The National Memorial Arboretum has something for everyone, from remembering loved ones, to a wonderful stroll surrounded by wildlife.
There are over 150 acres (about 60 hectare), to explore via a number of trails and walks. There are thousands of trees of several different varieties, plus more than 400 memorials dedicated to those who have fallen in service to the country. It also recognises non military organisations like the Police, and Fire and Rescue Services.
Things to do
There is a daily programme of activities & activity trails such as guided walks and buggy tours, which you are free to join. Alternatively, kids may prefer to explore at their own pace. It can easily take a day to see everything here, but you can see the key items in half a day.
Embrace the breath-taking woodland landscape. See how many tree species you can spot in the beautiful tree gardens. From cherry blossom trees to the Chinese lace-bark pine tree and many other amazing plants, there's lots of great photo opportunities and mindful moments to be had here. The gardens are a wonderful place to spend time with your family during your day out.
The Arboretum is home to a large variety of habitats including hay meadows, emerging woodland, marsh and riverbank. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, such as otters and hares, a number of birds like the skylark and lapwing, plus bats.
The largest memorial at the arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial. Read the names of each hero and heroine who gave their lives for our country from the second world war, onwards. From the jungles of Malaysia to the South Atlantic seas the Armed Forces Memorial remembers those who have lost their lives around the world, not just British troops.
There are many exhibition spaces and a wide variety of activities to get involved with. Check out the Shot at Dawn talk (more suitable for adults and teenagers), Land Train Tours, and the Far East Prisoners Of War Talk. Make sure to pick up a guide book as you walk around. They are great educational programs to follow.
Food & Drink
You are welcome to bring your own food and there are a number of picnic areas to choose from.
Travel & Parking for Visitors
Car
If you are using a Sat Nav to find us, please use our postcode DE13 7AR.
The Arboretum is located just off the A38/ A513 between
Lichfield and
Burton upon Trent. You can follow the local brown signs to find us.
There are two large car parks, one next to the Remembrance Centre and the other around 300 metres, on the left, past the entrance to the Arboretum on Croxall Road.
Parking is £4 for vehicles that have
booked in advance, or £6 on the day. On special event days you can expect additional fees for parking.
By train
Lichfield Trent Valley is the closest railway station and is five miles away. Lichfield City, although further away, is located close to the bus station and provides better public transport links.
By bus
Although there is not an on site bus stop, a daily bus service (number 812) operates between Burton upon Trent and Lichfield. The closest stops can be found in
Alrewas Village (roughly a 20 – 30 minute walk away).
By bike
National cycle route 54 runs from Lichfield to Burton on Trent through Alrewas village.
A cycle rack can be found outside of the Remembrance Centre in the car park. Bicycles are not allowed in the Remembrance Centre and should not be used on our site.
Please note there are no storage areas for bike gear (i.e helmets) or clothing.
Accessibility
Disabled visitors and carers will find the
accessibility guide a helpful read when planning your visit.