British Cemetery (Cementerio Inglés) - Image 1
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British Cemetery Cementerio Inglés

3.8
·5 reviews·Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

A historical cemetery in Las Palmas, preserving 19th-century inscriptions and monuments of foreign residents.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

To find the key holder

CrowdLow
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British Cemetery (Cementerio Inglés) - Image 1

British Cemetery Cementerio Inglés

Best Time

Daytime

To find the key holder

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historical cemetery in Las Palmas, preserving 19th-century inscriptions and monuments of foreign residents.

3.8
(5 reviews)

"A must-visit to learn about the lives of foreigners who so inspired the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🔑 Ask for the Key

If locked, look for a sign with contact info or ask a neighbor for the key. It's often held locally.

🚶‍♀️ Explore with a Guide

A guided tour offers fascinating insights into the lives of foreigners who shaped the city.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

19th Century Inscriptions

19th Century Inscriptions

Throughout the cemetery

Discover weathered inscriptions from the early 1800s, offering a direct link to early British settlers.

International Gravesites

International Gravesites

Various plots

See monuments from England, Scotland, Ireland, and even Germany and the Netherlands, reflecting diverse histories.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Entrance area

Learn about the British presence in Las Palmas and its impact on the city's development.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Cemetery

The British Cemetery (Cementerio Inglés) in Las Palmas can be tricky to access. Many visitors report finding it locked. The key is often held by a local resident, so be prepared to ask around or look for a sign with instructions at the entrance. Planning ahead can save you a disappointing trip.

Preservation and Condition

While historically significant, some visitors note that the cemetery appears to be in a state of disrepair, with peeling paint and crumbling render. If you're hoping for a perfectly manicured site, manage expectations. However, its historical inscriptions and monuments offer a unique glimpse into the past.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
To find the key holder
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Con esta historia comenzamos el directo #67 que harias su tenpasa algo como esto? #historiasdeterror #cementerioingles
@cementerio_ingles
76.2K likes • 1.1M views

🔑 Ask for the Key

If locked, look for a sign with contact info or ask a neighbor for the key. It's often held locally. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore with a Guide

A guided tour offers fascinating insights into the lives of foreigners who shaped the city. Reddit

🧐 Check for Disrepair

Some areas may show signs of age. Manage expectations regarding upkeep. Reddit

📸 Capture History

The cemetery offers unique photo opportunities of historical monuments and inscriptions. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

🔑 Ask for the Key

If locked, look for a sign with contact info or ask a neighbor for the key. It's often held locally. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore with a Guide

A guided tour offers fascinating insights into the lives of foreigners who shaped the city. Reddit

🧐 Check for Disrepair

Some areas may show signs of age. Manage expectations regarding upkeep. Reddit

📸 Capture History

The cemetery offers unique photo opportunities of historical monuments and inscriptions. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.8
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the British Cemetery historically significant, offering a glimpse into the foreign communities that shaped Las Palmas. However, access can be challenging due to locked gates, and some note the cemetery's state of disrepair. Despite these drawbacks, its unique inscriptions and international graves make it a compelling visit for history enthusiasts.

"Went to visit my great grandfather's grave, only to find the doors locked. Was told by a local couple to knock on the door of a house where "a woman has the key". Knocked on several doors but unfortunately nobody answered.

Asking for help in the local shops led to the suggestion of knocking on the cemetery doors (not sure who they thought would answer).

From what I could see from the outside, the graveyard seems to be in a state of disrepair. The render was falling off the walls, paint was peeling from the doors and what I could see through the keyhole seemed to be somewhat neglected.

All in all, this was a disappointing trip that resulted in me being unable to visit my ancestor's grave."

Sonya Cange

"Hidden away in the backstreets. It wasn't open got the impression it never is now."

Keith Holloway

"A must visit for those who want to know more about the British presence in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It preserves some inscriptions from the first half of the 19th century and many funerary monuments brought from the main port cities of England, Scotland or Ireland. There are also some graves of German, Dutch or French citizens. You can ask a neighbor for the key (the information is on a sign posted at the entrance to the cemetery)."

Manuel Ramírez Sánchez

What People Like

Historical inscriptions
International graves
Unique history

What People Dislike

Locked gates
State of disrepair

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cementerio Inglés is located in the backstreets of Las Palmas. While specific public transport routes might vary, it's generally accessible by local buses. Walking from central areas is also an option, but be prepared for a bit of exploration to find it. Reddit

Parking in the backstreets can be challenging. It's advisable to check for street parking availability or consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service to get closer to the entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no formal tickets required for entry. However, the cemetery is often locked, and you'll need to find the keyholder, usually a local resident. Reddit

The cemetery doesn't have fixed opening hours. It's often closed, and access depends on finding the person who holds the key. It's best to inquire locally or look for instructions posted at the entrance. Reddit

If the gates are locked, look for a sign at the entrance that might provide a phone number or instructions on who to contact for the key. Asking nearby residents or shopkeepers is also a common method. Reddit

Typically, there is no entrance fee. Access is usually granted by borrowing the key from a local resident. Donations might be appreciated if there's a formal caretaker. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Some visitors have noted that the cemetery appears to be in a state of disrepair, with peeling paint and crumbling render. However, it still holds significant historical inscriptions and monuments. Reddit

You can see inscriptions from the first half of the 19th century and funerary monuments brought from various European cities. It's a place to learn about the British and other foreign citizens' presence in Las Palmas. Reddit

For those interested in the history of foreign communities in Las Palmas and unique historical sites, it's considered a must-visit. A guided tour can enhance the experience significantly. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted. The historical monuments and inscriptions offer unique visual opportunities. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The cemetery is located in a residential area. You'll likely need to walk a bit to find restaurants and cafes, which are more abundant in the main tourist zones of Las Palmas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the weathered 19th-century inscriptions, the diverse funerary monuments, and the overall atmosphere of historical neglect and resilience. The unique gravestones offer a distinct photographic subject. TikTok

Absolutely. The cemetery is a treasure trove for historical photography, capturing the stories of early foreign residents and their impact on Las Palmas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the British Cemetery with children might be a unique experience, but requires careful consideration. The primary challenge is access, as the cemetery is often locked and requires finding a keyholder. Reddit If you do gain entry, the historical inscriptions and monuments can be a point of interest, but the overall condition might not be as engaging for younger children. Consider it more of a quiet, historical exploration rather than a typical family outing. Ensure children are supervised closely due to the potentially uneven terrain and historical artifacts. Reddit

🧐 History Buffs & Genealogists

This cemetery is a goldmine for anyone interested in the history of foreign communities in Las Palmas. The 19th-century inscriptions and imported monuments offer a tangible link to the past. Reddit Genealogists may find it a crucial location for tracing family histories connected to the British, Scottish, Irish, German, or Dutch presence on the island. Engaging a local guide can significantly enhance the historical context and uncover fascinating stories. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Unlocking the Past: Accessing the Cementerio Inglés

Gaining entry to the British Cemetery (Cementerio Inglés) in Las Palmas can be an adventure in itself. Many visitors find the gates locked, leading to a quest to find the keyholder. The most common advice from travelers is to look for a sign posted at the entrance that provides contact information for a local resident who holds the key. If no sign is visible, don't hesitate to ask shopkeepers or residents in the vicinity; they are often aware of the procedure. Reddit This process, while sometimes frustrating, adds to the unique charm and sense of discovery for those who manage to get inside.

It's worth noting that the cemetery's accessibility is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. Some suggest that the local authorities could improve signage or establish more consistent opening hours to facilitate visits. However, for many, the effort to gain access is rewarded by the historical insights the cemetery offers. Planning your visit during daylight hours increases your chances of finding someone with the key. Reddit

For those who are particularly keen on understanding the history and significance of the site, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Guides can not only help with access but also provide a wealth of information about the individuals buried there and their impact on Las Palmas, making the visit far more enriching and even romantic. Reddit

A Glimpse into Foreign Histories

The British Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it's a testament to the diverse foreign presence in Las Palmas. It preserves inscriptions dating back to the first half of the 19th century, offering a direct connection to the lives of early British settlers. Many of the funerary monuments were imported from major port cities in England, Scotland, and Ireland, showcasing distinct architectural and artistic styles of the era. Reddit

Beyond the British, the cemetery also serves as the final resting place for citizens of other nationalities, including German, Dutch, and French individuals. This international aspect underscores the historical role of Las Palmas as a significant port and a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Exploring these graves provides a unique perspective on the global connections that shaped the island's history. Reddit

While the cemetery's historical value is undeniable, some visitors have observed that it is in a state of disrepair, with visible signs of neglect such as peeling paint and crumbling render. Despite this, the inscriptions and monuments themselves remain a powerful draw for history enthusiasts and genealogists alike. Reddit The cemetery's condition has led some to advocate for greater attention and preservation efforts from local authorities to safeguard this important historical site for future generations. Reddit

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