This was my third visit to the Memorial Arboretum, We still have not seen all the memorials. I think every man, woman and child ought to visit and read about the scarifice made by, not just British men and women, but by other nationalities. My heart breaks when reading the ages of the young men mentioned at the Shot at Dawn memorial.
There are a number of new memorials since our last visit and we didn't get a chance to see them all. Will have to plan another visit soon.

This is truly a wonderful place to visit, we arrived at lunch time and had a spot of lunch in the restaurant, which served snacks, and hot food at a reasonable price. We had a slow walk around the war memorials , it was so well kept , quiet and tranquil, plenty of benches to sit on and take in this wonderful place, suitable for all. There is a land train you can ride on at an extra cost . we spent a lovely afternoon here but next time we would arrange to spend the day, there is so much to see and well worth a visit.

Been wanting to visit for a while, so a quick break in the area was the perfect opportunity.
This is a beautiful setting for these memorials, and there are so many fitting memorials. Have just seen item on TV about a new memorial to the Land Army Girls which will be here, so always something new to see.
I would be surprised if a visit here doesn't bring a few lumps to the throat.

At last, we manage to find time to visit this important site dedicated to the fallen service men and women since the Second World War. We arrived early and has a cup of coffee in the cafe (I wish I had waited for a bacon roll here as Warwick Services was virtually inedible) the grounds are well maintained lending to a peaceful ambiance. The main focal point is the endless list of names etched on massive stone walls. It is a sombre atmosphere that seems to linger as visitors quietly move around the monument. There was a guide on hand to assist visitors find the name of a loved one or former colleague. It is a place for all to learn of the sacrifices of others in the service of our country. The Far East POW exhibition was excellent. I have no problem in commending this attraction to all. Visit is free, all day parking costs £3.00

Not sure where to begin! We visited on 7th August and found this to be a really moving and thought provoking experience. The NMA doesn't only remember the forces, but other organisations are also represented. We arrived early so booked onto the narrated land train at 10.00am, cost £4 p.p. and well worth it. We hadn't had breakfast but they didn't mind us grabbing a muffin and takeaway coffee and eating whilst on the train. The journey took 1hr 15mins and provided a good overview of the site, giving just the right amount of information and enabled us to decide which memorials we wished to visit in particular.

The 10.00am land train gets you back in time for the Act of Remembrance at 10.50am in the Millennium Chapel. This was their busiest day so far and the Chapel was packed with extra seating provided outside with speakers. There is a loop system for the hard of hearing. This was a lovely service with a 2 minute silence, followed by a half hour talk by one of the Guides explaining the purpose and history of the site.

There are also Buggy Tours and Guided Walks available.

After this we ventured into the Gift Shop and Arbour Restaurant. The Gift Shop is well stocked with interesting products for all ages and price ranges. No tat here! The Restaurant was very pleasant and also had a good range of food and drink at reasonable prices.

The toilet facilites were kept very clean.

All staff/volunteers that we encountered were extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

There are so many memorials but the ones that stuck in our minds were "Shot at Dawn", the Burma and Sumatra Railways, the Royal Navy glass monument and obviously the centre piece, Armed Forces Memorial. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to cover every memorial but that can easily be rectified with a 2nd visit!

One thing I would like to say is that this site is advertised as "Free Admission" and it is. It costs almost £4000 a day to provide free entry. To those people who whinge about having to pay a £3 parking fee or £4 for a land train ticket I think you should visit the memorial that says it all: "Freedom is not free". When human beings have given their lives for this Nation and worthy organisations I fail to see how anyone can object to £3 and/or £4 - shame on you!

I can honestly say I have never been to such a well thought out, peaceful, emotional, beautiful and serene place, especially along the river walk where they have recently witnessed the return of otters amongst the other wildlife.

We had an amazing experience here and will certainly return. The NMA should be proud of what they have achieved on this site so far, and we look forward to seeing the developments as the years go by.

We recently attended the WW1 candlelight vigil and were absolutely awestruck by this wonderful place. Everything is pitched just right and is so tastefully and thoughtfully presented. We would recommend a guided tour as the stories behind the memorials go towards making this place what it is. The gift shop has something for everyone- we'd particularly recommend the selection of books. Round your visit off with a visit to the cafe - good range of refreshments at reasonable prices. You can even get a beer or a glass of wine! Have now booked one of their small group tours to mark a special birthday. Everyone should visit this remarkable place!!!!!

Very well set out and spacious. Extremely moving and upsetting at times. Apparently this was a converted gravel pit and the work and upkeep are exceptional. A small play area but would think this would be more suitable for older children and adults. All the services are represented. It represents all those killed since the Second World War. Well worth a visit.

The place is a fitting tribute to all those who have given their lives in the past.We only had a few hours to spare but are already planning to return to see all the rest we did not see on this visit.

A wonderful site of national rememberance, that the whole country should visit. Easy to find, easy to park and easy to find your way around. Lots of interesting memorials and for those with dogs it is very well thought out with marked paths and resting places. The volunteers are all a delight with good knowledge.

What a wonderful concept this place is. It really does make you stop and think about all of the awful conflicts that have happened where our people have been involved. The memorials are exceptional and the whole area has a kind of stillness about is where it makes you contemplate life and to be thankful for what we have. There was a service taking place on the day I visited and it was truly inspirational and made one think about the injustices that have been levelled at the Royal Ulster Constablery by the last labour government and how they have sold them down the line just to gain some sort of credence.

Spur of the moment trip and I'm glad we went. Set in lovely parkland we found that just wondering around was the best way to explore. All of the monuments were in excellent condition and the grounds were very well maintained. Good use of technology by the use of QR readers.
All the staff we interacted with were pleasant and informative.

Had the opportunity to visit the Arboretum for the second time recently,this time at the Dedication of the Western Front memorial stone with members of the Mercian regiment and Cadets.
The first time we visited i had no idea what to expect,so we had a guided tour & this is probably the best was to find your way around on the first visit , then , just wander,it would be impossible to see every thing in one go,but that to me is just what it is all about,to return another day,to see changes,and to remember , it is not all about war , it is as much about today as yesterday.
Refreshments are available but if the weather is good take your own , there are plenty of places to sit & reflect.
We will be going back , soon.

This is truly a wonderful place of peace, remembrance and beauty. The site has over 300 memorials, both military and civilian, and over 40000 trees. The volunteer staff we encountered were knowledgeable and friendly. A "must visit" place.

A very peaceful, thought provoking, emotional experience. Very well thought out and amazing structures.

Visted 5th August, 2014 and well worth the long journey. Was not sure what to expect initially, but it really is a fascinating place to visit and remember the war dead. Went on the train that gave excellent informative commentary and would recommend anybody to use it. The shop was well stocked, places to eat very good and friendly staff.

I am so glad I visited. It certainly is a place not to be missed.

I visited the Nqtional Memorial Arboretum a couple of weeks ago with my Mum. We went on a day trip with Lodge Coaches of Chelmsford who looked after us very well. Everybody was very kind and the volunteers were so helpful and very knowledgeable. An amazing, humbling experience, I would recommend a visit here to anyone, but allow plenty of time there is so much to see. We went on the train ride which was very informative.

A wonderful place to visit, run by volunteers. The grounds easy to walk on or wheelchair,etc. so much to see. Take land train first, £5 each last an hour, but well worth it, so much information and things to look out for. An amazing day. Would definitely go back as didn't see everything.

Beautiful, well presented, peaceful place to visit and see over 300 memorials that honour those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation in many different ways. Free admission and free hire of mobility scooters/motorised scooters too.

Beautiful, well presented, peaceful place to visit and see over 300 memorials that honour those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation in many different ways. Free admission and free hire of mobility scooters/motorised scooters too.

I was drawn to the National Memorial Arboretum on 4th August 2014 (WW1 Centenary) to remember my Grandad and Uncle... and I'm glad I did. Apart from a small cost for parking my car everything else was free. In the short time I was there I dedicated a leaf for the 'Memory Tree', joined a guided walk, had a quiet lone ramble and attended the wonderful candlelit evening service put on in the glorious Armed Forces Memorial. The Visitors Centre is modern with a reception area, café, gift shop and toilets; there are plenty of picnic tables if you take your own food. Disabled access appeared good. I found all the staff and volunteers helpful and very cheerful.

A wonderful memorial which is well thought out. Each tribute is well planned and dignified for those not with us any more. A wonderful place to say a silent goodbye to those we have lost. I especially was moved by the Far East memorial that contained many artefacts and records of that period, it was the only place to acknowledge my father who was a prisoner of war in Japan, it was on the roll call of prisoners he was listed and from there was able to trace what had happened to him during the war. A fitting tribute to the past and a wonderful place.

I along with My wife have been looking forward to going to The Arboretum, for many weeks, were we disappointed, No, as an Ex soldier I could appreciate the sacrifice many of our young men made to protect our Land.
Parking is £3 per day, food is available at a reasonable price, and fresh.
A visit to the Church is a must, but, be there for 1100 o'clock, everyday there is a two minute silence. Take the train ride from just behind the Church [£5.00 each] journey time 50 minutes well worth the cash, you will see more of this vast space, and will give you more time to look around.
Would We go again ? A resounding YES.

The National Memorial Arboretum is a 150-acre site dedicated to remembrance in Staffordshire, near Alrewas. The Arboretum’s landscaped grounds contain many reflections on the First World War, from the poignant tribute to the shell-shocked soldiers who refused to return to the trenches and were ‘shot at dawn’ to the senseless slaughter at Gallipoli.

Currently, to mark the centenary, the Arboretum is hosting a series of special events like poetry and music recitals, as well as First World War trails around the site.

A very beautiful arboretum, thoughtfully and beautifully planted. Space for reflection and thoughts on the sadness of war. Lots of time required to walk through the whole area....so will be back, and of course it will change as the trees and gardens mature ......
Facilities re food and toilet facilities good.

This is a lovely, tranquil place and a credit to the country. There are some beautiful memorials and trees. Very moving for military families and for people who have lost loved ones. You pay to park (£3.00 in July 2014) and then its free entry. Guide book £6.50 which is well worth it. Very nice restaurant and gift shop.