London’s history, architecture, and alternative culture make it an ideal destination for goths looking for a unique and atmospheric experience. From moody cemeteries to darkly stylish bars, this itinerary blends historical intrigue, music, and fashion for a perfect goth getaway.

Day 1: Gothic Architecture and Haunting History

Morning: Explore Highgate Cemetery

Kick off your trip with a visit to Highgate Cemetery, one of London’s most iconic and atmospheric cemeteries. Its overgrown paths, Victorian tombstones, and eerie crypts make it a gothic paradise. The West Cemetery offers guided tours, featuring highlights like the Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon.

  • Location: Swain’s Lane, Highgate
  • Pro Tip: Bring a camera for moody photography but be respectful of the setting.

Afternoon: Gothic Wonders at Westminster Abbey

Marvel at the intricate gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey, a masterpiece of soaring arches, stained glass, and medieval tombs. Explore Poet’s Corner and the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I.

  • Location: 20 Deans Yard, Westminster
  • Entry: Tickets start at £27 for adults, or go in free during services.

Evening: Drinks at The Last Tuesday Society

End your first day at The Last Tuesday Society, home to the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. This cocktail bar combines Victorian macabre with eccentric exhibits, like taxidermy, occult artifacts, and curiosities from around the world.

  • Location: Mare Street, Hackney
  • Pro Tip: Try their absinthe cocktails for an extra gothic twist.

Day 2: Alternative Fashion and Subculture

Morning: Visit Brompton Cemetery

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Brompton Cemetery, one of London’s oldest and most atmospheric burial grounds. With its grand monuments, ivy-clad tombs, and sprawling greenery, it offers a gothic escape in the heart of the city. Explore the central avenue lined with ornate statues, crypts, and mausoleums, or wander the quieter corners for a more secluded experience.

Location: Fulham Road, West London

Pro Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for walking the uneven paths, and take time to admire the intricate architecture and nature, perfect for photography.

Afternoon: Shopping in Camden Market

Camden is a hub for goth and alternative fashion. Browse stalls selling everything from corsets to platform boots, studded accessories, and gothic homeware. Shops like Cyberdog offer futuristic and industrial styles, while Darkside Clothing specializes in gothic attire.

  • Location: Camden High Street
  • Pro Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds and grab coffee at The Black Heart, a metal bar nearby.

Evening: Coffee in a crypt

Literally, an18th-century crypt, complete with vaulted brick ceilings and historic gravestones inlaid in the floor.

  • Location: Beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields, just a short walk from the National Portrait Gallery
  • Pro Tip: The entrance is a little hidden; look for a glass entrance with Crypt on it

Night: Ghost Walk or Jack the Ripper Tour

Take a chilling ghost walk through London’s haunted spots or join a Jack the Ripper walking tour for a gruesome look at Victorian London’s dark history. These tours blend history with gothic storytelling and are sure to send shivers down your spine.

  • Cost: £15-£20 per person
  • Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly.

Day 3: Funerals and Dancing

Morning: The National Funeral Museum

Part of T Cribb & Sons, this museum offers a deep dive into the history of death, mourning, and the funeral industry. Its collection spans centuries, showcasing items from “Memento Mori” to modern funeral practices, including embalming and state funerals. With artifacts like mourning attire, caskets, and historical tools, the museum provides a thought-provoking look into British funeral customs. The Funeral Director is a 4th generation owner and very passionate about the death industry and his collection.

  • Location: T Cribb & Sons, 10 Woolwich Manor Way, Beckton, London E6 5PA
  • Cost: Free, but you need an appointment.

Afternoon: Lunch in an old church

Mercato Mayfair is a vibrant food market set in a historic church in London’s upscale Mayfair. Once a place for antiques, the church now hosts a variety of artisanal food vendors offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet meals. This unique venue combines delicious food with the beauty of its restored, Gothic architecture, making it a must-visit for foodies seeking both culinary delights and a charming atmosphere.

Evening: Visit another Crypt

They define being a Londoner as having been born within earshot of the Bow bells, ie the bells of the St. Mary-le-Bow church. The crypt below St Mary-le-Bow lets you see the arches, aka the bows, from which the church gets its name.

Day 4: The most macabre for last

Morning: Crossbones Graveyard

Crossbones Graveyard, located in Southwark, London, is a historic burial site with roots dating back to the medieval period. Originally an unconsecrated burial ground for the poor, it became a resting place for those excluded from traditional cemeteries, including sex workers known as the “Winchester Geese,” who worked under the Bishop of Winchester’s license. By the 19th century, it served as a pauper’s graveyard before closing in 1853 due to overcrowding. Rediscovered during 20th-century construction, it is now a poignant memorial site, honoring those marginalized in life, with a shrine adorned with ribbons and tokens left by visitors.

  • Pro Tip: Have lunch at Burrough Market before heading to the next stop. There’s massive selection of international and British cuisine from stands in an open air market. If you have time, also hit up Southwark Cathedral, home of former parishioners like Shakespeare, Dickens, and the founder of Harvard, an old Roman road beneath, and plenty of tombs and gravestones from throughout the ages.

Afternoon: Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

  • Location: London Bridge (near Borough Market)
  • Focus: The history of surgery and herbal medicine in a preserved 19th-century operating theater.
  • Highlights:
    • A restored wooden operating theater used for surgeries before anesthesia was widely available.
    • Displays of surgical tools, medicine bottles, and herbal remedies.
    • Insightful talks and demonstrations about historic surgical procedures.
  • Who’ll Love It: History buffs, medical enthusiasts, and those fascinated by Victorian-era practices.
  • Tip: Access involves climbing a steep spiral staircase—wear comfortable shoes and be prepared.

Night: Dance at a nightclub

Venues like The Black Heart in Camden and Slimelight in Islington host goth, industrial, and post-punk nights. The Underworld also often features goth-themed events.

Conclusion

London’s gothic allure is undeniable, offering a blend of dark history, alternative culture, and hauntingly beautiful architecture. Whether you’re strolling through historic cemeteries, shopping for gothic fashion, or sipping absinthe under flickering candlelight, the city promises a journey as rich as it is atmospheric.