Visiting With Young Families | Plan Your Visit

The National Memorial Arboretum has something for all ages, from outdoor trails and holiday activities, to leisurely strolls that can end at one of our children's play areas.

We hope the information below helps you plan your visit, however, if you have any further questions please do get in touch by calling 01283 245 100 or submit your question online.

Exploring Our Grounds

Our grounds are very big, around 150-acres. In them you’ll find over 400 memorials of all shapes and sizes. There are a lots of flat wide paths to use, but don’t be afraid to head onto the grass to look at memorials you spot. Some of our memorials are tucked away in gardens and in woodland glades so you’ll need to explore to find them!
Don’t be scared to take a closer look at the memorials you find. Some of the smallest details and textures help to tell the stories of the memorials and who they remember. The Bevin Boys Memorial, for example, is made from stone. It was chosen because it’s dark grey colour is similar to coal and it’s rough texture reflects the toughness of the pit men. If you look very closely at the memorial you’ll spot two mice hidden in the carvings.
You’ll find more information about just some of the memorials on our memorials pages. Our guidebook, which can be purchased from our Welcome Desk, tells more of our stories and includes a map to help you explore. Our team of volunteers, are also happy to help you, and can answer any questions you might have.

Please note that children's bikes, balance bikes scooters and roller blades can not be used in the Arboretum grounds. Ball games are also not permitted.

Booking

To guarantee entry and to get the most from your visit, we highly recommend booking your visit in advance.

Entry to the Arboretum is free. Parking is charged at £4 for cars booked in advance and £6 on the day.

One parking ticket is required per vehicle.

Please ensure that upon arrival you have your booking confirmation ready to present to our parking attendant (digitally on your phone is fine).

Book Tickets

A family of four look at the Cheshire Yeomanry Memorial

There are over 150-acres to explore and 400 memorials to discover at the Arboretum

Accessibility

We aim to cater for the needs of all our visitors and try to accommodate all access requirements where possible. A number of wider blue badge and family friendly parking spaces can be found near to our entrance. Baby changing and Changing Places facilities can be found in the Remembrance Centre and Heroes’ Square.

Read Our Accessibility Guide

Food and Drink

Our restaurant is open 10am – 3pm daily and serves a range of hot food, sandwiches, soups and cakes suitable for all ages.

Our range of children’s meals ensure that even the pickiest eaters will find something they can enjoy.

Families can dine in our indoor and outdoor seating area, or you can take your sandwiches with you and enjoy them in our picnic and play areas. You’ll find one of our picnic areas next to our Children’s Play area in the Children’s Wood.

We kindly ask that only food purchased from the Arboretum is consumed in our Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

The Stick Man* Outdoor Trail

From a twig for a nest to a mast for a flag, our brand-new Stick Man trail will follow the adventures of The Stick Man* as he tries to get home to his Family Tree.

Opening on 23 March, visitors will be able to pick up a free self-led trail sheet on arrival at the Welcome Desk, and head out into the Arboretum to explore the new trail.

Please note the Stick Man Trail will be closed from Friday 8 March - Friday 22 March.

A young boy plays on a swing the Children's Sensory Play Garden

Children's Play Areas

Here at the Arboretum, we have two outdoor play areas available for young visitors to enjoy.

Our Children’s Sensory Play Garden can be found near to the Remembrance Centre. A second children’s play area, with a picnic area, can be found further into the Arboretum grounds

Please note: only assistance dogs are permitted within our Children's Play Areas.

A child runs on an inflatable assult course

Family Events and Activities

We hold lots of exciting activities throughout the year which are designed to help our youngest visitors learn more about the Arboretum, why it’s important to remember and the wildlife in our grounds.

Visit our What's On page to find out what events are coming soon.

What's On

Children sitting on Stick Man at the Arboretum