As Hallowe’en draws near, our thoughts turn to pumpkin banners, fake blood and bunny ears. But for a more cultured celebration of the afterlife, a visit to one of London’s magnificent seven cemeteries is the perfect antidote.
Highgate Cemetery
The most famous of the seven, Highgate Cemetery is a labyrinth of crumbling beauty. From imposing mausoleums to dishevelled, ivy-clad angel statues, it has the air of a hidden fantasy world. Be sure to visit the famous residents (many with fittingly outlandish headstones) including Karl Marx, George Eliot, Patrick Caulfield, Malcolm McClaren and Douglas Adams.
Events: On the 1st of November they open late for a beautiful candle lighting cemetery in honour of All Saints Day.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Weekends: 11am-5pm
Entrance Fee: £12 for East and West Cemetery Tour, £4 for East Cemetery
Closest Station: Archway
www.highgatecemetery.org
Abney Park Cemetery
An overgrown jumble of gravestones, nature and modern fencing, Abney Park is just the right side of decaying beauty. This Hackney cemetery became the resting place for many of London’s religious nonconformists, and has at its heart Europe’s oldest non-denominational chapel. With a surprise around every corner, Abney Park is perfect for explorers.
Events: Fear In The Dark, a Hallowe’en anthology show adapted from stories by Edgar Allan Poe, HP Lovecraft, Sheridan Le Fanu and MR James. 20-23 and 26-31 Oct, 7pm & 8.30pm.
Opening Times: 8am-7pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: Stoke Newington
www.abneypark.org
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
More nature reserve than cemetery, Tower Hamlets is a colourful addition to the seven. To add extra magic, download one of these specially written audio walks: www.abneyrambles.com.
Opening Times: Dawn-dusk
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: Mile End/Bow Road
www.fothcp.org
Kensal Green Cemetery
A more formal, manicured cemetery, inspired by Paris’ famous Père Lachaise. Kensal Green’s gothic atmosphere has provided the backdrop for a number of horror films, and also makes it the perfect Hallowe’en trip.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-5pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: Kensal Green/Ladbroke Grove
www.kensalgreencemetery.com
Brompton Cemetery
Owned by the Crown, this regal cemetery has stunning architecture at its heart. Famous residents include Emmeline Pankhurst, John Jackson and Blanche Roosevelt Macchetta. To add some fun to your visit, play a game of Beatrix potter bingo – many of her character names can be found on the tombstones, including Peter Rabbett, Mr Nutkins and Mr McGregor.
Events: To check the website for latest, click here or follow the link: www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/brompton-cemetery
Opening Times: Dawn – dusk
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: West Brompton
Nunhead Cemetery
One of the lesser known of the seven, Nunhead is well worth a visit for winding romantic lanes and a beautiful view over London. Over 1,000 angels are hiding amongst the foliage.
Opening Times: Dawn – dusk
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: Nunhead
West Norwood Cemetery
West Norwood suffered heavily from bombing during World War II and when Lambeth Council (illegally) cleared many of the old monuments for new ones. A little more like a modern lawn cemetery than the other six, it is still a delightful place to visit. The fairly ordered gardens give way to hints of wilderness here and there, with flowers adding spots of colour to the green.
Opening Times: Dawn – dusk
Entrance Fee: Free
Closest Station: West Norwood
