too many famous people buried here to list them all, but we’ll give you a handful of names to look for while you’re visiting this historic cemetery.

Karl Marx (East Cemetery)

This is arguably the most notable gravesite in the entire cemetery. Marx was a very important philosopher, economist, and political theorist.

That all being said, it’s inarguable that his two works The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital would eventually become his most influential contributions to the world.

Love him or hate him, Marx is definitely one of the most significant people buried at Highgate Cemetery.

Douglas Adams (East Cemetery)

Adams was one of the finest satirists of modern times, working on several science fiction projects which have been incredibly influential to the genre.

Although he did write two stories for the classic BBC television show Doctor Who , Douglas Adams was probably best known for his book Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy .

He also wrote Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency , which has since been adapted into its own television show.

Henry Gray (West Cemetery)

Although he worked mostly as an anatomist and surgeon, Henry’s name would live on through a significant book he published entitled Gray’s Anatomy.

Although the name of this book was an inspiration for the show Grey’s Anatomy, this book was actually one of the most respected works describing human anatomy, and it was used to educate many generations of doctors and surgeons.

Michael Faraday (West Cemetery)

Faraday was an important scientist who contributed to modern scientific understanding of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.

If you’ve ever heard of a Faraday Cage, this is the man you have to thank for discovering its existence.

Due to his discovery, we learned that electricity is not a fluid, but rather a force.

George Michael (West Cemetery)

Anyone born before the year 1990 will probably be at least a little familiar with the musical work of George Michael.

He got his start in the band Wham! , known mostly for their hits Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Last Christmas .

Michael would also go on to have a fairly successful solo career with songs like Careless Whisper and Faith . He also performed Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me as a duet with Elton John.

Bob Hoskins (West Cemetery)

Hoskins was an accomplished actor who starred in several notable and beloved films, but most people nowadays would probably recognize him for his starring role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit .

He also played none other than Mario in Super Mario Bros. and had significant roles in films like Hook , Nixon , Mermaids, and more.

Other Notable Burials

In addition to all the other interesting gravesites located at Highgate Cemetery, there are also a lot of other notablem mausoleums, vaults, and graves belonging to famous poets, authors, novelists, musicians, and more.

• Sir Charles Cowper (Premier of New South Wales)
• Alfred Lamert Dickens (Younger brother of the author, Charles)
• Catherine, John, and Elizabeth Dickens (wife and parents of Charles Dickens)
• Jane Arden (director, actor, screenwriter)
• Beryl Bainbridge (author)
• Alexander Litvinenko (Russian dissident, murdered by poison)
• George Eliot (Pen-name of Mary Ann Evans, novelist)
• Patrick Caulfield (pop artist)
• Sheila Gish (Actress)
• Dachine Rainer (poet)
• Malcolm McLaren (manager of the Sex Pistols)
• Stella Gibbons (author of Cold Comfort Farm )
• Elizabeth Siddal (Model)
• Thomas Sayers (Boxer)
• George Wombwell (Traveling Zoo Operator)
• Julius Beer Mausoleum (Newspaper Baron)
• Christina Rossetti (related to Dante Gabriel Rossetti, famous poet and illustrator)

The Highgate Vampire and Vampire Connections

In the 1970s, rumors began to spread that there was supernatural activity taking place at Highgate Cemetery. 

Starting in the 60s, occultists had been visiting other graveyards and cemeteries in London and desecrating various burial sites, supposedly looking for a vampire.

One such event took place at the Tottenham Park Cemetery on Halloween night in 1968.

During this event, a coffin was found with an iron stake shaped like a cross driven through the lid and into the chest of the person inside. 

This sparked public interest in vampires, and in February of 1970, a man named David Farrant reported that he had seen a “grey figure” in Highgate Cemetery on December 24, 1969.

Many people reported seeing all kinds of supernatural activity in the cemetery after this report, and on March 13th (Friday the 13th), a man named Sean Manchester held an exorcism on the site.

This inspired a mob of “vampire hunters” to show up in search of supernatural baddies to confront. Months after the mob, the charred remains of a body were found nearby.

A week or two after that incident police found Farrant carrying a crucifix and wooden stake in a churchyard by Highgate Cemetery.

Although he was arrested, the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence of wrongdoing.

Just a few days later, Manchester returned to Highgate and planned to drive a stake through the body of a potential vampire, but instead, he left garlic and incense -- likely to avoid any criminal charges.

The tale of the Highgate Vampire has inspired many stories since, including the Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing film Dracula AD 1972 .

The Highgate Vampire was also featured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer .

Highgate Cemetery is often cited as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula , and it’s also speculated to be the location of Lucy’s tomb in the book.

Due to its significance in vampire lore, Highgate Cemetery has been featured in several other British horror films including Tales from the Crypt , From Beyond the Grave , and Taste the Blood of Dracula .

Highgate Cemetery is also the setting used for the sixth level of the video game Nightmare Creatures , and it was the inspiration for the setting of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book .

Whether or not there actually was (or is) a Highgate Vampire, it’s clear that the atmosphere of this historic cemetery has inspired many creative minds to come up with wonderfully spooky tales about the possibility.

If you’re interested in learning more about the creepy and potentially supernatural history of this city, consider taking either a London Ghost Tour or a Jack the Ripper tour .

The Magnificent Seven Cemeteries

Highgate Cemetery is one of seven notable cemeteries in London that was established in the 19th century to prevent overcrowding in smaller graveyards.

Given the nickname of the Magnificent Seven, these cemeteries were the final resting place of many notable people, and many of them are now considered some of the finest parks and gardens in London.

Brompton Cemetery

Built in 1840, this was the fifth of the Magnificent Seven to be finished, and it is still a working cemetery to this day.

Managed by the Royal Parks of London, you'll find both beautiful wildlife and noteworthy gravesites.

If you're curious about what to expect here, our virtual walking tour above will provide an excellent look at this beautiful landmark.

You can also learn more about our post covering Brompton Cemetery .

Abney Park Cemetery

Built in 1840, this was the fourth of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries to be constructed.

Although this was originally the site of Abney Park, a public parkland, they turned it into a cemetery in the mid-1800s.

Notable burials include both William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army, and anti-slavery abolitionists James Stephen and Thomas Binney.

Nunhead Cemetery

Constructed in 1840, this was the sixth of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries built shortly after Brompton Cemetery.

Previously known as All Saints Cemetery, today it is publicly owned and considered a nature reserve.

Several notable people are buried here including Bryan Donkin, who created the first commercial canning factory and the first paper-making machine.

Kensal Green Cemetery

This was the first of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries to be established, and it was built in 1833.

Listed as a Grade I structure on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens in London, this cemetery remains in use to this day.

Many notable people have been buried here, including Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, and Princess Sophia.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery

This was the final cemetery of the Magnificent Seven to be constructed, and it was built in 1841.

Originally known as The City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery, locals chose to refer to it as Bow Cemetery.

This location was actually built more than 100 years before the creation of the modern borough of Tower Hamlets in 1965.

Since then, this cemetery has been declared a nature reserve, and its walls were listed as a Grade II structure on the National Register of Historic Parks.

West Norwood Cemetery

Constructed in 1837, this was the second of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries to open in London.

As in the case of most cemeteries on this list, West Norwood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, and it is considered a valuable site for nature conservation.

Noteworthy burials here include more than twenty Members of Parliament in Westminster, several artists and entertainers, significant inventors, and more.

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• Feb 5, 2021

A Walk Through Time – London's Cemeteries

Updated: Feb 8, 2021

Cemeteries don't have to be gloomy places. They are often wonderful large green spaces, usually free to enter (Highgate is an exception), filled with architectural gems, most likely wildlife havens and a fascinating record of times gone by.

We have picked five London cemeteries – all quite distinct in their own way. Although none of their guided tours can operate at the moment, they are all open and are peaceful places to explore on a family walk or for solo contemplation – a good alternative to chock-a-block London parks.

215 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0LH

abneypark.org

It's quite bizarre to step from Stoke Newington High Street straight into the wild, overgrown, higgledy-piggledy Abney Park. This Gothic cemetery is one of the 'Magnificent Seven' in London and also a nature reserve. Abney was originally laid out as an arboretum and is home to thousands of trees, plants and wildlife species. When the cemetery was opened in 1840 it became prominent as a burial ground for non-conformists (those who had rejected the Church of England) and dissenters. You'll find plenty of comedians, performers and actors buried here. In a small clearing in the middle is the oldest surviving non-denominational chapel in Europe (Grade II listed).

When you emerge you might want to have a wander into the lovely neighbouring Clissold Park where it's great cafe is doing a take-away service.

BROMPTON CEMETERY

Fulham Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9UG

royalparks.org.uk

This leafy oasis is Julia's favourite place to walk. Managed by The Royal Parks, it is extremely well maintained and – although less wild that some of the others – is teaming with wildlife (more crows, Julia says, than she has ever seen anywhere in London!). The architect designed it in the style of St Peter's Square in Rome, with a domed chapel at its southern end, reached by two symmetrical long colonnades. It was intended to give the feel of a large open air cathedral.

The excellent interactive map here will help you to locate – amongst some 35,000 gravestones – the well-known people who have been laid to rest here. You might want to search for Emmeline Pankhurst or – for the cricket fans out there – John Wisden.

There's a good coffee shop serving freshly-baked takeaway pastries. Dogs on leads.

Calling all junior poets!

The Royal Parks are developing a new storytelling and learning area at Brompton Cemetery and are inviting children aged 7-11 to enter their winter-themed poetry competition . Words from the winning entry will be carved into stone and placed in the storytelling area.

Entries by midnight on Friday 12th February. Find full details here

BUNHILL FIELDS BURIAL GROUND

City Road, London EC1Y 2BG

A former burial ground (1665-1854) just north of the City. This is a much more of an urban walk experience than some other cemeteries but it is crammed with history. Over 2000 of the monuments remain and here you will find graves of famous literary figures such as John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and William Blake. However, one of the most fascinating and commented upon tombs is that of a woman called Dame Mary Page who died in 1729 [see photo above]. The inscription reads, "in 67 months she was tap'd 66 times, Had taken away 240 gallons of water without ever repining at her case or ever fearing the operation." It sounds like a gruesome end and surely this intriguing inscription will make all budding historians want to know more?

H IGHGATE CEMETERY

Swains Lane, London N6 6PJ

highgatecemetery.org

Highgate is London's most famous cemetery and its 37 acres of over-grown woodland scattered with obelisks, catacombs and vaults has remained open during Lockdown to give those who live near 'the opportunity for gentle exercise and fresh air during difficult times'. Amongst many others, you will find the graves of Patrick Caulfield (designed by the artist himself), Karl Marx, George Eliot, Paul Foot and Henry Moore. You must book a timed advanced ticket (click here to book) but unlike in normal times when the older, ivy-clad West Cemetery can only be entered by guided tour, there's a unique opportunity to enter alone (make sure to book a West Cemetery Ticket which includes entry to the East Cemetery). Leave your dog at home.

KENSAL GREEN CEMETERY

Harrow Road, Kensal Green, W10 4RA

kensalgreencemetery.com

Inspired by Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Kensal Green was London’s first commercial cemetery, opening in 1833. The neo-classical buildings are neatly laid out on long avenues lined by impressive Gothic mausoleums. The wide gravelled paths are easy for social-distance walking and you're not contending with the mud that's everywhere else! Famous graves include Wilkie Collins, Anthony Trollope, Thackeray, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Freddie Mercury.

If you want to extend your walk, it's fun to combine a visit here with a walk along the canal (you're by the Ladbroke Grove section here) and you could walk down to Paddington Basin.

Anya Waddington 4th February

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• Top 8 Historical Cemeteries To...

Erie & Historical Cemeteries to Visit in London

London ’s graveyards and their classic gothic charm have been featured in literary, film, and actual legend for centuries. Fascinating, poignant, and sometimes eerie, here are the top eight cemeteries to visit.

1. Kensal Green

2. West Norwood

3. Bunhill Fields

Cemetery, Park

4. Abney Park

5. Brompton Cemetery

Building, Cemetery, Cathedral

6. Highgate Cemetery

Cemetery, Memorial

Established in 1839, Highgate Cemetery is the resting place of many famous people throughout history and is easily the most famous cemetery in London. Most visited is the monument dedicated to Karl Marx, featuring a bust of the formidable socialist erected in 1956 by left-wing sculptor Laurence Bradshaw. Also worth seeing is the self-designed memorial of pop-artist Patrick Caulfield. Other people buried here include The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy author Douglas Adams, poet Christina Rossetti, Victorian writer George Eliot, the wife and children of Charles Dickens, and Elizabeth Siddal, wife and muse of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who secretly re-opened her grave seven years after her death to retrieve a book of poems he had placed in her coffin.

7. Nunhead Cemetery

8. Sephardi Velho and Nuevo Jewish Cemetery

Cemetery, University

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London’s spooky spaces: seven scary cemeteries.

When autumn arrives in London, the falling leaves, cooler temperatures and crisp air bring about a unique charm and a certain spooky atmosphere. Leaving summer behind and with Halloween just around the corner, this season provides the perfect opportunity to explore London’s historical and hauntingly beautiful ancient cemeteries. Not only coinciding with the spookier seasons, the autumn months also add a particular charm to these areas, with gentle light filtering through the tree canopy as the leaves turn to hues of gold, amber and red.

The so-called Magnificent Seven is a collection of Gothic cemeteries situated within nine miles of St Paul’s Cathedral and erected in response to the rapid population growth in London during the 19 th century. The distinctive sites provide an unusual combination of history, architecture and unique natural habitats. They’ve long been the haunt of photographers, historians, and those seeking a slice of quiet reflection in the city. It’s no wonder people are drawn to the seven sites, with dramatic mausoleums, angels and tombstones entwined with tree roots, covered in ivy and reclaimed by nature. Here are the top cemeteries you should visit this autumn for a blend of history, culture and seasonal allure.

1. Abney Park Cemetery

Tucked away in Hackney, Abney Park cemetery contrasts its edgy urban surroundings. Perhaps the most untamed of the seven, the meandering, dead-end paths and disorderly monuments entwined with tree roots, mosses, and leaves add to the charming and unruly atmosphere. But it’s not always quiet, with frequent live music and other events hosted in the impressive, wild grounds. To really get into the spooky spirit, the Abney Park Trust hosts ghost story tours through the park in October. Find more information here to plan your visit.

 2. Brompton Cemetery

One of the only cemeteries maintained by the prestigious group of London’s Royal Parks, Brompton cemetery is the resting place of Emmeline Pankhurst among many other notable names. Quite a contrast to the sprawling wild of Abney Park Cemetery, here you will find carefully maintained walkways and curated wildflower meadows. The site is encircled by imposing columns, with a grand chapel at the end. A coffee shop and information centre ensure that your visit will be well-fuelled and well-informed. For more information, take a look here .

3. Kensal Green cemetery

Opened in 1832 and the oldest of the magnificent seven, Kensal Green is also the largest. If you want to take a walk down memory lane into the echelons of Victorian society, this is the one for you. With many of Charles Dickens’ fellow writers adorning the headstones, it’s easy to spend an afternoon lost in history. The sprawling grounds house a haphazard array of angels, monuments and mausoleums in a record of the city’s rich history. The Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery group provides information on upcoming tours and events, check it out here .  

4. Nunhead cemetery

Nunhead Cemetery is the quietest, most tranquil of all on the list. The woodland trails are quiet and draped in gentle, dappled light. The humble, serene setting is a refreshing change to the grandiosity of some of the others on this list. With more than 50 species of birds within the grounds, Nunhead Cemetery is home to as much life as it honours the dead. Friends of Nunhead Cemetery work to promote respectful engagement with the site, visit their webpage here for more information before your visit.

5. West Norwood cemetery

Unlike some of the other cemeteries which transport you into an otherworldly realm, West Norwood provides a stark contrast between past and present. With historic and current monuments all sharing the same areas, a walk through here transcends time. The highlight has to be St Stephen’s Chapel, surrounded by catacombs and adorned with golden mosaics.  Find more information here to plan your trip.

6. Tower Hamlets cemetery

Tucked away in East London, Tower Hamlets cemetery was heavily bombed during the Blitz. This cemetery is well and truly returning to nature, as a designated Local Nature Reserve, many of the headstones are completely covered by the rambling wildflower meadows and woodland undergrowth. One of London’s urban green spaces, the area is well-used by the local community. The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park are responsible for the upkeep and management of the site, so be sure to check here for information for your visit.

7. Highgate cemetery

Last, but certainly not least, Highgate Cemetery is nestled in North London and is perhaps the most famous of the city’s historic cemeteries. Highgate is home to an extraordinary collection of grand tombs and Gothic architecture, including the grave of Karl Marx. Consider taking a tour to walk further into the depths of the stories behind the monuments, with the knowledgeable guides revealing some of the hidden treasures held within. Be sure to take plenty of snaps, as Highgate is one of the most popular spots for photographers across the capital. Check out here to plan your trip.

Please like, share and comment below and see if we have  anything else to inspire your next visit to London.

• Brompton Cemetery
• free things to do
• Kensal Green
• Magnificent Seven
• Sightseeing
• things to do
• Tower Hamlets
• West Norwood

Alex Hartley

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