Why we charge

At Highgate Cemetery, we ask our sightseeing visitors to contribute an entrance fee to safeguard its future

Highgate Cemetery is still a working cemetery as well as being a popular heritage destination for visitors from all around the world.

Following the collapse of its private owners, Highgate Cemetery was rescued by a charity, the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust. The Trust receives virtually no government funding and must raise all its own income. It costs at least £1.4 million a year to keep the Cemetery open. And that's before spending on our major programme of conservation and improvements for which we have secured some funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

While bereaved people visiting graves may obtain a free pass from the grave owner, we are extremely grateful to all those who make a paying visit to Highgate Cemetery. Not only do you get to see a beautiful and fascinating place, but the entrance ticket helps keep us open. You will not only have a great experience, but your visit will enable others to share that experience in the future.

Our chapel is free to visit, set aside for private prayer and contemplation throughout the day. We have social programmes with local schools and charities who benefit from free or reduced-price entry. 

Thank you for helping to keep our gates open.