One of London’s ‘magnificent seven’ garden cemeteries, this 12.5 hectare parkland dates nack to the early eighteenth century, when it was first planted by Lady Mary Abney.
Managed by the Abney Park Trust, it hosts a variety of events within its grounds and Grade II-listed chapel – the oldest surviving non-denominational chapel in Europe – including open-air theatre and cinema in the summer months, and nature walks and literary salons throughout the year.
From Abolitionists and trailblazing feminists to political campaigners, performances and pioneering educationalists, some fascinating residents have been laid to rest in the cemetery, and visitors can learn more about them on one of the park tours, which run more or less monthly on a donation basis.
Hackney Council recently completed a major National Lottery-funded restoration project to create a new accessible entrance on Stoke Newington Church Street, restore the chapel, add a cafe and events space, and promote biodiversity by adding new green roofs and habitats suitable for bees and other insects.