Nunhead Cemetery

Lovely place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, magical little pathways amongst singing birds and mysterious gravestones. Perfect for walking your dog and daydreaming along!

It is a beautiful, atmospheric cemetery. The area has been left to go wild. There was nonstop birdsong throughout my walk. Sensible shoes are necessary as it can get very muddy and some areas were slippery. It had rained, and there were deep puddles that stretched across the path. There are lots of smaller paths that wander off into the woods. It is not advisable to leave the pathways as some of the grave areas are unsafe. Pushchairs could be used throughout the main paths of the site. Wheelchairs could be used on most of the main paths. A few were steep and would be difficult to get up, particularly after rain. There are no toilets in the cemetery.

One of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries of London, and it’s easy to see why. It is largely overgrown and unkempt, which adds to the aesthetic and charm of the place. The trees and overgrowth that cling to and throw over the ancient gravestones remind you that we won’t own our physical essence forever, and that dust returns to the dust. It is certainly more interesting than your average clean and sterile burial-ground. A great place to go and explore for a while (or stay forever!)

Nunhead Cemetery, located in London, England, is one of the "Magnificent Seven" cemeteries built in the mid-19th century to alleviate overcrowding in existing parish burial grounds. It opened in 1840 and covers about 52 acres. Designed by James Bunstone Bunning, it was intended as a more landscaped and picturesque burial ground compared to traditional churchyards. It has a diverse array of graves, including notable figures from the Victorian era, and is now a nature reserve and public park. Nunhead Cemetery offers a tranquil and historically rich experience for visitors. Its Gothic architecture, serene pathways, and lush greenery create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and reflection. The cemetery's Victorian-era gravestones and monuments provide insight into the lives of those buried there, including prominent figures from London's past. However, some areas may be overgrown or in need of maintenance, detracting slightly from the overall experience. Despite this, Nunhead Cemetery remains a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Dog-friendly... 🐕

An amazing cemetery. Was here for their open day and it was packed with lots of stalls and entertainment. The cemetery itself is stunning and had a great time walking around discovering lots of hidden graves in the greenery

I had the chance to join a guided tour of Nunhead Cemetery during Open House London, and it was an incredibly interesting experience. The site is beautiful, with shaded paths, impressive Victorian monuments, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection. The guide was outstanding, sharing countless fascinating anecdotes about the cemetery's history, the notable figures buried there, and Nunhead's maritime connections to London. Each stop on the tour was enriched with stories and details that really brought the place to life. One of the highlights was the visit to the crypt, a space rarely open to the public. It was both moving and mysterious, providing a unique insight into Victorian architecture and burial practices. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in London’s history, nature, or simply discovering a remarkable, off-the-beaten-path location.

Nunhead cemetery is a beautiful place to visit if you are not terrified to visit cemeteries! 😁. This is a huge cemetery with a rich wildlife. There are a number of local volunteers and other supporters who are maintaining this place of historical importance.They are conducting cemetery and crypt tours monthly which is really interesting. Also they are keeping safe the graves from nature encroachment. Nunhead cemetery open day is a beautiful event with great public participation.

What a nice place it is. Seems it’s abandoned for so long that there’s a lot of overgrown shrubbery which gives it a unique look different to a lot of other cemeteries. It’s a good place for quiet and disconnected walk. Even though not far from centre London but still this place seems very remote with only the sounds of the birds disrupting the silence. I adore cemeteries and I have the goal of visiting every one in London, however out of all of them Nunhead is different. I adore the wild woodland peppered with gorgeous graves dating back centuries. It’s truly amazing place for a walking trails. A lot of runners, bicycle riders & dog walkers around.

After visiting Peckham Rye Park yesterday, it wasn't too far of a walk to this cemetery. I'm passionate about beautiful cemeteries with gorgeous statuary/etc. and this cemetery doesn't have that type of beauty - but even though some parts of the cemetery are overgrown, the atmosphere is still special and it's also a wonderful place to walk through. We saw several people walking dogs, and I had a great conversation with a neighborhood resident when I was sitting on a bench.

This is still a functioning cemetery so it doesn't have the same vibe than the others but is still worth a look if you're in the area. The cemetery is built on top of the hill so you can have a really nice view from the top. I believe they organized guided tours sometimes during the year, otherwise entrance is free.

If you live in the Nunhead, Peckham area and find yourself in need of some fresh air and a bit of a tramp I'd recommend a wander round Nunhead cemetery. Lovers of classic Gothic Victorian cemetery architecture will no doubt want to come from much further afield for a visit as this, even to my untrained eye, is obviously one of the "jewels in the crown" in terms of London's resting places for the dearly departed. As a chap who likes to stretch his legs, preferably going up some big hill miles from anywhere, I'm always on the look out for a bit of decent urban walking and I stumbled upon Nunhead cemetery a few years ago on a wander up to Brockley and beyond. It's not the kind of place that I would have thought would have any appeal for me but I have become a regular visitor and I probably visit once very couple of months when I want a stroll for an hour or so. It's best approached, I would say, from Linden Grove which is a few minutes' walk from Nunhead Station. This side of the cemetery is basically a nature reserve which is fairly overgrown with crumbling tombs and statues all around. It's very atmospheric and terribly Gothic but nonetheless it makes for an enjoyable ramble. There is also something strange about the light here which helps; having visited during all the seasons I never fail to comment on its unique quality which all adds to a somewhat other worldly experience. You make your way in through a gate at the bottom and then up the slight incline to the ruined chapel, make sure to turn round as you make your way up to take in the stunning views across the London skyline. As you make your way round the cemetery keep your eyes peeled as there are a number of points where you will be treated to some spectacular views across our great city. There are a number of paths to choose from branching off to the left and right but most will, one way or another, enable you to make a round of the cemetery. There is plenty to see as you amble your way round, with lots of interesting flora and fauna if that's your kind of thing otherwise just check out some of the stunning monumental funereal architecture which is pretty stunning. Be warned at the far end of the cemetery it's still fully operational so you will see some freshly dug graves and bang up to date memorial furniture which can be a little strange. Taking a variety of paths and doing a couple of rounds is going to take you probably an hour and a half. It's a popular place particularly in the summer so you will be sharing your walk with a very mixed bag which on an average day would include the dog walkers, families with kids and buggies, the occasional gothic, photography geeks and the odd wino. If you fancy a bite to eat and a cold refreshment after your walk I would recommend a 10 minute stroll down to Nunhead Green where you will find The Old Nun's Head. It's a fine local pub which got a new landlord earlier this year and boy has that made a difference. Excellent range of well-kept ale and tasty, reasonably priced food

Let me just say, I am not reviewing this as a place to be put to rest, but as a place to visit, to relax in and as a place to work off that Sunday lunch. Seems a bit weird giving a review of a cemetery, they are all dull, morose and depressing right? Heeeelll no! This is a fascinating and peaceful place. As one of the 'Magnificent Seven' cemeteries in London, it marked the official boundary of old Victorian London and has the ornately carved tombs that go with it - I dub thee the 'Père Lachaise' of South-East London. In a bit of a sad state of repair in places but this 52 acre site is wonderful place to escape and clear the mind. At the top of one of the hills (take the path on the right as you come through the main gate) there is a vantage point from which you can see right out and across to St Pauls Cathedral. They even keep the trees down at this point and have installed a bench for those with tired legs. Row upon row of headstone march their way out of the bracken, some tripping over exposed tree roots and lay chipped and broken on the ground. These clash in stark contrast with the perfectly maintained tombs of fallen war heroes, all bunched together in plots scattered across the vast area. A strangely lovely place, and a welcome patch of green in the London metropolis.

Nunhead is one of Magnificent Seven Victorian Cemeteries of London. While Abney Park cemetery is the better known, Nunhead is probably the one in better shape. Nunhead is larger, perhaps grander and is the only one of the Magnificent Seven that comes close to matching Abney Park in terms of atmosphere (read:spookiness). It too has the ruins of an Abbey/Chapel near its centre, as well as a large family crypt near the front gates. Part of the cemetery is a nature reserve and much like Abney Park is overgown in tangled plant life. Where Nunhead loses out a bit to Abney Park is the well kept half which is not a nature reserve and more typical cemetery which makes it a bit less of an interesting visit when you step out of the overgrowth onto well kept lawn. Still, it's well worth the journey down South to see the second most atmospheric cemetery in Zone 2. Pros - very atmospheric cemetery - most well preserved and grandest of Magnificent Seven - large and good for long walks Cons - part is a regular cemetery - out of the way, not the easiest to find

If you can find this place - not necessarily an easy task, as most residents arrive i with a chaffeur while clothed in a pine box - well worth a wander round on a brisk autumn morning, if you're at all interested in Victorian Gothic or the social history of London. Having done your wandering, and worked up an appetite, I'd suggest stopping in East Dulwich for a bite to eat.

What an amazing location! I recently saw some site-specific theatre here on a rainy evening. Walking up the hill from the gates right at sunset was spectacular, as was roaming amongst the ruins and pathways through leafy greenery and headstones. I could have wandered for much longer if it hadn't been raining and getting dark fast! (And if the area hadn't been controlled by the piece of theatre!)

Dappled sunlight, ancient graves, scenic views of London Nunhead Cemetery is a brilliant place to let out your inner goth kid while still soaking up some rays. After an extremely relaxing Sunday afternoon stroll through this gloriously green and overgrown old place of rest, this 52-acre South London cemetery is now definitely added near the top of my things-to-do again (and again and again) list. Indeed, if you're keen for a mortality pondering picnic, a fantastic shutter bug day out or an evocatively excellent place to jog or walk the dogs, think Nunhead Cemetery. I'll certainly be back. Although there weren't crowds of visitors when I was there, I have heard it's an especially popular destination. Since its opening in 1840, people literally have been dying to get in (sorry, couldn't resist). By the way, I'm not sure what's up with the "difficult to find" comments in some of the other reviews. The cemetery is a very short and straightforward walk from Brockley Station, and it's not far at all from Nunhead Station either.

Excellent little know public park in Zone 1/2. A wildlife haven with a Commonwealth Graveyard as well. If you are after some quite time you could do no worse then spend an hour or two wondering the park.

Stunning and surprisingly romantic this huge cemetery is over run with wilderness and a photographers heaven! I went on a summer's day just before dusk and took some breath taking photos - it's a lovely place to walk around and to enjoy a quiet but beautiful walk.