Highgate Cemetery
London · N6
Amenities
Summary
A Victorian cemetery in north London with Egyptian Avenue, Circle of Lebanon tombs, and Karl Marx’s grave — the most atmospheric Gothic cemetery interior in England.
About this location
Highgate Cemetery is divided into East and West sections either side of Swain’s Lane in Highgate, north London. The West Cemetery (1839) is the more dramatically atmospheric: its designed landscape includes the Egyptian Avenue, a tunnel entrance in neo-Egyptian style with obelisk gate piers; the Circle of Lebanon, a sunken avenue of tombs surrounding an ancient cedar tree; and a general layout of overgrown Victorian funerary architecture in red brick and stone, heavily covered in ivy and moss. The East Cemetery contains Karl Marx’s monument and is more open in character.
The cemetery has appeared in numerous film and television productions requiring a Victorian Gothic cemetery exterior — it is the definitive London example of this type. Hammer Horror productions used Highgate Cemetery extensively in the 1960s and 70s; it appeared in Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire (1994) and multiple subsequent horror and period drama productions. The Egyptian Avenue in particular is a specific architecture not reproduced elsewhere — a short entrance corridor in Egyptian revival style that reads as an entrance to an underground world.
The Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust manages both sections and operates a commercial filming hire programme. Fees are above average for a cemetery location due to the site’s significant restoration costs and conservation commitments. Access is by appointment; the West Cemetery is normally closed to casual visitors and is only accessible by guided tour, which means filming access requires specific arrangement. Archway or Highgate tube stations are the nearest transport.
Access notes
- Parking
- No on-site parking confirmed. Expect to use nearby public car parks or a council parking suspension.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- London has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Highgate Cemetery?
- Yes — filming on or around Highgate Cemetery typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Highgate Cemetery?
- Parking isn't listed as a confirmed amenity for Highgate Cemetery. Check with the site for crew parking, loading, and unit-base options — in London you'll often rely on nearby public car parks or a council parking suspension.
- How much does it cost to film at Highgate Cemetery?
- Highgate Cemetery sits in the £££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Highgate Cemetery?
- Highgate Cemetery can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Highgate Cemetery before?
- Highgate Cemetery appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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