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Visiting with Dogs

Open for visitors!

The National Memorial Arboretum is open freely to all, year-round from 10am-5pm, every day except Christmas Day.  We recommend pre-booking your visit, to guarantee entry.

Please note: on Wednesday 28 July the North part of the site (which includes, but is not limited to, the Royal British Legion Poppy Field, Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove and the memorials and individual dedications in the areas surrounding them and the UK Police Memorial) will be closed to visitors until approximately 2.30pm, whilst a private dedication ceremony takes place at the UK Police Memorial.  The new memorial will be open to visitors from Thursday 29 July. There will also be limited access to the memorials on the Naval Review until the service has ended at 2.30pm. We will be unable to offer our Stick Man Trail, Outdoor Escape Challenges and Our Everyday Heroes activity packs on Wednesday 28 July. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Pre-book your visit

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 2021
Dogs at the Arboretum

Entrance for all dog walkers is currently through our Remembrance Centre.

Assistance Dogs

 

Working assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the Arboretum, including our Restaurant and Gift Shop.

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.

Only working assistance dogs are permitted within our Exhibition spaces (including Far East Prisoners of War Building), Restaurant, Millennium Chapel and Shop.

Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly, although indoor seating that space is currently unavailable due to Covid-19 Restrictions.

Can I visit the Restaurant with my dog?

Only working assistance dogs are allowed in our Restaurant.

 

Our Coffee Shop is dog friendly, although indoor seating that space is 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 trialed 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, as it takes you off the permitted Dog Walking Route. 

 

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.

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