Highgate Cemetery

When burial conditions in London became intolerable in the early 19th Century, Parliament authorised the creation of seven private cemeteries within the periphery of inner London. One of the so-called "Magnificent Seven", Highgate Cemetery is the one that Time Out recommends if you only have time for one. Rather handy as it's the one I have been to so far.

I visited it with My Most Delicious Friend Regina Silverspoon ®. On the way, we passed by Holly Village which is a group of eclectic Gothic cottages built in 1865 for Baroness Burdett-Coutts' retired servants. We are sure that vampires live there, but despite that, or perhaps because of that, I recommend that you do the same. It has a wonderfully eery feeling about it, particularly on a cold, grey and wet day.

The cemetery itself is really quite beautiful and not creepy at all. The tour guide is very knowledgeable about the cemetery's inhabitants and history and was happy to answer any number of questions. As I recall he seemed rather disappointed when there weren't any. It was on this tour that I learned where the expression "takes your fancy" comes from, or more accurately "your fancy takes you". You shall have to take the tour to find out (unless you Google it, but good luck with that).

The grounds are covered with old trees, stumps and bushes and is set over many levels, so you will have to remove your stilettos, and if it's been raining, wear shoes with traction. With tombs, vaults, mausoleums and gravestones, and some of the most interesting names, this place is fascinating. Some famous-like people buried here include Michael Faraday, Karl Marx, George Eliot, Christina Rossetti and Douglas Adams.

Where: Swains Lane, N6.
More: http://www.highgate-cemetery.org/