National Memorial Arboretum
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An extensive memorial garden to all those who have given their all for their country, including the beautiful central Armed Forces Memorial, naming all those who made the supreme sacrifice since 1945.
Wander through the individual Military Branches, including Warship, Regimental and Squadron memorials.
Wander through the individual Military Branches, including Warship, Regimental and Squadron memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ride of respect by motorcyclists, held annually, to recognise the ultimate sacrifice paid by members of our armed forces. The Arboretum is well worth a visit at any time, and the RTTW event is a simply superb event.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner represented his country with the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands conflict and he was completely overwhelmed. It is a beautiful setting, peaceful and thought provoking. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't expect to be so wowed by it all. The memorials are mostly well thought out and very beautiful or at least thought provoking. What a super place!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We're visiting Birmingham, a revitalised energetic city but couldn't leave the region without visiting The National Memorial Arboretum. We only allowed 4 or 5 hours and so will return; next time we'll spend most of the day to check out all the memorials.
If you visit - and you must if you care about our country, and inspiring, heroic deeds - do bring your walking legs with you, along with a supply of tissues.
This vast, landscaped park has more memorials to our heroes than we could count, and as we'd started our quest later than we should have, we had to leave them for another visit, but the emotional affect of those that we managed to see was totally unexpected.
There are memorials to our emergency services, our armed services, volunteer organisations and those of our allies, but the small memorials to individuals, often planted by their families and friends, were incredibly touching.
Again unexpectedly, the memorial to the huge Polish contribution to our defence in WW2 was an intense experience and worth spending some time studying. I came away much more aware of the War's 'Polish story'.
The Basra wall and the memorial to our recent Afghanistan experience were harrowing, but the Armed Services Memorial, which showed year-by-year how each of our services lost members was an intense experience for me, and for many of the other visitors.
Do take the Land Train to see many of - but not all - the main memorials and if unable to walk for long periods ( this park is BIG ) do ask for a wheelchair, or bring your own. Mobility scooters are welcome, 'though not able to access the main cafe; help will be available.
Entrance is free, but there is an opportunity to donate in order to assist planned extensions to this wonderful area.
If you're like me you'll come away chastened but proud. This visit was a sobering experience but I am so, so happy we visited. I think you will be too.
If you visit - and you must if you care about our country, and inspiring, heroic deeds - do bring your walking legs with you, along with a supply of tissues.
This vast, landscaped park has more memorials to our heroes than we could count, and as we'd started our quest later than we should have, we had to leave them for another visit, but the emotional affect of those that we managed to see was totally unexpected.
There are memorials to our emergency services, our armed services, volunteer organisations and those of our allies, but the small memorials to individuals, often planted by their families and friends, were incredibly touching.
Again unexpectedly, the memorial to the huge Polish contribution to our defence in WW2 was an intense experience and worth spending some time studying. I came away much more aware of the War's 'Polish story'.
The Basra wall and the memorial to our recent Afghanistan experience were harrowing, but the Armed Services Memorial, which showed year-by-year how each of our services lost members was an intense experience for me, and for many of the other visitors.
Do take the Land Train to see many of - but not all - the main memorials and if unable to walk for long periods ( this park is BIG ) do ask for a wheelchair, or bring your own. Mobility scooters are welcome, 'though not able to access the main cafe; help will be available.
Entrance is free, but there is an opportunity to donate in order to assist planned extensions to this wonderful area.
If you're like me you'll come away chastened but proud. This visit was a sobering experience but I am so, so happy we visited. I think you will be too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was so pleased to spend my first visit to the National Memorial Arboretum this week.
The site claims to cover 150 acres, so it is impossible to cover all the memorials in one visit but I would recommend making use of the land train facility at £5 per person which covers a major part of the grounds and includes a comprehensive and informative commentary.
For someone born after WW2 reading the inscriptions on the various memorials was a humbling and mind provoking experience which will stay with me for ever.
This was a very interesting visit, a good day out and one which will repeated.
The site claims to cover 150 acres, so it is impossible to cover all the memorials in one visit but I would recommend making use of the land train facility at £5 per person which covers a major part of the grounds and includes a comprehensive and informative commentary.
For someone born after WW2 reading the inscriptions on the various memorials was a humbling and mind provoking experience which will stay with me for ever.
This was a very interesting visit, a good day out and one which will repeated.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Third time lucky we finally visited this incredible memorial on a cold but sunny day. The train with commentary is well worth the cost, lasts an hour and then gives you the opportunity to wander at leisure and visit the individual monuments and gardens at leisure. The cafe is reasonably priced with good food even though it is now in a temporary construction owing to further developments taking place. Having visited both WW1 and WW2 memorials in France this country should be proud of the Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my second trip here as I needed to see what I missed the first time just over a year ago. There are more memorials now, most notably the Camp Bastion one. I would recommend the guided tour - it's excellent value at £3. They explain things you would not notice yourself. You can take a train trip round for £5 but you don't get on and off it. Do not miss 'Shot at dawn' - it is intensely moving
The cafe and visitor centre and the memorial immediately outside are being refurbished so it's a bit of a building site right now
The cafe and visitor centre and the memorial immediately outside are being refurbished so it's a bit of a building site right now
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A nice sense of peace and a very special place, so calm and tranquil. So much thought and care has gone into all the memorials. We used the road train to have a look around and the commentary was excellent, the best way for a first visit. We will go back and have a wonder around the site as there are so many memorials you feel you want pay respect properly. Staff were very welcoming and knowledgable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
