We are compiling this directory of flowery burial grounds from across the UK, which we would recommend visiting if you are looking for a well managed site rich in wildlife and heritage. Burial grounds can have a rich array of plants, animals and fungi, and may contain the only surviving area of flower-rich grassland in a parish. All the sites listed here contain this habitat. To see the flowers at their best, late May to mid or end of July is usually the most suitable time to visit. However, do contact the site managers for more specific timings before you visit if this is important to you.
The comment we hear most often at Holy Trinity Goodramgate is "I have lived here for years and I never knew you were here". Located right in the heart of York, the churchyard at Holy Trinity Goodramgate is a secret garden. Those lucky enough to come through the 18th century gate (listed with Historic England and used in the filming of the BBC TV series Gentleman Jack), are welcomed by a rainbow plaque commemorating the visit of Anne Lister & Ann Walker to take communion at the church before they started their lives together in 1834. The churchyard itself is filled with benches where tired shoppers, tourists and those who work in the town can bring their lunch and enjoy the quiet. There is information available inside the church about those remembered on the gravestones and the well informed volunteers are always ready to share what they know. There has been a concerted effort over the last couple of years to move towards native planting both at the front and back of the church. The rear of the church is managed as a meadow although a woodchip path allows visitors to explore.
There is a visiting fox and a lot of bird life. Robins and blackbirds have made their home in the porch and blue tits in the nest boxes. A statue near the porch remembers Gerald, the York Minster cat, who used to be a regular visitor along with his brother, Douglas.
There is a large hawthorn tree outside the church and other trees provide shade around the perimeter. During the summer, the grass is often used for theatre and music performances.
The flowers run from snowdrops and daffodils in the spring to cow parsley, daisies, fox gloves and poppies in the summer.
The churchyard is cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers.
- Birders paradise
- Famous/infamous people's memorials
- Fascinating monuments
- Good accessibility
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Stones with stories
- Wild flower Areas in spring/summer
- Wildlife haven
The inside of the church is often colder than the temperature in the churchyard. The church itself is wheelchair accessible throughout save for the Sunken Chapel. Floors are uneven and light levels are low. The church hosts many events during the year - most of which are by candlelight. Details can be found on the church website or Facebook (Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York) or Instagram (holytrinitygoodramgate).
The main path into the churchyard is wheelchair accessible. The path around the side and back are not wheelchair friendly. All surfaces are uneven and caution is advised.
Walking distance from York station. Bus route 14A.
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If you would like to nominate a flowery burial ground that you manage for inclusion in our directory, please complete the form here. We will review all submissions before inclusion in the directory, so please understand you won’t see your burial ground immediately.Â
