Our larger-than-life Stick Man, who you'll find at the start of our Stick Man Trail, will be taking a well-earned break from 4 - 16 November and won't be accessible to view during this time.
The Stick Man Trail will remain fully accessible over this period, and all other carvings will be available to view along the trail.
Seasonal opening hours will apply on:
Tuesday 24 December 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 25 December CLOSED
Tuesday 31 December 10am - 3pm
On all other dates our normal opening hours (10am - 4pm) will apply.
Our grounds are very big, around 150-acres, that's about 75 footabll pitches! In them you’ll find over 400 memorials of all shapes and sizes. The memorials you'll see are incredibly special, and their designs are rich in symbolism, reflecting the stories of the groups they represent.
There are a lots of flat wide paths to use, but don’t be afraid to head onto the grass to look at memorials you spot. Some of our memorials are tucked away in gardens and in woodland glades so you’ll need to explore to find them!
Don’t be scared to take a closer look at the memorials you find. Some of the smallest details and textures help to tell the stories of the memorials and who they remember. Whilst you shouldn't be afraid to touch our memorials, please do be respectful of the the stories and people they represent, and do not cimb on any of the sculptures.
You’ll find more information about just some of the memorials on our memorials pages. Our guidebook, which can be purchased from our Welcome Desk, tells more of our stories and includes a map to help you explore, along with suggested routes to follow. Our team, are also happy to help you, and can answer any questions you might have.
We hope you leave our grounds feeling inspired by the stories you hear, and enjoy your visit to the Arboretum.
Please note that children's bikes, balance bikes scooters and roller blades can not be used in the Arboretum grounds. Ball games are also not permitted.
From a twig for a nest to a mast for a flag, our Stick Man trail follows the adventures of The Stick Man* as he tries to get home to his Family Tree.
Pick up a free self-led trail sheet on arrival at the Welcome Desk, and head out into the Arboretum grounds to explore the, fully accessible, one mile route. Along the way you'll be able to spot fun character carvings, including Stick Man himself!
The trail is available every day.
Stick Man (C) 2008 & TM. Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffer. Licenced by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
To guarantee entry and to get the most from your visit, we highly recommend booking your visit in advance.
Entry to the Arboretum is free. Parking is charged at £4 for cars booked in advance and £6 on the day.
One parking ticket is required per vehicle.
Please ensure that upon arrival you have your booking confirmation ready to present to our parking attendant (digitally on your phone is fine).
Our Restaurant is open daily and serves a range of hot food, sandwiches, soups and cakes suitable for all ages.
Our range of children’s meals ensure that even the pickiest eaters will find something they can enjoy.
Families can dine in our indoor and outdoor seating area, or you can take your sandwiches with you and enjoy them in our picnic and play areas. You’ll find one of our picnic areas next to our Children’s Play area in the Children’s Wood.
We kindly ask that only food purchased from the Arboretum is consumed in our Restaurant and Coffee Shop.
Here at the Arboretum, we have two outdoor play areas available for young visitors to enjoy.
Our Children’s Sensory Play Garden can be found near to the Remembrance Centre. A second children’s play area, with a picnic area, can be found further into the Arboretum grounds
Please note: only assistance dogs are permitted within our Children's Play Areas.
We hold lots of exciting activities throughout the year which are designed to help our youngest visitors learn more about the Arboretum, why it’s important to remember and the wildlife in our grounds.
Visit our What's On page to find out what events are coming soon.
