National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Absolutely fantastic place to visit. If this place does,nt stir your emotions and make you think about the sacrifices made for us, you would be a cold cold person indeed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited to attend a Royal Navy service but would definitely return when we have longer as there is so much to see. Volunteers were excellent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Arboretum with friends, every body should visit the Arboretum. This place is run by volunteers and their is no charge to visit you can leave a donation if you wish. There is a train which costs £5 and it takes you round it's worth going on the train because you get a cometary as you go round, and the Armed Forces Memorial is very moving. There is a nice cafe and gift shop a must to visit enjoy
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Called with a coach trip on Sunday 17th May What a wonderful place. I could say so much about it but I think it is somewhere you should experience and draw your own conclusions, but it is definitely somewhere everyone should visit. A truly memorable experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this arboretum is wonderful yet very moving place. I was lost for words. Cannot recommend this place enough!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Planted a tree to my mum 10 years ago and just wanted a quiet few minutes and look around. Wonderful place. Plant Fair an added extra. Just go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So many memorials in an amazing space. Walked for over 5 hrs and still didn't see everything. Take a picnic loads of beautiful spots to sit and rest a while. Shot at Dawn extremely poignant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived mid morning on a rainy day, good foot ware essential and that's just the car park (don't think it's finished), they charge £3 to park.
Do buy a map I think they are £3, we wandered around not actually looking for anything in particular but it covers a vast area and I think they are expanding a lot more. There is a land train if you are less mobile but most of the memorials and badges are in grass areas not on footpaths or roads, you really will need to walk a lot.
They could do with a few more shelters for when it rains, you can see it coming but it's quite a trek to the nearest one.
The restaurant/cafe was very busy, lots of coaches in the car park and I think most people are there for a long day and had taken up residence. We couldn't find a table so didn't have anything to eat or drink there. They either need to expand or politely ask people to move on once they have finished. On a fine day it's probably not a problem with out side seating.
Do buy a map I think they are £3, we wandered around not actually looking for anything in particular but it covers a vast area and I think they are expanding a lot more. There is a land train if you are less mobile but most of the memorials and badges are in grass areas not on footpaths or roads, you really will need to walk a lot.
They could do with a few more shelters for when it rains, you can see it coming but it's quite a trek to the nearest one.
The restaurant/cafe was very busy, lots of coaches in the car park and I think most people are there for a long day and had taken up residence. We couldn't find a table so didn't have anything to eat or drink there. They either need to expand or politely ask people to move on once they have finished. On a fine day it's probably not a problem with out side seating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum has been transformed over the years and is a place of contemplation and peace. Visiting and placing a cross at the foot of a loved ones name brings tears and also thoughtful memories. The staff and volunteers are doing their very best. In time I pray the Restaurant could be made a more cosy retreat rather than the 'battleground' it is at present. Do realise many many people to serve. Still will return I hope.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have wanted to visit the National Memorial Arboretum for a while but have not been able to until last week. It was a very moving experience.
It is worthwhile taking the tour on the land train to get an overview of the whole place and then going back to memorials to take a closer look. There are so many different memorials, not just war or military ones, but also for organisations such as SANDS and The Boy's Brigade. The National Memorial Arboretum is not a static memorial but is evolving and changing all the time as the trees are growing and new memorials being added all the time. While obviously such a place can be very emotional it is not morbid and is well worth a visit.
It is worthwhile taking the tour on the land train to get an overview of the whole place and then going back to memorials to take a closer look. There are so many different memorials, not just war or military ones, but also for organisations such as SANDS and The Boy's Brigade. The National Memorial Arboretum is not a static memorial but is evolving and changing all the time as the trees are growing and new memorials being added all the time. While obviously such a place can be very emotional it is not morbid and is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place and we didn’t expect it to be so big. Plenty of space for a quiet wander around and beautifully laid –out. Some areas were very regimented & formal with others left to nature; some memorials old-fashioned with others modern coloured glass sculptures. Nice contrasts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a special place peaceful and calming .It is perfect for any age young or old there are activities for children and peaceful walks it is mostly flat so if disabled can get about . There is a restaurant and outdoor cafe and the memorials are really thoughtfully set out and looked after with the respect they deserve it is well worth a visit and admission is free
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had not heard of this place until the review of the new exhibit last year of "Shot at Dawn". We arrived on a very wet day but it did not deter us from walking round the site. There are a few places to shelter around the well laid out grounds as well as the chapel, the vast cafe and the Japanese prisoner of war building. Also I thought it made it more poignant especially relating to the First World War when our troops were fighting in wet and soggy conditions! There is also a train which you can board to drive you round to avoid the rain too. I knew it would move me to see the statue of the blind folded lad but I just sobbed as I have a 21 year old son and my heart went out to all those mims of the young lads who were shot because they had what is now a recognised medical condition called shell shock or Post Traumatic Stress. An 80 year old man told me recently that he didn't think the youngsters need to know about the horrors of the two world wars but in my opinion I think they do to make them realise that these brave heroes gave up their tomorrows for our todays! The are areas dedicated to various regiments of the two wars in beautifully woodland surroundings. The staff in both the cafe and shops are all very friendly - one in the shop seeing my soaking wet and ripped bag holding my guide offering to replace it for me! I hope that coach companies from all over the country offer day trips to bring people here. Although it is free to enter there is a suggested £3 donation car park charge and £5 entrance fee which most people are more than happy to pay. Thank you for providing such a fitting war memorial in the middle of the country so that there is somewhere in the UK for us to visit if we can't get to places like Ypres. The site is totally accessible for all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Peace and quiet was lovely, but there were just too many memorials for individuals. Trees were planted too close together.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This tribute to those who were part of the war is truly poignant. The actual monuments range from the simple to the breath-taking. It's a work in progress and will get better and better every year. It deserves all our support and repays it with pleasure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent in many ways.
The car park was full but the extended one was just a few mins from the entrance.
We took our 5 year old grandson to see the 150 memorials and participate in one of the ceremonial VE events. There was a train ride too which cost £5 but was worth it as it takes 50mins to circumnavigate around the place. I was fascinated by the amount of memorials and that more and more are being added each year. There is a decent restaurant indoors which had a range of meals and also great Bloomer Sandwiches. We had a delicious cake and tea in one of the tents too while a jazz player was serenading the audience. No fee to enter but £3 for parking so a great deal really considering everything.
The car park was full but the extended one was just a few mins from the entrance.
We took our 5 year old grandson to see the 150 memorials and participate in one of the ceremonial VE events. There was a train ride too which cost £5 but was worth it as it takes 50mins to circumnavigate around the place. I was fascinated by the amount of memorials and that more and more are being added each year. There is a decent restaurant indoors which had a range of meals and also great Bloomer Sandwiches. We had a delicious cake and tea in one of the tents too while a jazz player was serenading the audience. No fee to enter but £3 for parking so a great deal really considering everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must for anyone.
It is laid out in a tranquil location with memorials to all military, from Raf, Navy and Army.
Memorials differ from the large centre piece covering the fallen over the years, down to individual trees for invidual people.
It's outstanding, plan the day if you attend.
It is laid out in a tranquil location with memorials to all military, from Raf, Navy and Army.
Memorials differ from the large centre piece covering the fallen over the years, down to individual trees for invidual people.
It's outstanding, plan the day if you attend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is by far the best memorial you are likely too visit.It caters for all of the forces and the grounds are really nice and well laid out.I don't think anybody will be disappointed with there visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful peaceful place, lots of interesting gardens that make you think about the people that were involved. Each garden is designed and dedicated to a unit within the forces or support units.
The whole garden is well maintained and laid out beautifully.
There are gardens that are sad, like the deserters and those that are interesting.
It I suitable for all, able bodied and disabled. There is even a train to take those who cannot walk far or well, to take you around.
There is a likelihood that during your visit, you will meet someone famous.
The whole garden is well maintained and laid out beautifully.
There are gardens that are sad, like the deserters and those that are interesting.
It I suitable for all, able bodied and disabled. There is even a train to take those who cannot walk far or well, to take you around.
There is a likelihood that during your visit, you will meet someone famous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there was an Association of old comrades, had a great day out. Its a very reflective place. £5 to hire a scooter which is a bargain. Tractor drive with audio is also well recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a very moving experience to go there and when the trees are fully mature I am sure it will be less windy. I was so moved by the touching little notes left by family members by their loved ones names. They also had a very nice restaurant - we had a carvery roast dinner and dessert for a reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been to the National Arboretum countless times. It's is one of the best places in the country, either to visit for remembrance or just simply a good walk. It's surprising just how quickly you cn escape from the sometimes busy cafe and shop area to the main wall. Aside from the wall, there are so many other memorials, lost too many to see in a day. Can't rate this place high enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the War Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for the first time this week-end and found it really interesting and well worth a visit. It is spread over 150 acres of wonderful countryside and was a real insight into the sacrafices made by all servicemen, not only of the two world wars but previous and current conflicts around the world. We will certainly repeat our visit as we only touched on some of the monuments etc around this lovely Arboretum.
We were.warmly welcomed by the many volunteers. It is well worth buying a map (£3) or Guide (£6 - which contains a map also). There is a cafe/restaurant or you can take a picnic! Admission is free and you are invited to make a donation towards the upkeep. Car parking is plentiful and costs £3 for the whole day. Visit and you won't be disappointed.
We were.warmly welcomed by the many volunteers. It is well worth buying a map (£3) or Guide (£6 - which contains a map also). There is a cafe/restaurant or you can take a picnic! Admission is free and you are invited to make a donation towards the upkeep. Car parking is plentiful and costs £3 for the whole day. Visit and you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a very windy day and there is virtually no shelter. At present the trees are very immature and the flat site is next to a quarry and a main road, which does not encourage a thoughtful or peaceful ambience. It might technically be part of the National Forest, but that is hard to discern at present. Some of the memorials are very moving, especially those relating to the armed forces. Because there seems to be very little restriction on what or who can be remembered there, it loses something of its impact, but if there is deemed to be a need for a central place for individual and collective memories, so be it. The expansion plans to make it twice the size with more landscaping could make it more challenging for visitors, although the idea that various areas should be "themed" might help.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The sort of place that very calmly, beautifully, and with great gentleness, punches you between the eyes and makes you think.
The dense wood with an oak for every merchant ship. The little piece of granite from hiroshima. The shot at dawn memorial that is hit by the sun at dawn each day. The grand staunch polish memorial and the tiny little cockleshell boat. And then the ramc avenue of purple maples, the same colour as the VC, and each one representing someone in the RAMC who got a VC (2 with bar!!) or GC. Humbling.
They have now started not only train rides, which are good, but also buggy rides out to the special forces area a mile away, and most wonderfully, a walking tour that takes 3/4 to 1 hour. Tickets for that are only £3 and that was the most wonderfully informative and moving hour as we bumbled around, each memorial symbolic, and each more moving than the last.
This isn't about war, it is about the world we live in, and remembering those who died serving it, and us.
Respect.
The dense wood with an oak for every merchant ship. The little piece of granite from hiroshima. The shot at dawn memorial that is hit by the sun at dawn each day. The grand staunch polish memorial and the tiny little cockleshell boat. And then the ramc avenue of purple maples, the same colour as the VC, and each one representing someone in the RAMC who got a VC (2 with bar!!) or GC. Humbling.
They have now started not only train rides, which are good, but also buggy rides out to the special forces area a mile away, and most wonderfully, a walking tour that takes 3/4 to 1 hour. Tickets for that are only £3 and that was the most wonderfully informative and moving hour as we bumbled around, each memorial symbolic, and each more moving than the last.
This isn't about war, it is about the world we live in, and remembering those who died serving it, and us.
Respect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
