Is it disrespectful to stroll around a cemetery?

[FuckConvoGiveMeAForest]

Only on the footpath obviously. Not visiting, just walking through it. The trees and birds etc... so peaceful. But is it wrong? I'm in two minds 🤔

Definitely not disrespectful in my view. Quite the reverse. I think it's good to think about all the people who have gone before.

No not at all, I used to live next door to one and it would get really busy as people walked dogs, exercised, cut through to walk kids to school etc.

I would never let my dog walk on graves or anything. thats the only thing I would personally be aware of.

In a bikini -yes
Doing the conga -yes
Quietly and thoughtfully-no

How could it be disrespectful?
I often walk through one as it’s a prettier way to walk home, I agree it’s very peaceful. Sometimes in the summer I’ve even sat on a bench and had a drink of my water just to soak up 5 minutes of stillness before going home. Of course only ever stick to the footpaths.
I’ve seen signs of blatant disrespect in cemeteries, smashed beer bottles and remains of fires etc. but walking quietly through? I’d say absolutely not.

It’s fine, I just wouldn’t step on the graves out of respect.

No, not at all - I don't like it when people let dogs off leads tear about wildly with no respect for where graves are, though.

Who cares?
Who is going to stop you and say that they are offended or horrified?
Really, who actually cares where you walk?

I think Thomas Grey wrote his elegy in a country churchyard.

Ah thanks guys I just wasn't sure if I had any business being there if not specifically visiting. I do have a dog with me but he'll be kept on a lead. Thank you x 🎄

Not at all disrespectful, unless you're using the headstones as goalposts or collecting floral tributes!

I'd be wary of the loneliness in some of those places, but if you are aware of your personal security and feel safe, go for it.

No, as long as you give some thought to things such as loose dogs, very public phonecalls etc. that could upset others there, who could be grieving and also want the peace.

I do!! Integrity is important whether other people can watch or not!

No, I often go for a walk round my local cemetery.
It's Victorian and has three trails to follow, one for the different trees, one for the various symbols on headstones, one for
' notable residents' . I've learned a lot of local history.
There are two chapels which are no longer used for services. One has been restored and is used for art exhibitions and shows films.
I love it, it's very peaceful.

Not disrespectful at all.
I take my DCs through occasionally and they pick up any ornaments that have fallen over and place them back and they have a read of what's on the gravestones.

This. There’s a cemetery in Bristol called Arnos Vale which is a ‘visitor’s attraction’ (hate to say that as it sounds ghoulish and disrespectful, but it really isn’t). It’s a huge cemetery created by the Victorians with all kind of amazing graves in it. The issue is they didn’t think about who would actually upkeep these graves after the deceased’s relatives were deceased, so the revenue from the cafe and holding events there pays for the graves to be maintained. It’s a fascinating walk. There’s also a natural burial area for new graves, as well as a WW2 area and memorial etc.

At my old job I used to sit under a tree at the cemetery and eat my packed lunch. I kept off the graves that were marked ( guess there were ones without headstones everywhere as it was such a old place) and tidied up after myself. I just to read the headstones and just quietly wander round. All the headstones were 100 years plus so I don’t think I was intruding on anyones recent loss. Rather liked it. Better than the office anyway.

Not at all. When municipal cemeteries were first set up in the mid-C19 because churchyards in urban areas were full and had no space to expand within towns, they were carefully designed landscapes of memorial, and were places that were visited as landscapes from the early days. Most authorities are glad to have people through all the time - it deters anti social behaviour.

As long as you are respectful and mindful that there will be bereaved people visiting, and potentially burial ceremonies taking place, please do enjoy these spaces.

Are you in Bristol by any chance? 😊

I spotted that too! Arnos Vale is an absolute gem, and very important, as a designed landscape and for its buildings.

Not disrespectful at all if you’re quiet and respectful. I’ve done unofficial tours of Nunhead, West Norwood and Highgate cemeteries.

Of course not. Don't be silly, OP. It's not as if you're looking to cause any vandalism and you're showing how you plan to keep your dog under control. Go for your walk and don't give this a further thought.

Actually the people who go to the church, have relatives or friends buried in the churchyard, and the people who volunteer their time to maintain the place will care.

A local churchyard/graveyard where we used to live was on a running route. It used to really bother me to see people running through it without any respect. Once I was there and two elderly-ish gardeners who had been toiling away saw one of these runners and they really gave it to them both barrels about respect. The runner walked the rest of the way.

@Cuppasoupmonster

No not Bristol

I think it’s rather nice to visit cemeteries where the graves are very old. They might not get many visits and the point of the stones are to help those who have died be remembered.