How do I get to the Arboretum?
The National Memorial Arboretum is easy to get to from any part of the country. For those travelling by car the Arboretum is situated close to both the M1 and M6 motorways and is off the A38. Public transport links are also available for those not traveling to the Arboretum by car.

An Arriva bus service runs regularly between Burton Upon Trent and Lichfield and both Lichfield Trent Valley and Burton Upon Trent train stations are a taxi ride away. Please visit Getting here for further information. 

How long do I need to visit?
To walk around and see the whole site can take well over a day. Those more pressed for time can see the Arboretum’s key memorials in the space of a morning or an afternoon.

How can I get around the Arboretum?
The Arboretum is best explored on foot, giving access to all the memorials and gardens onsite. A guided walk (duration 45 minutes) takes place at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. Please see Walks and Tours for further information.

The Land Train, with access for those less able and commentary, runs onsite every 30 minutes. A round trip will take around 60 minutes and will provide opportunities to see many of the Arboretum’s main memorials. Visitors are able to purchase a ticket for the Land Train from the Market Square. 

What time should I arrive for my visit?
The Arboretum provides an informative welcome talk with a daily Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel at 11am everyday, please see Chapel for further information. An afternoon welcome talk, without a silence, is held at 2pm in the Chapel. It is suggested that visitors arrive at the Arboretum at least 15 minutes prior to the talks. Seating is unreserved.

How big is the Arboretum?
The Arboretum is over 150 acres this converts roughly into 60 hectares. More land will be gifted to the Arboretum by Lafarge as their nearby quarrying operations are reduced.

What kind of memorials are at the Arboretum’s?
Around 60% of the Arboretum’s memorials have a military connection, there are also many recognising other non military organisations for example; the Police, the Fire and Rescue Services and The Rotary Club.

Can you help me find a dedicated bench, tree or paviour?
Our team are always available to help you navigate around the Arboretum. As well as providing direction and information they are also able to perform a dedication search of trees, benches and paviours. If you require any assistance please ask at reception for further details. 

How can I dedicate a; tree, bench or paviour to a loved one?
There are many different ways to dedicate a gift in memory of a loved one. Please visit our In memoriam gifts page for more information about our dedicated trees, benches and paviours.

What should I bring on my visit?
The Arboretum is an open air site; visitors should bring appropriate clothing for their visit, along with some sturdy walking shoes.

Can I bring children to the Arboretum?
Children are very welcome at the Arboretum, there is much for them to see and learn, see Visiting with children for further information. We also take education /school bookings see Educational visits for more information.

Is there somewhere I can buy food?
The Arboretum’s Arbour Restaurant located in the Visitor Centre offers a freshly prepared, homemade, selection of food including hot and cold snacks, roast lunches and afternoon teas daily. Coffee and cakes can also be purchased from the coffee garden in the Market Square, next to the Millennium Chapel.

Can I bring my own food to the Arboretum?
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food to the Arboretum; there are a number of picnic areas around the site, the largest of which is next to the visitor centre. We ask that visitors refrain from eating food not purchased at the Arbour Restaurant inside the visitor centre.

How much does entry to the Arboretum cost?
It is free to enter the National Memorial Arboretum. We rely on visitor donations to remain open - it costs £3,745 per day to run the Arboretum, all donations are appreciated.

For drivers a small daily parking charge of up to £3.00 applies (funds are used to maintain the car park).

When is the Arboretum open?
The National Memorial Arboretum is open 9am - 5pm (last admission is 4.30pm) every day except Christmas Day. The Arboretum grounds close at dusk in winter months but the Visitor Centre remains open until 5pm.

How do I arrange a group visit?
The Arboretum welcomes group visits and can provide a special programme, including lunch in the Arbour restaurant, on specific days. Please visit Group Packages to find out more about what's available.

Can I bring dogs to the Arboretum?
Only working assistance dogs are allowed onsite and into the visitors centre. A public footpath runs around the perimeter of the grounds, dogs walking along this footpath must be kept under close control and must not stray off the footpath into any other areas of the Arboretum.  A map can be collected at reception. We ask visitors to not leave their dogs in their cars, as there is no shade in the car park.

How can I contact the Arboretum?

You can call the Arboretum between 9am - 5pm every day on 01283 792 333. Alternatively you can email us on info@thenma.org.uk or write to us at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR.

How can I support the Arboretum after my visit?
One of the best ways to support the Arboretum is by becoming an NMA Friend. Friends help to support the Arboretum in turn they can expect to receive regular updates from the Arboretum and a quarterly free copy of the Memo, our dedicated Friends Magazine. See Join the NMA Friends page for further information.