Discover What’s On This September

Set within 150 acres near Alrewas, the National Memorial Arboretum is a fascinating place to explore, reflect and discover the stories behind hundreds of memorials dedicated to the Armed Forces, emergency services, civilian organisations and individuals.

September 2026 also marks an important milestone, as the site becomes known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, following its integration with the Royal British Legion.

Here are some of the events and activities currently confirmed for September 2026:

• 5–13 September – Emergency Services Guided Walk – 1pm–2.15pm
  • Join an expert volunteer guide to discover memorials and stories connected to the emergency services and first-response organisations, including St John Ambulance and the RNLI.
  • Adults £5 | Under-15s free with a paying adult.
  • Places can be booked in advance and dogs on leads are permitted on the walk.
• 12 & 13 September – Heritage Open Days – 11am–3pm
  • Go behind the scenes and discover the Arboretum’s brand-new archive as part of Heritage Open Days.
  • Visitors can meet the project team, explore historical photographs and documents, handle archive material and even help identify items and share memories.
  • Free to attend, although visitors are advised to book parking in advance.
• Sunday 13 September – Elysium Memorial Dedication Ceremony – 11am
  • A special dedication ceremony for the Elysium Memorial, which provides a dedicated place for families, friends and colleagues to remember loved ones and honour their service.
  • The ceremony includes a formal welcome, prayers and dedication, music from a piper and trumpet player, ribbon cutting and an opportunity for guests to lay their own wreaths.
• Until Sunday 27 September – Green Spaces, Shared Places: Past, Present and Future
  • September is the final opportunity to experience this exhibition, which runs from 11 July until 27 September 2026 and forms part of the Arboretum’s learning and participation programme.
• Throughout September – 25 Years of… Celebrating Women
  • Running until 15 November 2026, this special exhibition forms part of the Arboretum’s 25th anniversary programme and explores stories associated with women and Remembrance.
• Throughout September – Threads of Remembrance
  • Visitors can also discover Threads of Remembrance, another exhibition forming part of the special programme marking 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened to the public.
• Throughout September – 25 Years Of… Buggy Tours
  • Discover more of the Arboretum without having to explore entirely on foot. These 60-minute volunteer-led tours introduce visitors to important people, moments and memorials that have shaped the site during its first 25 years.
  • Adults £10 | Children £3.
• Throughout September – 25 Years Of… Daily Talks & Outdoor Trails
  • Visitors can join a free 10-minute volunteer talk sharing stories from the Arboretum’s first 25 years or pick up one of the special outdoor trails and explore at their own pace.
  • The trails are available for adults and younger visitors and are free.

More to Discover Throughout the Year

A visit isn't limited to special events. The National Memorial Arboretum – becoming the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens from September 2026 – is the nation's year-round place to remember, with an extraordinary landscape filled with memorials, woodland and individual stories.

There are also regular activities including Walking for Health every Monday, the permanent Landscapes of Life exhibition and the Far East Prisoners of War Building, alongside family-friendly opportunities to explore the grounds.

Entry to the Arboretum is free, although parking charges apply. Booking parking in advance is recommended, particularly for busy days and special events.

And for those already looking ahead to Christmas, tickets are now available for Illuminated, which returns from 4–22 December 2026, transforming the grounds with light, colour, sound and storytelling.

Whether visitors are interested in history, Remembrance, nature or simply looking for things to do near Lichfield this September, this unique Staffordshire attraction is well worth setting aside plenty of time to explore.

Please note: Events, activities, availability, opening arrangements and timings may change. Some activities also require advance booking. Visitors should check the official website before travelling for the latest information and to book parking where required.

Venue: National Memorial Arboretum / Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR
Telephone: 01283 245 100