National Memorial Arboretum, park in Lichfield

National Memorial Arboretum

Park

Explorer Tom

At Alrewas in Staffordshire, the National Memorial Arboretum spreads remembrance across 150 acres of trees, gardens and more than 400 memorials; you could spend an afternoon here and still find another story waiting round the bend. I reckon the trees keep a quiet roll call of their own, though they sensibly refuse to tell me who is late. Start at the Remembrance Centre, then follow the paths towards memorials for the Armed Forces, emergency services and civilian groups. The Armed Forces Memorial remembers people who died in service after the Second World War. Elsewhere, Shot at Dawn recalls First World War soldiers who were executed and later pardoned. These are real lives, so let the landscape set the pace instead of racing through it like a contestant hunting the last clue on a treasure map. The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness holds an Act of Remembrance at 11 each morning. Free daily talks can help put names and designs into context; guided walks and the land train offer other ways around the large grounds, with charges for those extras. There are quiet places too, and plenty of room to pause when a particular story catches you harder than expected. My imaginary tree correspondent recommends sturdy shoes, but even he knows when to stop talking. The Arboretum is open daily with free entry, though advance booking is recommended to guarantee admission and parking has a charge. Check current hours before setting out, especially around special events, and head for Croxall Road rather than guessing from the nearest patch of woodland. Come ready to discover individual stories; the smallest pause here can be the part that stays with you.