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Visiting with Dogs

Visiting Us

The National Memorial Arboretum will remain open to pre-booked visitors from the local area for outdoor exercise. People visiting the Arboretum must follow the latest government guidance relating to travel and social distancing, and anyone advised to self-isolate or shield should not visit the site at this time.

Access to the Arboretum will be via the Remembrance Centre where our visitor toilets remain available. A limited take-away service is available from our Coffee Shop kiosk.

We are currently unable to offer dine-in options in our Restaurant and our talks and tours are unavailable. Our Gift Shop is closed. 

Further information about the measures currently in place at the Arboretum can be found by following the link below.

Find Out More

Four legged visitors can be taken on our dog walking route which is open all year.  


When planning your visit it’s useful to know that your four-legged friends can’t be walked in areas off the route or taken onto the memorials. They must also remain on their lead throughout your visit.

The pathways on the dog walking route are largely hard-standing and access friendly, though there is the option to walk through some grassed areas, you can see the route on the map below.

Download A Dog Walking Map

Printed copies of our dog walking map can be collected from our Welcome Area. 
Dog walking Map 2019
Dogs at the Arboretum

Assistance Dogs

Working assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the Arboretum.

Until further notice access onto our grounds for dog walkers is via the Remembrance Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I visit a memorial that’s off the dog walking route?

Unfortunately you won’t be able to take your dog off our dog walking route. If you’re visiting with others we ask that a member of your group remains with your dog on the route whilst others visit the memorials. If you’re exploring alone, and you want to look more closely at the memorials you may consider, if possible, leaving your four-legged friend at home.

Can my dog go inside your buildings?

Currently we are asking all visitors to enter through the Remembrance Centre and head straight out onto the grounds.

In normal times, only working assistance dogs are permitted within our indoor areas. These areas include our restaurant, exhibitions, shop, Millennium Chapel and the Aspects building. You are welcome to bring your dog into Heroes’ Square, located next to the Remembrance Centre, where covered seating is available*. Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly*.

*currently unavailable due to Covid-19 Restrictions.

Can I visit the Restaurant with my dog?

Our restaurant is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

 

In normal times, only working assistance dogs are permitted in our Restaurant. You are welcome to bring your dog into Heroes’ Square, located next to the Remembrance Centre, where covered seating is available*. Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly*.

*Currently unavailable due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Am I able to bring my dog to an event?

Most of our events and activities take place away from our dog walking route. Whilst you are welcome to bring your dog on normal event days, when the Arboretum is open, it’s worth remembering that one member of your group will need to remain with your four-legged friend on the dog walking route. Our grounds may also be a lot busier than normal, and some dogs may not enjoy their experience. Only working assistance dogs are permitted in all event areas and at evening events.  

Why can’t dogs go everywhere at the Arboretum?

It’s hard to strike the right balance for both dog walkers and those who believe dogs should not be allowed at the Arboretum. We have trialled different approaches and feel that the best approach is to allow dogs, on leads in some areas of the site.

Why do dogs have to remain on leads?

The nature of our site means that some visitors may require peaceful contemplation. Whilst we understand most dogs and their owners will be respectful of others, this can only guaranteed if dogs are kept on their leads.

Can I take my dog on The Stick Man Trail?

Stick Man has asked us to let you know that dogs aren't permitted on his trail.

Can I take my dog on the Land Train?
Only working assistance dogs are allowed on the Land Train. 
Why is water not available along the route?

Drinking water is available in Heroes’ Square for dogs. We do not provide drinking bowls along the route because our site is exposed to lots of wildlife which may make the water unsafe for pet dogs.

Can I leave my dog in my car?

We ask visitors not to leave their dogs in the cars on our car park.

Am I able to tie up my dog along the route?

Tether points can be found in a number of places along the route. Owners tether their pets at their own risk and should not leave animals for long periods of time.

A number of dogs and their owners walk toward the Armed Forces Memorial at a Paws for Remembrance Event.

Paws for Remembrance

Our annual Paws for Remembrance fundraising event is held annually and is for dogs and their owners, it’s an Arboretum team favourite. With special stalls selling pet related products and treats the event gives dog owners the chance to explore more of our grounds than normal. At past events, thanks to our friends at the PDSA, we’ve also offered special activities include free dog health checks and pet first aid classes.

Annual Parking Passes

Annual parking passes are available to purchase by those who visit the Arboretum more regularly. The passes cost £25 per annum and will allow you to park without charge each time you visit us. To purchase an annual parking pass please call our team on 01283 245 100.

Dogs at the Arboretum