Expansive woodland area with memorials and thousands of trees in honour of those fallen in service. The Arboretum is a 150-acre site with over 400 memorials nestled among 30,000 maturing trees. While there, you can explore a wide variety of memorials, including the striking Armed Forces Memorial, which honors over 16,000 service personnel who have died on duty since the end of the Second World War. Other notable memorials include the Shot at Dawn Memorial, dedicated to soldiers executed during World War I, and the Burma Railway Memorial, which features original rails and sleepers.
Inspired by Commander David Childs CBE and first conceived in the 1980s, the Arboretum was built from scratch on reclaimed gravel grounds, with initial planting beginning in 1996. It officially opened to the public in May 2001 and later became part of The Royal British Legion, gainfully embodying the nation’s year-round space for remembrance.
At its heart is the Armed Forces Memorial, dedicated in 2007, which honours over 16,000 military personnel who have lost their lives in service or as a result of terrorism since World War II. Composed of striking stone structures and positioned to capture the solemn beauty of remembrance, this memorial serves as a powerful focal point for reflection and national tribute
Another poignant landmark is the Shot at Dawn Memorial, unveiled in 2001. It commemorates the 309 soldiers executed during World War I, many of whom were later understood to have suffered from combat trauma. The memorial features a blindfolded soldier at the point of execution surrounded by stakes bearing the names of those lost—a somber reminder of evolving understanding and compassion
Beyond these, the Arboretum encompasses the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, daily acts of remembrance, themed memorials such as the Wartime Nurses Memorial, and a reflective Remembrance Glade—created to foster personal contemplation and connection across generations
The site draws over 300,000 visitors annually, including young learners, veterans, families, and dignitaries. Its Remembrance Centre (opened in 2016) provides immersive exhibitions, educational programming, and visitor facilities, while the Aspects building (opened in 2018) hosts events—from solemn services to corporate gatherings—all set against this inspirational backdrop
Beyond the memorials, you can enjoy a variety of activities to help you reflect and learn:
The Arboretum also hosts a changing program of exhibitions and seasonal events, so there’s always something new to discover. You can view the location on the map below.
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