Join us at Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery for War Graves Week 2026 to honour and remember those who served in the World Wars.

Overview

With over 1000 Commonwealth War Graves, Stonefall Cemetery is one of the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites in the North of England. Nearly all of the casualties are airmen from the Second World War, with over two-thirds belonging to the Canadian forces.

Join us for Heritage Open Days, at Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate on Saturdays 12th or 19th or Wednesday 16th September for a guided tour. Discover the 'Everyday Histories' of some ordinary people who played extraordinary roles during times of conflict. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through this cemetery, sharing tales of courage and resilience. The stories will include those of a boy from Trinidad who became a fighter pilot and one from County Durham who earned the moniker the 'Locksmith of Colditz'.

Our tours are free to the public, but if you would like to support us then please consider donating to our charity The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF).

https://foundation.cwgc.org/donate/ (https://foundation.cwgc.org/donate/)

Please note: The starting point for the tour is in front of the crematorium.

The tour lasts approximately 90 mins and runs at both 11:00 and 13:30 on the 12th, 16th and 19th September.

Please come dressed for the weather. The tour involves walking on grass which can be muddy if there's been heavy rain. Please bring water if required.

For weekend tours the main vehicular gate to the cemetery (on Wetherby Road near to Sainsbury's) is usually locked. The cemetery can be accessed by vehicle through the entrance on Forest Lane.

You can park within the cemetery (be mindful that the gates for vehicles are locked at 1600 at weekends and 1630 weekdays).

There is a public toilet near the main entrance from Wetherby Road.

Please note there can be last minute cancellations. This can be due to various reasons including illness, site issues and weather. We will email you as soon as we can, but this could include the morning of the tour, so please check your emails prior to leaving for the tour.

The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) aims to actively engage all communities with the work of the CWGC by telling the inspiring stories through education and outreach projects.

The CWGF is an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (1171947) and Scotland (SC051982).

Description supplied by the event organiser.