Highgate Cemetery — Attraction in London

Highgate Cemetery is on the "Magnificent Seven", i.e. one of seven large cemeteries around London planned and built in the mid 19th century. Highgate opened in 1839, a number of notable artists, writers, philosophers & politicians are buried here. There are 53,000 graves. The cemetery is divided into two areas: Éast and West. Both can be visited together, or separately - but the West Cemetery is only accessible by guided tour; the entry price is higher, but already includes the ticket for the East Cemetery.

East Cemetery (UKP 4,- entry/adult), where Karl Marx is buried, can be visited without a guide. At the entrance you'll be given a map that points you towards the "notable" graves. The fee is modest, as you can spend 2-3 hours walking among the graves or simply strolling through the park-like shrubbery. Karl Marx is the "star", so gets the "Grade A Corpse Treatment", monument and an isolated spot included. Marx was originally put in a much more modest grave a couple of minutes away. Other important people include writer Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), George Eliot, Alan Sillitoe, and Anthony Shaffer (Sleuth), actor Sir Ralph Richardson, biologist Herbert Spencer, or punk impresario Malcolm McLaren.

But is is equally rewarding to just go "tombstone spotting" - find attractive headstones and mausoleums whether the people laid there were famous or not. And there are many, although Highgate may not be as opulent and elegant as some cemeteries in France e.g. are.

Or walk through the grounds quietly and just absorb the melancholic atmosphere as a means of relaxing from the constant noise and pushiness of central London.

To get to Highgate by public transportation, the easiest way is to take the Underground to "Archway" station and then walk for about 15 minutes up the hill and through the scenic, adjacent Waterlow Park...

Venturing into Highgate Cemetery is like stepping into a living chapter of London's history. Established in 1839 as a solution to the city's overflowing parish burial grounds, this cemetery has grown to be so much more than its initial purpose.

Enveloped in Victorian Gothic elegance, every statue, tomb, and mausoleum tells a unique story, encapsulating the design aesthetics of a bygone era. The West Cemetery, with its older, historical plots, is an architectural wonder, urging visitors to dive deep into the annals of time through guided tours. Meanwhile, the East Cemetery, home to the iconic Karl Marx, invites reflective self-guided strolls.

Yet, amidst the silent stories of celebrated personalities like George Eliot and Michael Faraday, the true charm of Highgate lies in its ethereal intertwining of nature and sculpture. The wild overgrowth, a serene reminder of nature's reclaiming power, has transformed this resting place into a haven for city-weary souls and curious wildlife alike.

The ongoing efforts of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust breathe life into this heritage site, ensuring its tales of yore remain alive and are passed on to newer generations. Their dedicated preservation work and enlightening tours provide visitors with insights into changing societal attitudes towards death and memorialization.

In a bustling city like London, Highgate Cemetery stands as a serene reminder of the intertwining of life, death, art, and legacy. It's not merely a place to remember the departed but an invitation to reflect upon the rich tapestry of life itself. A must-visit for anyone looking to find a tranquil corner steeped in history and...

The guided tour on the west side of Highgate Cemetery was a delight. The volunteer guide had an impressive knowledge and a wonderful sense of humour. I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Since the number of places in each group is limited, it's recommended to book in advance.

As the tour is only available in English, a good knowledge of the language is very helpful to fully enjoy it.

Highgate Cemetery itself divides into the older west side and the "younger" east side. Both are historical, the westside contains the famous Egyptian Avenue and many remarkable graves. Considering the age of the place, everything is highly symbolic and the tour guide explained everything in detail and entertainingly. For me, the cemetery is one of London's most remarkable historic heritage.

A good guide book is also available for purchase at the entrances.

As it's run by volunteers, it's understandable, that there is a reasonable entrance fee. I found it totally worth the entrance fee.

If you book a guided tour of the west side, the ticket includes the entrance for the east side (with the grave of Karl Marx) and a handy map showing the locations of the sides of the graves of famous people.

Overall, it's a historical and peaceful place, where you can learn a lot about history and funeral customs of the victorian age. The atmosphere is unique and the Cemetery has been a filming location for good reasons.

The work of the society that runs this place is impressive, and I've been grateful for their efforts in preserving that unique place...