The National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum, a 60-hectare visitor site on the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire, was the idea of Commander David Childs CBE and inspired by Arlington Cemetery and the National Arboretum in Washington. Planting began in 1997 and the Arboretum was created by a small army of volunteers and an original friends’ group, with support and grants from ourselves and Forestry England. From the start it was seen as a place of joy where the lives of people would be remembered by living trees that would grow and mature. Now this evolving, maturing woodland landscape has 25,000 trees and over 400 memorials for military, public service and civilian organisations and associations, along with tributes for individuals. 

All of the native tree species found in the United Kingdom can be found at the Arboretum, including London plane trees, hornbeam, oak tree, fruit trees, horse chestnuts and number of disease-resistant Elms. There are also specimen trees from around the world including trees from China, Korea, Japan and Iran. The events programme throughout the year has something for every interest including children’s activities, musical events, living history weekends, Remembrance events and Christmas specials.  

Come and see all the native tree species found in the UK along with specimen trees from around the world, in this peaceful national centre of remembrance.  

• Accessible toilets 

• Coffee shop and restaurant 

• Gift shop  

• Learning centre 

• Meeting rooms 

• Mobility scooter hire 

• Picnic area 

• Toilets 

• Walking trails 

• Entry to the Arboretum is free, but visitor numbers are limited so it is advised that parking tickets are booked in advance to guarantee entry 

• Advance ticket prices: cars £4, motorcycles £2, bicycles/on foot – free 

• The grounds are open 10am-4pm daily 

• For more details, visit: thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit