Home to more than 400 memorials, the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas offers visitors a place to remember, reflect and discover remarkable stories of service and sacrifice.
The changing autumn colours also make October a particularly atmospheric time to explore the grounds. Here are some of the events and activities currently scheduled for October 2026:
Thursday 1 October – National Poetry Day
A special learning Activity Day for Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils, using the Arboretum and its stories as inspiration for poetry and creativity. Please note that the 2026 event is now fully booked.
Saturday 3 October – Ride to the Wall
Thousands of motorcyclists come together for Ride to the Wall, a unique annual event which gives riders the opportunity to pay their respects to serving and fallen members of the Armed Forces while raising funds to help preserve their memory.
The Ride to the Wall service begins at 12 noon. Visitors should be aware that the Armed Forces Memorial will remain closed until after the service, and Land Train and buggy tours will not operate on the day.
Saturday 10 October – Capturing Remembrance Photography Workshop
10.30am–12.30pm and 2pm–4pm
Explore the meaning of Remembrance through photography during these free creative workshops, led by a professional photographer from GRAIN Projects. Participants will consider personal stories, memories, service, sacrifice and community, with photographs potentially considered for the Capturing Remembrance exhibition.
Thursday 22 October – Celebrating Black History Month
A free learning Activity Day for Key Stage 2 and 3, delivered with associate partners Black Voices. Pupils will explore the contribution of Caribbean soldiers who have served during conflicts throughout history, using music, song, writing and memorials around the Arboretum to bring their stories to life.
Saturday 24 October–Sunday 1 November – Arbie’s i-Spy: Autumn Trail
Families can explore the colourful autumn grounds while helping Arbie the Owl search for leaves and other seasonal treasures. The interactive outdoor trail runs from 10am–4pm and costs £2.50 per person.
Monday 26–Friday 30 October – October Half Term Activities
There’s plenty for younger visitors during half term, with autumn-inspired activities taking place throughout the week. These include free interactive storytelling sessions and drop-in arts and crafts from 11am–3pm.
Children can also continue collecting stamps in their free Explorer’s Passport, with October half term providing the final opportunity to complete the challenge and earn a special prize.
Friday 30 October – Field of Remembrance Opens
The Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance opens at the Arboretum on 30 October and remains open until 15 November, from 10am–4pm.
Personal tributes carrying messages of Remembrance are planted in the Field to honour members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives while serving. It provides a poignant opportunity for visitors to pause, reflect and remember ahead of November’s national Remembrance commemorations.
October is also a great opportunity to discover the Arboretum’s ongoing 25th anniversary programme.
Visitors can experience 25 Years of… Celebrating Women, running until 15 November, alongside Threads of Remembrance and the permanent Landscapes of Life exhibition.
There are also 25 Years Of… Buggy Tours, special outdoor trails and short daily volunteer talks, giving both first-time and returning visitors new ways to discover the stories, people and memorials that have shaped the Arboretum during its first 25 years.
With 150 acres to explore, more than 400 memorials and plenty of fascinating stories to discover, visitors are encouraged to allow at least a morning or afternoon for their visit.
Entry to the Arboretum is free, although parking charges apply. Booking a visit and parking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry on busier days and can also save on the daily parking charge.
Whether visiting for a special event, enjoying an autumn family day out or spending some quiet time discovering the memorials, October offers plenty to experience at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Please note: Events, activities, opening arrangements and timings can change, and some activities require advance booking. Visitors should always check the official National Memorial Arboretum website before travelling for the latest information, availability and parking arrangements.
Venue: National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR
Opening Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Telephone: 01283 245 100
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