National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
This is such a dramatic place, it is only when you see all the memorials do you realise how many thousands of people have died in defence of our country. The forest of trees is specially haunting when you realise that each tree represents a ship full of people in the merchant navy.
The wall of rememberance is updated annually with the names of those lost since the end of the of the Second World War.
There is a small museum which displays paintings from the concentration camps, these can be harrowing and makes you wonder how man survived the traumas.
It is upsetting and uplifting at the same time. May their sacrifice not be in vain.
The wall of rememberance is updated annually with the names of those lost since the end of the of the Second World War.
There is a small museum which displays paintings from the concentration camps, these can be harrowing and makes you wonder how man survived the traumas.
It is upsetting and uplifting at the same time. May their sacrifice not be in vain.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's a strange way to fill a day out but ...I was totally taken back by the whole thing fantastic gardens and the memorial just blows you away looking at the names of the boys and girls who have given their lives for us all
It made it really special when an old plane flew over very very low
This is a day out for every one the young and the old
It made it really special when an old plane flew over very very low
This is a day out for every one the young and the old
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Luckily for us, we live within a few miles of The Arboretum and we take every opportunity to introduce our visitors to this site, which is of national importance. Every time we visit we find something new, it was good ten years ago, it is great now, and in a few years will be magnificent.
Make sure to give yourself time to do justice to the place, and don't forget to visit 'Shot at Dawn', those poor individuals who today would be guilty only of post traumatic stress.
Entry is free although there is a car parking charge and donations are most appreciated.
Make sure to give yourself time to do justice to the place, and don't forget to visit 'Shot at Dawn', those poor individuals who today would be guilty only of post traumatic stress.
Entry is free although there is a car parking charge and donations are most appreciated.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the NMA recently - something we have intended to do for some time.
It is a very moving place, but it does seem a bit 'bitty'. A semi-random acculmulation of various memorials in loose groupings. It seems mostly to consist of 'stones' with plaques / inscriptions. Those memorials which buck this trend eg like the recently dedicated Land Girls / Lumber Jills memorial, really stand out - for the better.
However, we had thought that this was a memorial arboretum relating to armed forces / services / war & conflict. We were, therefore, somewhat surprised to find memorials to Stillbirth Children and similar. Have difficulty accepting that this is the place for memorial to these such losses. If so why not just a cemetary?
Yes you have to pay for the 'bits' - car parking, maps, etc, - but they are minimal for a place that has no entrance fee.
The cakes in the catering tent were pretty good too.
It is a very moving place, but it does seem a bit 'bitty'. A semi-random acculmulation of various memorials in loose groupings. It seems mostly to consist of 'stones' with plaques / inscriptions. Those memorials which buck this trend eg like the recently dedicated Land Girls / Lumber Jills memorial, really stand out - for the better.
However, we had thought that this was a memorial arboretum relating to armed forces / services / war & conflict. We were, therefore, somewhat surprised to find memorials to Stillbirth Children and similar. Have difficulty accepting that this is the place for memorial to these such losses. If so why not just a cemetary?
Yes you have to pay for the 'bits' - car parking, maps, etc, - but they are minimal for a place that has no entrance fee.
The cakes in the catering tent were pretty good too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful time to visit on a bright sunny crisp day where a bowl of hot soup in the restaurant is welcoming after a lovely walk on flat even paths. The memorials are thoughtfully laid out with my personal favourite being the recent addition of the Women's Land Army & Timber Corp. The £3 all day parking charge and free entry makes it exceptional value day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having said for ages we would join in with the 'ride to the wall' we eventually went with friends on a Sunday, a day after the 'ride'. We attended the 11am non-religious service before walking around the vast site. There are 100's of memorials ranging from the Armed Forces through to uniformed services, and everything inbetween. Most are outdoors but there is an indoor display about Burma which was extremely thought provoking. The most moving for me was the 'Shot at Dawn' area, a very plain memorial with the name and regiment of each of the people who were indeed shot at dawn. We arrived at this point as a small group of secondary school children were having a talk and you could have heard a pin drop - a very poignant reminder of the suffering of so many people in so many ways. Then of course, one encounters 'the wall'. An enormous memorial of curved walls bearing the inscriptions of thousands of service men and women that have died since the end of the second world war from Palestine in1945 to the present day.
Every aspect seems so well thought out, the way the sun shines through the wall onto the centre of the memorial on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, incredible.
As Auschwitz is on the national curriculum for Polish school children, so should this phenomenal place be for UK children.
Every aspect seems so well thought out, the way the sun shines through the wall onto the centre of the memorial on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, incredible.
As Auschwitz is on the national curriculum for Polish school children, so should this phenomenal place be for UK children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An arboretum is just trees, right? Well, in this case, wrong! I fully expected a war memorial but not on this scale and not a memorial to so many institutions and organisations. Far more than the Armed forces which immediately spring to mind. Organisations such a the WI, RNLI, Fire and Rescue Service and The Railway Industry all have memorials here along with many, many others. Should you visit, and I highly recommend that you do, please walk that little bit further and visit the very poignant Shot at Dawn.
So many memorials to choose from but, for me, the most memorable by far was the main Armed Forces Memorial. The sculptures are so striking but the feature which struck a chord with me was the empty wall and the knowledge that this will one day be carved with more names.
Highly recommend a visit to the centre. A truly humbling experience which makes you glad to have the freedom of choice to express your gratitude to those who gave so much for us.
So many memorials to choose from but, for me, the most memorable by far was the main Armed Forces Memorial. The sculptures are so striking but the feature which struck a chord with me was the empty wall and the knowledge that this will one day be carved with more names.
Highly recommend a visit to the centre. A truly humbling experience which makes you glad to have the freedom of choice to express your gratitude to those who gave so much for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very thought provoking place to visit. Very serene. Many of the memorials brought a tear to my eye, so take your tissues. We went with a reluctant 13 year old but by the time we left even he thought it was 'ok.' There are pay and display machines in the car park but they are not enforced, so you can pay inside, £3. Entry is free although they do suggest a donation of £5 per person. Personally, I think they should charge as I'm sure lots of people didn't pay for entry or car parking and it obviously requires a massive upkeep. We had lunch in the cafe. This was expensive and didn't have a lot of choice. Plenty of picnic tables though, so if the weather is fine, take your own.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Place was well organised and had plenty of knowledgable guides. Tasteful and well stocked gift shop and cafe area. Found the visit very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even if, like us, you are not visiting because a loved one is commemorated here, this is a most moving place. The 300 memorials set in 150 acres of woodland beside the River Tame, from the grand for the armed forces, to the tiny plaques for stillborn babies, certainly jolt the emotions.
The whole arboretum is very well set out and beautifully maintained. Unusually for a place that is primarily military, it is not set out in serried ranks, but in less formal groups. As the arboretum was only opened in 2001, it will take many years for the trees to mature; it will be fascinating to watch over the years.
We were there on a gloriously sunny November Saturday. There was a huge number of visitors, but the site is so large that they were easily accommodated without feeling overcrowded. Many children had been taken by parents and especially by grandparents. It is good that youngsters come to places like this.
The whole arboretum is very well set out and beautifully maintained. Unusually for a place that is primarily military, it is not set out in serried ranks, but in less formal groups. As the arboretum was only opened in 2001, it will take many years for the trees to mature; it will be fascinating to watch over the years.
We were there on a gloriously sunny November Saturday. There was a huge number of visitors, but the site is so large that they were easily accommodated without feeling overcrowded. Many children had been taken by parents and especially by grandparents. It is good that youngsters come to places like this.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this is a wonderful place to visit
The grounds are well kept set out in different forces groups
There are lots of different memorials to stop off at with a magnificent centre piece
The whole thing makes you stop and think of all the forces past and present and what they mean to us as a country
makes you feel humble
everyone should visit and reflect
The grounds are well kept set out in different forces groups
There are lots of different memorials to stop off at with a magnificent centre piece
The whole thing makes you stop and think of all the forces past and present and what they mean to us as a country
makes you feel humble
everyone should visit and reflect
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our dear friends who died tragically in a road accident are remembered with a tree in the Road Peace Wood and we visit from time to time. It`s lovely to see the development of this amazing place and it`s always busy with people of all ages. New memorials are being added all the time and there is so much to see. It a poignant reminder that we owe much to those who are no longer with us and that we should appreciate every day and never squander time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving place with fantasic staff who are helpful and knowledgeable. Make sure you leave plenty of time there is so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a fantastic day out, there is plenty to do and see, there is lots of guides to ask questions etc, really brings home how many people gave up their life's for us, quite a moving day.
Andy and Chris
Andy and Chris
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited during half term, with boys (ages 12 & 11). Car park was £3, had no problem at all with paying as the Arboretum itself is free and costs have to be covered somehow.
Had a very full day - took the land-train round to start with so we had some idea of the layout of the site, then spent a (very moving) few hours wandering around looking at all the memorials - we were a little worried beforehand that the boys may be bored but they were not at all, they found the whole experience really interesting.
Lots of different memorials, the site was very well kept, well laid out and easy to navigate with the help of the map - we had to buy the map but as mentioned before, we didn't mind this as any profits go towards keeping this a free-to-enter site.
The restaurant had a good selection and was very busy. Toilets were clean. The gift shop was perhaps the only disappointment, as I'd been hoping to find some prints or perhaps a calendar with some images from around the site, but there was not much really - some poppy themed jewellery and ceramics, but most of the items weren't unique to the site, they were mass produced gift-shop staples (pencils, books, mugs, jams etc) identical to those you could find almost anywhere.
All in all a very interesting and thought provoking day, we spent several hours there and would happily go back again.
Had a very full day - took the land-train round to start with so we had some idea of the layout of the site, then spent a (very moving) few hours wandering around looking at all the memorials - we were a little worried beforehand that the boys may be bored but they were not at all, they found the whole experience really interesting.
Lots of different memorials, the site was very well kept, well laid out and easy to navigate with the help of the map - we had to buy the map but as mentioned before, we didn't mind this as any profits go towards keeping this a free-to-enter site.
The restaurant had a good selection and was very busy. Toilets were clean. The gift shop was perhaps the only disappointment, as I'd been hoping to find some prints or perhaps a calendar with some images from around the site, but there was not much really - some poppy themed jewellery and ceramics, but most of the items weren't unique to the site, they were mass produced gift-shop staples (pencils, books, mugs, jams etc) identical to those you could find almost anywhere.
All in all a very interesting and thought provoking day, we spent several hours there and would happily go back again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We drove some distant to see the arboretum on our arrival we were surprised at the amount of memorials to all sorts of groups and people. We did like the fact that a lot of the trees were from the places that the memorials depicted but we think another 10 years and it will be much better, the trees more being mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here whilst staying in Lichfield.
We have no family connection with any of the memorials but walking around with the brilliant guide
we were very moved by the sacrifices that so many had made to keep our country free.
It's a brilliant place just to wander round and take in the
history of our country. The main wall with the names of the thousands who had died since the end of the last war was very sobering and will live in our memory for ever. We owe those brave people so much.
God Bless Them
We have no family connection with any of the memorials but walking around with the brilliant guide
we were very moved by the sacrifices that so many had made to keep our country free.
It's a brilliant place just to wander round and take in the
history of our country. The main wall with the names of the thousands who had died since the end of the last war was very sobering and will live in our memory for ever. We owe those brave people so much.
God Bless Them
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful, thought-provoking place which everyone should visit at least once although there is a lot to take in on one visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am a New Zealander who served five years in South East Asia in the 60s and 70s as part of Far East Air Force (FEAF).. The outstanding memorials to FEAF and Malaya and Borneo veterans brought back many memories. Our Kiwi Squadron - 41 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force - served in Singapore and Malaya from 1955 to 1977. I recommend the narrated land train tour of the grounds to get the feel of the arboretum and then shanks pony to see specific items of interest. The highlight of our tour was a visit to the magnificent central Armed Forces Memorial which commemorates those who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from the end of the Second World War to the present day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are down in the dumps, feeling sorry for yourself, need some inspiration then get yourself to the magnificent National Memorial Arboretum Lichfield, it is set in a beautiful park with ample space to wander at your leisure and to marvel at the fantastic effort that has gone into making your visit an emotional experience. So much has been given by so many in order that mortals like us remain "Free". At the end of your visit I feel sure that you will have a different view on the meaning of life and of those around you. Next time I become uptight or moan about my lot I will think of my visit and just realise how lucky I am, I will someday return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an excellent place to go to remember those who gave their lives. The grounds are extensive and beautifully landscaped. There are memorials to all sorts of services and people. The "shot at dawn" memorial is particularly powerful with wooden posts representing those killed for cowardice . We have a better understanding today of why they may have behaved as they did so it is good that they have been pardoned and recognised. On a final note there is a playground for kids and plenty of picnic space. It rained the day we went but I can recommend the cafe - delicious food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place to visit on a fine day with little wind if you can. This is a place all nationalities and faiths should visit to see the thousands of service personel killed in war and think of making peace with each other. The truly beautiful sculptures set across the acres commemorating those fallen will remain with me for ever. The 11am ceremony is moving and to stand alongside both veterans present day serving officers is humbling. Peace is needed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Recognise the sacrifices others have made for our freedoms. Spectacular to walk through the substantial grounds observing the various different memorials, and so nice to see all alongside each other
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place for history. So many interesting things to see. Took an 11 year old, great for a school project
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this tranquil place on a midweek afternoon. There were plenty of visitors but as the area is vast, we walked and read the memorials undisturbed. The atmosphere really is beautifully respectful.
The majority of the memorials is dedicated to military regiments or associations and there is an area for civilian individuals remembered by families. We read plaques fixed to the sapling trees which filled us with tears.
A central memorial at the top steps is for those servicemen and women who had been killed in active service since 1945. The park is extremely well equipped with transport methods (scooters, train, etc) to aid less mobile individuals and very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers.
Some of the memorials are artistically clever. The naval memorial is a set of tall blue glass panels with dashes of red to signify bloodshed. At some point in the day, sunlight through the slits of glass creates a reflection on the ground in the shape of a battleship.
One area in the shaded woodland is dedicated to those ‘Shot at Dawn’. Dozens of high single wooden posts are labelled with names often with ‘age unknown’.
We spent two and a half hours which was plenty of time to appreciate a large part of the arboretum and left us with more to see on a further visit.
The majority of the memorials is dedicated to military regiments or associations and there is an area for civilian individuals remembered by families. We read plaques fixed to the sapling trees which filled us with tears.
A central memorial at the top steps is for those servicemen and women who had been killed in active service since 1945. The park is extremely well equipped with transport methods (scooters, train, etc) to aid less mobile individuals and very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers.
Some of the memorials are artistically clever. The naval memorial is a set of tall blue glass panels with dashes of red to signify bloodshed. At some point in the day, sunlight through the slits of glass creates a reflection on the ground in the shape of a battleship.
One area in the shaded woodland is dedicated to those ‘Shot at Dawn’. Dozens of high single wooden posts are labelled with names often with ‘age unknown’.
We spent two and a half hours which was plenty of time to appreciate a large part of the arboretum and left us with more to see on a further visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
