Highgate Cemetery, London: A Victorian Gothic Walk

Highgate Cemetery is London at its most Gothic: ivy over tilted headstones, stone angels in the undergrowth and catacombs cut into a hillside. It opened in 1839, fell into decline in the 1970s and was rescued by a charity, the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust. It is still a working cemetery, so visit quietly.

For where to stay and the rest of your trip, see the London guide.

West and East: two cemeteries, one ticket

Highgate is split by Swain's Lane into two sides. The official site says one admission ticket covers both for the whole day, and both have been open to explore at your own pace since 2020.

• The West side is the original Victorian cemetery and the dramatic one, with steep paths and very little seating. Its best-known features are the Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon. Guided tours of about 75 minutes focus on its highlights and are recommended for a first visit.
• The East side, opened in 1854, is gentler: no steps and mostly tarmac paths, so it is easier for wheelchair users. It holds the tomb of Karl Marx, along with writers such as George Eliot and Douglas Adams.

Plan the visit

• Hours: 10am to 5pm from March to October, 10am to 4pm from November to February, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Late October falls in the earlier light, so go in the morning or early afternoon.
• Book online: tour dates are released four weeks ahead and October fills up.
• Rules: stay on the paths, do not climb on monuments and keep photography handheld and personal.
• Getting there: there is no visitor parking. Archway station on the Northern line is a common start, followed by an uphill walk.

Walk on to Hampstead Heath

After the cemetery, walk through Waterlow Park next door and up to Highgate Village for lunch. With energy left, carry on to Hampstead Heath and the view from Parliament Hill as the light goes. It is a hilly half day, so wear proper shoes.

Stop	Why
Highgate Cemetery, West	Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon
Highgate Cemetery, East	Karl Marx and a gentler walk
Waterlow Park and Highgate Village	Lunch and a breather
Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath	The London skyline at dusk

For more eerie ideas, read how to plan a spooky after-dark city walk.