The National Memorial Arboretum is located within the National Forest in Staffordshire & is a place of remembrance with over 300 dedicated memorials. Whilst many mark those that have lost their lives in the Armed Forces, there are also tributes to those that have fallen whilst on duty within the Emergency Services or those that died in particular circumstances such as road accidents.
Although there is a small parking charge in place at the National Memorial Arboretum, (via a park & display machine), this does goes towards the upkeep of the setting. Entry to the setting remains free of charge and, whilst there is a suggested donation charge in place, the choice is simply left with you.
For those interested in the Arboretum, look out for National Trust Membership Offers too that can offer value days out throughout the year.
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
National Memorial Arboretum; Plan Your Day
1. Look out for the reception staff as you enter the building as they have a wealth of information as you start to plan your visit. It can be worth picking up a map that will help you to navigate around the arboretum & search for a particular memorial.
2. Many visitors often start with an Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel with a 2 minute silence that takes place at 11am every day.
3. The land train tour, (small charge in place), offers a good general overview of the setting and best undertaken early on during your day. This narrated 60 minute tour helps you find your bearings & is particularly worthwhile for visitors with mobility difficulties.
4. Look out for the Royal British Legion Poppy Field that offers a dramatic symbolic reminder of past conflicts, (seasonal).
5. Take time to visit the Armed Forces Memorial that commemorates those in the Armed Forces who lost their lives whilst on duty since the end of World War II.
6. In addition to the land train tours, there are also buggy tours running throughout the day that can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility difficulties. These tours cover separate areas of the arboretum and can be undertaken in addition to the land train, (small charge in place).
Our guide to English Heritage Offers to help you save time and money throughout the year.
Land Train Tour at the National Memorial Arboretum
National Memorial Arboretum; Practical Information
1. Before setting off, check out the daily programme of activities that includes a range of guided walks & introductory talks that will help you make the most of your visit. Whilst you’d be hard pressed to complete them all in a day, the National Memorial Arboretum is somewhere to return & experience during the different seasons.
2. Children will enjoy playground located within the Children’s Wood and look out for family activities such as pond dipping that run at select times during the year.
3. Picnics are welcome at the Arboretum with specific picnic areas located around the setting, (families may enjoy the picnic area located within the Children’s Wood & playground).
4. There are restaurants available on site for those that prefer to purchase refreshments onsite.
National Memorial Arboretum Buggy Tours
