National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, England
The National Memorial Arboretum is a woodland landscape site of 150 acres of 30,000 planted trees and over 350 memorials. The memorials represent a wide variety of organisations and individuals from military associations, charitable organizations, emergency services and fraternity groups.
The National Memorial Arboretum was created in 1997 in the centre of England at Alrewas near Lichfield in Staffordshire. It is a living tribute to the personal sacrifices made by the armed and civil services of the United Kingdom.
The rivers Tame and Trent flow through the site and there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife to be seen, especially in the meadows and on the rivers.
The Nation Remembers
There are over 350 dedicated plots on the site to individuals and organizations including the military, civilian victims of war, the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance services, charitable organizations, local and overseas organizations.
Buildings at the National Memorial Arboretum include the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, the Remembrance Centre, the FEPOW Memorial Building and the Armed Forces Memorial.
A full list of the memorial plots is available in the guidebook and on the National Memorial Arboretum website.
Website: www.thenma.org.uk Memorials
The Armed Forces Memorial
The Armed Forces Memorial was dedicated in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen on 12 October 2007.
The memorial is a national memorial to provide a focus in recognition and thanks to all those who have given their lives while serving their country since the Second World War.
The memorial was designed by Liam O'Connor. Portland stone panels contain the names of those individuals who are honoured on the Memorial.
In the centre of the stone structure there is a bronze wreath and two bronze sculptures by Ian Rank-Broadley.
The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness
Daily Act of Remembrance
The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness is the only location in England where a daily Act of Remembrance takes place. The short ceremony takes place at 11.00 hours and consists of the playing of Last Post, silence and the playing of Reveille.
Seating is limited to the 120 places in the Chapel and cannot be reserved. Attendance of the Act of Remembrance is operated on a first-come, first-served system. The Act of Remembrance is, however, relayed live on the public address system for all in the vicinity of the Chapel to hear.
Events at the National Memorial Arboretum
There is a varied programme of events throughout the year at the Arboretum. A list of the events can be viewed on the National Memorial Arboretum website at:
Website: www.thenma.org.uk
A Venue for your own Event
The Arboretum can be booked as a venue for conferences, remembrance events, meetings and other appropriate gatherings.
Gift Shop
A well-stocked shop offers a wide variety of gifts, books and keepsakes to remind you of your visit.
Poppies, poppy sprays and small poppy wreaths can be purchased at the shop.
100% of all proceeds from the items sold in the shop is given to support the charity.
Restaurant and Coffee Shop
The restaurant serves hot and cold food. There is a selection of light meals, salads, hot dishes and homemade soup.
The coffee shop is located in Heroes Square. Coffee beans are hand roasted by a local Staffordshire supplier.
100% of all proceeds from the sales of food is given to support the charity.
Donate to the NMA
The National Memorial Arboretum is part of the Royal British Legion family. It is a registered charity No. 1043992. The charity relies on donations to be able to continue to provide free admission to this very special place of Remembrance. Donations are very welcome. No gift is too small.
To find out how you can donate to the charity, visit the National Memorial Arboretum website at:
Website: www.thenma.org.uk Donate
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
The National Memorial Arboretum is open every day (except Christmas Day). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
- 1 January - 29 March 2020: 10.00 - 16.00 hours
- 30 March - 11 November 2020: 09.00 - 17.00 hours
- 12 November - 31 December 2020: 10.00 - 16.00 hours
Admission
Admission is free of charge. Donations are appreciated.
Charges may apply to activities and events at the site.
Parking
There is a large car park for cars and coaches. A fee of £4.00 per vehicle per day for parking is charged as a Pay & Display scheme. The parking fee is given directly to the charity and helps to support the free admission policy for the site.
Group Visits
Groups are very welcome. Prior notice of a group visit and coach parking requirements is appreciated.
Education Visits
Schools and students are very welcome to visit. The learning facilities available at the National Memorial Arboretum and how to book a visit are explained on the NMA website.
Accessibility
Every effort will be made by staff and volunteers to assist visitors. If you have a special request or query about your visit, contact the National Memorial Arboretum when planning your visit.
Land Train
A Land Train provides a guided tour of the site. Visitors board the Land Train at the main stop near the Remembrance Centre. There are a couple of stops along the route for people who wish to get off and explore further, but those who do so will be required to make their way back to the Remembrance Centre on foot.
NMA Friends
By becoming a Friend your membership will help to support the charity and the work that it does at this national centre of Remembrance. NMA Friends make a valuable contribution in helping to raise the profile of the charity, helping with fundraising events and volunteering.
Membership offers the following:
- an invitation to the annual NMA Friends preview day at the NMA
- tri-annual newsletter The Memo
- monthly updates about events and activities
- free attendance at the monthly Spotlight On talks
- priority booking for special events at the Arboretum
For details on how to become an NMA Friend see the NMA website at:
Website: www.thenma.org.uk NMA Friends
Contact Details
Address: National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR
Telephone: 01283 245100
Email: info@thenma.org.uk
Website: www.thenma.org.uk