Hampstead Cemetery [Oxyman]

A CAMPAIGN to extend the opening hours of Hampstead Cemetery is claiming a “partial success” after the Town Hall agreed to add an extra two hours to opening times next summer.

More than 1,000 people had signed a petition asking for the gates to stay open longer as the council was told that the site in Fortune Green Road, West Hampstead, was not just seen as a burial ground but also a green open space where visitors connected with nature.

The cemetery dates back almost 150 years and is the final resting place for around 60,000 people.

They include the artist Dame Paula Rego, writer Alan Coren and the Victorian children’s book illustrator Kate Greenaway.

Closing time has been fixed at 4pm since the coronavirus lockdown in 2020.

In the past, access was available until 8pm in summer months.

Camden has now decided to trial going to 7pm from April. Campaign organiser Jill Henry said people had suffered from “years of quiet frustration” on the issue and had to have hundreds of conversations.

She led a deputation to the council’s cross-party environment scrutiny committee on Monday.

“Lots of people use it to experience its peace, fresh air and tranquility,” she said.

“But also, lots of families around here have loved ones buried there and with the reduced hours, they would not go after work, particularly important for those who wished to visit graves to  mark special occasions, such as birthdays.”

Ms Henry had worked with the cemetery’s friends group during the Covid pandemic and volunteers stepped in to stop it closing completely.

“We knew how important it was to remain open and people who had lived around here for many years but never visited found it a place of quiet contemplation,” she said.

The rare Wryneck woodpecker – which can rotate its neck 180 degrees and hisses when threatened – is one of many species that have made the cemetery a home.

Ms Henry said: “It is full of wildlife and a great place for birdwatching, but the best time to watch birds is at dawn or dusk – so longer hours are important.”

Councillors heard on Monday that the council would fund the extra two hours.

It is estimated that paying for security at the cemetery costs around £43,000 a year and the extra hours will mean a further charge of £5,500.

This cash is earmarked to come from contributions by developers to the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Ms Henry said she hoped Camden would eventually revert to the previous 7.30am opening times too.

She added: “It’s a small step, but a deeply meaningful one – recognition that this space matters profoundly to those who use it every day, and to families who visit loved ones laid to rest there. For many residents, especially the elderly, carers, and those with mobility challenges, Hampstead Cemetery is not just a cemetery. It’s one of the only level, peaceful green spaces nearby.”

Town Hall environment chief Councillor Adam Harrison said: “I am pleased to share that we will be piloting extended opening hours at Hampstead Cemetery in 2026. This initiative, supported by local councillors and Islington and Camden Cemetery Services, will give people extra time to spend in this peaceful place. This follows recent investment in Hampstead Cemetery in the form of a new toilet facility for visitors and work to ensure the cemetery is used respectfully by all who visit.”