National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
It's a very well maintained lovely peaceful place to pay respects to the people that allow us to do such things as review things in the internet.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful, peaceful and thought provoking place to visit. It goes without saying that I could not picture a better setting to see and pay respect to those in many services who have lost there lives in serving and providing support to Gt Britain and the Commonwealth. The fact that we can remember, contemplate and reflect in such beautiful and tasteful surrounding is something that only a visit will confirm. As expected the facilities are excellent here, With full support on hand for those who need additional services should they be needed. We have found that the best way to visit this quite large site is to split it up into several visits and enjoy the memorials (there is much to read if you want to) at a more leisurely pace. Great flat easy walking pathways. Plenty of parking - £3.00 to park all day! and this is the only cost as entrance is free! There is also a paid road train tour/service available. We have now visited 4 times and we have still yet to completely cover the whole site!. Can't fault the facilities and various cafes/dining arrangements, Exhibition and Shop. If you are visiting Lichfield or the surrounding area then this must be on your to do list!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were not expecting this . What a fabulous place. We did not see everything but we will be back. Loads of helpful staff around . There are loads of options of exploring the extensive ground which includes a train, buggy or walking tour. Plenty of peaceful areas for quiet contemplation. Indoor exhibition too but time did not allow. Good cafe for coffee and meals (they even served a Christmas diner if you ordered it). The cafe had reasonable prices the shop did not
Still well worth a visit.
Still well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a magical night we had, so Christmassy and beautiful. Illuminated trees, the Burton on Trent Salvation Army Band, The Lichfield Cathedral Choir and Friends, artificial snow at the end. The night was an absolute joy, enjoyed by all ages, a night not to be missed. Huge well done to all the lovely volunteers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very interesting day out. The memorials are varied and cover a large area so good walking shoes are essential. We combined this with a couple of hours at Barton marina which has lots of interesting units selling a variety of gifts and a lovely pub lunch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the most beautiful and serene of memorials. Every individual memorial has been so thoughtfully thought out. The detail and the composition of all the memorials are exemplary
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well with a visit entire area is well maintained. Probably better to visit on a dry day as the area is extensive
There is a cafeteria on site serving various dishes and snacks All in all a very moving experience
There is a cafeteria on site serving various dishes and snacks All in all a very moving experience
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a magnificent place and a great tribute to all those that lost their lives in recent conflicts.The site is huge and to see all the memorials would easily take all day. The cafe / restaurant is very good and caters for coeliacs - rare!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited this place so many times, I love to come for a walk, and pay my respects. It is a beautiful place for thoughts, wildlife and walks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic asset for Staffordshire. Immaculately presented and well managed, easy to park and navigate. A really special place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there after many years of trying and so glad I made it. As an Armed Forces veteran I found the place immaculate (as much as it could be given it was icy and winter) and so very humbling. The place is always evolving and growing and the gardens are very well kept. All staff, whether in reception, the restaurant or on site are so very helpful. Nothing is an issue for any of them and they always have time to assist or answer questions. I would encourage anyone to make the journey there and witness the professionalism of the entire place. It was and as I was alone I did my "Own thing" and wandered around the well laid paths in awe of those who had fallen in conflict. There is a land train - about £6 and almost an hour that goes around the site with a running commentary. Its not a get on/get off thing but seemed to be well supported. Restaurant food was plentiful and sensibly priced. I bought a guide book which was very informative about the NMA and the memorials there (currently over 330). Overall a thoroughly enjoyable day and well worth the visit - I spent approx. 3.5 hrs there.
The place is best accessed by car however not having one available I followed the website directions for public transport. Sadly these need to be upgraded. Lichfield Trent Valley station is the nearest but is not on a bus route. You need Lichfield City and the 812 bus stops 2 mins walk. Also the route from Alrewas is awkward - send me a request and I'll advise the easiest and quickest way for access.
Overall, a great and humbling experience and one I look to repeat as soon as I can. the entrance is free how donations are appreciated.
The place is best accessed by car however not having one available I followed the website directions for public transport. Sadly these need to be upgraded. Lichfield Trent Valley station is the nearest but is not on a bus route. You need Lichfield City and the 812 bus stops 2 mins walk. Also the route from Alrewas is awkward - send me a request and I'll advise the easiest and quickest way for access.
Overall, a great and humbling experience and one I look to repeat as soon as I can. the entrance is free how donations are appreciated.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
2 nd year running we have visited this free event. £2 donation for candles and Carl books. Started at 6pm finished 7ish. Cafe open all night. Brilliant atmosphere. Will definately go back in December 2018
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would encourage anyone to visit this outstanding place of memorial. A most fitting venue for all those who gave their lives for us to live ours. Even if you have no personal connection, it is an amazing place of history. I have been several times and am humbled each time I visit. It is an ever expanding, incredible place that I am proud to have on my doorstep. It covers a vast area and to see it all properly, you may have to make more than one visit but you will need good walking shoes! There is a little train that takes you round, if you are less able but I am not sure how much you can actually see from it or how close you can get to the specific memorials? There is an appropriate entrance fee which is well worth it, a gift shop and a large cafe. There are also little cafes outside but they may not be open all the time? The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there are guided tours to be had, if memory serves me right. There are also maps to help you find your way around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited in October half term to educate our seven year old about rememberence day. We probably stayed about 3 hours. We took a ride on the land train as we had a 3 year old with us. Next to the land train was a nice play area for young children. The land train went at about walking pace so in hind sight we would have been better off with the pushchair and walking around as it was a about a 45 minute ride ( the 3 year old fell asleep). We wanted to get the world war back pack for the 7 year old but these had run out by the time we visited. The seven year old still went and had a look at the trench anyway. The food in the cafeteria was good and the children enjoyed the Halloween making activity that was on. The buildings looks new and it's facilities are good. If you had old people with you they might wish that there were more refreshments or toilets away from the entrance building as it is a large site.
In the summer it's worth walking down to the river area and taking a net to do pond dipping and some crayons and paper to do bark rubbings on the many different trees.
In the summer it's worth walking down to the river area and taking a net to do pond dipping and some crayons and paper to do bark rubbings on the many different trees.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a wonderful 4 hours at the memorial fantastic place too the land train ride round the exhibit, would like to have took longer,but time restraint help us a back.very moving experience,must go in to chapel thought provoking,makes you think what is happening today,why we lost so many, don’t want to get political.but a great national memoriam to our lost services.
Will definitely return could spend a full day here.
Will definitely return could spend a full day here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have come here ever since it opened and it becomes more impressive each year. There are electric 'trains' to shuttle you around if you dont want to walk far. If you have ever had a relative in the armed forces there is almost sure to be a memorial to their regiment
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the aboretum.although it was quite a sleety day we found plenty to do.a good idea for days like this is to take the land train as you can see lots of the memorials and with helful information as you tour around the site.really interesting a must to go and see
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Caters for those who want to walk all round the site themselves (a good walk), but also the less mobile are looked after too. Defintely worth visitng
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a special place and MUST be visited. You can walk around, would take a while, or catch 'the train' £6.ish to get around and then choose where you would like to spend time looking at the memorials. There are numerous 'must see' places and I think it should be compulsory for schools to take pupils to try and understand 'man's inhumanity to man' then hope they learn the lesson - look no more than the 'Far East' P O W hut, the 'Shot at Dawn' area and the centrepiece. Still in its infancy but please make the effort to go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have reviewed this attraction before, however since then, they have built a beautiful new centre. The centre is beautiful and is staffed by very knowledgable and helpful volunteers. There's a new shop area, large dining restaurant and display areas. It's a very poignant and informative attraction. However, it really is more about acknowledging the sacrifices that our service men and women have made in the line of duty. There's a new 'Shot at Dawn' memorial and the beautiful memorial on the hillock has to be the highlight. The slit on the south wall allows the sun to shine through at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Thousands of trees in people's memories have been planted. There's a fair bit of walking, however, there's a train that takes one around or a private buggy and driver to hire. This is a thought provoking and peaceful place to visit, a must do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second time but the first for our friends. We were greeted by a volunteer with tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm- this was to be the case with all of the volunteers we met on the site. Our time was short and one of our party has mobility issues so we decided to opt for the guided buggy ride. Mike our guide was a fount of knowledge and stories . He kept us informed and entertained for longer than the time allocated because there were no further bookings following.
This place is tremendously moving not only for the military memorials but a wide range of civilian monuments. I would urge all ages to make the time to visit this very special place at least once. We shall certainly return and appreciate all of the work that is ongoing by an army of very dedicated people . We owe them to appreciate their efforts
This place is tremendously moving not only for the military memorials but a wide range of civilian monuments. I would urge all ages to make the time to visit this very special place at least once. We shall certainly return and appreciate all of the work that is ongoing by an army of very dedicated people . We owe them to appreciate their efforts
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the arboretum when I was close to the area with my wife for the weekend.
I have spent a lot of time visiting memorials as part of my job and this is one of the best that I have visited all around the world.
I think that this is a must visit place for anybody.
I have spent a lot of time visiting memorials as part of my job and this is one of the best that I have visited all around the world.
I think that this is a must visit place for anybody.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent 61/2 hours walking around this extensive site. With over 300 memorials for those who have served whether in the armed forces or civvy street. Many moving tributes and wonderful memorials of high quality in young woodland. The extra level of nature at this site set within lakes and rivers gives and extra dimension. We saw Tree Creepers. a kingfisher, Long Tailed TIts, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Jay, Fieldfare, wren and more without evne trying. Allow plenty of time for your visit. The indoor displays describe the site beautifully with a lovely cafe and shop. Amongst the top attractions in the United Kingdom I would say.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow, decided to visit the arboretum for a couple of hours, really needed the day, lots to see over a very large area.
Recomend taking the land train for £6 per person, it's a 50 minute ride giving lots of info about the memorials on the way.
Didn't cover half of it so will definitely be returning very soon.
Recomend taking the land train for £6 per person, it's a 50 minute ride giving lots of info about the memorials on the way.
Didn't cover half of it so will definitely be returning very soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place to remember so many. Beautifully kept and so interesting. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and so helpful. Recommend starting a visit with a ride on the train which has a commentary and helps with planning the visit. Will return soon and would particularly like to see the poppies flowering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
