Group Visits
Visiting groups of all kinds are welcome at The National Memorial Arboretum. In view of our increased visitor numbers and to avoid disappointment, it is essential that all visiting groups pre-book. There are already certain dates this year when we are unable to accept any more bookings.
Guides
Subject to availability, we are able to reserve the services of guides who can enhance a visit with their comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the Arboretum. They give their time voluntarily and enjoy sharing their information with visitors. There is no fixed charge for this facility, but we suggest a donation of £2.00 per head.
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| Panoramic view across The Phantom Memorial |
Publications
Our latest guide book "Remember – Their names will live for evermore …" is now available, price £7.00. A site plan is also available at £2.50. Both may be purchased at the Visitor Centre on arrival. Alternatively, contact Marianne Yates, Shop Manager, to obtain copies by mail order in advance of your visit.
Remembrance
A daily act of remembrance takes place in the Millennium Chapel at 11:00 every day of the year incorporating Last Post, silence and Reveille. Seating in the Chapel is limited to 120 and may not be reserved. Occasionally private services take place which will restrict access to our visitors.
For those wishing to pay their own tribute at a memorial, poppy crosses and poppy sprays are available all year round from the Visitor Centre and wreaths may be obtained with two weeks’ notice. In the Long Gallery, there is the facility to light a candle in remembrance. Visiting groups wishing to hold their own act of remembrance, in whatever form, are requested to lay out their intentions in writing with timings well in advance. Ceremonies of more than 15 minutes duration or involving more than 120 persons are deemed to be a Remembrance Event and charges may apply (further details may be supplied on request).
Parking
Parking is hard standing with a dropping off point outside the Visitor Centre. Coach parking is free and drivers are issued with a voucher for light refreshments. Visitors arriving independently by car should be aware that a charge of £2.00 per day will be introduced during the Summer.
Special Needs
The Arboretum has taken great care to ensure that as far as possible it is accessible to all. We can provide both ordinary wheelchairs and motorised scooters which enable visitors with limited mobility to make the most of their visit. We do not make a charge for the use of these, but a contribution towards their maintenance is appreciated.
Only registered assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, are permitted on site.
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| RAF Boy Entrants Memorial |
Remembrance
A daily act of remembrance takes place in the Millennium Chapel at 11:00 every day of the year incorporating Last Post, silence and Reveille. Seating in the Chapel is limited to 120 and may not be reserved. Occasionally private services take place which will restrict access to our visitors.
For those wishing to pay their own tribute at a memorial, poppy crosses and poppy sprays are available all year round from the Visitor Centre and wreaths may be obtained with two weeks’ notice. In the Long Gallery, there is the facility to light a candle in remembrance. Visiting groups wishing to hold their own act of remembrance, in whatever form, are requested to lay out their intentions in writing with timings well in advance. Ceremonies of more than 15 minutes duration or involving more than 120 persons are deemed to be a Remembrance Event and charges may apply (further details may be supplied on request).
What to Wear
The Arboretum is a large open air site with limited undercover activities during inclement weather. Ensure that your members come prepared with waterproof protection if wet weather is forecast, and warm clothing in winter months. Appropriate footwear is recommended at all times.
Gift Shop
The shop sells a carefully selected range of products, including cards, books, souvenirs and seasonal gifts.
Catering
The Arbour Restaurant, situated within the Visitor Centre, is our licensed, self-service catering establishment offering a wide selection of hot and cold options, snacks and drinks throughout the day. We regret that we are unable to accept reservations Monday to Saturday.
Our popular carvery option is served on Sundays (£7.25 per person for two courses) and pre-booking is advisable. For bookings of 10 or more persons, a deposit may be requested.
Visitors are not permitted to consume their own food within the Visitor Centre. However, there are a number of picnic benches sited in the grounds and we are able to supply pre-ordered “Ration Packs” for this purpose, price £5.00.
How to Book
All groups of 10 or more persons must book in advance. To check availability and provisionally reserve your booking, call Lynne Barkas on 01283 792333. It may be useful to consider the following:
| · | Decide on a suitable date for your visit, with alternatives in case your first choice is not available |  Seat in the Royal Artillery Garden |
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| · | Decide if you require (subject to availability): | |||
| - | a conducted tour | |||
| - | to tour the site at your leisure | |||
| - | wheelchairs or motorised scooters | |||
| · | Decide on your arrival and departure times | |||
| · | This is the time to let us know if your group has any special requirements | |||
| · | The agreed date will be provisionally held for you until you complete a Group Visit Booking Form. (You may find it useful to keep a copy for your own records.) | |||
If you have any questions, please telephone 01283 792333 or email info@thenma.org.uk.
