Arnos Vale Cemetery
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Free/entry fee/donation
No fee, but the cemetery is financed by donations
Background
Arnos Vale Cemetery opened as a ‘garden cemetery’ in 1838 during the reign of Queen Victoria. Landscaped and peppered with classical buildings, the then out-of-town area of Brislington was chosen by the Bristol General Cemetery Company to be the location of a fresh, stylish alternative to the general health hazards and over-crowding of parish church graveyards.
The future of Arnos Vale was cast into doubt during the 80s, when burial space ran out along with the cash to maintain it. The grounds were over-grown and memorials in disrepair.
After a newspaper report stating the owners at the time wanted to clear a section for commercial development, a group of local people opposed the proposals and created a group to save the cemetery.
Eventually, Bristol City Council became the owners of Arnos Vale in 2003 and a charitable trust was formed to restore the cemetery.
What’s good for parents and carers?
The access is excellent. Buggies will go perfectly along main roads and paths. It’s quiet but not totally isolated with a main reception, people at work and dog walkers.
What’s good for children?
The landscaping and memorials are both beautiful and fascinating. There are information points helping visitors learn more about the design of the cemetery’s features.
What is access like?
Great for prams and accessible toilet. No issues. Refreshments available at certain times.
Any issues?
Arnos Vale is still a cemetery. This in itself is not an issue, but people do still visit to pay their respects at gravesides. It is not suitable for children to run riot and have the screaming ab dabs. It is best to stick to main pathways as older graves are not all structurally sound.
What sort of time frame will the visit take?
With babies and young children, a half hour – 45 minutes is plenty.
Basically…
Arnos Vale Cemetery is a wonderful place for a quiet walk or learning experience with children who are in the right mood. Really beautiful memorials and the cemetery has been well restored.
Where to go for more information…
www.arnosvalefriends.org.uk