National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. Free Entry.
Details
Accessibility
https://www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/accessibility
We have 15 disabled parking spaces located close to the Remembrance Centre. These spaces are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
Access from our carpark to, and around, the Remembrance Centre is level and there is a drop off point with a dropped kerb at the entrance. When you arrive, please let one of our parking attendants know that you have additional access requirements and the team will direct you to the next available space.
All visitors, including blue badge holders, are required to pay to park.
Hire a Mobility Scooter:
Whilst visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility aids to use, many visitors choose to hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair from us for the duration of their visit. Mobility Scooters can be hired at a daily charge (£10 per day), and wheelchairs for a donation of your choice. We have a limited number of each available, so we advise booking these ahead of your visit. Please note, dogs are unable to accompany visitors on their mobility scooter. If you are visiting with your dog, please ensure there is another member of your party responsible for them whilst on site.
There are a variety of ways for people to access and explore our 150-acre site including a network of pathways that run around our grounds making them accessible for visitors who may have some special access requirements.
As a maturing landscape with natural features it’s worth remembering that certain areas in our grounds may present challenges for those with special access requirements, many of our memorials for example are on grassed areas. Please do speak to a member of our team if you require further support to access any of our memorials or advice about exploring the Arboretum during your visit.
The land train* runs regularly between February and December and is ideal for first time visitors. The tour, with pre-recorded commentary, takes 50 minutes and is accessible for manual wheelchairs.
Our Special Forces Buggy Tours* are the perfect way to ensure you don’t miss out on seeing more of our memorials that are a distance from the Remembrance Centre. Led by one of our expert volunteer guides, these tours take around 40 minutes and allow visitors to see Watersmeet, the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove and many more.
*Land train and buggy tours are subject to availability and can be booked at the Welcome Desk. Charges apply."
Our Changing Places Toilet is located in the Remembrance Centre, where there is level access. The toilet features a ceiling hoist system, height adjustable changing bench and wash basin, shower, privacy screen and easily accessible toilet. The toilet is accessed by a RADAR toilet key. You can borrow a key at the Welcome Desk if you haven't got one of your own.
There are two further accessible toilets can be found within the Remembrance Centre and one in Heroes' Square to the left of the Coffee Shop.
Trained assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the Arboretum."
Watch the video: Drone Film of the National Memorial Arboretum
At a Glance Level Access • There is level access from the main entrance to: – The Restaurant – The Coffee Shop – Dining areas – The Arboretum Grounds – The Land Train – Far East Prisoners of War Exhibition – Welcome Desk – Remembrance Centre Accessible Toilets – Gift Shop – Landscapes of Life Exhibition – Millennium Chapel – Learning Centre – Aspects Building – Aspects Building Meeting Rooms: Alder, Chestnut, Hornbeam and Willow – Arboretum Grounds – Armed Forces Memorial – Far East Prisoner of War Building – Aspects •
There is level access from the car park to: – Children's Woodland and Picnic Area
Hearing • We have a hearing loop at the Welcome Desk, Restaurant, Gift Shop, Chapel, Land Train and Aspects. • Some staff have BSL and accessibility awareness training.
Visual • Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings. • The walls and the doors have high colour contrast."
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Memorial_Arboretum
2025: "The National Memorial Arboretum is a British site of national remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Its objective is to honour the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice, and foster pride in the British Armed Forces and civilian community.[1]
In 2017, after undergoing a large scale regeneration project, the arboretum's new award-winning Remembrance Centre was officially opened by the Duke of Cambridge on 23 March.[2] It features three exhibition galleries, a larger restaurant and shop, separate coffee shop and a courtyard with garden.[2]
In 2018, the National Memorial Arboretum was awarded Gold Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in VisitEngland's Awards for Excellence, as well as Coach Friendly Attraction of the Year in the British Coach Tourism Awards.[3]
The arboretum contains more than 25,000 trees.[1] There are more than 400 memorials for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country; and even HMS Amethyst's cat Simon.[6]
The largest section is the Armed Forces Memorial, at the heart of the arboretum, which is a tribute to over 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or as a result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War. At 11 am on 11 November each year the sun shines through two slits in the outer and inner walls of the memorial, casting a shaft of light across a wreath in the centre. The Armed Forces Memorial was dedicated in October 2007 by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of Elizabeth II.[7]
Other areas of the site include an RAF 'wing', Naval review and Army parade. Civilian areas include 'The Beat' which contains memorials and dedications to police forces from around the UK and commonwealth. There is a Wartime Nurses Memorial, to 1,300 VAD and professional nurses who died in the First and Second World Wars.[8]
Within the arboretum is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness where, at 11 am each day, an act of remembrance takes place. Following the two-minute silence, accompanied by the Last Post and Reveille, there is an introductory talk about the arboretum.[9] The Bastion Memorial commemorates British casualties of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).[10] A memorial to the Lisbon Maru was unveiled in 2021.[11]
A 'remembrance glade' was unveiled at the arboretum by the Royal British Legion in September 2021, featuring plants chosen for their symbolic meanings in relation to grief and new beginnings.[12]
Daily activities on site include guided walks, buggy tours, land train rides and free talks, as well as the Daily Act of Remembrance.[13] Most of these activities are conducted by a team of over 260 volunteers, who collectively dedicate more than 52,000 hours of their time per year to the arboretum. In 2010, the Volunteers of the National Memorial Arboretum were awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.[3]"
"A beautiful and inspiring place, the 150-acres of the Arboretum form a living landscape, a home for more than 400 memorials waiting to be discovered.
Tales of bravery shown in the most extraordinary of times, selfless service and sacrifice, camaraderie and care are represented by the memorials. From the Armed Forces and Emergency Services to civilian organisations that supported our Nation in times of need, people from all walks of life are represented by the memorials, with designs that are rich in symbolism reflecting those they remember. "
Address
Phone
"Our switchboard is open Monday - Saturday, 9am and 5pm, call 01283 245 100 "
Website
Directions
"The National Memorial Arboretum is situated just south of Alrewas on approximately 150 acres (61 ha; 0.23 sq mi) of old gravel workings, 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Lichfield, Staffordshire. It is adjacent to the confluence of the River Tame with the River Trent, and directly neighbouring Croxall Lakes. It is at the western end of the National Forest, just off the A38 road."
"Entry to the Arboretum is free, however we recommend booking your visit in advance to guarantee entry and save on parking*. Our grounds are open from 10am – 5pm.
*Cars - £8 on the door, or £5 if booked in advance
Motorcycle - £5 on the door, or £3 if booked in advance"
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
2025: "Opening Times: 10am - 5pm (daily) Free Entry. We recommend booking your visit in advance to guarantee entry and save on parking."
Transport
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Amenities
Arboretum
Chapel
Disability Parking
Disability Toilets
Parking
Picnic Site
Playground
Restaurant
Toilets
Changing Places
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
All Saints Church, Alrewas, Staffordshire
1.03 miles*
St Leonard's Church, Wychnor, Staffordshire
1.04 miles*
1.09 miles*
1.09 miles*
Starbucks, Barton-Under-Needwood, Staffordshire
2.37 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.