
A Tourist’s Guide to Highgate Cemetery: A Walk Among Legends and Mysteries
For those with a taste for history, architecture, and the slightly spooky, Highgate Cemetery is a dream (or nightmare!) come true. Nestled in North London and dating back to 1839, it’s more than just a burial ground—it’s a piece of Victorian history filled with winding paths, crumbling statues, and tales of legendary figures. From Karl Marx to punk icon Malcolm McLaren, this is where the famous, infamous, and extraordinary rest, making it a fascinating visit for any London tourist.

What to Expect
As you enter, expect a landscape with its own unique, eerie beauty. Ivy-wrapped tombs and leaning mausoleums fill the paths, shaded by towering oak and yew trees. Highgate is home to architectural oddities like the Egyptian Avenue, a grand walkway lined with towering stone pillars reminiscent of ancient tombs, and the Circle of Lebanon, where tombs are carved into a hillside circling an ancient cedar tree.
The grounds are filled with Victorian symbolism—winged hourglasses, broken columns, and stoic angels. The West Cemetery, in particular, has an almost theatrical quality, with its intricate stonework, secretive corners, and stories of wandering spirits.
Harry Potter biffs will be familiar with the location as it features in Fantastic Beasts: the Crimes of Grindelwald where it appears as Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Highlights of the Cemetery
There are two sections to visit: the East and West cemeteries. While you can freely wander the East side, the West requires a guided tour, which is highly recommended if you’re keen on hearing the juicier stories behind these stone residents.
- Karl Marx’s Monument: The philosopher’s tomb in the East Cemetery is a massive, imposing granite structure with a bust of Marx and the famous call to arms: “Workers of All Lands Unite.” It’s a popular site for visitors, activists, and admirers alike.
- The Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon: These areas in the West Cemetery are hauntingly beautiful, blending ancient Egyptian and Romanesque architecture. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and ghost-story lovers, with rumors of supernatural sightings around the dark, twisting pathways.
- George Michael’s Grave: The East Cemetery is also the final resting place of singer George Michael. Although his plot is off-limits to the public, fans can often be seen paying quiet homage nearby.
- The Highgate Vampire Legend: Highgate’s more fantastical lore includes the tale of the “Highgate Vampire,” an urban legend from the 1970s. Though likely fiction, the story has attracted ghost hunters and vampire enthusiasts who still hope for a glimpse of the alleged creature haunting the cemetery’s shadows.

Practical Tips
- Book a Tour: The West Cemetery can only be visited with a guide, but the tour is well worth it, filled with fascinating anecdotes about the residents and architecture. Tickets often sell out, so book in advance through the Highgate Cemetery website.
- Dress for the Elements: Highgate can get muddy and slippery, especially on rainy days, so wear sturdy shoes and bring layers if the British weather turns moody.
- Bring a Camera: Photography is allowed, but the ambiance and shadowy beauty are best captured respectfully. Be ready for some photogenic tombs, especially around Egyptian Avenue.

Fascinating Facts
- Crypt Cats and Foxes: Keep your eyes peeled for Highgate’s unofficial residents—a population of cats and foxes roam freely through the cemetery grounds, adding to the magical atmosphere.
- A Victorian Obsession: Highgate Cemetery was part of a 19th-century push to create grand burial spaces outside crowded city limits, reflecting the Victorian fascination with death and the afterlife.
- Famous Writers and Artists: Besides Marx and George Michael, Highgate hosts writers like Douglas Adams, artist Patrick Caulfield, and physicist Michael Faraday.
Highgate Cemetery Opening Hours and Admission
Highgate Cemetery’s East Cemetery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while the West Cemetery is accessible only by guided tour, with tours generally running every hour. Tickets are approximately £4 for the East Cemetery and £12 for the West Cemetery tour, with combination tickets available.
Buy tickets to the Highgate Cemetery tour here.
Getting to Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is located in Highgate Village, accessible by Tube on the Northern Line to Archway Station, followed by a brief bus ride or a 20-minute walk up charming, leafy Highgate Hill.
Final Thoughts
Highgate Cemetery is no ordinary tourist attraction—it’s a historic adventure and an atmospheric walk through time, where every corner holds a reminder of London’s fascinating, sometimes eerie past. Whether you’re there to pay respects, soak up some gothic vibes, or hunt for ghostly lore, Highgate Cemetery delivers a uniquely memorable experience, with each stone and pathway carrying tales of another world. So lace up those walking boots and prepare to meet the legends, mysteries, and spirits of Highgate!