A really great place to visit to show respect and to visit fallen brothers in arms RIP to all those Fallen Hero's and to all those executed at dawn been there a couple times now would recommend everyone visit so that they can see the price paid by others for their freedom

very moving and very well equipt for wheel chairs or the infirm and the food is very good staff very helpful and is kept going by volunteers

Took a couple of hours on Sunday to explore the Arboretum for a second time. It has matured quite a bit since I first came and was great to see it being visited by families and other groups. The accessibility access seemed good with mobility scooters and ramps galore. A drop off point was signed but it didn't really materialise and of course when being picked-up there was no designated place for either party to wait. A map in exchange for a donation would have been preferable.

The Arboretum is a fantastic facility to allow everyone to pay their respects to the dead from the military to the civilian services. The area is vast and takes a full day to take in all the memorials that have been well constructed and thought out. The area is impeccably maintained and whilst it houses a vast amount of visitors you never feel crowded. The facilities has a café/restaurant/gift shop and chapel and wherever you go you are never far from toilet facilities, the area is fully accessible for wheelchair uses and paths are provided if you do not want to go onto the grassed areas making it a good walking venue in any weather.

Before we arrived I had anticipated an arboretum, swathes of mature trees, not least because it is situated within the National Forest, and memorials, mainly relating to fighting since WWII. I could not have been more wrong. Yes, it is an arboretum, but only in its infancy; yes, there are memorials but, literally, hundreds of them and for a vast range of reasons. On the day of our visit we noticed numbers of both serving and retired forces personnel and this, apparently, is a regular feature with commemorations of, typically, anniversaries of fighting or of deaths. However, there are also formal dedications of new memorials with all the pomp and circumstance that one would expect from such an event.

Allowing for a light snack, we had allowed about three hours. Having purchased the guide book to peruse later, we found that we had barely scratched the surface. I would imagine that one could easily spend a day there

We decided to meet at a half way point as we were coming from The Lake District in the North to West Wales in the South. The party totaled ten persons so we qualified for party rates. Lunch was booked and we agreed to decide on what we did after lunch basing a decision on the basis of weather on the day.
When we arrived for lunch the table was ready with a table cloth and all the cutlery laid out. As we were the only party in the dining room our table was rather noticeable. Lunch was chosen from the menu and the service was excellent as all of us were served at virtually the same time by two waitresses. All meals were hot, tasty and well cooked. Coffee and teas were served after the meal.
We were lucky with the weather so we took the road train ride. The commentary went slightly out of phase at the start but was soon back in phase. The seats are both forward and backwards facing , so if you have a backwards facing seat remember the commentary is based on forward facing seats so left and right are reversed! The tour takes in most of the site but it is aimed at showing you where the memorial sites are. After the road train trip we then knew where the memorials we wanted to see so we then set out on foot.
For those who are not armed forces members there are memorials to civilians and these memorials are important. One example is the memorial to the French villages that refused to inform the Gestapo where Allied Forces Special Forces troops were. As a result all males over the age of 15 were taken away. Strangely a young girl also was taken. Perhaps she went after her Father? None were seen again.
There are many shops and facilities on site where you can gather more information, There is also a coffee shop where one can gather before leaving.
To see every memorial on a guided tour would take three days.
The main memorial is closed at present due to improvements. However, from the view points one can see that it is an exceptionally imposing area. New memorials are being added on a regular basis and there are also private memorials recorded beside dedicated trees.
Entry is free but a donation is suggested to ensure that the Arboretum is maintained at the highest standards by the Royal British Legion staff. The road train costs £5 per person other charges are raised for specific assistance. The site is mainly wheelchair accessible but some grassed areas may prove a problem.

Each year, on the first weekend of October, the NMA is the focus of attention for thousands of bikers. It is a wonderfully peaceful place even with the sounds of the motorbikes arriving! The atmosphere of this event has to be experienced to be believed. The facilities are being improved all the time with a new visitor centre being readied as I type.With a memorial for almost every branch of the Armed Forces and many other occupations it is a "must visit" if in the area.

From the moment you arrive and are met by one of the volunteers you will have a fabulous time. Dont be afraid to ask anyone in their green jackets , they are very knolledgable and will help all they can. If you can get there before 10-45 am make your way to the chapel for the daily 2 minutes silence (very moving). It would take about 3 days to see and take in everything but still worth it. At the moment the big memorial on the hill is being renovated which will be fantastic when it is finished.
A great meal can be had in the cafeteria and restaraunt if booked.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Really what more can be said about the arboretum but truly outstanding and a lovely place to come a just sit and feel as one with all these fantastic people all named here whom have given there lives for us in Great Britain to be where we are now.
If this is your first visit I will say it won't be your last and to be ready to leave here with so many feelings running though your body of what these people have sacrificed there lives for us all to be proud to be BRITISH.

The idea of dedicating trees to those who have died in terrible circumstances is wonderful. The road train on a wet afternoon with it's clear narration was very good.

Great place to visit. I was there when The Queen was there opening a new momorial.
Very busy with people, however you could walk anywhere and still manage to get quiet moments. Very thought revoking tranquil place. certainly worth a visit.

It was a cold , windy day when we visited and the location was exposed. Next time we will choose a better day to visit.
I can imagine it would be different in summer and a great place to spend a peaceful day
There was a lot of construction going on too so not very peaceful .
I assume that it was in preparation for the visit of the Queen which took place this week.

Anyone who visits the National Memorial Arboretum will come away with a feeling of some sadness but also knowing that sacrifices made on their behalf gives such a feeling of being so grateful. The grounds are beautiful and the memorial itself makes you feel very humbled.

My thanks to all involved in this most AMAZING Arboretum. As veteran. My visit was emotional, and full of gratitude to the multitude of volunteers, that put their Hearts into their efforts.

Came here 18/05/16 as the queen was unveiling a statute for the fallen for 2 Lancs and have to say the staff where friendly and very helpful , I for one think it's a fitting tribute to the fallen - Well done to all that work their and have put time and effort into making it what it is 👌

I have visited on a couple of occasions and it's difficult not to be moved.
Although only a small area, the Japanese POW section is stunning with the artefacts. It is quite poignant as my grandfather fought the Japanese Imperial army in Burma and although he was not taken as a POW, the thought of what happened to others was extremely emotional.

Set in acres of land just outside the beautiful village of Alrewas (a bias local!), this memorial is simply a must see attraction when visiting England. Dedicated to the many servicemen and women who have lost their lives in service.

The memorials themselves, of which there are many, are spaced out through out the gardens and walkways, trees and water that the location houses. Sometimes haunting, these creative sculptures are a permanent reminder of those people who have died to protect others. Regardless of your opinion on the armed forces or military etc, this place is still a wonderful haven for architecture and wildlife, with set walking trails you can follow.

It's free to enter at the time of posting this it's £3 to park,

Went there for a memorial dedication service to the Queens Regiment. The place is far bigger than I imagined. Walked around and looked at several other memorials, its a fantastic place, peaceful, respectful and moving. Well worth a visit, but remember the main memorial is closed for refurbishment. Only criticism - why dont dog owners clean up afterwards? Dog fouling behind the main memorial disgusting and disrespectful.

It gives you a feeling of thanks to all the service people ,who gave their lives for today..Highly recommend a visit

Firstly the most disappointing thing is that there was no memorial to the Aden conflict , which my husband took part in and which he wanted to visit . Secondly the main armed forces memorial where we hoped to see the names
of his lost comrades was closed . Thirdly if we had known that the land train cost £5 each we would have been less generous with the entry donation ! An expensive short visit for pensioners

We live in north Staffordshire, but have never taken the time to visit the arboretum, despite having family members who served in the military, and having been a cadet instructor for a considerable time.
Whilst staying at the caravan and camping club at Conkers we decided, or should I say I decided, and dragged the wife along for a visit.
Parking is a three pound donation, and whilst entry to the site is free, they do suggest a further donation of £5 per visitor. When you see the size of the site, and also think of the sacrifice of those represented there I think that is most reasonable.
There is a land train if you struggle to get round the vast site, but if you can walk and soak up the numerous memorials, set in lovely surroundings with loads of wildlife, which included Oyster Catchers, Jays, Goldfinch, Heron and much more.
The staff couldn't be more helpful including a gentlemen the who was working in the Special Forces gardens. He took time to identify plants to us, chat and explain about the sculpture in honour of the troops who took part in the landing and securing of Pegasus bridge during World War 2. The funds have yet to raised fir the full scale sculpture.
It was clear he found solace in the garden and showed great passion for the design and development of his garden, and the personal touches he applied to it, which included the placement of reeds around a bench shaped like a canoe in memory of the Cockleshell Heroes. This made the canoe appear as though it was within a river bank.
It is clear this passion is carried through all the gardens and memorials.
You don't have to be a military history enthusiast, or have a reason to visit, just come and absorb the day, and the great setting. Even the wife agreed in the end.
Food was reasonably priced with two cafeteria for drinks, snacks or a full meal.
The main memorial was out of commission due to building work, but I think a revisit will be on the cards.

A lovely quiet, peaceful place.

The grounds are very well kept and they are extending the visitor centre at the moment which is looking very impressive.

There is also a restaurant where we had a lovely meal but you can also have snacks. Would recommend the roast dinner.

Spent a whole day here and still did not see everything. Going to do a return visit next year. Staff helpful and informative. Would really like to bring the grandchildren.

Some facts.

Centrally located. Car park is £3. It is free to go in BUT a voluntary donation of £5 is generally the norm.

The site covers over 150 acres so be prepared for a long day ! . There is a small passenger train to get about the site at £5.

There are eating facilities etc. These are being updated and a new visitors centre will open in Oct/Nov. The Armed Forces memorial is currently under maintenance and will reopen in Oct/Nov.

So the Arboretum. This is a beautifully maintained site that has over 300 memorials dotted about the 150 acres. The big brown bear was the first. I loved the Royal Navy with its bright "sails". The Burma Railway exhibition is very harrowing but a must see. You can view the Twin Towers memorial, The RAF is striking.

There is not enough room here to describe everything. This is a visit that provokes many thoughts, reactions, and the wretched evils of war.

Do go and Remember Them , you will not be disappointed.

I think everyone should visit the National Memorial Arboretum. It is a beautiful, thought provoking place. A huge amount of thought has gone into the design of each of the memorial areas. For example, in the area devoted to the limbless, all the fruit trees have been selected so that they will produce blossom and fruit within easy reach so that those using wheelchairs etc can smell the blossom and sample the produce. The site is huge and it is worth taking the land train to get your bearings and listen to the commentary. A very moving experience. We shall no doubt visit again to see how the site has developed as the tree and shrubs grow towards maturity.