Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust

About

Step into a secret world and discover 45 green acres, close to the heart of Bristol, where the history of the city is told in a leafy and tranquil setting, rich in walks, wildlife, architecture, fascinating displays and memorials.

"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)

Their income has been hugely hit by the Coronavirus pandemic and they are working hard to look after this magical site for visitors, the team and all the volunteers that have helped over the years. Entry is free, however they welcome donations.

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.

Cafe

Cleverchefs are the cafe operators at Arnos Vale. Providing a beautiful range of handcrafted food for weddings as well as in the cafe and covered patio area. They are due to reopen for take away food and drink in mid-July 2020; for up to date opening times please go to the Site Information page.

Wildlife

If Wildlife is your thing, then Arnos Vale reveals wildlife surprises throughout the year; sweeping roads and pathways, flowers, fauna, trees, creatures and critters. Arnos Vale is not simply an important site for biodiversity in itself. It is also a vital steppingstone in Bristol’s wildlife corridors, connecting wildlife separated by roads and buildings, foxes, badgers, owls and bats. 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. 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. With ever-changing scenery and landscape there is always something new to discover.

Weddings

Arnos Vale is a tranquil, unique, unusual and beautiful site set in 45 acres of green landscape. 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 – offering an unusual and laid-back wedding ceremony and celebration in the heart of the site. With their on-site catering company, 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 weddings, funerals or celebrations of life.

Visiting

Arnos Vale Cemetery is currently open to visitors from 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. 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.