Open:

Saturday 13:00–17:00 + Sunday 13:00–17:00

Description:

Nunhead Cemetery is perhaps the least known, but most attractive, of the great Victorian Cemeteries of London. Consecrated in 1840, it is one of the seven great Victorian cemeteries established in a ring around the outskirts of London. It contains examples of the magnificent monuments erected in memory of the most eminent citizens of the day, which contrast sharply with the small, simple headstones marking common, or public, burials. Its formal avenue of towering limes and the Gothic gloom of the original Victorian planting gives way to paths which recall the country lanes of a bygone era.

Nunhead Cemetery opened in 1840 and is the second largest Victorian cemetery in London. It is listed as Grade II* in English Heritage's 'National Register of Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest', and is a Local Nature Reserve. In 2000 there was an extensive restoration project funded by Southwark Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Fifty memorials were restored along with the beautiful Anglican Chapel designed by Thomas Little, the railings and a number of the main paths.

The combination of the original formal plantings, extensive secondary woodland, and a 'light touch' management scheme that leaves standing and fallen dead wood on site, has lead to a cemetery that hosts over 200 invertebrate species, 120 species of fungi, and many bird species. It has also created a peaceful haven in inner London.

Activities:

Bookstall
Tours of the Cemetery
The Anglican Chapel will be open.
Visits to crypt.
Visits to the coach porch viewing platform (warning - narrow stairs).
Visitors are free to wander round Nunhead Cemetery and enjoy the peace.

Entrance:

Linden Grove (main entrance) and Limesford Road
Nearest postcode: SE15 3LP
Sells tickets.

Buses:

343, P12

Station:

Nunhead

Access:

Paths are wide but many have a gravel surface. Access to the chapel is by ramp. Access to the crypt and viewing platform is via steps. Toilets have step-free access but may be too narrow for some wheelchairs.

Dogs:

Dogs on leads

Conditions:

Please treat graves and any mourners with respect.

Further information:

• Street Map
• Map of nearby gardens
• Garden's web site
• Printable version