In 2026, The Poppy Factory marks 100 years in Richmond — a century of supporting veterans and their families to build brighter futures after service.
From our move from the Old Kent Road to Richmond in 1926, to the thriving community and visitor centre we have today, our story is rooted in this borough, while our impact is now felt nationally. Throughout our centenary year, we’ll be sharing that story through special events, discovery sessions and open days, inviting everyone to learn more about our story and the people we support.
We’d love you to explore our visitor centre, and join us as we celebrate 100 years of service, support and community in Richmond and beyond.
What to expect at The Poppy Factory
- Discover the home of Remembrance in Richmond upon Thames.
- See how veterans still make Royal and regimental wreaths by hand today.
- Experience a private group visit with expert insight from your host and volunteers.
- Take the opportunity to explore our exhibition and get hands-on with poppy-making.
- Visits last 90 minutes. This includes a 30 minute presentation and 1 hour self-guided tour.
- Enjoy delicious cakes and hot drinks in the unique setting of our visitor centre. Please note, groups must book refreshments in advance.
- Younger visitors can enjoy our fun and educational exhibition treasure hunt. Find out more here.
Visitor feedback
“I never knew this place existed and I live in Twickenham. I found it very educational. There is history under my feet, and I did not even know it!”
Shepherd's Star community group, January 2025
“There is so much history bound up in the place. The Poppy Factory is such an inspirational gem at the heart of Richmond, doing such fabulous work. It deserves to be better known and visited by all who live here.”
The Richmond Society
“We had a great afternoon with you. Our members really enjoyed the visit and had fun making the wreaths and poppies. Your staff were very helpful and friendly and we were impressed with your speaker. We all thought he did a good presentation.”
Aylesbury Centre National Trust
“Thank you for making our trip so memorable and enjoyable. Everyone who came thoroughly enjoyed the visit, we loved reading about all the stories surrounding the Poppy Factory, the founder, and all the people you support. The cakes were also a big hit!”
Probus group
“The welcoming staff were great and we were treated to an interesting, thought provoking and brilliantly delivered visit. I would also like to thank the team who served tea and delicious cakes - it provided a wonderful chance for our members to socialise.”
The Kew Society
For our full terms and conditions, click here.
Find us
How to find us
The Poppy Factory is a 15 minute walk from Richmond train station. You can also catch the 65 bus from Richmond station to the Compass Hill stop, which is outside our visitor centre.
Our entrance is a sharp turn on Petersham Road, opposite a colourful poppy pedestrian crossing, a few hundred yards from Richmond Bridge.
We are unable to offer parking for individual cars or coaches but passengers can be set down by the coach at the entrance to our car park on arrival and collected after their visit.
Pay and display coach and car parking facilities are available at The Old Deer Park, Richmond (TW9 2RA), around 15 minutes’ walk from the factory and accessible from the A316. There are also NCP car parks available in Richmond town centre, around 10 minutes’ walk.
