Just north of Canterbury’s city walls is Canterbury City Cemetery. This extensive public area, which is equal to around 14 football pitches, is tucked away just off the busy Whitstable Road. Once inside its gates, you enter a tranquil place that’s happily far from the bustle of shoppers, tourists, and traffic.
While some might think it unusual to voluntarily spend time in a cemetery, it can be an incredibly peaceful place for walking, meditating, sketching, birdwatching, or just appreciating the beauty of the site along with its natural abundance.
Here are answers to some other commonly asked questions regarding the cemetery:
CEMETERY FAQs
When did it open?
The Canterbury City Cemetery opened on 4 July 1877 (Source: Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society)
See the Heritage and history page for a full timeline of the cemetery.
When did the first burial take place? Who was it?
The first burial took place at 11.30am on 30 June 1877. Ellen Spratt of Herne Bay was the first person buried at the cemetery.
Who owns the cemetery?
Canterbury City Cemetery is one of three cemteries in the district owned and managed by Canterbury City Council. The other two are Herne Bay Cemetery and Whitstable Cemetery.
How big is the cemetery?
When it first opened, the cemetery covered more than 12 acres. It has grown significantly over the years, and as of 2025, it has spread to 20.49 acres.
How tall is the spire?
The spire over the archway is 110 feet tall and is thought by some to be the only real spire in the city of Canterbury.
How many people are buried here and how many different faiths are represented?
As of 2025, there are 29,151 people buried in Canterbury City Cemetery. More than 20 different religions and beliefs are represented—including faiths from many parts of the world.
What kinds of trees and flowers are in the cemetery?
It was originally thought that there were more than 300 different species of trees in the cemetery, but the Friends Biodiversity Committee recently revised that estimate and now believes there may be more than 500 varieties. Work is still being done to tally the trees, flowers, shrubs, and other noteworthy foliage on the site. To find out more about how to help with the identification and cataloguing process, please contact us.
What wildlife lives in the cemetery? Could I see bats?
There are most definitely foxes, mice, hedgehogs, squirrels, rats, and many different types of butterflies and birds. (And yes, it is very likely you could see bats.) To find out more about how to help with the identification and cataloguing process, please contact us.
Can I ride my bike or walk my dog in the cemetery?
It’s fine to walk your bicycle through the cemetery, but please don’t ride it. Also, no dogs are allowed on the grounds (except registered assistance dogs).
How can I get to the cemetery? Is there anywhere to park?
The cemetery is a 15 minute walk (or 10 minute bus ride) from the Canterbury West train station. There is parking at the back of the cemetery off Cherry Garden Road (see the downloadable map below).
How do I find out if someone I know is buried here? Is there a way to locate a grave?
Currently, the best way to do this is to contact Canterbury City Council directly or try FindAGrave.
Is there really a Jedi knight buried here? If so, where is he?
You’ll just have to come and visit if you want the answer to this question!
The Canterbury Cemetery Friends Group 