Six reasons to visit The Poppy Factory in 2026

If you’re planning days out in London in 2026, be sure to include a trip to our visitor centre, which is a special destination all year round. Here are six great reasons to book your visit to The Poppy Factory as our charity celebrates 100 years as the home of Remembrance in Richmond upon Thames.

1: Understand our role in Remembrance

The Remembrance tradition began shortly after the First World War, offering a meaningful way for people to come together and honour those who have given their lives in service. At The Poppy Factory, we are proud of the special role our community plays in continuing this important tradition. Our production team works throughout the year to create the Remembrance wreaths that are placed each November.

We also continue to organise the annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a tradition started by our founder and a group of factory workers in 1928, which we continue to cherish and uphold.

2: Discover and reconnect

Have you visited The Poppy Factory before? Since our visitor centre opened in 2021, we’ve welcomed many thousands of new and returning guests. Meet the new hosts and volunteers who have joined our expert team. See important updates to our exhibition, including the Royal wreaths that we designed and now produce for Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Hear about the new items on show, including an original 1930s poppy with a fascinating story of its own. Our compact shop offers unique gifts and mementos to take home.

3: Take part in wreath-making, and make a poppy

Ever since the 1920s, injured veterans in our factory team have worked hard to make Remembrance wreaths that are laid in services around the world. We still make around 90,000 wreaths and 100,000 decorative poppies every year. Our friendly volunteers who will give a hands-on demonstration, so you can have a go at the intricate art of making poppies. You’ll also have chance to create your very own lapel poppy to take away, using the same technique as generations of who have gone before.

4: Enjoy delicious cakes and hot drinks

No matter what season you’re visiting, enjoy delicious cakes and carefully prepared hot drinks in our visitor centre cafe. Our selection of classic cakes and brownies always hits the spot and our dedicated kitchen volunteers are on hand to serve you refreshing mugs of tea, barista coffee and hot chocolate. You can even order ahead in anticipation!

An image of Richmond Bridge with boats in the foreground

5: Explore stunning Richmond upon Thames

As a destination for days out in all seasons, Richmond upon Thames rivals anywhere in London – and there’s a wealth of other attractions for you to explore within easy reach of The Poppy Factory. Just a few minutes walk from Ted Lasso’s flat and many familiar scenes from the series. Take a short walk up the hill to stunning Richmond Park, enjoying expansive river views on the way. Admire the seasonally shifting majesty of Kew Gardens close by, and discover an abundance of great shops, cafes and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk of our visitor centre. Combine your visit to The Poppy Factory with a trip to nearby attractions like National Trust property Ham House and the Museum of Richmond, or simply take a sunny stroll along glorious Richmond riverside.

A photo of members of The Poppy Factory's Veteran and Family Services team in discussion

6: Help veterans and their family members to change their lives

Our charity has always helped veterans with health conditions into employment – initially through our factory, and now through our Veteran and Family Services in communities across England and Wales. By buying a ticket to visit The Poppy Factory, you’ll help others to change their lives through employment support. Your kindness will help us support hundreds more veterans every year to overcome barriers and enjoy a positive future.