National Forest Trek

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

Walking together for a better future

Three charities have partnered together to create the National Forest Trek, a new fundraising challenge event building hope for the future by transforming lives and creating a forest for everyone to enjoy, whilst ensuring that those who have served the public are never forgotten.

Starting from Beacon Hill, near the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), through ancient woodland and newly planted trees, and finishing at the National Memorial Arboretum, the nation’s year-round centre of remembrance, join the National Forest Trek and you’ll be walking together for a better future.

Trek Options

The National Forest Trek is a one, two, or three-day charity challenge walk, across the 12 stages and 75 miles of the National Forest Way. For those unable to consider the challenge of long-distance walking, the “all-ages” flat 5km walk on the third day will offer time for reflection and celebration.

More Info