Half nature reserve, half spooky overgrown Victorian graveyard and occasional cruising zone, Abney Park is a memorial festooned, ivy-clad masterpiece in Hackney's already impressive park's portfolio. This time of year--when the seasons change--is a fine time to grave spot. Highlights amongst the crumbling, wonky gravestones include a massive sleeping lion, headless and armless angels with cracked wings and a derelict chapel in the centre of the park. You may also spy the shirtless men enjoying cans of strongbow in the afternoon, sunshine lolling on the graves of Salvation Army founders, William and Catherine Booth. Are they homeless, you may ask? If so, would Will and Cathy mind them sitting there? As the nights draw in though, make sure you're not on the wrong side of the gates come closing time.

Photo:  Jenny Wight