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Archiving Remembrance

Twenty-five years since our grounds officially opened to the public we are undertaking an ambition heritage project Archiving Remembrance. Supported using funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will culminate in the creation of our first formal archive.

Access For Learning Fund

Whilst the Arboretum is free to enter, and many of our educational participation opportunities are also free, schools can still face significant barriers in funding transportation for trips. To ensure schools can access the enriching learning experiences offered by the Arboretum eligible schools can apply for support from our Education Travel Bursaries.

Food Packages

Make your visit to the Arboretum more relaxing by pre-booking one of our food packages.

Case Study: Lucy's Story

The Arboretum is a collection of stories, a celebration of lives which have mattered and a living tribute to lives lost.

Support Us With Your Organisation

Your organisation can make a difference in a variety of ways: from volunteering to sponsorship. Without your our future is not guaranteed and we still have so much good work to do.

Case Study: Shot at Dawn Memorial

In 2024, the Shot at Dawn Memorial urgently needed restoration. Public and corporate support in the region of £80,000 was desperately needed, to ensure this Memorial stood for future generations. As word spread that this Memorial needed urgent repair, our community stepped in to help.

Remember A Loved One

As the UK’s centre of Remembrance we understand the importance of honouring a loved one through a charitable gift or personal tribute. Every gift we receive in someone’s memory is precious, appreciated and meaningful.

Case Study: Briggs Equipment

Briggs Equipment Ltd have partnered with the Arboretum for over seven years in a relationship that has evolved over time. Their support of Armed Forces Weekend, through financial sponsorship alongside memorable activities such as Forklift Basketball have enabled thousands of people to celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces Community.

Sponsors and Supporters

As a charity we rely on the generous support of our donors, supporters and sponsors. We could not survive without them.

Tree of Cherished Memories

The Tree of Cherished Memories is a magnificent 4m sculpture by artist Jill Berelowitz. Dedications are now available to commission.

Our Memorials

There are nearly 400 memorials of all shapes and sizes in our grounds. Discover more about just some of the memorials and their symbolism.

Daily Activities

Our programme of daily activities has been designed to help you make the most of your visit.

How to Apply for a Memorial

The memorials in our grounds remember those who served or sacrificed for our Nation. We welcome applications from organisations wishing to dedicate a memorial.

Shopping

Our shop offers the perfect retail treat during your visit.

Armed Forces Memorial

The largest memorial at the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial. It is a nationally significant focus for Remembrance.

Woodland Landscape

The Arboretum is home to over 25,000 trees and large collection of flora, fauna and wildlife.

Visiting For Learning

Inspire students and young people with a learning visit at the Arboretum. Facilitated and self-led visits for schools, higher education, military groups and youth groups are available.

Trees of Life Glade

A stately Spaeth Alder tree sits at the heart of the glade, surrounded by a beautiful seating area, inviting visitors to pause and take a moment and reflect.

Creative Partnerships

Free Activity Days

Our programme of free Activity Days run throughout the year, and allow students to explore topical alongside the Arboretum grounds and memorials.

List of Memorials 

View an alphabetised list of all the memorials in our grounds.

Participation Projects

Our collaborative participation programmes help us to explore, tell and learn from the stories we share at the Arboretum in new ways.

Restaurant

A range of homemade tasty meals and snacks, along with freshly prepared hot beverages and chilled drinks are available in our Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Guiding Your Visit

Our simple site map shows where you’ll find some of the most visited memorials in our grounds.

Book Parking 

Entry into the Arboretum is free. Book in advance to receive a discount on our daily parking charge and guarantee entry on busy days.

Exploring the National Memorial Arboretum

The Arboretum is unique, and there’s lots to see and do. New visitors often say that our grounds are much bigger than expected, so we recommend allowing at least a morning or afternoon for your visit.

Exploring the Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is unique, and there’s lots to see and do during a visit. Wander and discover as you go or join one of our tours.

Forgotten Army - A Creative Response

The VJ Indian Army Project, created in partnership with the Royal British Legion and artist Mahtab Hussain, celebrated the bravery and unity of the 2.5 million soldiers of the British Indian Army who served during the Second World War.

25 Years Of

Since our official opening 25 years ago our grounds have grown into an inspirational living landscape. Learn more about our history and pledges for the future.

25 Years Of... Nurturing Green Spaces

Since our official opening twenty years ago, the Arboretum has grown into an inspirational living landscape where families, friends and comrades can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost.

25 Years Of... Volunteering

Since our official opening twenty years ago, the Arboretum has grown into an inspirational living landscape where families, friends and comrades can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost.

25 Years Of... Being Freely Open To All

Since our official opening twenty years ago, the Arboretum has grown into an inspirational living landscape where families, friends and comrades can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost.

NMA Friends 

One of the most rewarding ways to support the Arboretum is to become an NMA Friend.

Lockdown Landscapes

In partnership with the National Forest Company, Westminster Abbey and Sampad, we have produced a nationwide programme of exhibitions exploring communities’ engagement with local outdoor heritage during the pandemic, displayed across our 150 acre site.

Talent in The Ranks 

Talent in the Ranks supports aspiring singers, songwriters, and poets, from within the Armed Forces community to helping them to develop their skills and share their unique lived experiences.

Facilitated Visits Booking Form

Whether you are spending the whole day with us, or simply the afternoon, our range of facilitated workshops and activities give students of all ages the chance to interact with the subject of Remembrance in a variety of ways.

Learning Activity Day Booking Form

Our programme of free Activity Days run throughout the year. These full day workshops allow students to explore topical themes alongside the Arboretum grounds and memorials.

Guiding Lights 2025

Guiding Lights is a Learning and Participation Project that aims to bring a unique dimension to Illuminated Arboretum, representing the National Memorial Arboretum's commitment to being freely open to all. The project showcases the power of storytelling through collective creativity. Working with a wide range of participants in schools and community settings weaving the threads of arts, culture, history, and remembrance.

Terms and Conditions of Entry

For the safety and comfort of all our visitors, we ask that you observe the following terms and conditions of entry during your visit to the Arboretum.

Learning Resources

Learning and engagement are at the heart of what we do. Here are some materials that we invite you to use from home.

Accessibility

We aim to cater for the needs of all our visitors and try to accommodate all access requirements where possible. Our Accessibility Guide will help you plan your next visit to the Arboretum.

Arboretum Explorer Days

Our Explorer Days have been designed to encourage students to form their own opinions and arguments around key themes, through a range of indoor and outdoor interactive sessions

In-School Activities

Can’t visit us? Let us come to you with one of our specially adapted activities or workshops.

Facilitated Workshops and Activities

Using our natural landscape as inspiration for a series of workshops and activities, we support various curriculum-based objectives through our fully inclusive learning programme.

Short Workshops

Only have time for a quick visit, or want to enhance your self-led visit? Our shorter workshops start from 30 minutes, and can be tailored to a range of Key Stages.

Self-Led Visits

Learning groups are welcome to visit the Arboretum and deliver their own activities. Visits can include self-led tours of the Arboretum and exploration of our free exhibitions, including Landscapes of Life.

Guided Tours

A guided tour at the National Memorial Arboretum offers a meaningful and age-appropriate experience for students of all ages. Set in a beautifully landscaped setting, the Arboretum brings history to life through its memorials and stories of service and sacrifice.

Poet-in-Residence

The Arboretum's poet-in-residence takes to the grounds of the Arboretum for up to a 2-year period, exploring the surroundings, landscape, and memorials through the art of poetry. Combining the essence of the Arboretum and the art of reflection, the aim of the programme is to create a selection of unique and original poems for the duration of the residency.

Learning Self-Led Booking Form

Restoration of The Garden of the Innocents Memorial and Children's Facilities

On the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank's death, we are launching an appeal to restore a memorial with a deep connection to her story. By investing in the future of young people, we empower them with knowledge, identity and a sense of shared history.

Group Booking Enquiries

Changing Places

Remembrance

Teacher Training and CPD

We welcome and encourage teachers and trainee teachers to visit the National Memorial Arboretum as part of Teacher Training and CPD.

Events and Exhibitions

Throughout the year we hold a range of enjoyable events and activities for visitors of all ages.

Visiting With A Group

Groups of all sizes and interests enjoy visiting the Arboretum. To help us welcome you, we ask that parties of more than ten pre-book.

Tailor Made Tours

Ideal for smaller groups, our personalised tours with an experienced guide make the perfect gift for loved ones.

Donate

The National Memorial Arboretum is a UK registered charity that relies on the generous support of our visitors, partners, friends and donors.

Work at the Arboretum

There are lots of ways to get involved with the National Memorial Arboretum, from volunteer roles to paid positions.

Visiting With Young Families

The Arboretum has something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. We hope you enjoy exploring our grounds.

Conferences and Events

Centrally located, with stunning onsite views; Aspects, our dedicated conferencing and event facilities provide a remarkable and memorable location for conferences and events.

Conferences

Aspects at the Arboretum offers centrally located, contemporary events facilities ideal for conferencing.

Our Privacy Promise 

At the National Memorial Arboretum we believe in being open and up-front with our visitors and supporters, so we have developed our Privacy Promise to explain how we look after your information.

Plan Your Visit

With so much to see and do it helps to plan your day in advance. Prepare using the helpful guidance and travel information on our plan your visit pages.

Contact Us

We love to hear from our visitors, whether you have a question in advance of a visit, or you would like to share some feedback after a visit. Submit an enquiry online.

Volunteer

If you're passionate about the work of the Arboretum and are keen to help us grow, you might be interested in volunteering with us.

Cookie Policy 

Like most wesites, the National Memorial Arboretum uses cookies. Our cookies policy explains what cookies are and how we use them.

Venue Hire Enquiries 

Venue Hire | Aspects | National Memorial Arboretum

Children in the Second World War - Session Two

In the second Children in the Second World War session you will learn how the Second World War impacted children’s lives around the world. Use the activities to discover more about children who were evacuated in Britain and how the war changed children’s lives in other countries.

Women at Work in the First World War - Session One

In this learning from the home session you will learn why more women worked in the First World War and some of the jobs they did. You will have some literacy activities to complete throughout the session.

Women at Work in the First World War - Session Two

In the second Women at Work in the First World war session you will discover more about some of the jobs women completed in the First World War.

Medicine in the First World War - Session Two

In this second Medicine in the First World War session you will discover more about the role that medical professionals played in the First World and explore how many of the innovations of the time have impacted on medicine today.

Medicine in the First World War - Session One

In this session you will discover the role that medical professionals played in the First World and explore how many of the innovations of the time have impacted on medicine today.

Children in the Second World War - Session One

In this session you will learn how the Second World War impacted on children’s lives around the world. Follow these activities to learn about children who were evacuated in Britain and how the war changed children’s lives in other countries.

Working Together in the Second World War - Session Two

In the second Working Together in the Second World War session you will continue to learn about the Second World War and the service and sacrifice given by people from Britain, the Commonwealth and Allied nations.

Working Together in the Second World War - Session One

In this learning from the home session you will learn more about the Second World War and the service and sacrifice given by people from Britain, the Commonwealth and Allied nations.

Aspects FAQs

Keep In Touch 

Register to receive our emails and keep up-to-date with our lastest news.

The Aspects Building

Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum offers centrally located, contemporary events facilities for between 5 and 500 guests.

The Oak Suite

Our stunning Oak Suite, with wall-to-ceiling glass, frames the spectacular Arboretum and Armed Forces Memorial.

Getting Here

The Arboretum can be found in the centre of England on Croxall Road, Alrewas in Staffordshire. It is easy to reach and is close to all the Midlands motorways.

Awards

We are very proud of the experience that we provide those who visit us. We have been recognised for our work both independently and alongside some of the organisations we work with.

Our Story

Discover more about the history and origins of the National Memorial Arboretum.

Who We Are

The National Memorial Arboretum celebrates lives lived and commemorates lives lost. We are the nation’s year-round place to Remember.

Home

The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round place to remember. Our grounds are open throughout the year and are free to enter.

Evening Events

Impress your guests with an evening event in Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Venue Hire Enquiries 

The Arboretum is a stunning venue for meetings, conferences and outdoor events. Speak to a member of our team about hiring one of the spaces on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that lots of our visitors might have questions about visiting us. To help you plan your visit we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Remembrance Events

With nearly 400 memorials, nestled amongst 150-acres of woodland, the Arboretum is the perfect place to hold your Remembrance event.

Sustainability

As an Arboretum, maintaining a green environment is something we care passionately about.

Aspects Lounge

The Aspects lounge is a stylish comfortable space with spectacular views of the Polar Bear Memorial and Armed Forces Memorial.

Meeting Rooms

Our dedicated meeting spaces; Alder, Chestnut, Hornbeam and Willow offer flexible capacities in both boardroom and theatre styles.

Visiting With Dogs

Plan a visit with your four-legged friend using our visiting with dogs information.

Extend Your Visit

Why not make the most of your visit to the National Memorial Arboretum and plan an overnight stay in the local area.

Media

We are happy to help journalists, broadcasters and filmmakers bring the personal stories behind our memorials to life and welcome people to use our site as a recording location by prearrangement.