Enjoy green space and tranquillity while discovering Manchester lives from music, poetry and theatre to football, cotton, flight and art.

Southern Cemetery Guided Tour

Meet me at the cemetery gates

The original, authorised tours of the cemetery

Join Emma Fox on a tour around this beautiful, green and tranquil Victorian cemetery, visiting the graves and hearing the fascinating life stories of some of Manchester's most notable residents.

Opened in 1879, Southern Cemetery is the largest municipal cemetery in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe. Many renowned Mancunians are buried in the cemetery, including aviator John Alcock (who made history with the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919) and Manchester's first self made multi-millionaire, industrialist and philanthropist John Rylands.

The cemetery also provides the final resting place for Sir Matt Busby, LS Lowry, Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke, as well as 'Mr Manchester' himself, Tony Wilson, whose grave is marked with a headstone designed by Peter Saville and Ben Kelly.

Emma said in an interview with the Manchester Evening News: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to guide people through the greenery of Southern Cemetery, visiting the graves of those famous for music, football, cotton, philanthropy, flight, the ship canal, painting, politics, and property. You really can tell the whole story of Manchester just in this beautiful cemetery".

Councillor Rosa Battle of Manchester City Council said: "Southern Cemetery is a fascinating place with an enthralling history and I'm sure people will jump at the chance to learn more about the celebrated people buried there while enjoying the extremely diverse wildlife in the cemetery.

"The tours are a compliment to the team at Southern Cemetery who, alongside the successful Friends of Southern Cemetery group, have work tirelessly and were recently awarded a Green Flag Award again."

NB £1 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Friends of Southern Cemetery

Read more about and contact Emma Fox

FAQs

Where do we meet?

Meet inside the main cemetery gates on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, M21 7GL. These are opposite James Hilton Memorials, 245d Barlow Moor Road, M21 7QL. NB do not go to the crematorium. Please arrive a few minutes early.

Is there an age limit to enter the event?

No, the tour is suitable for anyone able to walk and stand for two hours on paths and grass.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

The cemetery gates on Nell Lane will be open, drive round the eliptical path and you can park for free in the marked bays. There is also parking down the side roads off Barlow Moor Road. The shops prefer you not to park in front of them.

Withington and Burton Road Metrolink stops are a short walk to the cemetery.

The 104 and 101 buses go along Princess Parkway from where it is only a short walk along Barlow Moor Road to the cemetery.

The 23 and 23A go along Barlow Moor Road between Didsbury and Chorlton. You can get the Metrolink to Chorlton, walk round the corner onto Barlow Moor Road to the bus stop by Max Spielmann to catch the 23. It's a 4 minute journey. Get off at Aldermary Road.

There is bike parking.

Are there any toilet facilties at the event?

Yes, but bring your own loo roll!

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Use the contact the organiser button on eventbrite.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No

What if it's raining, snowing or 40 degrees C?

The tours take place whatever the weather. Please dress appropriately!

Description supplied by the event organiser.