Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
About
The Bath Road gates are open from 9am until 4pm, every day. The Cleverchefs cafe and toilets are open from 9am - 3.30pm.
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)
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 donations are welcome.
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.
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. 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, meetings, 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
Book Tickets
Opening Times
Open (1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times |
Further Information
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities
- Event Venue
- Open All Year
Key Features
- Outdoor Attraction
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - limited
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
TripAdvisor

- Travelers Choice 2022
- Excellent334
- Very Good145
- Average14
- Poor1
- Terrible2
Recent Reviews:
- mickyfq74Trip Type:Friends getawaySaturday Cemetery TourSaturday, 30th April 2022A friend and I went on the Saturday tour today and it was excellent. The tour guide Charlotte was incredibly well informed not only about the Cemetery but also the history of death rites throughout... Read full review
- JuneBug1939Weston super Mare, United KingdomGorgeous, gorgeousFriday, 13th May 2022My friend and I met my daughter at the Arnos Vale Cafe and, after a refreshing cuppa, we wandered around the cemetery, amazed at the hugeness of it all, the beautiful rewilding that's been allowed to... Read full review
- Alice HBristol, United KingdomCharlotte Rocks!Saturday, 28th May 2022I've always loved Arnos Vale cemetery, so when I heard they were doing tours, I got very excited. I went on the 'Morbid Curiosity Tour' led by Charlotte and it was such a lovely experience. She was... Read full review