London is a city steeped in history, with many landmarks and attractions that tourists flock to see every year. But for those with a taste for the macabre, the city’s spooky cemeteries offer a unique and haunting experience. From ancient tombs to eerie mausoleums, here are some of the public cemeteries in London that are sure to give you goosebumps.
One of the most famous cemeteries in London is Highgate Cemetery, located in the north of the city. This Victorian cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Karl Marx and George Eliot. But it’s not just the famous residents that make this cemetery spooky – the overgrown paths, ivy-covered tombs, and eerie silence all contribute to the atmosphere. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own, but be warned: some areas of the cemetery are only accessible with a guide due to their fragile state.
Another famous cemetery in London is Brompton Cemetery, located in the west of the city. This cemetery is known for its grandiose mausoleums and Gothic architecture, as well as its many famous residents, including Emmeline Pankhurst and John Snow. The cemetery is open to the public and offers guided tours, but visitors can also explore on their own. Some of the most impressive features of Brompton Cemetery include the catacombs, which are said to be haunted by the ghost of a nun, and the Egyptian Avenue, a tunnel lined with Egyptian-style tombs.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path cemetery experience, Nunhead Cemetery in south London might be just what you’re looking for. This cemetery is known for its overgrown paths, ancient graves, and unique architecture, including a Gothic chapel and a grand entrance arch. The cemetery is open to the public and offers guided tours, but it’s also a popular spot for picnics and walks. Some notable residents of Nunhead Cemetery include the inventor of the Christmas cracker and the founder of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
For those interested in the darker side of London’s history, the Cross Bones Graveyard in south London is a must-visit. This cemetery was used between the 16th and 19th centuries as a burial ground for prostitutes and other outcasts, and it’s said to be haunted by the ghosts of those buried there. The cemetery was rediscovered in the 1990s and has since been turned into a public garden and memorial to the forgotten dead. Visitors can explore the garden and learn about the history of the site through informative plaques and artwork.
Finally, if you’re looking for a truly unique cemetery experience, look no further than Abney Park Cemetery in north London. This cemetery was founded in the 19th century as a non-denominational burial ground and is now a nature reserve, with overgrown paths and winding trails. The cemetery is known for its many trees and wildlife, including bats, foxes, and even muntjac deer. Visitors can explore the cemetery on their own, but guided tours are also available. Some notable residents of Abney Park Cemetery include William and Catherine Booth, the founders of the Salvation Army, and the first black footballer to play for England, Andrew Watson.
London’s spooky cemeteries offer a unique and haunting experience for those with a taste for the macabre. From the grandeur of Highgate Cemetery to the eerie overgrowth of Nunhead Cemetery, there’s something for everyone. So if you’re looking to explore the darker side of London’s history, why not pay a visit to one of these spooky cemeteries? Just be sure to bring a friend – you never know what you might encounter in the shadows.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.