National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
A fabulous day out. You will need walking shoes, camera, hats etc. You can't take mobility scooters into the visitors centre bout the will provide you with a wheelchair and help if you need it. We were greeted at the entrance by a lovely young lady called Caroline. She told us all we needed to know and we then booked on a buggy trip round the very large area so as to see as much as possible. There are so many monuments and plaque's to see. We went on our buggy ride and it just so happened to be Caroline again. She explained so much we wouldn't have know if we had tried to cover it with my husband walking and me on my scooter. We saw all the military area's and civilian area's too. Finding out stories from Caroline that added to the day. Well worth the £10 for the buggy trip. We then went into to visitors centre for a well needed cuppa! There is sandwiches and cakes in there too as well as the loo! Out side there is a large pavilion which serves hot food. I also saw lots of people had their own picnics there were benches near the visitors centre. We will definitely be going again as there are things I would love my Sons and my Daughter and their families to share with us. We stayed the night before in a Travelodge which was spotless too. We saw more places near than we stayed Premier Inn's & Travelodge's too so look around. If you went on a rainy day you will need good rain wear and boots. I think that's all I can think of for now. Except to say a massive thank you to Caroline you made our day and we have been talking about it ever since. xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic day, with other ex-forces coming to remember and salute fallen
Very helpful & Professional staff and beautiful scenery.
Very helpful & Professional staff and beautiful scenery.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been once before about 10 years ago. It seemed a lot better organised then. Greeting in the confined space of the temporary building was not terribly helpful. Seemed to be lots of helpers but not many interested in trying to make our visit enjoyable.
My wife & I are elderly and not too good walking long distances. We did not want to use the train because we felt the that it was better for the children to walk around.
Would be helpful if there were distances on the signs. ie to Somme Trench. Also some signs at strategic points to indicate a group of memorials. We were desperately seeking to find the memorial to the Girl Guides and the Trefoil Group associated with them. We could NOT find them and could not get any help from volunteers.
The grandchildren enjoyed the visit and felt they had learned a lot, but they could have been helped a lot more with a little better planning by the staff.
My wife & I are elderly and not too good walking long distances. We did not want to use the train because we felt the that it was better for the children to walk around.
Would be helpful if there were distances on the signs. ie to Somme Trench. Also some signs at strategic points to indicate a group of memorials. We were desperately seeking to find the memorial to the Girl Guides and the Trefoil Group associated with them. We could NOT find them and could not get any help from volunteers.
The grandchildren enjoyed the visit and felt they had learned a lot, but they could have been helped a lot more with a little better planning by the staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Finally got round to visiting here after many years. Very impressed. Plenty of memorials as you would obviously expect but there is something extra for everyone. The WW1 trench is excellent, really gets your mind thinking how bad it must have been. Everything covered from Northern Ireland to The Falklands and also remembering those who have fought alongside the British in Africa and many other battles. The building containing the Japanese prisoner of war stories was hard to take in. I had a few tears in my eyes. Overall very nice to walk round, a few play areas for younger kids to keep them happy too. Free to enter but they ask for a donation of £5 each. To be honest its the least i could give. Far too many have given far more than that.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is about more than remembrance of those who have served in a military setting and celebrates those who have gone in the living legacy that are trees. But this venue also provides a place to celebrate the living and their milestones (as milestone events like anniversaries and the like all testify).
There are memorials, statues and themed places (such as 'shot at dawn') which inform, challenge and educate.
It's a place for the whole family and there are many things to do - including Pokemon and geocaching - and the special events often have musical and other attractions on offer too.
There is an act of remembrance in the chapel every day (be there by 10:30 if you want to be part) and the cafe and shop are reasonably priced too.
Just off the A38 access is easy and the parking (which needs to be paid for) is plentiful. But the place itself is free and the new building and the Armed Force's Memorial provide much to be valued and reflected upon.
A place I constantly return to when the opportunity arises as it is an ever-changing canvas as nature and the seasons conspire together.
A must visit place.
There are memorials, statues and themed places (such as 'shot at dawn') which inform, challenge and educate.
It's a place for the whole family and there are many things to do - including Pokemon and geocaching - and the special events often have musical and other attractions on offer too.
There is an act of remembrance in the chapel every day (be there by 10:30 if you want to be part) and the cafe and shop are reasonably priced too.
Just off the A38 access is easy and the parking (which needs to be paid for) is plentiful. But the place itself is free and the new building and the Armed Force's Memorial provide much to be valued and reflected upon.
A place I constantly return to when the opportunity arises as it is an ever-changing canvas as nature and the seasons conspire together.
A must visit place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an excellent day at the Arboretum last week. Didn't know what to expect. A bit disappointed that the main memorial was under renovation but still OK. The church service closed the doors at 10.55 and left many people outside. So if you want to get into the two minutes silence get there early. Lots to see and lots of symbolism about the memorials which I found really inspiriting. The 'Shot at Dawn' was really sad. Excellent Trip!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had not not realised the size of this place until we arrived, allow yourself plenty of time if visiting here. Currently building work/improvements are being carried out which we were told will be completed by November 2016. That aside I can imagine this to be a very peaceful place that gives time for reflection. A perfect area to pay respects to the many that have fallen.
This is free to visit but does need donations to keep it operating.
This is free to visit but does need donations to keep it operating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting for the whole family. Enough to see for a day out. Restaurant is developing and improving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The idea of the Arboretum is deeply meaningful. To take the time to remember those who have passed before us, particularly those who have made it possible for us to live our own lives in freedom and security, is definitely something worth anyone's time.
When we visited, there was significant construction taking place in the entry plaza, and when this is finished, access will, no doubt, be much easier and signage better. I visited with my frail mother, and we had difficulty locating the place to wait for our buggy tour. The tour, which is not expensive, was very informative, and led by a volunteer who knew many interesting stories about the various gardens and groves.
Thank you to all the volunteers who manage the gardens and facilities, I look forward to returning with my whole family on our next visit to England.
When we visited, there was significant construction taking place in the entry plaza, and when this is finished, access will, no doubt, be much easier and signage better. I visited with my frail mother, and we had difficulty locating the place to wait for our buggy tour. The tour, which is not expensive, was very informative, and led by a volunteer who knew many interesting stories about the various gardens and groves.
Thank you to all the volunteers who manage the gardens and facilities, I look forward to returning with my whole family on our next visit to England.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a number of years since our last visit and the grounds are more established with an increasing number of memorials present. The grounds are level but there is a shuttle service within the site should the need arise. Major building work is currently taking place and there is a temporary entrance building
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit to this beautiful, peaceful and thought provoking venue. No entry fee but donations are appreciated. Parking £2. Would recommend the land train (£5 Per person) we found the on board commentary really interesting. Sandwiches from the cafe were reasonably priced at around £3.25 and were delicious. Lovely walk around extensive well kept grounds. Work is being carried out to create a new education centre and the Armed Forces memorial wasn't accessible due to work being carried out but we will see this on our next visit and the on going work did not impact on our experience. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. We will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day out here all the volunteers were great all talk s are worth listening to please paint a soldier for the Somme centenary memorial it will look great when it is completed please help them achieve their objectives thanks to all involved for a great visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We often visit the arboretum just for a walk. Today we took the grandchildren (10 and 6). They followed one of the trails that are provided, which was both interesting and educational for them. There were some special activities laid on for the holidays, including painting a soldier, making a den, pond dipping and there is also a play/picnic area. The special trench attraction was very good and informative. Plenty to see and do and good eating areas. We'll be back when the new building has been completed. There is a small charge for the car park but entrance is free, although you are requested to make a donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived in car park. No cash to pay but able to make a donation at the shop. Particularly wanted to take the land train around as i have an injury which is restricting walking but couldn't as I had no cash.. no cash point on site, no cash back facilities. . Poor in this day and age. Told we would have to drive to Alrewas to find a cashpoint.
Today was 1st anniversary of my father passing away and due to family breakdown do not know where his ashes are scattered so as he was in the RAF I felt this would be an appropriate place to spend a day reflecting as he was also based in Lichfield . This became a frustrating day which was totally avoidable had the website said cash was needed.. very disappointed. We couldn't find a cash point and ended up going home after making a 70 mile round trip for not alot.
Today was 1st anniversary of my father passing away and due to family breakdown do not know where his ashes are scattered so as he was in the RAF I felt this would be an appropriate place to spend a day reflecting as he was also based in Lichfield . This became a frustrating day which was totally avoidable had the website said cash was needed.. very disappointed. We couldn't find a cash point and ended up going home after making a 70 mile round trip for not alot.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere I've wanted to visit for a while and I finally got to visit.
We took the land train that had a commentary which was very informative. There is so much to see at this site that I will return for another visit.
We took the land train that had a commentary which was very informative. There is so much to see at this site that I will return for another visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautifully setting for this most solemn of places.
The art is fantastic and it sets the right balance between attraction and respectful
Its well worth a visit
The art is fantastic and it sets the right balance between attraction and respectful
Its well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just come back from the arboretum and it was not our first vist, it is such a peaceful place , Always new monuments to see and not just milatry ones, -stilbith and neonatal death-twin towers-post office-boys/girls brigade just to name a few,
The main monument is undergoing restoration so closed to the public but dont let this put you off as there is still p,enty to see, also check out their website for upcoming events.
plus parking is only £3 all day
The main monument is undergoing restoration so closed to the public but dont let this put you off as there is still p,enty to see, also check out their website for upcoming events.
plus parking is only £3 all day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited now on 3 separate occasions now, with different friends and family member. It is truly amazing. We took the land train and it is the best way to see most things together with running commentary which is so informative. or you can wander at your own leisure. Lovely cafe for a bite and drink and staff and volunteers are all so approachable, knowledgeable and helpful. A good day out somewhere where it means something to everyone. There is even a chapel where you can have some quiet time to reflect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a lovely couple of hours here, peacefull and well kept . Something to interest all ages . Need to allow lots of time to see everything so will be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed a visit with my parents. Had a nice lunch, caught the train to and from the WW1 trench. Visited the Roadpeace wood and the chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The weather was glorious which helped make the visit beautiful. With nephews spending time in RAF & RN & an uncle who was with the Chindits in Burma we saw the memorials to all of them & the ww1 replica of a dugout. Informative & serene. The shop is great as is the cafe. So glad we visited in the 100th anniversary of the Somme.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place, emotional but very thought provoking. If you get the opportunity please visit. You will not be disappointed. All staff extremely helpful, special mention for Craig who drove the small train, very informative and kind. We called in for a visit on our way back from a few days in Whitby and York, a week ago, well worth the journey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent 2 days at the Arboretum and would think that another 2 days would be needed to fully see the memorials on site. There are memorials to all classes and creeds for those who and died in the many conflicts that have taken place throughout the world. The site is about 150 acres and is soon to be extended by another 80 acres. Although it is mostly flat throughout, it would be difficult for less able to walk round the sight. I would suggest hiring motorised scooters or perhaps a VIP buggy if you have a party of 4. We look forward to returning to this well maintained site which has free entry. There are facilities for snacks or a lunch if you wish.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unfortunately we chose a rainy day and were not here long enough.
The site is huge,and we were pleased that we took the £5 train to be able to get a good overview of the site. We unfortunately did not have the weather or time to walk around the site ,but I would recommend every to make sure they spend more time on the site,and see the trenches.
There were loads of volunteers that were very helpful.
The site is huge,and we were pleased that we took the £5 train to be able to get a good overview of the site. We unfortunately did not have the weather or time to walk around the site ,but I would recommend every to make sure they spend more time on the site,and see the trenches.
There were loads of volunteers that were very helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very informative And a moving experience all the youngsters should see this we don't need another war, surely as adults it can be sorted out across the table. Surely we can learn many lessons from history.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
