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Business & Culture
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Halloween in Cardiff: Take a spooky autumn nature walk with the dead

An October stroll through the grey headstones of Cathays Cemetery promises crisp and colourful autumnal displays, intriguing local heritage and striking funeral symbolism.

Cathays Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful site just north of Cardiff city centre.

The biggest burial ground in Wales is a perfect Halloween walking spot with bundles of gothic charm. Opened in 1859, the curious collection of gravestones and monuments showcases vibrant stories of local history and lost traditions of death and remembrance.

Tree species including oak, beech and maple treat October visitors to seasonal displays of reds, golds and yellows.

Cardiff resident Pollyanna Lewis, 29, uses the outdoor space to unwind in the calm atmosphere, “I love how big and old the trees are. It’s fascinating to look at the names of people buried here and think about how their families wanted to remember them.”

Cathays Cemetery: a peaceful spot for remembrance and reflection.

Victorian gothic graveyard

Tall, looming monuments and ornate headstone masonry are standout features throughout the grounds. Gestures of love and respect to those dearly departed, they beautifully display the popular funeral symbolism of 19th and 20th century Cardiff.

An ode to Cardiff’s maritime history, the nautical anchor also symbolises the Christian promise of life beyond death through the foundation of faith.
The memorial of Bishop John Cuthbert is one of the largest onsite and features a wide variety of religious iconography and intricately carved stonework.

Welsh wildlife haven

Despite the looming presence of death, the grounds are teeming with life. Classified by the council as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, visitors can enjoy the rich biodiversity on display including songbirds, rabbits and squirrels.

Trees are a natural habitat for many wildlife and provide quiet nooks that birds and other species need to rest and thrive. They also reduce air and noise pollution in the community.

Local heritage site

The Friends of Cathays Cemetery is a local charity supporting Cardiff Council to preserve the land and history for future generations. Charity volunteers are also working to index the thousands of people interred within the vast grounds.

The restored Grade 2 listed chapel exhibits key features of Gothic revival architecture.
While the exact number of graves is unknown, up to 250,000 are thought to be buried here.

Site burials are no longer permitted, but Cathays Cemetery continues to offer a picturesque escape from modern city life. For Halloween, history or nature enthusiasts alike, an inspiring visit awaits in this quiet slice of Cardiff.