Abney Park Cemetery & Nature Reserve

Non-denominational cemetery, arboretum and nature reserve.

Hidden away in the north-east corner of London, lies this highly influential, pioneering and yet relatively unknown beauty spot. Part nature reserve, part Victorian cemetery and part arboretum, Abney Park has a string of notable “firsts” attached to it… First Number 1: The early 18th century brainchild of Lady Mary Abney and Dr Isaac Watts (the prolific hymn writer), the park was the first wholly non-denominational garden cemetery in Europe with no "invidious dividing lines" and contains the first example of a non-denominational cemetery chapel in Europe. First Number 2: The cemetery’s 150-year-old frontage, intricately adorned with hieroglyphics and sacred lotus flowers, claims to represent the earliest complete design for a permanent 'Egyptian Revival' gateway at a cemetery anywhere in the world. First Number 3: When it was first launched Abney Park’s arboretum was the biggest of its kind in any European cemetery with over 2,500 trees and shrubs alphabetically arranged - the remains of the original tree collection can still be found in the grounds. First Number 4: At one time the home of a Quaker girls’ school – Abney Park was also where the first school bus in the world was introduced. As well as being a place of historical, architectural and religious significance, the park is also a renowned Local Nature Reserve. Birds and butterflies, in particular, thrive among the woodland glades dotted with weathered Victorian monuments, graves and tombs. A range of regular events and activities held around the grounds complete the picture. This hidden gem is a worthy rival of any of London’s major parks.

Best for:
Birds, butterflies and burials, trees and tombs.

Did you know?
An unexploded Second World War bomb is located somewhere in Abney Park.