Groups FAQs

 

Below are some of our most frequently asked group visit questions. If your question is not answered below, please email groups@thenma.org.uk or call 01283 245 100 to speak to a member of the team.

Do I need to fill in a booking form even if I don’t want to pre-book any activities?

We do ask that you fill in a booking form even if you don’t want to pre-book any activities. This is so that we know to expect you, and can look after you while you are on site. It means we are also able to advise you in advance of anything happening at the Arboretum that day which may be of interest to your group or affect your visit.

Do I need to pay a deposit for my booking?

If you are pre-booking any activities or food and drink packages we do ask that you pay a deposit on booking. For pre-booked food packages we will require a £5 per person deposit.

If you are pre-booking activities only we will require a £2 per person deposit. Deposits are non-refundable, however if numbers decrease, overpayments on your deposit can be subtracted from your final balance. Payment of the final balance is due one week before the visit date. 

For bookings made within one week of a visit, the full balance for the visit will be taken. Please note, bookings where pre-booked items are required can only be secured upon the receipt of the required deposit.

How do we pay our deposit/final balance?

Final balances and deposits can both be paid either by cheque, BACS transfer, or credit/debit card over the phone. We accept most major cards, including Visa, Maestro and MasterCard. We cannot accept American Express at this time. Cheques will need to be made out to ‘National Memorial Arboretum’. Please contact groups@thenma.org.uk for BACS details.

I won’t have confirmed group numbers until closer to my visit date, is this a problem?

We will not require your final group numbers until one week before your visit. If you have pre-booked any activities or food packages we will also need to make sure the final balance is paid at this time. Any changes after that cannot be guaranteed, although every effort to accommodate your group will be made.

What should my party do upon arrival?

Coaches are able to drive round to the front of the Remembrance Centre for the group to disembark. Your group will be met upon arrival by one of our team, who will welcome you to our site. If you have pre-booked any activities or food and drink packages, you will be provided with the necessary details and tickets. 

I have not pre-booked anything for my group, what can we do during our visit?

There are plenty of daily activities taking place on our site at various times, including walks, talks and tours. Please see our Daily Activities page for more information. Please be aware that items such as our land train and guided walks are cheaper if you pre-book with us as a group before your arrival. 

What is included in my lunch package?

By booking one of our food packages, you will benefit from a reserved seating area for your group, waited service, and tea and coffee with your food. You won’t need to pre-order dishes for the individual members of your party, as they can be chosen from a menu on the day. Please do indicate on your booking form any special dietary requirements.

My group would like to bring a packed lunch, is this possible?

Yes, this is possible. We have a number of picnic areas in our grounds, as well as benches lining most Arboretum paths. We ask that visitors refrain from eating food not purchased from us in the Restaurant or Coffee Shop seating areas.

I want to book a speaker to come to my group, how do I do this?

If you would like to book one of our Arboretum speakers, we require you to fill out a form. We can either email or post you this form, contact groups@thenma.org.uk to arrange this. Our groups team will then contact you to confirm your booking and detail costings.

Do you have an image that I can use to promote my visit?

We have a selection of images available for use. Please email groups@thenma.org.uk detailing your requirements and we will be happy to help.

Can we purchase maps and guidebooks in advance of our visit?

Yes, you are able to purchase both maps and guidebooks ahead of your visit. These can be delivered to your address before your visit to the Arboretum. Please call our shop on 01283 245 100 to buy. Please note that postage charges may apply.