cemetery, walk/tour
James Bunstone Bunning and Thomas Little, 1840
Linden Grove, Nunhead, SE15 3LP
Nunhead Cemetery, a Grade II* listed Victorian burial ground, is one of London's Magnificent Seven cemeteries and is of historic and ecological importance. Set on a hillside, its 52 acres of woodland provides a green breathing space offering peace and tranquillity. Imposing tombs contrast with the tumbling headstones and carved angels peer through a covering of ivy. Visits to chapel and crypt.
New Cross Gate, New Cross
Nunhead, Brockley, Peckham Rye
484, P12, 78
Free parking available at Linden Grove gates.
Children must be accompanied by adults for crypt visits. Disabled and pushchair / pram access not available for crypt visits.
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.
The imposing cemetery entrance gates are Grade II listed as are the restored West Lodge and the ruined East Lodge. The East Lodge is currently undergoing full restoration. The Anglican chapel is not normally open to the public and is also Grade II listed. The crypt under the chapel will be open to visitors. The smaller Dissenters chapel was destroyed by bombing in WWII.
On both Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September, 20 minute guided visits to the chapel and crypt will take place at 13.30; 14.15; 15.00; 15.45.
On Saturday 14 September 90 minutes long guided cemetery tours will take place at 14.00 and 15.00.
On Sunday 15 September, a 90 minute long woodland walk will take place at 14.00 and a 90 minute cemetery tour will take place at 15.00.
All tours start at / near Linden Grove entrance to the cemetery
A wide range of publications about the cemetery and those interred there and postcards will be available and are very moderately priced.
Homemade refreshments will be available