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Remember a loved one

As the UK’s centre of Remembrance we understand the importance of honouring a loved one through a charitable gift or personal tribute.

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Cookie policy 

Like most websites, the National Remembrance Gardens uses cookies. Our cookies policy explains what cookies are and how we use them.

Support us with your organisation

Your organisation can make a difference in a variety of ways: from volunteering to sponsorship.

Extend your visit

Why not make the most of your visit to the National Remembrance Gardens and plan an extended stay in the local area.

Frequently asked questions

To help you plan your visit we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Artworks

Working with artists has enabled community groups to develop new creative skills, coming together to share their individual and collective stories.

Volunteer

If you're passionate about the work of RBL National Remembrance Gardens and are keen to help us grow, you might be interested in volunteering with us.

Self-led visits

Learning groups are welcome to visit the National Remembrance Gardens and deliver their own activities.

Getting here

We can be found in the centre of England on Croxall Road, Alrewas in Staffordshire. It is easy to reach and is close to all the Midlands motorways.

Sponsors and supporters

As a charity we rely on the generous support of our donors, supporters and sponsors. We could not survive without them.

Itinerary: gentle walks

Groups will enjoy exploring the areas closest to the Remembrance Centre with hardstanding pathways making them more accessible.

Daily activities

Our programme of daily activities has been designed to help you make the most of your visit.

Your leaf dedication

Thank you for commissioning a leaf dedication to be added to our Tree of Cherished Memories.

Keep in touch

Register to receive our emails and keep up to date with our latest news.

Guiding your visit

There are over 420 memorials and around 25,000 trees in our 150-acre grounds.

Lockdown Landscapes

In 2021 we produced a nationwide programme of exhibitions exploring communities’ engagement with local outdoor heritage during the pandemic.

Donate

RBL National Remembrance Gardens is a UK registered charity that relies on the generous support of our visitors, partners, friends and donors.

How to apply for a memorial

We welcome applications from organisations wishing to dedicate a memorial.

Work at the Gardens

There are lots of ways to get involved with RBL National Remembrance Gardens, from volunteer roles to paid positions.

Learning self-led booking form

Schools are welcome to visit our grounds and deliver their own sessions, book in by completing our online booking form.

Venue hire enquiries 

If you would like to speak to a member of our team about hiring one of the spaces on our site please complete the enquiry form below.

Thank you for subscribing 

You will soon be receiving the latest updates from our learning team about the exciting upcoming events and activities available for your young people.

Dedication Received

Dedicators should allow a minimum of 12 weeks before their dedication is added to the Tree of Cherished Memories.

25 Years The Next Chapter

Talent in The Ranks 

Talent in the Ranks supports aspiring singers, songwriters, and poets, from within the Armed Forces community.

Breaking Ground

Artists worked alongside a local social prescribing group to produce eco-dyed textiles inspired by experiences of outdoor spaces during and after the pandemic. 

Book parking 

Entry to the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens is free, however we recommend booking your visit in advance to guarantee entry and save on our daily parking charge.

Tailor Made Tour booking form submission

The team aim to respond within three working days of receiving your enquiry.

Thank you

You will soon be receiving the latest updates from our team about the exciting upcoming events and activities.

The Year Was 1945...

In 2025 we launched a series of exhibitions, events, talks and tours that shared the stories of those who lived and served 80 years ago.

Exploring the National Remembrance Gardens

Our site is unique, and there’s lots to see and do. New visitors often say that our grounds are much bigger than expected.

Media

We are happy to support journalists, broadcasters and filmmakers and welcome people to use our site as a recording location by pre-arrangement.

Group booking enquiries

The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens welcomes thousands of groups visitors annually to explore, discover and remember.

Guiding Lights 2025

Guiding Lights is a project that aims to bring a unique dimension to Illuminated, showcasing the power of storytelling through collective creativity.

Changing Places

Our Changing Places Toilet is located in our Remembrance Centre, with level access, and can be accessed by a RADAR toilet key.

Our memorials

There are over 400 memorials of all shapes and sizes in our grounds. Discover more about just some of the memorials and their symbolism.

Home

Welcome to the National Remembrance Gardens (formerly National Memorial Arboretum), a place to discover remarkable stories and gain new perspectives.

Terms and conditions of entry

For the safety and comfort of all our visitors, we ask that you observe the following terms and conditions of entry during your visit to the Arboretum.

Illuminated FAQs

We have pulled together a list of all our frequently asked questions that will help you plan your Illuminated visit.

Itinerary: leisurely lunch

For a leisurely day out with friends, explore the site and many memorials together and socialise over a delicious, homemade two-course lunch.

Remembrance events

With nearly 400 memorials amongst peaceful gardens, RBL National Remembrance Gardens is the perfect place to hold your Remembrance event.

Visiting with dogs

Plan a visit with your four-legged friend, using our visiting with dogs information.

Tree of Cherished Memories

The Tree of Cherished Memories is a sculpture at the National Remembrance Gardens.

Creative partnerships

Together, we work to find new ways to give voice to memories, uncover hidden stories, and keep the past alive for future generations.

Archiving Remembrance

Twenty-five years since our grounds officially opened to the public we are undertaking an ambitious heritage project, Archiving Remembrance.

Case study: Shot at Dawn Memorial

In 2024, the Shot at Dawn Memorial urgently needed restoration. As word spread that this memorial needed urgent repair, our community stepped in to help.

Learning visit terms and conditions

We work hard to maintain all areas to a high standard. To achieve this, we have expectations to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable visit.

Poet-in-residence

Our poet-in-residence takes to the grounds for up to a 2-year period, exploring the surroundings, landscape, and memorials through the art of poetry.

Explore the National Remembrance Gardens

The National Remembrance Gardens is unique, and there’s lots to see and do during a visit. Wander and discover as you go or join one of our tours.

Our privacy promise 

We believe in being open and up-front with our visitors and supporters. Our privacy promise explains how we look after your information.

Sustainability

As custodians of 150-acres of natural landscape, healed from a former mineral extraction pit, operating sustainably and ethically is at the heart of what we do.

Memory Benches

In Westminster, artist Alix Smith and members of St Andrew's Youth Club produced a series of park benches covered with illustrations.

Our story

Founded from the seed of an idea, discover more about the history and origins of the National Remembrance Gardens.

Facilitated visits booking form

Talk to our team today about our range of facilitated workshops help students of all ages interact with the subject of Remembrance.

Events and exhibitions

A programme of interesting and enjoyable events, for visitors of all ages, are available throughout the year.

Accessibility

We aim to cater for the needs of all our visitors and try to accommodate all access requirements where possible.

Exciting Explorer Days

Our Explorer Days have been designed to encourage students to form their own opinions and arguments around key themes.

Sustainability

Maintaining and supporting the environment is something we care passionately about.

Citizens of Coventry

Artist Sebbie Mudhai and videographer Tom Chimiak explored the experiences of those living in Citizen's supported housing.

Access For Learning Fund

To ensure schools can access the learning experiences offered by our team, eligible schools can apply for support from our Education Travel Bursaries.

Who we are

RBL National Remembrance Gardens celebrates lives lived and commemorates lives lost. We are the nation’s year-round place to remember.

Lockdown Landscape stories

Some of the stories featured here explore themes of togetherness, isolation, service, support and the value of the outdoors. 

Restaurant

We offer a range of homemade tasty meals and snacks, along with freshly prepared hot beverages and chilled drinks.

Accommodation

Situated within South Staffordshire, local hotels, bed and breakfasts and apartments offer an array of accommodation options for guests.

Plan your visit

Prepare using the helpful guidance and travel information on our plan your visit pages.

Itinerary: flying visits

Centrally located in the heart of the country, the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens is an ideal place for a service stop.

Armed Forces Memorial

The largest memorial at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens is the Armed Forces Memorial.

Shopping

Our shop offers the perfect retail treat during your visit.

List of memorials

View an alphabetised list of all the memorials in our grounds.

Join our mailing list

Keep up to date with our latest workshops, events and activities suitable for your school or learning group.

Remembrance

During November, public services of Remembrance will be held at the National Remembrance Gardens.

Evening events

Impress your guests with an evening event in Aspects at the Royal British Legion Nation Remembrance Gardens.

Conferences, meetings and away days

Centrally located, with stunning onsite views; our facilities provide a remarkable and memorable location for conferences and events.

Education Access Fund terms and conditions

To ensure schools can access the learning experiences offered by our team, eligible schools can apply for support from our Education Access Fund.

Teacher training and CPD

We welcome and encourage teachers and trainee teachers to visit our site as part of teacher training and CPD.

Participation projects

Our collaborative participation programmes help us to explore and learn from the stories we share at RBL National Remembrance Gardens.

Tailor Made Tours

Ideal for smaller groups, our personalised tours with an experienced guide make the perfect gift for loved ones.

Case study: Briggs Equipment

Briggs Equipment Ltd have partnered with the National Remembrance Gardens for over seven years in a relationship that has evolved over time.

Case study: Lucy's story

The National Remembrance Gardens is a collection of stories, a celebration of lives which have mattered and a living tribute to lives lost.

Short workshops

Only have time for a quick visit? Our shorter workshops start from 30 minutes, and can be tailored to a range of key stages.

25 years of

Since our official opening 25 years ago our grounds have grown into an inspirational living landscape.

Visiting with young families

Our site 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.

Groups terms and conditions

The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens welcomes thousands of groups visitors annually to explore, discover and remember.

Facilitated workshops and activities

Using our natural landscape as inspiration, we support various curriculum-based objectives through our fully inclusive learning programme.

Guided tours

A guided tour at the National Remembrance Gardens offers a meaningful and age-appropriate experience for students of all ages.

Free Activity Days

Our programme of free Activity Days allow students to explore topical themes alongside our grounds and memorials.

In-school activities

Can’t visit us? Let us come to you with one of our specially adapted activities or workshops.

Itinerary: walking stories

Venture deeper into the site with a guided walk highlighting the hidden stories behind the many trees and memorials within our grounds.

Functions and events

This very special place is a remarkable location for your next event offering award-winning event spaces and facilities for 10 – 300 guests.

Friends

One of the most rewarding ways to support us is to become a Friend.

Together in a World Apart

In Birmingham, artists Tasawar Bashir and Nafeesa Hamid gathered stories from communities with South Asian heritage.

Visiting for learning

Inspire students with a learning visit at RBL National Remembrance Gardens (previously the National Memorial Arboretum)

Restoration of The Garden of the Innocents Memorial and children's facilities

The restoration of The Garden of the Innocents Memorial alongside two play areas is a huge undertaking. ​

Visiting with a group

Groups of all sizes and interests enjoy visiting the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, formerly the National Memorial Arboretum.

Food packages

Make your visit to the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens more relaxing by pre-booking one of our food packages.

Learning Activity Day booking form

Enquire today about our free programme of Activity Days, which explore topical themes and run throughout the year.

Trees of Life Glade

A stately Spaeth Alder tree sits surrounded by a beautiful seating area, inviting visitors to pause and take a moment and reflect.

Contact us

We love to hear from our visitors, whether you have a question in advance of a visit, or you would like to share some feedback after a visit.

Booking form submission

Thank you for submitting our online booking form. Our learning team will be in contact to confirm your booking in due course.