Abney Park

Abney Park is a 13-hectare grounds in Stoke Newington that combines a burial garden with woodland areas accessed through an Egyptian Revival gatehouse. The layout includes a Gothic chapel set among winding paths bordered by old gravestones and memorial structures.

The grounds were established in 1840 as part of London's network of large cemeteries and replaced a private manor house on the site. This conversion reflected changing attitudes toward burial practices and the need for designated non-religious burial spaces.

The grounds hold graves of nonconformist ministers and social activists who shaped London's religious and political landscape. Walking through, you notice how the park continues to serve as a gathering place for those who value alternative thinking and progressive causes.

Access points are located on Stoke Newington High Street and Church Street, both within walking distance of the rail station. Be prepared for uneven terrain and steps in woodland sections, and wear suitable footwear for exploring the grounds.

This was Europe's first combined arboretum and burial ground, originally featuring 2,500 labeled trees and shrubs arranged alphabetically. This botanical arrangement made the grounds a living reference collection as well as a place for remembrance.