National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
It's astonishing what this place has achived since it started - a real testament to the energy and vision of the founders.
It changes every time we go and remains one of our favourite locations for a peaceful and reflective day out.
It changes every time we go and remains one of our favourite locations for a peaceful and reflective day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Prior to our visit we knew that the new visitor centre was under construction and that the Armed Forces Memorial was closed for renovation so already planned to make further visits in the future. We started with the Act of Remembrance and introductory talk, following this with the Land Train trip with its very helpful commentary. All the staff and volunteers are cheerful, knowledgeable and very helpful and we will certainly be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This huge 150 acres of woodland is a fitting tribute to all those who lost their fight in all wars and conflicts.
The Memorials are simple yet to the point.
Easy to get around, bit tricky for wheelchairs/physical/visually disabled. Can't get so close to all the Memorials as not all on 'pathways'.
Ideally you need more than one day to visit, but you can get a very good idea.
Free to enter, however, there are donation boxes around the entrance.
Prices in the Cafe and Gift Shop seem on par with other attractions such as this.
Will definitely be going back again.
Respect Always, Forgotten Never x
The Memorials are simple yet to the point.
Easy to get around, bit tricky for wheelchairs/physical/visually disabled. Can't get so close to all the Memorials as not all on 'pathways'.
Ideally you need more than one day to visit, but you can get a very good idea.
Free to enter, however, there are donation boxes around the entrance.
Prices in the Cafe and Gift Shop seem on par with other attractions such as this.
Will definitely be going back again.
Respect Always, Forgotten Never x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As we only live less than 5 miles away we visit a lot especially to take the dog trail.
Allow a day to get round the whole site and take the train which points out and explains many of the memorials.
Allow a day to get round the whole site and take the train which points out and explains many of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went not knowing what to expect, and I'm not sure what to make of it even now. I will go back later in the year when the trees are out and in bloom/leaf, the big memorial is not fenced off and the visitors centre is finished. Above that, the Memorials are stately, imaginative and moving, the grounds are beautiful mix of well kept, wild and peaceful. I think we may have gone too early to see it at its best.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been looking to visit here for ages but couldn't find the time. So glad we made it last Friday. The arboretum is a truly memorable place vast open spaces state of the art memorials and lovely helpful staff. Beautiful easy to reach location no steps or stiles a fitting memorial. We will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is our fifth visit but the first for the friend who came with us. Our last visit was in August but there have still been new additions since then and the place had lots of spring bulbs and flowers which looked lovely. They are building a new visitors centre which means another visit once it is open. The Arboretum is a beautiful, often tranquil place full of remembrance and learning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my Gramps who was in the navy to see the memorials. It's a beautiful place. Very tidy and easy to get around with a lovely cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place to visit, well laid out gardens and paths. The memorials to the different services and divisons is a poignient reminder of the sacrifices people made for our liberty. There is a land train that takes you around (additional cost) as it is a very large site. There is a very nice cafe/restraunt. we usually have the carvery. Good value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great place to visit. There are some refurbishments going on at the moment so we didn't get to see the military memorial (reopens in November)
We took the land train in order to see the whole arboretum as the weather wasn't very good.
The volunteer staff were friendly and helpful.
Would definitely recommend.
We took the land train in order to see the whole arboretum as the weather wasn't very good.
The volunteer staff were friendly and helpful.
Would definitely recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant day in a wonderful place. So interesting and so much to see. Definitely take a couple of days to go around it. Northern Ireland Veterans Day - such a big crowd. Well organisef and very humbling
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As it was a cold and wet day we took the land train which was excellent. Good commentary and good value at £5. The grounds are set out well and are very poignant. Would like a return visit on a warmer day. Staff friendly and helpful. Well worth the journey from Cheshire.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visit to the National Memorial Arboretum and the place is so very emotional and humbling. It's a excellent place to walk around and pay your respects to so many people (Men and Woman) who fought for our freedom. If you have not been to the Arboretum then go, i for one will be making a return visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Every visit here you see something different or new.
Lovely to spend a few hours walking round the grounds and looking at all the memorials, reading the facts and improving the knowledge.
Lovely to spend a few hours walking round the grounds and looking at all the memorials, reading the facts and improving the knowledge.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We only live in Alrewas village so walked to the Arboretum last week on a lovely sunny Sunday. Once there you can go on the mini train that takes you around and tells you what each of the memorials are, or walk round yourself. There is quite an expanse of ground, all with paths and well signed, so make sure you have nice flat shoes. Currently it is undergoing a lot of work and is being extended and upgraded but still lots to see. There is a lovely coffee shop and a temporary marquee doing hots lunches and afternoon teas. The current work is due to be done in time for the Armistace celebrations in November. A fabulous day out any time of the year but also a very moving experience. Everyone should visit this fabulous memorial, you will be amazed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliantly laid out and easy to visit. The train trip around is the easy way to see the site quickly and conveniently.
Very moving and a telling reminder to the dedication and service of so many over time.
Excellent.
Very moving and a telling reminder to the dedication and service of so many over time.
Excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must see!!! Approximately 150 acres of land in memory of those who served and died and indeed still living to help keep the freedom of our land. It is an amazing place. The tour round on the train gives a fantastic insight into all the Military Forces and Volunteer Personnel who did so much for so many. The Memorial Wall with the names of all those who have died since WW2 is extremely moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we loved all of it - it gives you a massive insight into how many people (men and women) fought for the causes that enabled us to have our freedom - please go and enjoy this immensely humbling and emotional experience
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I think every one should visit the National Arboretum, i personally found the place exercised my emotions. The curved memorial wall is beautiful, the names of military personnel who have died since WW2 have been expertly carved into the stone, and of course, the name's will never be finished. Also a powerful place to visit is the Far East POW, hut, although it gives no idea how bad things were, there are many item's real or replicated that will hold your interest, outside there is a genuine length of the Burma railway, which caused the death of so many.
The site is easy to find, situated just off the A38 Lichfield to Burton trunk road.
Well done to everyone who instigated and maintain's this dedicated memorial site.
The site is easy to find, situated just off the A38 Lichfield to Burton trunk road.
Well done to everyone who instigated and maintain's this dedicated memorial site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing place! Open 9-5 daily. Car parking £3 all day, honesty buckets in the visitor centre. A £5 voluntary entrance fee is requested, gift aid forms available. Maps cost £3, guide books £6. The land train is a good way of getting your bearings (£5 adults and £2 children) and you get a commentary which is useful.
You really need a full day, we did a whistle stop tour in 3 hours which was not enough but we were on our way to somewhere else.
Only 60% of the memorials are connected to the military.
We did the remembrance service at 11:00, followed by a talk by one of the many volunteers which was really interesting. We then did the land train tour (approx 50 minutes) and worked out where some of the main memorials that we were interested in were for us to whiz back and photograph.
Wrap up warm and wear comfy shoes as it covers a vast area.
Once all the trees mature, it will be even more spectacular.
We had a hot drink in the cafe as we were extremely cold, before continuing on our journey.
We will definitely go back at some time to see it all properly, hopefully when the weather is warmer!
You really need a full day, we did a whistle stop tour in 3 hours which was not enough but we were on our way to somewhere else.
Only 60% of the memorials are connected to the military.
We did the remembrance service at 11:00, followed by a talk by one of the many volunteers which was really interesting. We then did the land train tour (approx 50 minutes) and worked out where some of the main memorials that we were interested in were for us to whiz back and photograph.
Wrap up warm and wear comfy shoes as it covers a vast area.
Once all the trees mature, it will be even more spectacular.
We had a hot drink in the cafe as we were extremely cold, before continuing on our journey.
We will definitely go back at some time to see it all properly, hopefully when the weather is warmer!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We often pop to the Arboretum for various memorial events as we have an ex military family, however, today was just for a walk in pleasant surroundings.
The area is wonderfully maintained and the staff are always pleasant and helpful.
Even if you are not a lover of military history, this is still a lovely place to visit.
The area is wonderfully maintained and the staff are always pleasant and helpful.
Even if you are not a lover of military history, this is still a lovely place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful, sad, atmospheric!!
Everyone should go to say thanks and show respect. We so much owed by so many, to so few who gave us so much.
Everyone should go to say thanks and show respect. We so much owed by so many, to so few who gave us so much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came here again and it is so lovely, peaceful and very nostalgic. The layout of the site is very good and with so much to see you really need the whole day to do it justice. There is something for everyone whatever your vocation. The train provides a good chance for the people who have difficulty in walking. Well done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum today and even in the face of biting cold wind you cannot fail to be moved by the many different ways, the fallen in all of the services, both military and civilian are remembered. The Arboretum is well laid out and the avenues lead you to the many different memorials. Firm paths to most areas make it very accessible for push chairs and wheelchairs. A well stocked restaurant provides a welcome rest bite from the March chill, especially the hot chocolate drinks ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are anywhere near this place, do go it is a salutary experience and really brings home the sacrifice so many have made to keep us free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
