Brookwood American Cemetery
A solemn memorial honoring nearly 500 American soldiers of WWI, featuring thousands of white crosses in a peaceful Surrey setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Brookwood American Cemetery
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial honoring nearly 500 American soldiers of WWI, featuring thousands of white crosses in a peaceful Surrey setting.
"A deeply moving and poignant place of remembrance, meticulously maintained."
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire. Some visitors report staff being sensitive to clothing choices. :dress:
Quiet Reflection
This is a place of remembrance. Keep voices low and avoid disruptive behavior. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rows of White Crosses
Main Cemetery Grounds
Thousands of identical white headstones stand in neat rows, a poignant testament to American sacrifice.
The Chapel
Center of the Cemetery
A serene chapel dedicated to the memory of those lost, holding the names of 564 soldiers.
The Wall of the Missing
Near the Chapel
Lists the names of American soldiers who went missing in action during WWI.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Security and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire. Some visitors report staff being sensitive to clothing choices. :dress:
Quiet Reflection
This is a place of remembrance. Keep voices low and avoid disruptive behavior. :pray:
Mind the Grounds
Be careful not to step on graves. Signs may not always be present, so observe others. :walking:
Photography Etiquette
Capture the solemn beauty respectfully. Avoid intrusive or overly casual photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest attire. Some visitors report staff being sensitive to clothing choices. :dress:
Quiet Reflection
This is a place of remembrance. Keep voices low and avoid disruptive behavior. :pray:
Mind the Grounds
Be careful not to step on graves. Signs may not always be present, so observe others. :walking:
Photography Etiquette
Capture the solemn beauty respectfully. Avoid intrusive or overly casual photos. :camerawithflash:
Consider the Weather
English weather can be unpredictable. Bring an umbrella or raincoat, especially for spring/autumn visits. :umbrella:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Brookwood American Cemetery to be a deeply moving and solemn place of remembrance, with many praising the meticulous upkeep of the grounds and the poignant rows of white crosses. However, some recent visitors have expressed disappointment with increased security measures, feeling they detract from the peaceful atmosphere.
"We went to the American cemetery to day its so moving to see the graves off the men and women that gave there lives for us so we can live in freedom it wonderful how they are keeping the cemetery well done the war graves commission I shall take my grandson there one day thanks for all your doing to keep them respected for what they did for us"
michael clements
"Was any amazing today place
To show my son the price people
Have pay for us to have the freedom
We have and he was shock by the age and the difference of have Green the American and the other country grave where keep"
Adrian Turton
"This place used to be so picturesque, since my last visit ( some 10 years ago) they have erected a fence akin to an industrial/military site, implemented a security guard and guard booth, erected 3 tall security posts with over 20 cameras surveying every corner of their site and much of the adjoining Commonwealth War Graves Commissions site presumably whether they want it to or not.
These over zealous, uneccessary and frankly paranoid measures have really detracted from the beauty of the place, giving it a feel more aligned with Guantanamo bay than that of a quaint and peaceful English garden set in the heart of Surrey.
The staff seem twitchy if you step on the grassed burial plots (there are no signs telling you not to) and ask anything about the organisation, the securtiy guard is set upon you if you're attire is anything other than that of military style, and whilst I was there a woman that appeared from the office area bellowed over to a couple playing with their child near the chapel to stop their child playing hide and seek by the hedge.
If they really do'nt want us there why don't they continue the industrial fence around the rest of the site?
During my visit I was talking to a lady gardener from the Commonwealth War Graves that mentioned they've even recently lost an employee, that because of bullying in the work place a young man tragically took his own life, he "could not bare to come to work anymore", for which an internal investigation has been launched apparantly.
All in all an appauling show from such a would be otherwise prestigeous organisation, I do hope they get their act together soon."
Punky Steve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brookwood American Cemetery is accessible by car, located near Brookwood station in Surrey. Public transport options include taking a train to Brookwood station and then a short taxi ride or a walk. Some visitors mention it's a bit of a journey, so plan accordingly.
Yes, there is parking available on-site for visitors. It's generally sufficient, but can get busier during peak times or on memorial days.
You can reach Brookwood American Cemetery via public transport by taking a train to Brookwood Station. From there, it's a walk or a short taxi ride to the cemetery.
From London, you can take a train to Brookwood Station. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes. From the station, a taxi or a brisk walk will get you to the cemetery.
While Brookwood American Cemetery is a primary destination, the surrounding Surrey countryside offers scenic walks and charming villages. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery is adjacent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Brookwood American Cemetery is free. It is a memorial site maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The cemetery is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official American Battle Monuments Commission website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
There is no admission fee to visit Brookwood American Cemetery. It is a place of remembrance and is freely accessible to all.
Yes, Brookwood American Cemetery is open on weekends. Weekends can be busier, so consider visiting on a weekday for a more tranquil experience.
Visitors are expected to behave respectfully. While generally welcoming, recent security measures mean staff may be vigilant about adherence to site rules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Walk slowly and respectfully through the rows of graves, visit the chapel, and take time to read the inscriptions. Many find it a deeply moving experience.
Official guided tours are not typically offered. However, you can explore the grounds at your own pace and read the informational displays.
Facilities include restrooms and a chapel. Some visitors have noted increased security presence with cameras and guards.
The main paths are generally accessible, but the grounds are extensive. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of the large area to cover.
It's a place of profound peace and solemnity, though some recent visitors note that increased security measures have altered the atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid intrusive or overly casual photos, and focus on capturing the solemn beauty of the site.
The rows of white crosses, the chapel, and the Wall of the Missing offer poignant photographic opportunities. Capture the scale and symmetry.
While generally permitted, be mindful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid using flash photography inside the chapel or in ways that might disturb other visitors.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at military cemeteries and memorial sites due to security and respect concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
A camera that can handle varied lighting conditions is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the cemetery, while a telephoto can focus on details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the vastness of the cemetery can be engaging, keep walks manageable for younger children. The chapel offers a quiet space for reflection. Be aware of the security measures in place and ensure children understand the need to stay on paths and not disturb the grounds. Consider bringing a small, respectful token if appropriate, but focus on the educational aspect of remembrance.
🤔 History Enthusiasts
Take time to read the inscriptions on the headstones and the Wall of the Missing. Consider researching specific individuals or units that may be interred here to deepen your understanding. The adjacent Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery also provides context for the broader impact of the war in the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Place of Remembrance
Visitors often describe the cemetery as deeply moving and poignant. The sea of identical white headstones stretching across the manicured lawns creates a profound visual impact. The chapel, a central feature, is a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance, containing the names of those lost without known graves. The Wall of the Missing also stands as a testament to the soldiers whose ultimate fate remains unknown.
While the cemetery is a place of peace, some recent visitors have noted changes in its atmosphere due to increased security measures, including fencing and surveillance. Despite these changes, the core purpose of the site—to honor and remember—remains. It's a place where history, sacrifice, and solemn beauty converge, offering a unique and impactful experience for those who visit.
Navigating the Grounds and Atmosphere
It's important for visitors to understand that Brookwood American Cemetery is not just a historical site but an active memorial. Respectful behavior is paramount. This includes keeping noise levels down, refraining from picnicking or playing on the graves, and being mindful of the solemnity of the surroundings. Some reviews mention staff being attentive to these aspects, emphasizing the need for a quiet and reflective visit.
Recent changes in security, such as the installation of cameras and fencing, have been noted by some visitors. While these measures are in place for the protection and preservation of the site, they have altered the perception of the cemetery's atmosphere for some, shifting it from a purely serene garden to one with a more controlled feel.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit