National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
150 acres of Memorials to those who fell and those who served in the wars of last century. They are sited amongst thousands of tree and flowers. So big that it is worth paying £5 to take the train tour which includes a commentary. The food is quite good as well
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited here quite a few times and never fail to find another memorial we had not seen before this time we saw all the new building work being done which will make the place so much nicer for everybody to appreciate how much we owe to so many
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The visit to the war arboretum was quite memorable . Nicely laid out in 150acres ,it commemorates all services that have played a part in all wars and conflicts including animals that are included in their own memorial area . .there is a road train that takes you around ,showing you and describing what the various monuments represent ,it has 3 stop off points for those who wish to get off and explore further Most got off at the big circular monument which we found very tranquil and thought provoking listing names of all those who have lost their lives in war , There are lots of walks if you so wish including a dog walk . Restaurants where you can have a meal or snack are available at a reasonable cost ,and also gift shops . Well worth a visit ,a place with a great atmosphere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's hard to rate this as an attraction as that title doesn't do it justice.
You know why it's there, you understand what it represents.
Please visit, remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and "enjoy" it's magnificence.
You know why it's there, you understand what it represents.
Please visit, remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and "enjoy" it's magnificence.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We go here a number of times a year as members of Forces Associations. Most recently during their major expansion and upgrading works - this makes for quite a trek from the car park to what it use to be. The staff are always welcoming and friendly, and very knowledgable of the whole site. The central forces memorial cannot be adequately described but has to be seen and experienced - especially the blank walls awaiting the names of the dead of the previous year - blank walls do 'talk' - and should be experienced by every politician who has the power to send our armed forces into the paths of danger - but there is a lot more to see. Cafe becomes very busy at times. There is a land train with tour talks - so give yourselves a couple of hours to see most of it and another date to go back to what you missed the last time!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is a fantastic and emotional place, a fitting tribute to our fallen service men and women. The "wall" with the names of those who gave all is very moving, with spectacular and relevant statues.
I go at least once a year and every time I go it brings up a mixture of emotions.
I go at least once a year and every time I go it brings up a mixture of emotions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great atmosphere and a fitting tribute to our servicemen and women both past and present.
Spend the whole day here as there is so much to see and visit. Pay your respects and honour the military servicemen and women in an honourable fashion.
Relax for an enjoyable meal and drinks in the cafe. Food is served to an acceptable standard and is reasonably priced.
Located halfway between Lichfield and Burton On Trent I can recommend Netherstowe House in Lichfield if you need to book quality accommodation. The combination of the two would make for a perfect wk-end away or a mid week break and an interesting place to visit.
Spend the whole day here as there is so much to see and visit. Pay your respects and honour the military servicemen and women in an honourable fashion.
Relax for an enjoyable meal and drinks in the cafe. Food is served to an acceptable standard and is reasonably priced.
Located halfway between Lichfield and Burton On Trent I can recommend Netherstowe House in Lichfield if you need to book quality accommodation. The combination of the two would make for a perfect wk-end away or a mid week break and an interesting place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The eating area is clean and comfortable. The selection of food is varied and very reasonable in term of price. We had some very nice tea and was still good from a paper cup with real fresh milk. Smiley and happy people behind the counter. Thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I hadn't really heard of this attraction,but were taken there last week whilst visiting relatives. It really is an amazing place, with the national Memorial to servicemen killed since 1945 and hundreds of other memorials laid out in a huge arboretum. It is amazing to find tributes to whole nations such as the Polish memorial alongside those for the individual police forces and individuals whose relatives have planted a tree in their memory. The Shot at Dawn memorial is particularly moving. There are non service memorials too, such as still born babies, nurses, war artists etc. A truly amazing place. There is a good coffee bar too so that you can refresh yourself before venturing out to see another area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National Memorial is currently undergoing major expansion so the initial view is not at its best yet. However, the staff and volunteers make you very welcome and you can tell that there is a commitment to make your visit worthwhile. To visit every memorial and give them due justice would be impossible in one visit, and this being my third, I had opportunity to explore new and interesting areas as well as seeing the maturing and expanding ones previously visited.
On a fine autumnal day, the trees looked well in the sunshine and despite some noise from the building work and gardening, there is a sense of unhurried purpose in the grounds. I think this would be a 'must' for the education of young people, although some areas, such as the Far East Prisoners' area, may be too graphic for the youngest to be taken to.
Catering is of a high standard both in the coffee shop area and the restaurant (both in temporary accommodation for the duration of the re-building of the visitors centre).
For adults, this would make a different and pleasant day out.
On a fine autumnal day, the trees looked well in the sunshine and despite some noise from the building work and gardening, there is a sense of unhurried purpose in the grounds. I think this would be a 'must' for the education of young people, although some areas, such as the Far East Prisoners' area, may be too graphic for the youngest to be taken to.
Catering is of a high standard both in the coffee shop area and the restaurant (both in temporary accommodation for the duration of the re-building of the visitors centre).
For adults, this would make a different and pleasant day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visit every year for an AGM and am always very moved by this wonderful place.
Excellent day out.
Do go to the chapel at 1050hrs for a 2 minute silence and short reflection and stay to learn more from one of the volunteer guides about the arboretum - how it came about, the ethos and the symbolism.
Do take the land train to hear about the memorials you pass - a good way to get a feel for the site
very poignant place and a great gift shop.
Excellent day out.
Do go to the chapel at 1050hrs for a 2 minute silence and short reflection and stay to learn more from one of the volunteer guides about the arboretum - how it came about, the ethos and the symbolism.
Do take the land train to hear about the memorials you pass - a good way to get a feel for the site
very poignant place and a great gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited the arboretum 4 times over the last 3 years and still have not seen everything. They are always adding new memorials. Our latest visit on 6th October was a bit different as the visitor centre is being rebuilt but it didn't deflect our view that it is an excellent place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I spent a couple of hours wandering around here and I could have spent a couple of days, there is just so much to see! This review will not do justice to this very special place, you have to visit to feel the experience!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good food not over priced and plenty on offer from soup, sandwiches and hot pastries although a new canteen is being built it is still warm and friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was very surprised to find that not all the memorials are in honour of the military !the car park is across the road unless you are disabled. there is a a train ride to take you around the
main site which is a good idea on your first visit .there is also a woodland walk -which we didn't have time to do. it was a sunny day when we visited which added to the beauty of the arboretum
main site which is a good idea on your first visit .there is also a woodland walk -which we didn't have time to do. it was a sunny day when we visited which added to the beauty of the arboretum
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Walking over to the main entrance we was greater by one of the volunteers, With a warm welcome. having got our guide book we went outside and it hits you the silence in a very special way. Walking round looking at all the mamorials bring home just what our armed forces have done to deserve a special place for people to remember them. Not only that all the other organisations and support groups that are in the gardens. For me like everyone else the main Armed forces memorial was so moving words could not explained you have to see it and feel it for yourself. We spent 5 hours walking round even taking the train round and we still never got to see it all. So another visit will be taken. The only upsetting thing for me is that it will NEVER be finished. I would also like to thank all the volunteers for the information and help.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful Autumn day for a visit to the National Arboretum. £3 to park and a little walk down the road to the site.Really helpful volunteers at the entrance to guide you how to make the most of your visit. There is a voluntary £5 donation should you wish to make one. We opted for the land train at £5 each which takes a 30 minute tour round , with narration giving a huge amount of information on the varying memorials.My only negative comment is about the train driver who was obnoxious, however I have contacted the Arboretum directly regarding this so wont go into detail.
I was surprised at how vast the memorial is, much more than I expected. It is beautifully and sensitively laid out, with many quiet spots if you need to have a moment. For those with mobility problems, there is a lot of walking, I did see mobility scooters around and it is all accessible by wheelchair.
There is a restaurant and a coffee shop , only had coffee so cant comment on the food quality.
This is a stunning, haunting and fitting memorial to our servicemen and women and well worth a visit.
I was surprised at how vast the memorial is, much more than I expected. It is beautifully and sensitively laid out, with many quiet spots if you need to have a moment. For those with mobility problems, there is a lot of walking, I did see mobility scooters around and it is all accessible by wheelchair.
There is a restaurant and a coffee shop , only had coffee so cant comment on the food quality.
This is a stunning, haunting and fitting memorial to our servicemen and women and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Photos really don't do it justice. Would highly recommend doing the land train first and hearing the commentary as you go around, then walking back to key points of interest. Lots of volunteers around and they are so helpful and friendly, I'd recommend stopping and talking to them and they'll tell you really interesting facts. 11am chapel, get there in good time, a must for really. Again good amounts of facts from the volunteer there. Take a camera and money for lunch. Catering facilities are tasty and inexpensive. I'd say give yourself a day here to get a good walk and stops in.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our 2 Grandsons, as the older one (15), is & always been interested in the History of Wars etc. Very touching to see & read the Epitaphs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing and so moving. Beautifully laid out and very well worth visiting and making it a day long destination point.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have wanted to visit the National Arboretum for a long time. We remember it as gravel pits. What a wonderful transformation. When we arrived we were greeted by very pleasant staff who told us to go to the Chapel for the 2 mins silence at 11am. We were so pleased we did as it was a very moving experience. We walked around for 5 hours and still didn't see it all. We found the 1914 football match memorial at the furthest point of the site. It is fantastic and well worth seeing, but a pity it is not nearer the main area as it is probably missed by a lot of people.
It will all be even better when the new car park and visitor centre is opened next year.
A truly wonderful and humbling experience.
It will all be even better when the new car park and visitor centre is opened next year.
A truly wonderful and humbling experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a rewarding experience. This place is so quiet and respectful. Take a full day or two to get around it all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Far larger than we expected - we were selective with what we saw in the time we had. We spent more than two hours and we had hardly scratched the surface. Good disabled facilities as you would expect, but it's a pity that you have to fight your way through the small café area to get to the arboretum. Every area is well laid out and you can see other areas being planned which will be for future visits. Everything is maturing nicely and so well maintained its a pleasure to walk around. It's free entry ( donations are suggested) with a £3 parking fee for all day - a must see monument in a lovely location. Well worth the visit and the effort to get there ( which we thought once in the vicinity was well sign posted and easy to find)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A quiet and atmospheric place which is a must for all ex servicemen and their families to visit. The staff are very helpful and the facilities are first class.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Peaceful & poignant setting, amongst lots of attractive trees. Very moving & though provoking environment. Couple of attractive indoor & outdoor cafes
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
