GEORGE MICHAEL’S GRAVE IS IN A PRIVATE PART OF THE CEMETERY WHICH IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO VISITORS.
We rely on the entrance charges you pay to enable us to maintain and enhance Highgate Cemetery. Unlike most cemeteries, we are not run or funded by a local council. All the funds we raise are devoted to the preservation of the cemetery: we don’t make a profit.
Chapel redecoration
Restoration of Otway
Repairs to damaged and dangerous monuments in East Cemetery
Completion of West Cemetery north boundary wall
Rebuilding of staff facilities in East Cemetery after arson
Drainage and resurfacing of Cuttings Road
Terrace catacombs roof repair
Completion of repairs to south boundary walls
Europa Nostra award for conservation of Lebanon Circle
Conservation of Lebanon Circle
Restoration of Colonnade
Staff accommodation built in East Cemetery
Restoration of Julius Beer Mausoleum
Conservation of Egyptian Avenue
Restoration of terrace catacombs completed
Restoration of Chapels; one used as office for the Friends
Forecourt paved with setts
Small staff appointed to run the cemetery
Manpower Services Commission project of building restoration and landscape development
Strathcona mausoleum restored
Freehold of the Cemetery obtained
Plan to create a managed woodland rather than restoration
Friends of Highgate Cemetery founded
Open daily except Christmas day and Boxing day. Different opening arrangements apply to the East and West. The hours below are those for March to October.
The East Cemetery is where Karl Marx is buried. Visitors may roam freely on this side, but there is an entrance charge.
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm last admission 4.30pm
Weekends and public holidays: 11am to 5pm last admission 4.30pm
We may close for short periods to facilitate funerals. In addition, for your safety, strong winds or icy weather may occasionally require us to close the cemetery to visitors.
Admission: £4 adults, children under 18 and Members free. School groups £1 per child.
Find out more about the East Cemetery including our occasional tours.
Admission to the West Cemetery is by guided tour only. For further information and to book, see the 'Tours' section at Visit > West Cemetery
Planning ahead?
From March to October inclusive the East Cemetery closes at 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm, and at weekends the last West tour of the day leaves at 4pm. From November to February inclusive the East Cemetery closes at 4pm, with last admission at 3.30pm, and at weekends the last West tour of the day leaves at 3pm.
Our address is Highgate Cemetery, Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ
Download our handy map
ARCHWAY tube, High Barnet branch, Northern line. (Don’t go to Highgate tube – it's a much longer walk!). Take the Highgate Hill exit. Then either take a bus (210,143, 271) two stops to Waterlow Park or walk up Highgate Hill. It’s then a very pleasant five minute stroll through Waterlow Park to our gates.
The tube system is often affected by engineering works and station closures. Please check your journey in advance at www.tfl.gov.uk.
C2 stops at Parliament Hill Fields. C11 stops at Brookfield Park. Buses 143, 210 and 271 stop at Waterlow Park on Highgate Hill.
There is no off-street visitor parking. Parking restrictions are in place on the surrounding streets between 10am and 12 noon Monday to Friday. After those times and at weekends, on-street parking is free.
Note that there is no access to Swain’s Lane from the north.
There is a bicycle rack outside the West Cemetery gates.
Email info@highgatecemetery.org
To find out whether someone is buried here, go to Searches
Monday to Friday
General enquiries 020 8340 1834
Burials, memorials, grave ownership 020 8347 2471
Filming or photography requests 020 8347 2472
Group visits 020 8347 2475
Volunteering 020 8347 2474
The cemetery can get muddy underfoot, so do wear sensible shoes.
Still photography of graves is allowed for personal use only. We don't allow the cemetery to be used as a backdrop for unrelated subjects such as fashion shoots. No video. You can use a tripod, but not on tours.
No animals are permitted with the exception of assistance dogs.
Visitors to the West cemetery should be aware that the paths are steep, and the tour route also includes two flights of stairs. The East cemetery is on a gentler slope with no steps and predominantly tarmac paths and is more easily wheelchair accessible. A small amount of disabled parking is available outside the cemetery’s entrance on Swain’s Lane. There is a disabled toilet in the West Cemetery. For further information, please contact the office in advance of your visit.
You can download a full set of our rules here.
© 2017 Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust. Registered Charity No. 1058392. Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No. 3157806. Registered office Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ