Visitors will have a rare opportunity to peek inside some of Brookwood Cemetery’s historic mausoleums on Saturday 12 September as the site takes part in the Heritage Open Days 2026 campaign.

Usually closed to the public, the mausoleums offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian funerary architecture and the stories of those commemorated within them.

Alongside the open mausoleums, visitors can enjoy self-guided trails of notable graves, a free guided walk, refreshments, picnics among the cemetery’s wildlife and wildflowers, and entry to the cemetery’s iconic Columbarium.

Avril Kirby, Brookwood Cemetery Manager, said: “Brookwood Cemetery is open to visitors every day, but opportunities to see inside our historic mausoleums are much rarer.

“Thanks to the work of The Brookwood Cemetery Society, these remarkable structures are being carefully restored, and visitors can now appreciate their architecture and history without compromising their preservation.

“The Columbarium, the largest of our historic structures, will be open for people to step inside, with a volunteer guide on hand to tell you about its history and architectural features.”

The theme of this year’s Heritage Open Day campaign is ‘everyday histories’ so in addition to exploring the cemetery’s mausoleums, the society will lead a free guided walk starting at midday from the society lodge (in the south cemetery).

Kim Lowe, Chair of The Brookwood Cemetery Society, explains: “There are many notable people buried in Brookwood Cemetery. Our guided walk will highlight the graves of individuals associated with brands, inventions and sporting traditions familiar to millions.

“Individuals such as sugar refiner, Henry Tate; British racing motorist, journalist and clubman, Sammy Davis; and members of the Huntly and Palmers biscuit empire.”

The activities on Saturday 12 September take place between 10am and 3pm. Admission is free and no booking is required. For further visitor information, please visit brookwoodcemetery.com.

Image supplied by Brookwood Cemetery’s iconic Columbarium