The magnificent "seven cemeteries" in London that you simply must see

Back in the early 1800s, the rapid growth of London's population proved too much for the city's burial grounds, which were literally overflowing with bodies. Subsequently, inspired by the success of Paris' stunning Père Lachaise cemetery over the English Channel, the British Parliament decided to create a number of private cemeteries in London , located virtually outside the center. Over the next decade, seven such cemeteries were built. Their name? Yes, you guessed it - the Magnificent Seven cemeteries:

1. Highgate Cemetery , Highgate

Photo: Nick Garrod

Kicking off this selection of the Magnificent Seven Cemeteries in London that you simply must visit is one of the most famous cemeteries on Earth, let's be honest. Highgate is a truly mesmerizing place to wander around, and the graves and mausoleums draped in abundant foliage are where funeral home architects let their imaginations run wild .

In the Western Cemetery, the Egyptians' fascination with the Victorian era has resulted in the stunning Egyptian Avenue, as well as numerous impressive tombs. The equally impressive Lebanon Circle has appeared in many Instagram photos in recent years. Less beautiful but much more creepy (and presumably haunted by a tall sinister ghoul with bright red eyes) are the underground catacombs of Terrace - so only enter there if you dare !

As if that wasn't enough, you can also come across the graves of celebrities, the most famous of which is the famous German philosopher Karl Marx .

Highgate Cemetery is located at Swains Lane, London, N6 6PJ.

🚇 The nearest station is Archway.

2. Brompton Cemetery, Fulham

Photo: Guy William, Shutterstock

The stunning Grade I-listed Brompton Cemetery near Kensington is home to more than 200,000 people whose graves are commemorated by an array of elaborate memorials, including towering columns and mourning angels. Emmeline Pankhurst, a courageous suffragette leader who fought hard for women's right to vote , and Dr. John Snow, whose pioneering work established that cholera was spread through water, are also interred here .

As well as the exquisite architecture, there's an abundance of wildlife and a small café on the northern edge - the perfect place to grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake after a walk.

Brompton Cemetery is located at Fulham Road, London, SW10 9UG.

🚇 The nearest station is West Brompton.

3. Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke-Newington

Photo: Davide Simonetti, Flickr

Another of the "Magnificent Seven" of London cemeteries, Ebney Park is a really lovely place to walk around, being a cemetery and all. Strolling along the crooked paths and amongst the vast thickets of trees, you'll find stunning Victorian architecture and a rather lovely chapel in the center of the park.

It's also a local wildlife sanctuary, and everything from great spotted woodpeckers to sparrowhawks and even tawny owls can be found here! Like Brompton, 200,000 people are buried here and there are regular events such as guided walks and even 'ghost walks'. Whoops!

Abney Park Cemetery is located at 215 Stoke Newington High Street, London, N16 0LH.

🚇 The nearest station is Stoke Newington.

4. Kensal Green Cemetery , Kensal Green

Photo: Mihai -MdM- Mihalache, Shutterstock

Established back in 1832, Kensal Green was the first garden cemetery and also the first of the 'Magnificent Seven'. Often referred to as "The Common Cemetery of All Souls", this burial ground is the final resting place for hundreds of different people, from princes to paupers, writers and actors, engineers and artists and so on .

Other famous names include writers William Makepeace Thackeray and Wilkie Collins, and engineer Charles Babbage, who is famous for inventing the first automatic digital computer! At the very center of the cemetery is the Anglican Chapel, which has several tombs and even a creepy catacomb hidden underneath. It ' s best to bring along the company of . ..

Kensal Green Cemetery is located at Harrow Road, London, W10 4RA.

🚇 The nearest station is Kensal Green.

5. Nunhead Cemetery, Nunhead

Photo: Alexey Fedorenko, Shutterstock

Heading south from the river, towards the outskirts of Peckham, you'll find yourself at Nunhead Cemetery - arguably the most attractive of all seven of the "Magnificent Seven Cemeteries " (okay, as a resident of South East London I may be biased).

Covering 52 acres, it is the second largest of the seven cemeteries, and only reopened in 2001 after a long period of closure. Given that it is perhaps the least known, it is also the wildest of London's cemeteries. Many of the plots are overgrown with ivy and woodworms , which adds to the eerie atmosphere, and this year there's even a showing of " An American Werewolf in London ". So if you want to see a spooky Halloween movie, this is the place to go!

Nunhead Cemetery is located at Linden Grove, London, SE15 3LP.

🚇 The nearest station is Nunhead.

6. West Norwood Cemetery, West Norwood

Photo: Gwoeii, Shutterstock

Another gem of South London is West Norwood Cemetery , home to nearly 70 Grade II and II* listed buildings and structures, including a special Greek Orthodox necropolis with 19 mausoleums and monuments, as well as catacombs and a beautiful rose garden .

The 40-acre area is the smallest of the Magnificent Seven, but it's worth exploring if you find yourself in these parts. The catacombs are even sometimes open for tours . ... creepy!

West Norwood Cemetery is located at Norwood Road, Norwood, London, SE27 9JU.

🚇 The nearest station is West Norwood.

7. Tower Hamlets Cemetery, Bow

Photo: tottoto, Shutterstock

The last of the "magnificent seven" London cemeteries, Tower Hamlets Cemetery was first opened for burials in 1841 , and, truth be told, it is a beautiful place to be buried.

Situated between Stepney Green and Bow, this site has a diverse network of scenic paths that take you through atmospheric woodlands and beautiful wildflower meadows. During the tour you will see a variety of birds, butterflies and plants rarely seen in London and pass Grade II listed monuments, graves and headstones.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery is located at South Grove, London, E3 4PX.

🚇 The nearest stations are Bow Road and Mile End.

And now another cemetery in London worth mentioning:

8. Camberwell Old Cemetery, Dulwich

Photo: Daniel Lange, Shutterstock

It may not be part of the Magnificent Seven, but we still think the place is pretty darn charming. It's a quiet and peaceful place to visit if you want to learn about the history of Dulwich and the surrounding area and the people who lived in them .

There is a Gothic Revival lodge, rebuilt after a fire in the 1970s, as well as 288 war graves of Commonwealth servicemen who died during the First World War. There are also two Screen Wall memorials, which bear the names of people who tragically died during the First and Second World Wars respectively .

Camberwell Old Cemetery is located at Forest Hill Road, London, SE22 0RU.

🚇 The nearest station is Honor Oak Park.

That's it - a review of " The Magnificent Seven " London cemeteries that you simply must explore.