Highgate Cemetary Tour

Walk the winding paths where London’s secrets never truly sleep.

 

When London’s churchyards filled up, just as a young Queen Victoria came to the throne, a scheme was launched to build The Magnificent Seven – huge, modern cemeteries in a ring around the City.

 

As soon as it opened in 1839 Highgate Cemetery in the Northern hills became THE place to be buried if you were rich or famous.    Highgate would become one of the greatest cemeteries in the world full of eccentric funerary architecture.   In the heart of the grounds the Egyptian Avenue leads to the Circle of Lebanon created by earth being excavated around an ancient Cedar of Lebanon.

 

The cemetery fell into ruin for many years until in the 1970s The Friends of Highgate Cemetery were formed to buy the freehold – today the tours are run to raise money to look after it.

 

In the past, this famous London cemetery was a filming location for many movies with ghosts and vampires, some of which were pretty low-budget.   Nowadays, the caretakers of the cemetery are very picky as to what can be shot.   Some of the more recent movies and shows include Fantastic Beasts, Hampstead and even Luther!

Nature has gradually taken over and this remarkable site is now also an important wild-life reserve.

 

Come and meet London’s famous dead in this Victorian Valhalla

 

At 12 Noon, we Arrive in Hampstead for a Fish & Chip lunch with dessert (cheesecake) and tea/coffee.  The  restaurant is on the ground floor and can cater for gluten free and other dietary requirements when pre-ordered.  At 2.00pm we commence our Guided tour of the West Cemetery (the extraordinary side with all the gothic tombs), which lasts around 70 minutes.   Paths are steep and sometimes muddy and there are two flights of stairs so please be aware of this and wear appropriate footwear.   Following your guided tour, there is time for a self-guided visit at 3.45pm to the East Cemetery (where Karl Marx is buried).   This is on a gentler slope with tarmac paths and is more easily accessible.

 

There is a little cafe on-site where you can get take-away hot drinks (Not included) before we head for home.

 

Free Car Parking is available at our Depot when you book Arlesey Pick Up (Advance Booking is required)

 

OUR TOP TIPS

 

Wear sturdy shoes — the terrain is uneven

Highgate’s charm comes from its wild, overgrown, Victorian character, but that means steep paths, tree roots, and uneven ground. Comfortable footwear makes the visit far more enjoyable.

 

Give yourself time to wander the East Cemetery

The East side is self guided and full of fascinating graves, from Karl Marx to George Eliot. It’s quieter, more reflective, and perfect for slow exploration.

 

Look out for the Victorian symbolism everywhere

Highgate is a masterclass in funerary symbolism. Look for:

 

• Broken columns — a life cut short

• Clasped hands — eternal unity

• Angels with downturned torches — life extinguished

• Ivy — everlasting memory Spotting these adds depth to every monument you pass.

 

 

 

 

Highgate Cemetary