Guiding Lights is a Learning and Participation Project that aims to bring a unique dimension to Illuminated Arboretum, representing the National Memorial Arboretum's commitment to being freely open to all. The project showcases the power of storytelling through collective creativity. Working with a wide range of participants in schools and community settings weaving the threads of arts, culture, history, and remembrance.

Poet-in-Residence

The Arboretum's poet-in-residence takes to the grounds of the Arboretum for up to a 2-year period, exploring the surroundings, landscape, and memorials through the art of poetry. Combining the essence of the Arboretum and the art of reflection, the aim of the programme is to create a selection of unique and original poems for the duration of the residency.

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School Children on a trip at the National Memorial Arboretum

Facilitated Visits Booking Form

Whether you are spending the whole day with us, or simply the afternoon, our range of facilitated workshops and activities give students of all ages the chance to interact with the subject of Remembrance in a variety of ways.

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School Chidlren Taking part in a WW2 Explorer Day, looking at ration packs

Arboretum Explorer Days

Our Explorer Days have been designed to encourage students to form their own opinions and arguments around key themes, through a range of indoor and outdoor interactive sessions

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Key Stage Two Students approaching the learning centre at the Arboretum

Learning and Participation

Access For Learning Fund

Whilst the Arboretum is free to enter, and many of our educational participation opportunities are also free, schools can still face significant barriers in funding transportation for trips. To ensure schools can access the enriching learning experiences offered by the Arboretum eligible schools can apply for support from our Education Travel Bursaries.

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Learning and Participation

Education Access Fund Terms And Conditions

Whilst the Arboretum is free to enter, and many of our educational participation opportunities are also free, schools can still face significant barriers in funding transportation for trips. To ensure schools can access the enriching learning experiences offered by the Arboretum eligible schools can apply for support from our Education Access Fund.

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KS2 students on a guided walk around the Arboretum

Short Workshops

Only have time for a quick visit, or want to enhance your self-led visit? Our shorter workshops start from 30 minutes, and can be tailored to a range of Key Stages.

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Key Stage One Students taking part in craft workshops in the Arboretum's classrooms

Facilitated Workshops and Activities

Using our natural landscape as inspiration for a series of workshops and activities, we support various curriculum-based objectives through our fully inclusive learning programme.

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School Children at the Fire and Rescue Service Memorial

Guided Tours

A guided tour at the National Memorial Arboretum offers a meaningful and age-appropriate experience for students of all ages. Set in a beautifully landscaped setting, the Arboretum brings history to life through its memorials and stories of service and sacrifice.

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Key Stage 1 students taking part in arts and crafts

In-School Activities

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

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Self-Led Visits

Guiding Lights 2025

Poet-in-Residence

Facilitated Visits Booking Form

Arboretum Explorer Days

Access For Learning Fund

Education Access Fund Terms And Conditions

Short Workshops

Facilitated Workshops and Activities

Guided Tours

In-School Activities

Visitor Announcement