National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
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
Everyone should visit here. I wonderful tribute to all those lost and fallen...A very emotional visit...There is an excellent Restaurant where the choice of Menu is good,and quality too,either to eat in or outside near the Sensory Garden..There is a fair amount of Walking, but Electric Scooters and Wheelchairs are available for those less able.There are several,Picnic Areas,my Personal Favourite is on the Riverbank...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff are so patient and helpful, the cafe very good, the land train essential for anyone who can't walk well. The whole experience was very moving
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been three times now and have consistently found it so moving. Make sure you have tissues for the tears that will inevitably fall. The church is a good place to start but there is so much to see and absorb. The Far East conflict area is particularly moving and is well worth the longish walk to the left of the church. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and have a warm item of clothing as the wind cuts across the area. The main memorial is so sad with so many names engraved of people killed since 1945. Even more moving in some ways are the walls waiting to be filled with names in the future. I hope that schools have this as a curriculum visit as this is so much more real than reading about the conflicts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on Bank Holiday Monday and were totally amazed by how many people were there! What an incredible place! A very moving experience. Beautiful gardens with very moving tributes! The memorial walls are a great tribute to the many fallen. We would like to have spent all day there, but just didn't have the time. There is a small train that takes you round the edge of the grounds and a commentary which explains all that you see. Very interesting, ideal for those that cannot cover this huge memorial by foot. There are lots of benches to sit and reflect. There is a nice gift shop and large cafe with good views over the Memorial.
If you are visiting, a whole day is recommended to see it all. It is totally amazing and moving.
If you are visiting, a whole day is recommended to see it all. It is totally amazing and moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place. Not just a military memorial as I had imagined. One small enclosed garden was to remember babies who were stillborn or died shortly after birth. Decorated pebbled line the pathway. Such a lovely idea as many babies in the past were not given funerals as a matter of course. The "shot at dawn" memorial is very sad, the first memorial the sun reaches each day. The memorials vary from huge and impressive to small individual memorials. For a first visit, a trip on the train gives a good overview of the site before exploring at leisure. Definitely worth another visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent place need a full day to cover the whole place .very interesting and very informative and meet different people some who had family members there well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have paid several visits to Alrewas and it continues to change as new trees are planted and young plants develop. Sadly, there are always more names on the memorial walls but you cannot fail to be touched by the sense of positivity, and pride, in this awesome arboretum. I am always impressed by just how many people, of all ages, visit this memorial. I plan to bring our grandson next year when he will be 8 as he now seems to understand the enormous sacrifices being made by so many for our country. If you haven't visited Alrewas before, plan a stay of several hours to allow the aura of this special place to affect all your senses.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visiting the National Arboretum is a very moving experience, and not to be rushed, so being able to have a rest in clean surroundings means you can make the most of your time here. The food on offer is not a spectacular culinary experience but should suit most tastes at a reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived in time for the 11am service on Sunday 10 May, the last day of VE 70 celebrations. The whole site was a mass of old and young who, it appeared, were as touched by the array of tributes as we were. I am so pleased the Shot at Dawn memorial is now part of the site as it was one of the unknown to many. I can't speak of normal weekends there but this one had a great party atmosphere of celebration after the solemnity earlier on.
Highly recommended, it is a full day to explore properly as some memorials are quite a way to go but dont let this put you off.
Highly recommended, it is a full day to explore properly as some memorials are quite a way to go but dont let this put you off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Over 300 memorials set in 150 acres of tree lined avenues, woodlands and landscaped gardens. The friendly voluntary guides, are on hand to answer any questions. For the visitor there are Buggy Tours, Train Ride Tours or Mobility Scooter Hire. The memorials from The Great War to Present Times are a sight to behold. The atmosphere is so enhanced by the sounds of just the birds singing. There a plenty of seats to sit and reflect and soak in the atmosphere if you decide to go around
on foot, at your own pace. Don't hesitate, if you are thinking about making a visit - JUST GO ! You won't be disappointed.
on foot, at your own pace. Don't hesitate, if you are thinking about making a visit - JUST GO ! You won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Mother in law was invited to a unveiling of a plaque by the "Old Dux" association for all that served at RAF Station Duxford 1917 - 1961. So we took the opportunity to view the tree we had planted 15 years age in honour of my father in law. He was a Royal Air Force Halton Apprentices.It's was the first time we seen it. The Memorial Arboretum is well worth a visit. The Memorial "Shot at Dawn" is very moving. There is a train which goes around the site, we walk around , which is disabled friendly. My mother in law was using her electric scooter, but you can not use a electric scooters in the visitors centre, café and shop. A wheelchair is provided to use inside. We had a lovely day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped here on our way south. Cannot find enough words to describe what a wonderful place this is and how moving it is.
I cannot thank the staff enough for their help. I had slipped on the stairs at home before we went away and pulled the ligaments in my ankle and was unable to walk very far.
We took the bus round which was very interesting and they had organised for me to get a buggy by the the wall with the names of all the people who had died since 1945 and then take me back to the main building. There are wheelchairs and mobility scooters to hire for anyone with walking difficulties.
The whole site is beautifully kept and is divided into sections. It is certainly worth a second visit so that I can spend more time walking around.
Greatful thanks to all the staff who assisted me.
I cannot thank the staff enough for their help. I had slipped on the stairs at home before we went away and pulled the ligaments in my ankle and was unable to walk very far.
We took the bus round which was very interesting and they had organised for me to get a buggy by the the wall with the names of all the people who had died since 1945 and then take me back to the main building. There are wheelchairs and mobility scooters to hire for anyone with walking difficulties.
The whole site is beautifully kept and is divided into sections. It is certainly worth a second visit so that I can spend more time walking around.
Greatful thanks to all the staff who assisted me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am not a military minded person, but I always find this place an oasis of tranquility and reflection.Set on the banks of the river Trent, it spreads over many acres and there is always plenty of space. Many trees have been planted and, when fully grown, these will develop into woodland areas. There ar also many memorials and plaques to be found, providing an historical journey of past military activity. The central showpiece is a huge stone structure detailing the names of those who have given their lives.
There is a cafe that caters for all tastes from roast dinners to a salad bar. No entrance fee applies, although donations are encouraged. Well worth a visit.
There is a cafe that caters for all tastes from roast dinners to a salad bar. No entrance fee applies, although donations are encouraged. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
1st time visit on what proved to be probably the busiest day at the National Arboretum this year.
Absolutely wonderful place - huge expanse covered with lovely memorials / thousands of trees with moving memorial plaques and of course the huge main memorial statues and walls. Tree of metal leaves dedicated to children is particularly heart wrenching. Have visited Ypres, Flanders and Menine Gate and although these are all emotive and well kept, in no way do they compare with NA. Beautifully kept grounds and friendly and helpful Staff. If you haven't been please put this on your list of Must Do's, to honour the fallen and have yourself a meaningful and very pleasant day.
Absolutely wonderful place - huge expanse covered with lovely memorials / thousands of trees with moving memorial plaques and of course the huge main memorial statues and walls. Tree of metal leaves dedicated to children is particularly heart wrenching. Have visited Ypres, Flanders and Menine Gate and although these are all emotive and well kept, in no way do they compare with NA. Beautifully kept grounds and friendly and helpful Staff. If you haven't been please put this on your list of Must Do's, to honour the fallen and have yourself a meaningful and very pleasant day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Absolutely brilliant place. Very big, we only had a few hours before the coaches left to go back to our Hotel, but we did what we could. The memorials are outstanding, especially the Armed Forces Memorial, the two sculptures were amazing. We would like to go back and have another walk round. We had lunch in one of the cafes and the food was very good, the staff happy with ready laughs. The gift shop was okay, but not enough actual Arboretum gifts. Most of the stuff you could get at any gift shop, so it made buying presents for family very difficult if not impossible.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth the long drive , took the land train which is a must if you want to see all the site, as its 150 acres. Helpful staff , good restaurant and parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
