This enchanting place – 'the poor man's Highgate' – was bought and developed by a private firm in 1840 as a burial ground and arboretum catering for central London’s overflow. It was a dissenters (ie non–Church of England) cemetery, and many of the most influential Presbyterians, Quakers and Baptists are buried here, including the Salvation Army founder, William Booth. The Grade II-listed chapel at its center, the oldest surviving nondenominational chapel in Europe, has been fully restored and now hosts music, poetry and community events, though the atmosphere of the whole place is still enjoyably spooky.
After being neglected for several decades, during which time it turned into a delightfully overgrown ruin, its care was taken over by a charitable trust in 1991. It's now a managed wilderness, providing an important urban habitat for birds, butterflies and bugs – if you're very lucky you might spot tawny owls or sparrowhawks.
The trust, based in the wonderful Egyptian-style entrance on Stoke Newington High St, hosts events in the cemetery and runs a monthly history tour on the first Sunday of each month, alongside free self-guided trails and audio walks; bookable private group tours cost a £10-per-person donation, with a £50 minimum. See website for details.
