I have been surprised by the number of people I've found who share my interest in visiting cemeteries in "old" cities for their historic and aesthetic value(s). I'll be back in London later this year and, having visited Highgate and Kensal Green, I'm wondering if any of you might suggest other's of interest? Guidbooks don't seem to help much. Last trip we read how wonderful Bunhill Cemetery was, only to find it a fraction of its original size and somewhat restrictive, with fenced paths which don't allow one to really read most of the monuments. Highgate and Kensal were impressive, to say the least. Any other suggestions?

Hi DiAblo, I can't answer your question but I wondered if you could answer mine about Highgate. Did you do the west cemetery tour and if so did you have to book far in advance?

Never been to any London cemeteries, personally, but I Googled 'London cemeteries' and found some websites of interest:

http://www.gendocs.demon.co.uk/cem.html

http://www.suebailey.net/cemetery/

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fa...;FScountryid=5

http://www.chriswillis.freeserve.co....cemeteries.htm

I can't help DiAblo, because the only two I have visited were Highgate and Kensal Green. But I would have thought that Brompton Cemetery would be the next logical on the list.

For Tudorprincess, we just walked up 15 minutes before tour time. There were enough volunteer guides hanging around in anticipation of visitors that they could have handled a fairly large number.

tudorprincess...I have never had to book a tour. I've been to Highgate many times, the last time was two years ago, and we just called FRIENDS OF HIGHGATE and got the schedule. It is limeted in the winter months with tours, I think, only on the weekends. Our favorite guide was a fellow named Francis, who actually looks and talks a bit like Boris Karloff!

Last time I took two American friends who are seasoned London travellers but who'd never been to Highgate. Both later told their families that it was the highlight of the trip!

It was springtime and the cemetery was rampant with flora and butterlies. In fact it is said that the only place with more butterlies in England is Kew Garden.

Don't skip the east side of the cemetery. It is not as old and ornate as the west side but it is certainly interesting in it's own right.

Sorry I can't recall what the charge was for the tour, actually rather steep for no longer than it is, but still for the very worthy cause of preserving one of London's most unique spots.

I just looked for the telephone nimber for the FRIENDS OF HIGHGATE and can't find it...but it is certainly in the telephone book.

Of course, "the only place with more butterlies in England is Kew Garden" should have read BUTTERFLIES. So much for proof-reading.

Thanks for the info. I found their web site. Here it is for anyone else who might be interested.
http://highgate-cemetery.org/index.asp