National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We stayed close to the national memorial arboretum and thought it would be worth a visit as it is free entry but I'm very glad we did a very interesting place to see and the 4 of us learned a lot and wished we had more time to spend lookin around all the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely place to visit. November is not the best month for the gardens but the autumn colour magnificent this year. The national memorial is now closed for a year of repair work but all the names are being photographed and displayed on a site near to the visitor centre. The gardens and arboretum are still open and there is lots to see. The memorial services are extremely moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Oh my goodness what a place! Just fabulous, amazing, moving there just aren't enough superlatives to describe this place. I took a group of year 8 students to lay a wreath on behalf of our school, it was such a proud beautiful moment for us. This attraction is totally free only asking for you to pay for your parking. It is huge but the walking is easy with loads of benches scattered everywhere so you can sit and rest or contemplate. It's all totally amazing but please please make sure you see Shot at Dawn, it's the most moving thing I've ever seen. To be honest one day really isn't enough to fit everything in. You really do have to go, trust me!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm lucky enough to live very close to this, so visit at least once a month. There are some great events that take place here, most recently the ride to the wall and armistice day. Spectacular flyovers from the red arrows who often parachute down to the crowd . This is an all day visit as it is very large. It can be a bit tricky underfoot in places as it is a boggy area but there are gravelly paths. The entrance is free but a donation would be lovely and there are donation barrels in reception. There is a bus device, but only runs right to it on a Sunday. Otherwise there are regular no 7 buses to alrewas from Lichfield and burton on Trent and it's a 1 mile walk from there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We planned to visit on Remembrance Sunday 2015. It is 100 years since my husband's father entered the Army (KOYLI) and the first WW although thankfully he survived, and my husband and I have subsequently had a memorable 56 years together. Unfortunately, our arrival was delayed as my husband was taken ill and admitted to Burton hospital on the Saturday evening. However discharged after 14 hours we managed to take the 'geriatric tour' (our name!!) on the Monday (9th Nov). We were MOST GRATEFUL for the land train and it's clear commentary and a little later (on the advice of a volunteer) we took a booked trip around a different route on a buggy. This time with the undivided attention of a volunteer driver with superb knowledge of many points of interest.(1.30pm slot) We are most grateful for the help and support on our visit, especially as the weekend had started off so badly and we were still some what apprehensive. We shall come back, but for now we REMEMBER and are grateful for our lives because of the sacrifice of others. We also wish you all well for the transitional year ahead.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four of us booked a buggy tour including 2 course lunch for the incredibly cheap price of £100. As our guests can't walk very far this was perfect.
We were met at reception by our very friendly guide Jo at 10am, and she spent some time checking that our elderly guests understood about the Arboretum, and asking what they particularly wanted to see. We then attended the morning service before an incredibly informative tour. We saw roughly half of the Arboretum before lunch, and the rest after.
Lunch was very good, with plenty of choice, and the service was exceptionally quick.
Although the weather was initially wet and windy, we could see clearly through the buggy windows, and blankets were supplied for those who wanted them. A nice touch.
Jo our guide was a mine of interesting stories and information, and didn't have to look anything up which added greatly to our enjoyment. She was able to pitch the information at a level which suited all of us. Although 2 of us have visited before, we learned much much more on this trip.
The tour ended at 4pm, so a full day is needed. Incredibly good value for money; definitely worth every penny.
We were met at reception by our very friendly guide Jo at 10am, and she spent some time checking that our elderly guests understood about the Arboretum, and asking what they particularly wanted to see. We then attended the morning service before an incredibly informative tour. We saw roughly half of the Arboretum before lunch, and the rest after.
Lunch was very good, with plenty of choice, and the service was exceptionally quick.
Although the weather was initially wet and windy, we could see clearly through the buggy windows, and blankets were supplied for those who wanted them. A nice touch.
Jo our guide was a mine of interesting stories and information, and didn't have to look anything up which added greatly to our enjoyment. She was able to pitch the information at a level which suited all of us. Although 2 of us have visited before, we learned much much more on this trip.
The tour ended at 4pm, so a full day is needed. Incredibly good value for money; definitely worth every penny.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everything good you read about this arboretum is true. Take the little train and get a detailed explanation from the recording of a large number of memorials. At te central memorial there are always guides to help explain the significance of various aspects of the design, how the sun shines through a small gap in the wall at 11 am on 11 Nov each year to fall on the central sculpture.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had 2 visits over this weekend, one negative is that it's not very well sign posted from the surrounding area especially when traveling via a motorway to it.
However it is a very well thought out & planned. A tribute to the people it is in memory of!
Free entry but parking is on honesty! Prices are on a high side for the family pocket, example is the land train costs £5.00 per person, but considering that it needs to expand the area & this costs, the money needs to come from somewhere!
However it is a very well thought out & planned. A tribute to the people it is in memory of!
Free entry but parking is on honesty! Prices are on a high side for the family pocket, example is the land train costs £5.00 per person, but considering that it needs to expand the area & this costs, the money needs to come from somewhere!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit. This is an excellent memorial to all who served in the military and civilian forces, quite moving especially coming up to Remembrance Day. There's still quite a lot of construction going on and it'll take a while for the trees to establish properly but still worth a visit and a couple of hours of your time in contemplation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent the whole day, would recommend that everybody should visit at least once, we didn't get to see absolutely everything, but you can go back the next day to see anything you have missed. I cried my way round the big wall, very very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and my 2 daughters went it's a great attraction,I paid for the children's tour guide it was very well thought out and explained what they were looking at.
The restaurant was lovely it had a great selection of food it was very expensive though.
The restaurant was lovely it had a great selection of food it was very expensive though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely place to visit. More monuments added all the time, several since our last visit.
many monuments to visit
many monuments to visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just a must place to go,take your children,they need to see these places to appreciate what it took to be where we are today!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I visited the Arboretum and had a really good experience.
Even though the weather was awful the memorials were all thought provoking and we enjoyed the land train, which shows one around the main areas. We attended the service in the Chapel, but were a bit disturbed by the fact that the volunteer took the opportunity to ask for donations - I think there is a bit too much emphasis on this aspect-everywhere!! We all know that places like these do need our support, so please respect that, especially if we already had to pay to park.
We felt that despite the building works going on everyone tried to make the experience memorable. However I do wonder how anyone in a wheelchair or scooter would be able to negotiate the roads and pathways.
We will definitely return- hopefully the construction will be done and one can visit in peace and quiet which is what this experience should be.
Even though the weather was awful the memorials were all thought provoking and we enjoyed the land train, which shows one around the main areas. We attended the service in the Chapel, but were a bit disturbed by the fact that the volunteer took the opportunity to ask for donations - I think there is a bit too much emphasis on this aspect-everywhere!! We all know that places like these do need our support, so please respect that, especially if we already had to pay to park.
We felt that despite the building works going on everyone tried to make the experience memorable. However I do wonder how anyone in a wheelchair or scooter would be able to negotiate the roads and pathways.
We will definitely return- hopefully the construction will be done and one can visit in peace and quiet which is what this experience should be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
fantastic place to learn about the unselfishness of others to provide us with our life style today. the memorials are great and the range of different services that their members gave their lives for ours
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must visit when in the area.
Whether you have connections or not. Fit for all capabilities. Excellent all round. There is a little train to take the strain! The facilities are very good.
Facilities
Whether you have connections or not. Fit for all capabilities. Excellent all round. There is a little train to take the strain! The facilities are very good.
Facilities
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a sobering tribute to those who laid down their lives for our freedom. The sheer size of the place puts it into perspective and it is a peaceful and tranquil setting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must see place.
Being from the services I've visited several times, each time paying tribute to the many that have fallen along with memorials to all our services.
The grounds are immaculate and there is plenty to see and reflect on.
The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble and their knowledge is excellent.
This place really makes you think and can be emotional.
Being from the services I've visited several times, each time paying tribute to the many that have fallen along with memorials to all our services.
The grounds are immaculate and there is plenty to see and reflect on.
The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble and their knowledge is excellent.
This place really makes you think and can be emotional.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited today with my daughter, this very beautiful, moving and peaceful memorial. I was yet again moved and honoured to feel a part of something so very very special. Our main visits were to the FEPOW and ATS memorials but we also visited areas we missed last time.
We bought some very special poppies which will always be treasured.
An amazing, humbling place.
We bought some very special poppies which will always be treasured.
An amazing, humbling place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic and poigniant experience, so much respect from a diverse group of attendees, all with a common aim and purpose.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our group paid for a VIP tour with a 2 course meal. The tour was excellent our guide Margaret was very informative and made the trip really enjoyable. The food was delicious and all other staff and volunteers very friendly. Allow plenty of time for a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place! We took our coach party here and shared in the daily Act of Remembrance before taking the land train around the site. The land train has a recorded commentary which points out many of the memorials as you go around. Even though this is £5 per head, it is the best way to see the site and appreciate all that is there. The volunteer staff are all extremely helpful, and make the experience somuch better
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a fun and interesting day at the Arboretum, it was lovely to see all the different memorials.
Whilst I would recommend the memorial I wold avoid the cafe and restaurant, both were average to poor; the service was friendly but the food not good, the hot chocolate was weak, the sausage roll was horrible, and when i complained was told that people love them, well I did not.
The soup (Broccoli) was again of a poor quality, and my bread roll stale. All avoidable.
Whilst I would recommend the memorial I wold avoid the cafe and restaurant, both were average to poor; the service was friendly but the food not good, the hot chocolate was weak, the sausage roll was horrible, and when i complained was told that people love them, well I did not.
The soup (Broccoli) was again of a poor quality, and my bread roll stale. All avoidable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A 'must place' to visit. Constantly developing and an inspirational place to spend at least a day. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and the land train is well worth the £5 fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We found this memorial not only an emotional experience but it's also very interesting. The memorial wall stops you in your tracks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
