Nottingham General Cemetery
A Grade II listed Victorian cemetery, known for its picturesque, overgrown charm and hauntingly beautiful tilting tombstones.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the vibrant pink tree bloom
Nottingham General Cemetery
Best Time
See the vibrant pink tree bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Grade II listed Victorian cemetery, known for its picturesque, overgrown charm and hauntingly beautiful tilting tombstones.
"Broken and tilting tombstones are both haunting and picturesque."
🎯 Be Mindful of Closing Time
The cemetery closes at 3 PM. Don't get locked in! Plan your visit to exit before closing. :alarm_clock:
🚶♀️ Visit with a Friend
Some visitors can feel a bit 'scary.' For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting with a companion. :bustsinsilhouette:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tilting Tombstones
Throughout the cemetery
Broken and tilting tombstones create a hauntingly picturesque landscape, a testament to time and nature's embrace.
The Pink Tree
Middle of the left side
In spring, a stunning pink tree stands out, adding a vibrant splash of color to the historic grounds.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Throughout the cemetery
Despite its history, many find the cemetery to be a remarkably peaceful and quiet place for a stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Overgrown Charm
Mind the Closing Time!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Be Mindful of Closing Time
The cemetery closes at 3 PM. Don't get locked in! Plan your visit to exit before closing. :alarm_clock:
🚶♀️ Visit with a Friend
Some visitors can feel a bit 'scary.' For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting with a companion. :bustsinsilhouette:
🌸 Springtime Beauty
If visiting in spring, seek out the stunning pink tree on the left side for a beautiful photo opportunity. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The grounds can be uneven and overgrown. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic paths. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Be Mindful of Closing Time
The cemetery closes at 3 PM. Don't get locked in! Plan your visit to exit before closing. :alarm_clock:
🚶♀️ Visit with a Friend
Some visitors can feel a bit 'scary.' For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting with a companion. :bustsinsilhouette:
🌸 Springtime Beauty
If visiting in spring, seek out the stunning pink tree on the left side for a beautiful photo opportunity. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The grounds can be uneven and overgrown. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic paths. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Respectful Silence
Remember this is a place of rest. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nottingham General Cemetery is a picturesque, Grade II listed site with a unique, overgrown charm that many find beautiful and mystifying. While some find its condition 'rough,' it's often celebrated for its wild mystique and the haunting beauty of its tilting tombstones. Visitors consistently praise its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, making it a serene spot for a contemplative stroll, though adherence to the strict 3 PM closing time is crucial.
"Picturesque Grade II listed cemetery established 1836, with over 150,000 internments. It’s a little overgrown, but that is often part of a wild cemetery’s mystique and beauty.
At the time of opening a single grave was available for 7s 6d (equivalent to £35 today) and a brick grave or vault for £10, 10s (£967 today).
There were originally two mortuary chapels, one for Anglicans, the other for dissenters, but both fell into disrepair and were demolished in 1958.
If you found my review or photos interesting please leave a quick thumbs up 👍 Thank you!"
Sam Saltwell
"Classic cemetery which is in rough condition - but the broken and tilting tombstones are both haunting and picturesque. Worth a visit for a stroll though some other visitors could be considered a bit "scary" as well - so visit with a friend!"
Ken Faulkner
"Very peaceful- well maintained and generally pretty clean and tidy."
Ian Milne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by public transport, with bus routes serving the area from Nottingham city center. Some visitors use it as a shortcut from the university to bus routes. :bus: Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Information on dedicated parking is limited. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or consider public transport. :car:
Yes, some visitors use it as a shortcut from the university to bus routes. However, be extremely mindful of the 3 PM closing time if using it as a thoroughfare. :shortcut:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Nottingham General Cemetery is generally free. It's a public space for quiet reflection and exploration. :moneywithwings:
This is crucial: the cemetery closes at 3 PM daily. Visitors have reported being locked in if they do not leave before closing time. :alarm_clock:
No, the cemetery closes strictly at 3 PM. Visiting after hours is not permitted and you risk being locked in. :noentrysign:
No advance booking is required for Nottingham General Cemetery as it is a public space with free entry. :ticket:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cemetery is described as being in 'rough condition' with overgrown areas, but this is often seen as part of its wild mystique and beauty. Broken and tilting tombstones add to the picturesque, haunting atmosphere. :evergreen_tree:
While some reviews mention it being 'well maintained' and 'clean and tidy,' others highlight its overgrown state. It strikes a balance between historical preservation and natural overgrowth. :leafy_green:
Expect a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Despite its history, many visitors find it a serene place for a contemplative stroll. :dove:
Look out for the numerous tilting and broken tombstones, which are a key feature. In spring, a striking pink tree on the left side is a notable sight. :cherry_blossom:
While generally peaceful, some visitors suggest it can feel a bit 'scary' at times. It's often recommended to visit with a friend for a more comfortable experience. :shield:
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The cemetery's overgrown nature, tilting tombstones, and historical atmosphere make it incredibly picturesque for photography. The spring pink tree is a particular highlight. :camerawithflash:
Early mornings or late afternoons (before 3 PM) can offer softer light and fewer visitors, enhancing the photographic mood. :sunrise:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing interments or maintenance. :memo:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to manage expectations and ensure children understand the respectful nature of the site. The 3 PM closing time is a critical factor for families, so planning an early afternoon visit is advisable to avoid any rush or the risk of being locked in. Comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers navigating the uneven paths.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The springtime pink tree is a must-capture subject, offering a vibrant contrast to the muted tones of the cemetery. Early mornings or late afternoons (before 3 PM) will offer the best light conditions, creating a more dramatic and evocative mood. Remember to be discreet and respectful while you capture the cemetery's unique character.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Contemplatives
Be sure to respect the 3 PM closing time to ensure a smooth departure. While generally safe, some solo visitors might prefer to visit during busier daylight hours or be aware of their surroundings. The cemetery offers a unique opportunity for quiet reflection and a connection with the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The cemetery's current state, often described as 'overgrown' and 'rough,' is a key part of its appeal for many. This wildness contributes to its mystique and beauty, offering a stark contrast to meticulously manicured modern cemeteries. The broken and tilting tombstones are not just signs of decay but also poignant markers of time's passage, creating a hauntingly picturesque landscape that photographers and history enthusiasts alike find captivating.
While the original structures are gone, the sheer volume of interments and the surviving headstones tell a silent story of Nottingham's past. It's a place where nature is actively reclaiming the man-made, creating a unique and atmospheric environment. Visitors often find it surprisingly peaceful, a quiet sanctuary amidst the urban landscape, perfect for reflection and appreciating the enduring power of history.
Navigating the Grounds
A crucial piece of advice for anyone visiting is to be acutely aware of the closing time: 3 PM. Several visitors have noted that the gates are locked promptly, and being caught inside after closing can lead to being locked in.
For those seeking a more comfortable experience, especially if they find cemeteries a bit unsettling, visiting with a friend is often recommended.
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