Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust

About

The Bath Road gates are open from 9am - 5pm every day. The cafe is open from 10am-4pm and the gift shop from 10.30am - 4.00pm. Tours and events run throughout the year.

Arnos Vale is internationally recognised as one of Britain’s best examples of a Victorian garden cemetery, set in a leafy 45-acre Arcadian landscape dotted with classical buildings, historic monuments, sweeping carriage drives and leafy walks lined with wildflowers. It is a working cemetery and often described as a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity in an otherwise busy part of a bustling city.

"So beautiful, so original and so unusual that you just can’t fail to fall in love with it!" CAIO (The online guide for world travellers)

The small team of staff and volunteers work hard to protect and enhance this special place for visitors to enjoy. Entry is free, however donations are welcome.

Cafe

The cafe is in a beautiful glass pavilion adjacent to the Spielman Centre. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends for coffee and cake.

Wildlife

If wildlife is your thing, then Arnos Vale reveals wonderful surprises throughout the year; flowers, fauna, trees, creatures and critters. Not simply an important site for biodiversity, it is also a vital steppingstone in Bristol’s wildlife corridors, connecting wildlife separated by roads and buildings. In the woodland areas you will find primroses, wild garlic, lady’s smock, goldilocks buttercup and many other plants, including some rare national species such as ivy broomrape. Horse chestnut trees, oak, Irish yews, Austrian pines, Western red cedar, Chilean pine, Himalayan cedar, English yews, weeping ash and shrubs such as cherry laurel, Japanese spindle and box. With ever-changing scenery and landscape there is always something new to discover. 

War Graves

More than 600 British and Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen from both World Wars and older conflicts are remembered at Arnos Vale Cemetery, including three recipients of Britain’s highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross, and veterans who survived the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo. You can find out more on the Arnos Vale website

Weddings

The two Grade II* Listed buildings are ideal for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Anglican Chapel is available for Anglican Ceremonies and the Spielman Centre is registered for Civil Partnerships and Ceremonies. Arnos Vale even offer woodland weddings in the Underwood Centre where you can have an unusual and laid-back wedding ceremony and celebration in the heart of the site. Suggesting a range of local caterers to choose from, they can cater for any wedding reception from a simple ceremony to sumptuous banquets. Either historic venue can be arranged for receptions, parties and celebrations making Arnos Vale an all-inclusive venue.

Venue Hire

The venues are currently available for meetings, training and away-days, weddings, funerals or celebrations of life.

Visiting

For up to date opening times and to catch up with their latest news go to their website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Accessibility

Parking is available on site. Ramped access at the cafe and visitor centre. The footpaths around the grounds are uneven due to the landscape of the grounds. Accessible toilet facilities are available.

View full access guide on AccessAble