Families can explore the Queen’s Baton Relay at the National Memorial Arboretum this Easter

Families can enjoy a full day out at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this Easter holiday, with a new Queen’s Baton Relay sticker trail, complementing the play areas, ever-popular Stick Man outdoor trail and free indoor exhibitions.

Queen’s Baton Relay sticker trail (£2.50)

Inspired by the Queen’s Baton Relay, currently taking place across all the countries of the Commonwealth ahead of the opening of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this summer, the Queen’s Baton Relay sticker trail invites families to find eight batons linked to memorials at the Arboretum.

At each of the batons spread across the 150-acre site, families will discover a fact about a Commonwealth community that has helped build the world today. Once they have placed each flag sticker in the right place on the map, they can return to the Restaurant to collect a shortbread biscuit.

The Queen’s Baton Relay sticker trail costs £2.50 and can be purchased from the Welcome Desk on arrival at the Arboretum.

The Queen’s Commonwealth exhibition (free)

Linked to the Queen’s Baton Relay sticker trail, families can find out more about the Commonwealth in this free exhibition exploring the Queen’s role as the head of this global network. This celebration of the countries that make up a third of the world’s population will examine how the Commonwealth fosters collaboration and friendship through a shared spirit of service.

Stick Man Activity Trail (free)

Younger visitors can join Stick Man on his journey back to the family tree on this outdoor trail around the Arboretum. Visitors can collect a free copy of the self-led trail map from the Welcome Desk on arrival.

Landscapes of Life (free)

The permanent Landscapes of Life exhibition provides an introduction to the Arboretum and the concept of Remembrance, and includes an immersive 270-degree film. Families can design a memorial garden of their own, or take a walk through a digital path of leaves to reveal the field of poppies beneath.

Play areas (free)

Children can run, jump and climb in two play areas at the Arboretum, including a Sensory Play Garden full of tactile elements, scented foliage and traditional play activities.

“Our Queen’s Baton Relay trail is a great way to get excited about the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham this summer, and to learn more about the camaraderie of communities from across the Commonwealth who have served alongside each other,” said Chris Ansell, Head of Participation and Learning. “There are engaging indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages at the Arboretum, making it a great day out for families to explore the natural landscape and discover the stories behind our memorials, whatever the weather.”

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. Pre-booking via the Arboretum website is recommended to guarantee entry https://thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/book-tickets