Arnos Vale Cemetery

Established in 1837 by the Bristol General Cemetery Company, Arnos Vale is a stunning 45-acre Victorian garden cemetery designed designed to be visually attractive in the style of a walled Greek Necropolis. With neo-classical mortuary chapels, Italianate and Ionic architecture, and Grade II* listed buildings by Charles Underwood, it served as Bristol’s primary burial site until 1871. Today, it is both a heritage site and urban wildlife haven, offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and ecological significance.

Great social reformers such as George Muller, Mary Carpenter and Raja Rammohun Roy rest in the Arcadian Garden area. Among the ‘ordinary’ citizens resting nearby are survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade, and a police officer murdered in Old Market whilst trying to intervene over the ill-treatment of a donkey.

Special Event: Mortal Remains – Short Film Preview
Sunday 14 September

Join us for the launch of Mortal Remains, a series of short animated films exploring themes of death, grief, and funeral traditions from a fresh perspective. Created by artists Ben Faircloth, Eilidh Nicoll, and Mariana Leal, these thought-provoking films use mixed media, including stop motion and paper collage.

Followed by a Q&A with the artists and Dr Hannah Rumble (Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath).

In partnership with Animate Projects. Supported by Arts Council England.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10.30am-4.30pm

Sunday 14 September:

10.30am-4.30pm

Location & directions

West Lodge, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, Bristol, BS4 3EW

Directions:

On foot or bike Enter from Bath Road entrance, Cemetery Road, or Arnos Park. Bike racks available By train The nearest station is Temple Meads, a mile to the west By bus Services 1, X39, 57, 178 and 349 stop a short walk to the Bath Road gates By car Use postcode BS4 3EW for the main Bath Road entrance. There is limited parking by the chapels.

Contact on day:

Janine Marriott

Telephone number:

+441179719117

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

We're not a fully accessible site and the tour route will include steep slopes, steps and muddy or uneven paths.

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