Howff Cemetery Dundee
A historic 16th-century cemetery in Dundee, offering a peaceful escape with fascinating gravestones and unique tomb designs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Howff Cemetery Dundee
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 16th-century cemetery in Dundee, offering a peaceful escape with fascinating gravestones and unique tomb designs.
"An interesting place to visit, offering a snapshot of Dundee life in the past with many different professions."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walk
Enjoy a quiet stroll and soak in the history. Perfect for a reflective break in the city.
🧐 Research Local History
Learn about notable figures like James Chalmers and Samuel Bell buried here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elaborate Headstones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover intricate lettering and unique designs on centuries-old gravestones, offering a glimpse into past artistry.
Skull and Crossbones Motifs
Various gravestones
Seek out the intriguing skull and crossbones symbols on older stones, sparking curiosity about their historical meaning.
The Last Witch's Grave
Specific gravestone
Find the small gravestone of the last witch buried here and leave a coin, a unique tradition for visitors.
Roman-Style Coffee Tombs
Throughout the cemetery
Admire the distinctive Roman-style tombs, a notable architectural feature within this historic burial ground.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walk
Enjoy a quiet stroll and soak in the history. Perfect for a reflective break in the city.
🧐 Research Local History
Learn about notable figures like James Chalmers and Samuel Bell buried here.
💀 Look for Symbols
Keep an eye out for skull and crossbones motifs on older gravestones.
🪙 Witch's Grave Tradition
Leave a coin at the last witch's gravestone for a unique visitor experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walk
Enjoy a quiet stroll and soak in the history. Perfect for a reflective break in the city.
🧐 Research Local History
Learn about notable figures like James Chalmers and Samuel Bell buried here.
💀 Look for Symbols
Keep an eye out for skull and crossbones motifs on older gravestones.
🪙 Witch's Grave Tradition
Leave a coin at the last witch's gravestone for a unique visitor experience.
📸 Capture the Details
The elaborate lettering and unique tomb designs make for great photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Howff Cemetery to be a peaceful and historically rich site in the heart of Dundee. Many appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the fascinating details on the gravestones, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past. While it may not appeal to everyone, those interested in history and unique burial sites find it a worthwhile and intriguing visit.
"Historical cemetery that closes in the evenings. It is peaceful to walk through, read about some history, find the last witch's small gravestone and add a coin, find the skull and cross bones, or sit a bit."
Tara Allen 51
"If you are someone interested in Dundee's history then this is the perfect place for you. All credits go to the Dundee city council for maintaining this burial ground so nicely. This burial ground was established in 1564 and the majority of graves face exactly due east. The burial ground contains a high number of Roman-style coffee tombs. Burials at the Howff include the architect Samuel Bell and James Chalmers- inventor of the adhesive postage stamp. The Burial ground is just opposite the DC Thompson's building."
Nikhil Reji Mathew
"This was such an interesting place to visit. I realise it would not appeal to everyone however, cemeteries are fantastic places for learning about the local history. The Howff had particularly fine examples of elaborate lettering on the headstones. Here I also noticed that on many headstones the inscriptions began with the name of the person who had had it erected; also many had addendums on the reverse.
There were mainly headstones with just a few monuments.
The Howff really offers a snapshot of Dundee life in the past showing many different professions. Many people died at a young age with many infant deaths, some unnamed and in one case 2 in the same family and given the same name. I knew that this happened but this was the first time I had seen it recorded."
Anne Marie Stagg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Howff Cemetery is centrally located in Dundee, opposite the DC Thompson building. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center. Public transport options to the city center are plentiful, with buses and trains serving Dundee.
While there isn't dedicated parking within the cemetery itself, there are several public car parks in the surrounding city center area. Consider using these if you are driving to Dundee.
Yes, The Howff is within walking distance of many central Dundee attractions, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to The Howff Cemetery is free. It's a public space maintained by the Dundee city council.
The Howff Cemetery is a historical site and has set opening hours, typically closing in the evenings. It's advisable to check local listings or signage for the most current times before your visit.
As an older cemetery with uneven ground and gravestones, accessibility can be challenging. Visitors with mobility issues should proceed with caution.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gravestones with elaborate lettering, unique Roman-style tombs, and notable burials like James Chalmers. Look for skull and crossbones motifs and the grave of the last witch. +1
Yes, the intricate details on the gravestones, the historical atmosphere, and the unique motifs make it a great spot for photography.
These symbols often represented mortality and the transient nature of life in historical burial grounds. Their presence at The Howff adds to the cemetery's intriguing historical narrative.
Visitors often seek out the grave of the last witch and the resting places of figures like architect Samuel Bell and inventor James Chalmers.
Absolutely. Despite being in the city center, The Howff offers a tranquil escape and a chance for quiet reflection.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the detailed inscriptions, the unique tomb shapes, and any interesting motifs like skull and crossbones. The overall atmosphere also lends itself to atmospheric shots.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, always be respectful of the site and other visitors.
A camera with good macro capabilities can help capture the fine details of the inscriptions. However, a smartphone camera can also produce excellent results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While it's a peaceful place, it's best suited for families with older children who can appreciate historical context. Younger children might find it less engaging or even a bit unsettling. Ensure they understand it's a place of remembrance and not a playground. The central location makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Dundee.
🏛️ History Buffs
The cemetery's establishment in 1564 by Mary Queen of Scots adds a layer of royal history. The Roman-style coffee tombs and the recurring skull and crossbones motifs offer specific points of interest for those keen on historical symbolism and architecture. It’s a compact site that packs a significant historical punch.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Dundee's Past
The cemetery is notable for its Roman-style coffee tombs, which are a distinctive architectural feature. These elaborate structures, often with ornate carvings, stand as testaments to the wealth and status of some of Dundee's past residents. The inscriptions on the headstones themselves are a treasure trove of information, detailing not only names and dates but also professions and family histories.
Visitors can discover the resting places of notable figures such as Samuel Bell, the architect, and James Chalmers, the inventor of the adhesive postage stamp. The presence of numerous infant deaths and instances of children sharing the same name highlights the harsh realities of life in past centuries. The skull and crossbones motif is also a recurring and intriguing element, often symbolizing mortality.
Exploring The Howff's Unique Features
The cemetery also features a variety of elaborate lettering and inscriptions on its headstones. These range from simple epitaphs to detailed accounts of lives lived. Many inscriptions begin with the name of the person who erected the stone, and some even have addendums on the reverse, encouraging a closer examination of each monument.
For those interested in symbolism, the skull and crossbones are a recurring motif. These symbols, common in older cemeteries, serve as stark reminders of mortality. Their presence at The Howff invites contemplation on the universal themes of life, death, and remembrance, making a visit both educational and thought-provoking.
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