National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
This place is a 'must visit' location for all of us who value the freedom we enjoy.
If one only visits a selection of the memorials, the sacrifices made by others become only too clear. Very helpful guides will help you plan your visit.
The daily 1100 twenty minute service in the remembrance chapel will set the scene.
Only mandatory expenditure is the £3 all day parking charge.
The cafe serves an excellent lunch!
Do not confuse with a theme park.
If one only visits a selection of the memorials, the sacrifices made by others become only too clear. Very helpful guides will help you plan your visit.
The daily 1100 twenty minute service in the remembrance chapel will set the scene.
Only mandatory expenditure is the £3 all day parking charge.
The cafe serves an excellent lunch!
Do not confuse with a theme park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place this is to remember our heroes, the land train is recommended for your first visit. We spent over 5 hours here and didn't get to see it all, we will deffinately be returning. The restaurant provided a very welcome cup of tea, you can also get full meals.There is also a very nice gift shop which sells poppy gifts. Its so peaceful and emotional,i felt the avenue of trees dedicated to sleeping babies and young children particularly sad.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A pleasant way to spend an afternoon in a peaceful place. A memorial to the fallen of many different disciplines. Excellent facilities and pleasant helpful staff. The restaurant was spacious and well stocked with tasty well presented/made food. Car parking was £3 all day. with free entrance (with suggested donation of £5). Extra £6 charges per adult for the land train which was an enlightening experience and informative. Just a pity there was no reduction for senior citizens for whom the land train is ideal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this place whilst on a recent trip to Derby. Located just off the A38 near Lichfield, it is a lovely place to visit dedicated to those people from all walks of life that have served the country - mainly from the armed forces but also people in other services such as the fire service. It is free to enter though you do pay for car parking - currently £3 and for any extras such as tours of the site. There is a ‘train’ ride you can take to give you a good feel for what is there which lasts about 45 mins and then you are free to wander around to look more closely at each memorial. Whilst extremely busy, there is plenty to see and there is never a feeling of overcrowding. Well worth a visit if in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Group of 2 adults and 3 children aged 2-12. We had a lovely few hours wandering round. Very helpful staff to get you where you want to go. Children enjoyed making flags for a memorial.
We ate in the restaurant, bit chaotic but the food was nice.
Will definitely return.
We ate in the restaurant, bit chaotic but the food was nice.
Will definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
All day parking £3. The main building houses British Legion shop, restaurant, coffee bar, reception and book counters. Golf buggys and pavement train available at extra cost. The total site encompasses 150 acres. I suppose it would be entirely possible to walk a distance of 5K. without recrossing oneself. This is no venue to see in a rush. I thought for a minute just how many stories the men and women remembered here could tell. Good to see, the 'Legion' has all in hand. Additional coffee shops in Hero's square. A superbly high quality attraction easily reached off A38 near Burton on Trent. I was impressed by the number of retirees wearing formal blazers and decorations, even encountered some from my days at sea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really good place to visit for a reminder of the service and sacrifice people have given and made in the past. The number of organisations represented is continually increasing so there is truly something for everyone. Since its beginning, the trees have grown and their continued development can only enhance the experience.The staff are friendly and the facilities are very good. Allow plenty of time for your visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have said a few times that we would visit here if we came this far down south again. We didn't realise how close to our holiday accommodation this was. It is a must. We walked around here on a day that was at least 30 degrees and unfortunately didn't manage round ALL of it but we made a good dent in it. we got there just before 11 and didn't leave till nearly gone 4. There was a couple of memorials going on that day been held by veterans and serving military. My family are all ex military but this place is in remembrance of lots of different types of services and charities.
Cost nothing for going in apart from the 3 pound for all day parking. They do ask that you put a donation of 5 pound...
Well worth the visit. Pay your respects and enjoy the walk.
Cost nothing for going in apart from the 3 pound for all day parking. They do ask that you put a donation of 5 pound...
Well worth the visit. Pay your respects and enjoy the walk.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very well laid out place of remembrance, so much to see. I agree with many others that this is a place that needs more than one visit. It must be noted that all the staff that we encountered were friendly, helpful and courteous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Please take your time to understand but enjoy this very large site
Well worth a few visits as there is so much to see.
Well worth a few visits as there is so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It wasn’t on my list of places to go and we only went because we were with friends. How wrong I was. What an amazing place. Very respectful. Just perfect. Took the little motorized tour round. Very interesting. I would go again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
what a fantastic please , set in wonderful scenery , these monuments dedicated to the memory of all the armed service is a long lasting memory, public entry is free , but donations are welcome to keep the site running
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been here a few times, we just love it. Such lovely, peaceful, relaxing and calm place this.
We highly recommend a visit.
We highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place.....National Memorial Arboretum!
Everyone should try to visit here sometime in their lives to reflect on how much we owe to so many!
Everyone should try to visit here sometime in their lives to reflect on how much we owe to so many!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a lovely day today walking round visiting all the different memorials. Too many to view in one day alone.
Our main aim was to see the Scouting memorial which we thought was very appropriate and well thought out.
Our main aim was to see the Scouting memorial which we thought was very appropriate and well thought out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have always delayed going as statues, memorials are not our thing. However it is well spread out, plenty of seats and paths to walk on including some by the River Thame, so potentially lots of wildlife to see as well as trains on the Derby line. Car parking is £3 per day or part thereof, Admission is free but you pay for guided tours, exhibitions and Land Train if you wish to use any of these - we made our own way and will be back - next time with a picnic!. The coffee shop is great and dog friendly and there is a very good restaurant. There are dedicated dog walks and the staff are knowledgeable and very good. A nearby quarry can seem noisy in such a peaceful area, but that apart I think you will enjoy your visit. Use the interactive information service before you start if you want to find a particular memorial or one dedicated to a person or group. You can hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters or make use of the guided tours using large golf buggies. Worth visiting
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wasn't what I expected but then that's my ignorance. Once we started to walk around it was very interesting, I found the polish memorial particularly moving with so much information carved into the stone, it really helped you understand what they went through. I also found the memorials for the Asian campaigns of the 2nd world war a very stark reminder how people suffered under the Japanese, something which is often forgotten. My dad spent much of his naval career in the war in that part of the world and seeing the photo exhibition was especially close from my family perspective. It's a very large area to visit so pace yourself. Lovely food in the restaurant and staff are lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a place. Arrived around 9.30 on a Sunday and spent 4 hours that just flew by.
We attended the 2 minutes silence in the chapel at 11am. With a 15 minute talk after about how the site started. The speaker was enthusiastic and wanted to share so much.
We took the train round the site. £6 per adult which was worth every penny. In this very hot weather it allowed us to see and learn about so many of the memorials we would not have gotten to.
Every volunteer we came across was so helpful and polite, such an accet to the arboretum. We spent 4hours but you could spend all day.
The cafe sells food and drink at a reasonable price with options to suit everyone. Unlike many places there are lots of tables to accommodate the large number of people who visit each day.
You must visit.
We attended the 2 minutes silence in the chapel at 11am. With a 15 minute talk after about how the site started. The speaker was enthusiastic and wanted to share so much.
We took the train round the site. £6 per adult which was worth every penny. In this very hot weather it allowed us to see and learn about so many of the memorials we would not have gotten to.
Every volunteer we came across was so helpful and polite, such an accet to the arboretum. We spent 4hours but you could spend all day.
The cafe sells food and drink at a reasonable price with options to suit everyone. Unlike many places there are lots of tables to accommodate the large number of people who visit each day.
You must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went for Armed Forces Weekend expecting to spend a day there, we went very day Friday to Sunday and enjoyed every minute. This is Remembrance at it's very best. It was so peaceful and moving. Very well laid out with so much to see. With it being Armed Forces Weekend there were a lot of activities and events, including entertainment and a Spitfire flypast, excellent. We are in the cafe, which has an excellent, tasty selection of sandwiches and meals. Definitely s weekend to remember.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here today as part of a coach tour. Really interesting place and the 2.5hours flew by, so much to see. The land train at £6 was well worth it as there was so much information. Book the train at reception when you arrive as they are hourly slots.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting day spent here, plenty of time and space to explore and take time to reflect on what the arboretum is for....rememberance.
Both our great grandfathers fought in the First World War, himself, his father was a desert rat his Mum in ATS and my father a serving member of British Army so we had some military interest...but it’s not all about military. It’s about all the services who help us in our daily lives, himself is a retired Police Officer, that service has its own place here. I’m a retired Midwife I was so touched to see the ‘SANDS’ memorial garden (for babies and children who sadly die pre or after birth). The main memorial is amazing and to think the architect who designed it put in place that on the 11th hour 11th day 11th month a shaft of light travels through a small opening into the centre of the memorial. It reminded me of Newgrange Neolithic site in Ireland .....simply beautiful . The Shot at Dawn memorial was for me the most important as I had lobbied the government for these dreadfully treated soldiers to be pardoned. Here to the design is such that it needs reflection is perfectly poignant and needs you to take time and look at the detail
, also it is the part of the arboretum which receives the early light in the morning.
On a lighter note coffee was good, lovely environment to sit and spend time.
Very kind and knowledgable volunteers.
Both our great grandfathers fought in the First World War, himself, his father was a desert rat his Mum in ATS and my father a serving member of British Army so we had some military interest...but it’s not all about military. It’s about all the services who help us in our daily lives, himself is a retired Police Officer, that service has its own place here. I’m a retired Midwife I was so touched to see the ‘SANDS’ memorial garden (for babies and children who sadly die pre or after birth). The main memorial is amazing and to think the architect who designed it put in place that on the 11th hour 11th day 11th month a shaft of light travels through a small opening into the centre of the memorial. It reminded me of Newgrange Neolithic site in Ireland .....simply beautiful . The Shot at Dawn memorial was for me the most important as I had lobbied the government for these dreadfully treated soldiers to be pardoned. Here to the design is such that it needs reflection is perfectly poignant and needs you to take time and look at the detail
, also it is the part of the arboretum which receives the early light in the morning.
On a lighter note coffee was good, lovely environment to sit and spend time.
Very kind and knowledgable volunteers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful place to visit and share reflections and memories. Land train (£6).highly recommended particularly for people with walking difficulties. Very well maintained and superb layout. Car part £3 for all day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As veterans ourselves, and having lost close friends, this was on the the list of 'places we definitely must go', so we were really looking forward to our visit. It lived up to our expectations and more. Plenty of parking on arrival that costs £3 for the day, an absolute snip when you consider the rest of the day could be free if you wanted. However, there are plenty of ways to support the charity if you wish. We decided to have a buggy tour, which took you a little bit off the beaten track and with our guide, John, one of the many extremely knowledgable volunteers, we had the most marvellous hour or so.
The large Armed Forces Memorial literally took my breath away. My mind was completely blown when we were told about the tiny gaps in the side of the memorial walls that on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month (and only then), a shaft of light shines through and hits the wreath at the centre of the memorial. (Ask the volunteer at the Memorial to see a photo of this - they always have one handy to show you). Each and every one of the memorials throughout the arboretum had been so well thought out and had such meaning: e.g. All the buds on Anne Frank's rose are cut off and it is never allowed to flower because she never did.....yep I know, mind blown again!
The restaurant had the most amazing choice of food and a completely seperate gluten free section - who would have thought of a gluten free chocolate and beetroot cake, but decided to stick to soup! At the end of the day our feet ached but was a small price to pay compared to the price the many remembered there paid and we had the opportunity to reflect and remember - I shed a few tears that day. A fantastic day I will never forget and we will definitely return one day.
The large Armed Forces Memorial literally took my breath away. My mind was completely blown when we were told about the tiny gaps in the side of the memorial walls that on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month (and only then), a shaft of light shines through and hits the wreath at the centre of the memorial. (Ask the volunteer at the Memorial to see a photo of this - they always have one handy to show you). Each and every one of the memorials throughout the arboretum had been so well thought out and had such meaning: e.g. All the buds on Anne Frank's rose are cut off and it is never allowed to flower because she never did.....yep I know, mind blown again!
The restaurant had the most amazing choice of food and a completely seperate gluten free section - who would have thought of a gluten free chocolate and beetroot cake, but decided to stick to soup! At the end of the day our feet ached but was a small price to pay compared to the price the many remembered there paid and we had the opportunity to reflect and remember - I shed a few tears that day. A fantastic day I will never forget and we will definitely return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This really is a must visit place, the memorials are stunning and emotive and the whole area is beautifully designed for contemplation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We always come to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas at least twice a year but especially for the Armistice Service in November. It is 150 acres of land with hundreds of Memorials to those who gave their lives for us, be they Military or Civilian.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
