WDEC 2025 in Bristol

Join us for an engaging and informative walk through the beautiful Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, UK, as part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2025.

About the event

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, a classic guided tour will take place at Arnos Vale Cemetery, exploring its rich history, present role, and future vision.

Participants will discover the cemetery’s story from its founding in 1837 to its current role as a burial ground, heritage site, community space, and green oasis. The tour will highlight fascinating and unusual symbols and graves, introduce some of the cemetery’s most notable residents, and share their stories and lasting impact on the city of Bristol. Visitors will also learn about the site's architectural and landscape heritage, including its stunning listed buildings.

The event is organized by the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust. For more information, visit their website or contact Janine Marriott at janine.marriott@arnosvale.org.uk.

WDEC 2023 at the Arnos Vale Cemetery

Check out the rich program that will take place at the Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, UK, during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2023.

Burial grounds & archaeology – online talk

Wednesday, 24 May 2023, at 6:30 pm

In this talk, archaeologist Robyn Lacey will discuss working in burial grounds as an archaeologist. She'll share insights gathered from these sites through excavation and surface survey and the importance of preserving them for future generations. Furthermore, Robyn will discuss her ongoing PhD research on burial landscape development in colonial settlements in North America and what it tells us about the people living and dying there.

More info and ticket purchase at https://arnosvale.org.uk/burial-grounds-archaeology/

Birds and Bird song tour

Saturday, 27 May 2023, at 10:30 am

Witness nature’s musical marvel of birdsong. The cemetery is a haven for birdlife and is home to a beautiful array of plants, wildlife, and trees. This walk promises a unique aural experience of hearing the gorgeous songs of resident and migrant bird species, with tips on their identification, led by ecologist Mary Wood. This walk will take in various parts of the 45-acre site from grassland to woodland, from managed land to wild spaces.

More info and ticket purchase at https://arnosvale.org.uk/birds-and-birdsong-tour/

Ceremonial way tour

Sunday, 28 May 2023, at 10:30 am

Explore the beautiful architecture and amazing graves of Bristol’s past, and hear stories of the people involved, in our physically accessible Ceremonial Way Tour. Learn fascinating facts about Arnos Vale and enjoy the beautiful landscape and views on this carefully designed tour. This is our most accessible tour - it's on the flat and has regular rest points on the route.

The tour is free as part of Bristol Walk Fest. Reservations are required at https://arnosvale.org.uk/ceremonial-way-tour-2/

Big Bug Hunt for family audiences

Tuesday, 30 May 2023, at 10:30 am and at 11:30 am

Get outdoors and find clues of the brilliant bugs that live in Arnos Vale. Find out why the cemetery is an amazing habitat and then learn how you can welcome critters into your garden. Finish off with a fantastic bug hunt in the woods. This activity is suitable for 4 + but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

More info and ticket purchase at https://arnosvale.org.uk/big-bug-hunt/

A Bat Walk

Wednesday, 31 May 2023 and Thursday, 1 June 2023, at 8:45 pm

Spend a fascinating evening in the knowledgeable company of ecologists from Mott McDonald. They'll share research and facts on bats and the natural history of the wonderful species found here, including lesser horseshoe bats and pipistrelles. They'll be joined by Janine Marriott who'll share the history of the landscape, the reasons why it's so special for bats, and how they are of such value to the cemetery and Bristol.

More info and ticket purchase at https://arnosvale.org.uk/bat-tour/

The funerals that went wrong – online talk

Wednesday, 7 June 2023, at 18:30 pm

We all know how Victorian funerals were supposed to be conducted? They were terribly staid and rigid and conforming to societal convention... right? Wrong. In "The Funerals That Went Wrong", discover how, in the moment when decorum and etiquette counted the most, the dead were overlooked by the drama of the human condition. Sometimes humorous, sometimes mortifying, these stories trample on the Victorian ideal of the Good Death.

More info and ticket purchase at https://arnosvale.org.uk/the-funerals-that-went-wrong/

Arnos Vale Cemetery (Bristol, United Kingdom)

Arnos Vale Cemetery was established by the Bristol Cemetery Company in 1837 as a response to the overcrowded City churchyards.

About the cemetery

The amphitheatre site was landscaped, and impressive Doric Styled entrance lodges, Ionic styled Non - Conformist Chapel and Corinthian styled Anglican Chapel were constructed. All are now grade II* listed structures on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England. There are also many elaborate memorials for Bristol industrial families at the cemtery, as well as for Raja Rammohan Roy. The Cemetery was extended in the 1890's and in 1929 the first crematorium in the West of England was opened beneath the Non-Conformist chapel. 

Anos Vale Cemetery Trust

Following a gradual decline and limited maintenance, the cemetery was threatened with closure and sale. The Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery, established in 1987, worked with the City of Bristol to compulsory purchase the site which is now managed by the Anos Vale Cemetery Trust. Funding has now been received to refurbish the buildings and grounds to allow the cemetery to continue as an education, family history, and wildlife centre for the City. 

Funeral matters

The cemetery is now full and has no capacity for new burial plots. If individual family plots have capacity and are accessible, they may be used for burials of relatives. Cremated remains can be interred in family plots or spread in gardens of rest.

*Photo source: https://arnosvale.org.uk/

Contacts

Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
West Lodge, Bath Road , Arnos Vale
BS4 3EW Bristol
United Kingdom

Phone: 44(0)1179719117
Email: info@arnosvale.co.uk

Website: http://www.arnosvale.org.uk

Opening hours

March to September
Monday to Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 5.00pm

October to February
Monday to Saturday: 9.00am - 4.30pm (or at dusk if earlier)
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.30pm (or at dusk if earlier)

Tourist info

Bristol City Council
http://www.bristol.gov.uk


Tourist office 
http://www.visitbristol.co.uk