Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery
4.5
About
Beautiful Victorian cemetery near to Hampstead Heath. Highgate Cemetery has some of the finest funerary architecture in the country. It is a place of peaceful contemplation where trees, memorials and wildlife flourish.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Amanda DOrlando, Florida9 contributionsBringing the dead to life!Nicola is absolutely amazing! She answered every question and truly knew the ins and outs of every bit of this massive cemetery. We did the Highlights tours and I would easily do it again! Could spend the whole day there! There's so many intricate and ornate gravestones to see. Definitely worth it!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
- Barb F50 contributionsUnique Glimpse into a Beautiful Cemetery.Fascinating tour with Elizabeth which highlighted some interesting grave sites as well as the history of the cemetery and various traditions in burial ceremonies. Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaged group members in discussion. Really enjoyed seeing the small details of some headstones and learning about their significance. Purchased the tour guide book as a nice momento. Highly recommend this tour. Very unique.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2023
- AliceEdinburgh, United Kingdom9 contributionsFascinating place to visitExcellent, interesting and engaging tour with our guide Julia. It was fascinating to hear about the history of the cemetery and some of it’s inhabitants. What an amazing place! Would definitely recommend a visit and the tour adds so much to the experience.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 October 2023
- GeoffDTewkesbury, United Kingdom5 contributionsLight hearted and informative tourA really enjoyable tour of the West (Victorian) cemetery guided by a very knowledgeable and effusive lady. A lot to see and learn about the history of the cemetery and our guide gave an amusing slant to things. Highlight for me was seeing Michael Faraday’s grave.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2023
- Stuart MWillesden, United Kingdom6 contributionsPeter my manEasily one the best tours I’ve done in my life. Our tour guide, Peter, was very knowledgable and charismatic and highly amplified the experience. If you are going to visit you should 100% get the tour. We got the west side tour and I’d recommend this one.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- London84London, United Kingdom34 contributionsTour guide is a must!!!!Highgate Cemetery is a treasure trove of history, and I highly recommend opting for a guided tour to truly immerse yourself in the stories behind its 53,000 graves and 170,000 burials. By doing so, you not only gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of lives laid to rest here but also contribute to the preservation of this invaluable historic site, as its maintenance is solely funded by visitor contributions. Our guide, Julia Johnson, was exceptional. Her profound knowledge and passion for the cemetery's history brought each tale to life, making our visit both informative and captivating.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 October 2023
- K S7 contributionsHighlights tour at the Highgate CemetaryI highly recommend visiting Highgate cemetery and if you can request which guide you get for the Highlights tour, request Julia. She is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor which was perfectly suited for this type of tour. The grounds are beautiful and you learn a lot of very interesting facts about the people who are buried there as well as the time period in which the cemetery was first established. 10/10 recommend!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2023
- carolinehU1866LQBenfleet, United Kingdom2 contributionsAn amazing place to visitAn amazing place to visit. I can highly recommend taking a guided tour of the west side of Highgate Cemetery. Our tour guide, John, was extremely informative, passionate, knowledgeable and funny. I would definitely visit again.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Paula J1 contributionWhat a great London experienceThis was a really good value, fascinating , and informative tour. Our guide knew so many Interesting stories and told them in a very captivating way. He welcomed questions and answered with great stories and local colour. We got a real feel for what the original cemetery was like in the early Victorian times, and also the changes since it fell into disrepair. It is also a very beautiful cemetery and you get a lot of peace walking around it afterwards. In addition, there are many interesting people there. I cannot recommend this more highly. My friends and I will go backVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 October 2023
- Hannah W12 contributionsExcellent day out, 100% worth itIt was so wonderful to go on a tour led by Angie, her passion for the cemetery really came across and she gave a wonderful tour. My mum who is a cemetery enthusiast really had the best day and was sad we didn't spend the entire day there. We will definitely be backVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 October 2023
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4.5
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Oliver
London2 contributions
Jan 2020
Our tour of the West Cemetery was fascinating, made remarkable by the knowledge and expertise of our tour guide Peter Mills, who was truly excellent.
From start to finish, we were captivated by Peter's guide to the history of Highgate Cemetery. Drawing upon his insights and experience as a historian and his superb skills as a public speaker, Peter set the scene, explaining the people who built, visited and are buried in the Cemetery in a way which immersed us in their times and the values with which they lived. We were particularly impressed with the attention and recognition Peter gave to the finer details of people's lives during the tour. Peter's profound accounts of the individual stories of the famous, controversial, every day and less fortunate people who are buried there, really brought the manner and places in which these individuals are buried and the age in which they lived to life (no mean feat in a graveyard). By the end of the tour, we were enthralled.
Our visit has been one of the best historical tours we have taken in the UK and we would thoroughly recommend a visit to the Cemetery.
From start to finish, we were captivated by Peter's guide to the history of Highgate Cemetery. Drawing upon his insights and experience as a historian and his superb skills as a public speaker, Peter set the scene, explaining the people who built, visited and are buried in the Cemetery in a way which immersed us in their times and the values with which they lived. We were particularly impressed with the attention and recognition Peter gave to the finer details of people's lives during the tour. Peter's profound accounts of the individual stories of the famous, controversial, every day and less fortunate people who are buried there, really brought the manner and places in which these individuals are buried and the age in which they lived to life (no mean feat in a graveyard). By the end of the tour, we were enthralled.
Our visit has been one of the best historical tours we have taken in the UK and we would thoroughly recommend a visit to the Cemetery.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foodlover1108
Vaduz, Liechtenstein100 contributions
May 2021
Highgate cemetery was on our list of 'places to see in London' for some time and we finally managed to visit in May 2021. Having pre-booked tickets online (you need to decide on a timed entry but can arrive 15mins early or 30mins late) we initially visited the East side (where amongst others, you can find Karl Marx' burial places). It's a magical, tranquil place where you can wander around on your own (aided by a free map at the entrance). Tickets are £4.5 per person (and give you access to both parts of the cemetery). The very friendly volunteers suggested we also take a guided tour for the West side of the cemetery and managed to find us two places for the next tour (which is just under £10 per person). Angie, our exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide then took us on a walk around this older part of the cemetery. Her explanations and pointers were incredibly useful and we would have missed so much without her guidance. We would highly recommend to book the guided tour when visiting Highgate for the first time and are really grateful to all the volunteers for the brilliant work, advice and just being generally super helpful. We'll certainly visit again!
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robertmoffett
Belvidere, IL480 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We spent a few hours visiting Highgate, walking the winding paths and taking a docent led tour (fee required and booked online) with guide “Martin.” Marin did an excellent job, was funny and relayed insightful information about the cemetery and some of the people buried therein. We enjoyed our time here and highly recommend visiting— we would return.
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
London, UK338 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Top tip I would give is to book in advance!! I had the misfortune of making a trek to the Highgate cemetery only to find it was tour only and that it had sold out on that day.
The woman at the west cemetery was not very helpful and very sharp with me and a friend. We paid entry to the west side only for that day despite her impatient manner and accusations that my debit card wasn't working because it didn't go through on contactless Given it was not busy her attitude really didn't make sense. It almost stopped me returning, but the history had me intrigued.
Thank goodness I didn't let first impressions ruin the cemetery. I decided to book the tour which included both sides of the cemetery. The tour guide was very friendly and informative. I learned a great deal of history regarding death and burial throughout the years.
The cemetery on the east is well worth the cost and visit. There is infact one part of the cemetery used in the fantastic beasts movies.
Would love to explore the history further and learn more about it's history. Each grave seemed to tell a story.
The woman at the west cemetery was not very helpful and very sharp with me and a friend. We paid entry to the west side only for that day despite her impatient manner and accusations that my debit card wasn't working because it didn't go through on contactless Given it was not busy her attitude really didn't make sense. It almost stopped me returning, but the history had me intrigued.
Thank goodness I didn't let first impressions ruin the cemetery. I decided to book the tour which included both sides of the cemetery. The tour guide was very friendly and informative. I learned a great deal of history regarding death and burial throughout the years.
The cemetery on the east is well worth the cost and visit. There is infact one part of the cemetery used in the fantastic beasts movies.
Would love to explore the history further and learn more about it's history. Each grave seemed to tell a story.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia
Greater London, UK254 contributions
Jun 2020
Highgate Cemetery is one of the Magnificant Seven private cemeteries around London. These cemeteries were built to alleviate overcrowding in existing parish grounds. The west cemetery was opened in 1939 and the east was opened in 1854.
When I visited, only the east cemetery was opened - note that, at this stage, you have to pre book a timed ticket online. You can prebook when you get there but you risk that time being fully booked.
The east cemetery was beautiful. The graves had that overgrown feeling, with plants every where which, if anything, added to the beauty of the place. I enjoyed (as much as you can in a cemetery) finding 'famous graves'. Karl Marx's grave is hard to miss as it's so huge. However, his original grave was slightly more hidden away (get the right path and pay attention to the graves - then you'll see it). Also, Douglas Adams (aka Hitchhitkers Guide to the Galaxy author) was buried here. If you're looking for his grave - follow the map at the entrance and look beyond the first row.
Some of the gravestones where very different to what you'd expect to see so they are well worth the very cheap entry fee. For example, check out the Caulfield gravestone.
When I visited, only the east cemetery was opened - note that, at this stage, you have to pre book a timed ticket online. You can prebook when you get there but you risk that time being fully booked.
The east cemetery was beautiful. The graves had that overgrown feeling, with plants every where which, if anything, added to the beauty of the place. I enjoyed (as much as you can in a cemetery) finding 'famous graves'. Karl Marx's grave is hard to miss as it's so huge. However, his original grave was slightly more hidden away (get the right path and pay attention to the graves - then you'll see it). Also, Douglas Adams (aka Hitchhitkers Guide to the Galaxy author) was buried here. If you're looking for his grave - follow the map at the entrance and look beyond the first row.
Some of the gravestones where very different to what you'd expect to see so they are well worth the very cheap entry fee. For example, check out the Caulfield gravestone.
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love to Travel
Potters Bar, UK804 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Came here on a Sunday, this worked well as we were able to park in the street.
We had booked a tour of the west cemetery and the ticket includes entrance to the east.
The tour was well worth it, being informative without being too long or boring.
The cemetery had been left to ruin and alot of work is being done to restore it, hopefully they won't go too far and make it too clinical, as it is there is a good mix of restored areas alongside the overgrown and wonky.
After the tour you can wander freely round the west side, paper maps are available to guide you round. We then made a brief visit to the east. This is newer and less overgrown and here you are left to find your way around by yourself.
East tickets are available at a lower cost, but the west is more beautiful in my opinion
We had booked a tour of the west cemetery and the ticket includes entrance to the east.
The tour was well worth it, being informative without being too long or boring.
The cemetery had been left to ruin and alot of work is being done to restore it, hopefully they won't go too far and make it too clinical, as it is there is a good mix of restored areas alongside the overgrown and wonky.
After the tour you can wander freely round the west side, paper maps are available to guide you round. We then made a brief visit to the east. This is newer and less overgrown and here you are left to find your way around by yourself.
East tickets are available at a lower cost, but the west is more beautiful in my opinion
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason.O
Blackpool, UK231 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I had no idea what to expect!
I had seen this cemetery many times on TV and always fancied having a look.
I turned up thinking I could just walk in and have a mooch around, that'll teach me for not researching in advance.
I was a bit sceptical about a 'Tour' around a cemetery but as it was the only way, and I had walked up quite a steep hill to get there I thought 'What the hell'
It was worth every penny!
The American, volunteer guide was funny and knowledgeable with some great stories to tell about the graves, history and architecture.
I know this kind of thing isn't for everyone but if it is your kind of thing...You'll love it!
I had seen this cemetery many times on TV and always fancied having a look.
I turned up thinking I could just walk in and have a mooch around, that'll teach me for not researching in advance.
I was a bit sceptical about a 'Tour' around a cemetery but as it was the only way, and I had walked up quite a steep hill to get there I thought 'What the hell'
It was worth every penny!
The American, volunteer guide was funny and knowledgeable with some great stories to tell about the graves, history and architecture.
I know this kind of thing isn't for everyone but if it is your kind of thing...You'll love it!
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orion M
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I'll start with some information about actually getting to the cemetery. We took the tube from Euston to Archway, after taking a decent walk from Marleybone to Euston. Euston is going through some renovations because of HS2 currently, so getting inside was a little awkward. From Euston we reached archway and took a long walk uphill passing through a nice park on the way up, there is also a McDonald's on the way up and a few pubs. I recommend that people give themselves a decent length of time to walk to Highgate cemetery due to the hill. Also there is a park on the way if you go with children and need to entertain them. It was easy entering the cemetery especially since we pre-booked the whole visit. We only entered the east cemetery as our main focus was to visit Marx. We didn't take a guided tour. It was fun, of course it was fun, we were visiting the main man Marx, the guy who wrote a revolutionary manifesto. He surprisingly buried with a few family members and surrounding the grave there are many other graves belonging to socialists. I advise visitors to take a walk all around the cemetery as the statues are really nice to look at. Anyhow I think I've talked for long enough, I do recommend a visit. I'd first heard about the gravesite from Abroad in Japan, a YouTube channel which made a doccumentary about his friend Natsuki. I do recommend visiting marx, ironically or unironically it is still worthwhile.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joasi23
South Yorkshire, UK2,020 contributions
May 2022
First of all, the volunteer manning the desk today ( 14 may ) deserves employer of the month or whatever recognition is going ! What an enthusiastic, friendly guy, a wonderful start to the visit. He provided lots of local info for us ( the 2 ladies from up north ) and was a joy to talk to ,
Now….the graveyard itself, it’s exactly as you hope it will be, so atmospheric. I have visited many graveyards , and this exceeds them all, even the one in Glasgow and New Orleans . The huge mausoleums are fascinating but every twisting path leads to something of interest. One regret, due to time limitations we did not do the guided tour so we relied on the free guide, and I do think that was a mistake. The history and stories attached to the site would have been fascinating ,
Anyone travelling from kings cross it was a straight forward walk from archway tube station , through Waterlow park . Bout 20 mins
Now….the graveyard itself, it’s exactly as you hope it will be, so atmospheric. I have visited many graveyards , and this exceeds them all, even the one in Glasgow and New Orleans . The huge mausoleums are fascinating but every twisting path leads to something of interest. One regret, due to time limitations we did not do the guided tour so we relied on the free guide, and I do think that was a mistake. The history and stories attached to the site would have been fascinating ,
Anyone travelling from kings cross it was a straight forward walk from archway tube station , through Waterlow park . Bout 20 mins
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarrieD60763
New York City, NY5 contributions
Dec 2019
Guided tour (and East cemetery after). My teens loved it. Educational, cool, spooky, unusual, insta-worthy (important for the teens), informed, thought-provoking, casual. And very inexpensive :) Worth exploring the ancient villages of Highgate (5 mins walk), especially the many olde pubs (alcohol drinking not required), and Hampstead (ditto on the pubs). Go via the Spaniards pub (between Highgate and Hampstead) if possible.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wil have limited time at the cemetery before I have to head to Heathrow for a flight. If I just pay for a ticket to explore the west side, (without the guided tour) is there a map available that points out the famous graves?
Written 8 September 2024
Yes there is a map with key graves marked.
Written 26 October 2024
Nel mese di febbraio il cimitero è aperto? Stavo provando a prenotare un tour , acquistando i biglietti per visitare la parte West sul sito ma non è possibile selezionare le date.
Written 26 December 2019
Yes we are. Tickets go on sale 5 weeks in advance.
Written 27 December 2019
Hola la entrada de puede comprar allí mismo o hace falta sacarla por Internet
Written 8 October 2019
Pues es mejor sacarla por la web para la visita guiada porque tiene cupo limitado.los guías son voluntarios y muy entregados.no suspenden si llueve, o sea que es conveniente mirar las previsiones e ir preparado para la lluvia
Written 9 October 2019
How long do you reckon you need comfortably to look around Highgate cemetery?
Written 4 June 2019
The tour of the west side itself (which you shouldn’t miss) will take about 1.5 hours. Then your own viewing of the east side, which is just as big, is of course up to you. I’d say at least hour, depending on how you usually contemplate yourself through cemeteries. And if you are tubing it, you’ll need to walk up a fairly hefty hill. It isn’t super far, but will take you 15-20 minutes to walk. And then a lovely 10 minute stroll through a park at the top just to get to the cemetery gates. Driving of course will be different. But in foot, if you through in a coffee or a beer into your post-itinerary it’ll take you even longer. First tour on Sat was 10 am if I remember correctly and I wasn’t back at the tube station till 1:30. All being said, if you have the time, absolutely do it. It is a fascinating look at Victorian stones, and our tour guide was SUPER informative. Hope that is helpful. Cheers.
Written 5 June 2019
I am trying to decide whether to book the 11am tour or the 1:45pm tour. How long did you spend there? The sun sets at 4:30pm when we will be going in January and I want to make sure we have enough time?
Written 18 December 2018
I would book the earlier tour - then you will have lots of time to explore the East Cemetery too!
Written 19 December 2018
Hi. I booked an evening guided tour for the West Cemetery, I know it takes about 70 minutes. Since I’d like to visit the East Cemetery as well first, could you please tell me how long it takes to have a walk around the East side?
I know it depends on you, but just to have an idea?
Thanks a lot!
Written 18 July 2018
You can easily cover the east side in 30-45 minutes, it is a lot smaller and more modern. There are some iconic graves of importance, but so much of an architectural significance. There is a very useful map at the gate showing the historical people buried there.
Written 18 July 2018
Could someone recommend a tour company to go with too the cemetery
Thanks
Written 11 April 2018
The cemetery is divided into East and West sections. The East section is open to the public, but also offers occasional guided tours. The West section is ONLY open via a guided tour conducted by an official Highgate volunteer. You can book these tours via the website or at the onsite ticket office. We took the West section guided tour and it's definitely worth the time and cost.
Written 13 April 2018
My Great Grandmother is buried in the East Cemetery, will I have to pay for 4 of us to pay our respect.
Written 15 August 2017
I believe so, though if you speak to someone at the gate, I would imagine they'd be accommodating. The price to ender the East side is around 4-8 pounds, from what I recall.
Written 22 August 2017
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