Brenchley Gardens, London SE23 3RD
Camberwell New Cemetery
Unusual place
Source image
4.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.5Camberwell New Cemetery is a working burial ground with a quieter, more expansive character than its name might suggest. A visitor account describes its open-plan layout climbing a hill to views towards the Isle of Dogs; a separate walking guide identifies notable burials including singer Anne Shelton and boxer Freddie Mills. It is a place for a respectful walk and reflection, not a conventional park attraction.
A working cemetery can offer an unusual pause in the city: space to walk, look across London and encounter layers of personal and local history. Here, the documented hilltop views and notable burials give a visit more to discover than a simple stroll, while the setting calls for a quiet, respectful approach.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapBrenchley Gardens, London SE23 3RD
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The experience
Allow around an hour for a gentle, unhurried visit. The supplied walking guide describes a longer route linking the cemetery with One Tree Hill; check the route and access conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Follow the One Tree Hill loop
A published route links New Cemetery and One Tree Hill in a 2.4 km loop, listed as taking 1 hour 20 minutes. Consult the route guide for its full steps and check access before walking.
1 hour 20 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour
A quiet cemetery stroll
- 01
Enter through an open main gate and take a respectful, unhurried walk through the cemetery.
- 02
Pause to take in the changing views across London from the hill.
- 03
Leave by an open main gate; check gate-closing times before you set off.
Half day · About 1 hour 20 minutes for the published 2.4 km loop
Link the cemetery with One Tree Hill
- 01
Use the published New Cemetery & One Tree Hill Loop as a route reference; it describes a 2.4 km walk taking about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- 02
Check the route instructions and current cemetery access before setting out; the route begins outside the cemetery and includes street walking.
Verified history
A supplied walking guide reports that Camberwell New Cemetery was established for additional burial capacity, with land acquired in 1901 and the first burial in 1927. It names singer Anne Shelton, boxer Freddie Mills and George Cornell among notable burials. These details are reported by the guide; the supplied official council page confirms the cemetery’s present public access but does not provide its history.
When to go
· A clear daytime visit offers the best chance of seeing the documented London views. Check current gate-closing times before visiting.
The supplied sources do not identify a particular season as best. Clear weather is the relevant consideration for the reported views.
Views may be less clear in poor visibility. Check seasonal gate-closing times with Southwark Council.
Worth pairing with
One Tree Hill
A published 2.4 km loop links the cemetery with One Tree Hill. Check the route guide and access conditions before planning the walk.
Camberwell Old Cemetery
A cemetery-walk account describes visiting the two Camberwell cemeteries together. This is a separate site; check its access and route details independently.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the changing prospect across London as the cemetery rises up the hill. The supplied walking guide names singer Anne Shelton and boxer Freddie Mills among notable burials
- 02
locations within the cemetery are not specified, so ask the cemetery team or consult a reliable guide before searching for particular graves.
The story
Literature
Best time to go
Any season; choose a clear day if views across London are a priority.
Choose a clear day for the views. Check Southwark Council’s seasonal gate-closing times before you go, and remember the cemetery is a place of burial and remembrance.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Solo · Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 8am-7pm
- Tuesday: 8am-7pm
- Wednesday: 8am-7pm
- Thursday: 8am-7pm
- Friday: 8am-7pm
- Saturday: 8am-7pm
- Sunday: 8am-7pm
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Southwark Council states that the cemetery is open to the public every day. Entry is through controlled access at the Brenchley Gardens and Brockley Way main gates. Opening and closing times vary by day and season; check the council’s current information before visiting. Please treat the grounds as a working cemetery and visit considerately.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, but these details have not been confirmed by the supplied research. Check directly with Southwark Council before travelling. Paths and surfaces are not described in the supplied sources.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Camberwell New Cemetery
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
