London's Magnificent Seven garden cemeteries are peaceful, history-packed escapes — here are four of the finest.
Highgate Cemetery
Opened in 1839, Highgate is London's most famous cemetery — the Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon lead to the grave of Karl Marx. The West side is tour-only; the East is free to explore.
Kensal Green Cemetery
The oldest of the Magnificent Seven, opened in 1833 as London's first garden cemetery. Engineers and novelists rest here, including Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Wilkie Collins.
Brompton Cemetery
Opened in 1840 and now Grade I listed, Brompton's grand colonnades and catacombs make it one of London's most photogenic burial grounds. Over 200,000 people are buried here.
Abney Park Cemetery
Stoke Newington's wooded Abney Park was Europe's first wholly non-denominational cemetery. Today it's a Local Nature Reserve — a wild, peaceful escape from the city.