National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
i visited this site last weekend its full of everything that you could wish for,it was sunday the weather was good there was so much going on on the site side shows ,dancing,stalls the gardens are a tribute to every army airforce and memorials to forces personnel that died after the war,entry is free there is a land train that stops at all the memorial stone on the way around the 150 acre site the train costs £6 for concessions £7.50 for adults and takes 45 minutes,there is a coffee bar and a restaurant there and the prices are not extortionate children 5 and under free,at midday a spitfire did four great flypasts over the hill with all the names on the walls and did he put it through some fantastic flying,the place is like most of these sites with great volunteer staff giving talks all the staff were wonderful and informative,we spent 4 hours there and will go back there later on in the year,the site is well signposted on the a38 between Litchfield and burton on trent,there are two carparks which charge £3 for the day which to me is not breaking the bank but as usual the tight idiots would rather leave their vehicles in the road outside,i would rather leave my car in a safe car park,one more thing that you don't usually see if you get short of cash there is a cash machine just by the toilets in the entrance hall,i had a really enjoyable visit and will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a fabulous place so well thought out so very well cared for such a emotional place a place for quiet contemplation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Still immature, this place will develop as the thousands of trees grow. Interesting and thought-provoking memorials to so many different regiments and organisations. The little motor train is a nice way to orientate yourself and decide where to walk to on this large site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We would highly recommend a visit to the National Memorial. The site itself is comprised of many smaller memorials to regiments and events alongside the huge central memorial which commemorates those who have died in the line of duty since WW2. We found the Shot At Dawn memorial particularly moving. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable and we spent a happy few hours here exploring the various paths. The site is clean and well-maintained, (though there are a lot of dandelions at the moment!), and you can truly imagine how it will continue to develop as the years pass and the trees mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is so peaceful and a fitting tribute to those who have given their lives in the name of peace. With over 300 memorials to view, beautifully kept grounds, good facilities for food and drink, and ample parking just for £3 a day, so if you are in the area then this is somewhere to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been wanting to visit for a few years as have had family members and friends that have served in the armed forces. What a beautiful and serene place to visit which is also inspiring and moving. So much care and love has been put into designing the 350 memorials there and the grounds are very well kept.
There is a land train running half hourly for £6 which we found very useful as there was a very informative commentary. You can also do a buggy tour which takes you around the memorials if you prefer. It is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
It's open 9am to 5pm every day. Parking is £3 the whole day. It's free to enter. It there are other attractions there you can pay to go in. Also there is a remembrance service every day in the Chapel there.
Toilets restaurant well kept and clean nice food.
There is a land train running half hourly for £6 which we found very useful as there was a very informative commentary. You can also do a buggy tour which takes you around the memorials if you prefer. It is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
It's open 9am to 5pm every day. Parking is £3 the whole day. It's free to enter. It there are other attractions there you can pay to go in. Also there is a remembrance service every day in the Chapel there.
Toilets restaurant well kept and clean nice food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Always wanted to visit the memorial and stayed overnight in Lichfield, just a few miles along the A38. Easy to find but beware of the gravel lorries hurtling around the sharp bends to the adjacent gravel pit. Pay and display is a very reasonable £3.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Special thanks to Michael Byrnes who went the extra mile to find John Thornton, a Marine killed in action. His family are close friends with friends of ours.
A really interesting day out. I recommend taking the noddy train. Huge commentary gives you so much information.
Bob and Maddy Smith
A really interesting day out. I recommend taking the noddy train. Huge commentary gives you so much information.
Bob and Maddy Smith
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the National Memorial Arboretum for the first time on St George’s Day. I went alone as I just wanted to take it all in without distraction. Nothing prepares the first-time visitor for the enormity of the beautiful grounds and the number of individual memorials; it seems that no-one is forgotten.
I arrived early to make the most of my visit, and attended the talk by a very informative volunteer in the Memorial Chapel, preceded by the two minutes’ silence, which takes place every day at 11.00. There was enough time after the Chapel to board the train which takes you all around the grounds with a running commentary, very good value at £6 per head.
Entry to the NMA is free, parking is £3 and a donation of a minimum £5 is suggested – how can anyone begrudge it?
After the land train, I had a hearty bowl of soup in the restaurant then, armed with the Orientation Guide, I made my way on foot around the grounds. I managed to find the memorial to my Dad’s regiment, with the help of an informative volunteer. It really made my day. This was on the way to the Armed Forces Memorial which just dominates the skyline. It was so upsetting seeing the thousands of names carved into those stone walls (deaths since WWII); we should all be thankful.
Although it was busy and there were quite a few children about with the Easter holidays, calm and tranquillity was all around. I would certainly go back for a second visit and would recommend it to anyone of any age.
I arrived early to make the most of my visit, and attended the talk by a very informative volunteer in the Memorial Chapel, preceded by the two minutes’ silence, which takes place every day at 11.00. There was enough time after the Chapel to board the train which takes you all around the grounds with a running commentary, very good value at £6 per head.
Entry to the NMA is free, parking is £3 and a donation of a minimum £5 is suggested – how can anyone begrudge it?
After the land train, I had a hearty bowl of soup in the restaurant then, armed with the Orientation Guide, I made my way on foot around the grounds. I managed to find the memorial to my Dad’s regiment, with the help of an informative volunteer. It really made my day. This was on the way to the Armed Forces Memorial which just dominates the skyline. It was so upsetting seeing the thousands of names carved into those stone walls (deaths since WWII); we should all be thankful.
Although it was busy and there were quite a few children about with the Easter holidays, calm and tranquillity was all around. I would certainly go back for a second visit and would recommend it to anyone of any age.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A special and interesting place to remember all of those people in the armed forces who have lost their lives during wars and conflicts up to this present day, so that we can live in peace. A sombre and thought provoking place. It covers a very large area and I would recommend buying a ticket for the land train to get a good overview. Please be aware to book a mobility scooter in advance through their website if you need it as there were none available on the day we were there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my breathe awy - more to see tghan one can possibly mange in one day So Peacful and poignant - especially the Burma Railway and the Far Eastern prisoners of War - choked all of us seeingit Every Service is remebered - all cicilain supports - so much to see - . The Shot at Dawn was hearbreaking - the stsutues and sculpture amazing
Can go back time after time - and still not see it all
Canot recommend it enough!
Can go back time after time - and still not see it all
Canot recommend it enough!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today (April 25th Anzac Day) for the first time. My reason for my visit was to attend the Gallipoli Commemorative & Anzac Day Service. I would like to thank everyone their for making my wife and me very welcome. Everybody their are so helpful & polite. As an ex member of the Australian army today is important to me, so again thank you.
We did not get the chance to get to see everything but will return in the near future as you need at least half a day to do it justice. Can also recommend the restaurant.
We did not get the chance to get to see everything but will return in the near future as you need at least half a day to do it justice. Can also recommend the restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visitor on a wonderfully sunny Easter Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the day out. The whole facility is beautifully presented, well organised and with acres of immaculately kept grounds that will get even better as they mature. Well laid out walks and obviously plenty of memorials to see and reflect upon and even without any military background within the family it is a moving experience to understand what others have sacrificed to ensure our safety. We had lunch in the restaurant which has a large seating capacity both inside and out and with a wide choice it would be difficult to go hungry. We chose sandwiches and cake, all fresh and tasty and reasonably priced. The only disappointment was a lack of availability of chilled drinks on such a warm day. Will definitely revisit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful, tranquil and fitting tribute to fallen comrades. Really well designed and laid out, easy to follow the various threads and the National Armed Forces Memorial is breathtaking. We arrived early and had a lovely breakfast, freshly cooked and reasonably priced. The Land Train is an excellent way of viewing much of the site and commentary is very informative. We were privileged to attend the Memeorial Chapel for the daily two minute silence. The talk by one of the volunteers was excellent. We walked around the site and memorials and as a former serviceman I was pleased to remember my naval comrades whose names are on the memorial.
I found it an emotional, inspiring and moving place to visit.
I found it an emotional, inspiring and moving place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing day out. The grounds are immaculate and the volunteer guides and plentiful and anxious to impart their knowledge and ensure you get the best experience whilst visiting. We took a guided buggy trip, which was the same price as the train and were lucky to have it and the guide to ourselves, so we felt we had a really personal tour. There are three walking routes to suit all abilities and we managed to do them all which covered the majority of the site. However there are so many memorials, from the grand to small plaques that it would take several visits to see them all. It is so peaceful just strolling round the site and the memorials are thought provoking and it is humbling to see how many people gave their lives so we could live in peace. The Millennium Chapel is small but beautiful and a daily act of remembrance is held there every morning when a two minute silence is observed. We ate in the on site restaurant and were impressed with the quality of the food and the reasonable prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow what an extraordinary place to visit. Both humbling and enjoyable at the same time. We visited with small children and the stick man trail helped to keep their interest. As our first visit we used the land train which was a great way to see what was around and get your bearings. It was however a bit expensive at £6 an adult.
I felt it was really well set out and who minds paying £3 parking when entrance is free. Have to say the staff were all friendly and helpful.
My other complaint would be a lack of toilets once you're out in the Arboretum. It's 150 acres you're encouraged to enjoy, but other than the main building i saw two single portaloos for the rest of the site. This isn't adequate.
An absolute must of a place to visit!
I felt it was really well set out and who minds paying £3 parking when entrance is free. Have to say the staff were all friendly and helpful.
My other complaint would be a lack of toilets once you're out in the Arboretum. It's 150 acres you're encouraged to enjoy, but other than the main building i saw two single portaloos for the rest of the site. This isn't adequate.
An absolute must of a place to visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Did not know what to expect. Beautiful place to visit. Went the train about the place. Would strongly recommend the Train very informative. lots of memorials. went to the church lovely inside. do try to go in there and listen to the talk. Had a meal to the restaurant lovely food. Bought a guide book and postcards worth each penny. Went with my mum, Dad and Husband
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here for the first time today. Amazing place which everyone should visit some time in their life. So many memorials to so many different facets of the nation and Commonwealth.Very thought provoking.The volunteer guides were all so very friendly and informative as well
Lovely afternoon tea for two , very large pot of tea with sandwiches cakes and scones all for only £17 for two people, that is a must as well but leave plenty of room for it
Free to get in and only £3 to park all day, go to their website for a lot more info
Lovely afternoon tea for two , very large pot of tea with sandwiches cakes and scones all for only £17 for two people, that is a must as well but leave plenty of room for it
Free to get in and only £3 to park all day, go to their website for a lot more info
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited many memorials and war grave sites over the years and we were expecting something special. We were disappointed. One of the thing we were struck with was when you first walk in to the main building was the clatter and noise coming from the main restaurant, it was like walking into a supermarket. The main memorial is special and some of the other smaller memorials are very poignant if somewhat randomly disrupted through the grounds. What let it down for us was the upkeep of the grounds, rough grass, very patchy in places. A lot of the trees seem to be planted too close together so they are damaging each other. It gives the overall impression of untidiness and lack of attention. I understand that the site is maintained with the help of volunteers but I believe more attention could be given to the grounds. This would help the overall reverence and respect the memorials deserve. Any volunteer we spoke to was more than helpful and were always willing to explain.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here with some of my ex army friends and it a very humbling place especially at the wall of remembrance were I spotted names I knew.
Last time I was here was about 8 years ago since then the new buildings have been constructed with addition of a shop and restaurant serving Sunday lunch
Last time I was here was about 8 years ago since then the new buildings have been constructed with addition of a shop and restaurant serving Sunday lunch
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a cold but sunny day we enjoyed over 4 hours of the important place. It is a beautiful place. We took the fist available land train (£6) to orientate ourselves, back in time for the short rememberance service in the chapel which is followed by a short talk by one of the volunteers on the history and organisation of the site, which was very good. Lovely cafe and gift shop. Well informed staff and at no cost to enter, a bargain. One very small gripe was the £3 charge for a map which had little detail. There are dozens - maybe hundreds - of indiviual memorial gardens and looking for a speficic one requires assistance of the very helpful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should visit the Aboretum in their lifetime. The whole site is beautifully set out and so interesting. It is a big site and does involve lots of walking, although there is a land train that does tours round and motorised mobility scooters for hire should you need one. It is dog friendly, dogs to be kept on a short lead, doggy waste bins and a few water bowls around, although there are a few areas they are not allowed. The coffee shop also allows dogs in which was very helpful as I was accompanied by my small dog. I found the memorials beautiful, emotional, thought provoking and hopeful. It wasn’t all about loss it was also celebrating all those that served and serve. I didn’t manage to see it all but I hope to come again another day soon. As I left I called in the lovely gift shop and spent too much money but could have spent more. Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are 150 acres dedicated to the memories of those who have served our country in any military connection. In addition, there is a year by year listing on a stone memorial that remembers the names of all who have died in service since 1945. This is a peaceful place to walk around and to see the memorial gardens established to the memories of all of the services.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am ex Women's Royal Army Corps, and last year on November 11th I went to the NMA with another ex WRAC Veteran. We knew there would be a lot of people there, but we were staggered at just how many there were! My friend Daphne queued for our breakfast and she was gone a very long time.There were literally thousands of people there, but the atmosphere was amazing. The Service of Remembrance was played on big screens, the sun came out and we all had a wonderful day. The Cenotaph in London is great, but for peace and quiet in a very large location with lots to see, it's the NMA every time for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an excellent place to visit on a nice sunny day as most of your viewing will be done outside. However there are some indoor museums and both a coffee shop and a full restaurant plus a lovely gift shop, so you can easily spend the whole day there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
