Half term activities immerse families in flowers and wildlife as the National Memorial Arboretum blooms

Families can explore the flowers and wildlife of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this half term (27 – 31 May) on new trails and activities set amongst the carpet of colourful flowers that are blooming across the 150-acres of gardens, grounds and woodlands at the Nation’s year-round place to Remember.

Find the Flowers Trail (£2.50, 25 May – 9 June,10am – 5pm)
From red campion and colourful allium to the white wisteria blanketing the side of the Millennium Chapel, the Arboretum is now bursting with flowers. Families can pick up a trail map from the Welcome Desk on arrival and head out into the grounds in search of colourful flowers around the Arboretum.

Arts and Crafts (Free, 27 – 31 May 12pm – 3pm)
Inspired by the flowers at the Arboretum, younger visitors can let their imaginations run wild and create their own beautiful blooming bouquet during free arts and crafts sessions.

Stick Man outdoor trail (Free, 10am – 5pm)
Inspired by Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s tale, the mile-long Stick Man outdoor trail follows the adventures of Stick Man as he tries to get home to his Family Tree. Visitors can pick up the free trail map from the Visitor Centre and set out to find carved and colourful wooden characters from the story, and complete activities along the way.

‘The Year was 1944’ exhibition and trail (Free, 10am – 5pm)
From the D-Day landings in Europe to evacuations, the threat of missile attacks and continued food rationing in Britain, 1944 was a year of seismic change. The Arboretum’s free ‘The Year was 1944’ exhibition and 1944 self-led trail explore the impact that events of 1944 had on life at home and abroad during that landmark year.

Over half term, visitors of all ages can take a journey down memory lane to explore life inside a 1944 family home, complete with a replica Anderson shelter. Once they have explored the music, photos and artefacts inside the exhibition, they can head out onto a free, self-led 1944 trail around some of the memorials connected to the events of 1944.

“After what feels like a long, wet winter the gardens and grounds at the Arboretum are blooming. Our half term trails and activities are designed to get our family visitors out exploring nature and enjoying the beautiful colours around them,” said Rachel Smith, Head of Participation and Learning. “The trails, exhibitions and activities are a great way for visitors of all ages to explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Arboretum and learn about some of the inspirational stories behind the memorials.”

Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum and the exhibitions is free of charge and the onsite restaurant offers a range of homemade family-friendly food options using locally sourced ingredients. Booking in advance via the Arboretum website is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day) https://www.thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/may-half-term