The most inspiring and historic cemeteries to visit in London

For London’s explorers and Instagrammers, there’s nothing better than discovering new and inspiring places in the city.

However, what they might not know is that some of the most underappreciated green spaces can be found in the capital’s cemeteries.

People might find the idea of visiting them a little foreboding, or even intimidating, but the truth is London’s cemeteries are some of the most peaceful and serene places to spend time in the city.

Finding a peaceful moment in the city can be difficult, but these London cemeteries are ideal spots to experience a few quiet hours of reflection.

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate is probably best known for being the resting place of philosopher Karl Marx, who is buried here along with along with George Eliot and Crufts founder Charles Cruft. George Michael was also laid to rest here in 2017, although his grave is found in a private plot which can’t be accessed by the general public. It’s one of the biggest cemeteries in the city and its sprawling grounds offer plenty of room for exploration and introspection.

Swain's Ln, Highgate, N6 6PJ, highgatecemetery.org

Brompton Cemetery

Brompton Cemetery is one of London’s Magnificent Seven, a collection of cemeteries circling the city built in the 19th century. The Grade I listed green space and site of special historic interest is home to some stunning architecture, including an idyllic chapel. Brompton has also inspired some of the greatest children’s literature, with Beatrix Potter said to have named her characters after those inscribed on some of the cemetery’s 35,000 headstones.

Fulham Rd, Kensington, SW10 9UG, royalparks.org.uk

Kensal Green Cemetery

As well as offering one of the most peaceful settings in west London, Kensal Green Cemetery is a fantastic place to appreciate wildlife. Countless species of bird and other wild animals making their home here, which makes walking here a special experience. The layout and design was based on the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and the southernmost sides of the cemetery border the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal, which only adds to the serenity of the place.

Harrow Rd, W10 4RA, kensalgreencemetery.com

Nunhead Cemetery

There’s two halves to Nunhead Cemetery. While the central path can seem a little oppressive, even dreary, the outer reaches are full of charming enclaves waiting to be discovered. Walking here is a rewarding experience, but if you don’t feel like tackling the vast space on your own there’s a guided tour open to the public on the last Sunday of every month. It's not had the happiest history: Southwark Council saved the cemetery by buying the derelict space for £1 in 1975, following its closure in 1969. The park still retains some of its unruliness from that time, full of hidden areas to discover in and amongst the wildlife.

Linden Grove, SE15 3LP, www.fonc.org.uk

Abney Park Cemetery

Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington is one of the prettiest and most intriguing green spaces to be found all of north London. It’s home to a local nature reserve, which is perfectly preserved and maintained by the Abney Park Trust. The group also run free history tours and interactive workshops for Londoners looking to learn arts and crafts, helping make this one of the most enchanting places to spend time in north London.

215 Stoke Newington High St, Stoke Newington, N16 0LH, abneypark.org

Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries

19th century institutions Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries sit adjacent to each other on Brockley Grove. They’re not the largest, but these spaces are both little havens of serenity amongst bustling south east London. They’re are bristling with wild flowers in summer and haunting in winter. Whatever time of year though, they're always rewarding places to visit.

113 Brockley Grove, SE4 1DZ, foblc.org.uk