National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We visited last week on a damp overcast day, but the welcome we had from the staff made up for this. The facilities were excellant - spotlessly clean - great food. We spent over 5 hours wondering through the grounds stopping at the memorials and taking in the setting. We saved the main National Memorial until last and would recommed doing this when you visit. It was so moving especially seeing the names listed for 2013 and knowing that there would be more for 2014. We have decided that we will visit again, but leave it for a few years to see how it grows and develops.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Mary's friend Sheila had met Mary at Birmingham rail station and drove her to the Arboretum about 28 miles on the A38 towards Litchfield .The car park is £3.00.all day parking . The entrance you are greeted by a very nice man and he tells you bits and pieces and gives you a leaflet, Through the doors there is a packed shop of trinkets and gifts. cards sweets Pussar's rum £29.99 a small bottle, magnets and key rings all sorts of poppy things cups mugs trays etc . a good café selling drinks cakes sandwiches we had a chicken and pickle which cost £3.25 and a piece of chocolate cake £2.50 and a latte coffee £2.20 next time we will bring a packed lunch there are plenty of places to sit down and have a drink in the café .Clean toilets and disabled toilet. It was very chilly so we took the train £5.00 each to get around the 150 acres there is a running commentary on every monument memorial that we past we should have sat inside of the train we sat outside and because there had been heavy rain all week some of the grass was flooded marshy and lots of midges good idea to spray insect protection before you come ,the tour takes 50 minutes if you get off you can't get on again it was very interesting some of the statues are breath taking and gives you a lasting memory after we came back we walked to some nearby memorials to take photograph's would definitely come back on a more warmer day and take a slow walk round as the tour does not take all round the river where the Wren's garden is and we missed that so next time you would need a full day to see it all. We bought crosses with poppy on and laid them at the Falklands Memorial.it was a memorably day out taking time to reflect well done the British legion . Donations are greatly received.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit, and so interesting. It's lovely to see a variety of memorial themes as well as the military focus.
It's definitely a place we will be revisiting again and again, just so we can see it develop over time (with new memorials, and the growing gardens, plants and trees). Also it's so large, we couldn't possibly see it all in one day. I would recommend the land train for first time visitors, as it gives you a tour for a fee (about £5 for adults, £2 for children).
With it being my first visit there, I was a little unprepared money wise (I'm not the most organised person and don't carry much change). But as this place is charity run don't expect any cashpoints or cash back services, and so make sure you have cash on you to pay for parking (£3) and possibly for some other little shops and services offered inside. Cards are accepted at some parts though, like the main gift shop.
I was a little disappointed when I noticed a car parking fee. I don't mind paying a fee, especially when it's bound to go towards a good cause, but I assumed a visit here was 'free' giving me one less reason to bring cash.
Having said the above, I still wouldn't want to give the Arboretum any lower than the 5 star rating though, as it's such a beautiful place. Very moving.
It's definitely a place we will be revisiting again and again, just so we can see it develop over time (with new memorials, and the growing gardens, plants and trees). Also it's so large, we couldn't possibly see it all in one day. I would recommend the land train for first time visitors, as it gives you a tour for a fee (about £5 for adults, £2 for children).
With it being my first visit there, I was a little unprepared money wise (I'm not the most organised person and don't carry much change). But as this place is charity run don't expect any cashpoints or cash back services, and so make sure you have cash on you to pay for parking (£3) and possibly for some other little shops and services offered inside. Cards are accepted at some parts though, like the main gift shop.
I was a little disappointed when I noticed a car parking fee. I don't mind paying a fee, especially when it's bound to go towards a good cause, but I assumed a visit here was 'free' giving me one less reason to bring cash.
Having said the above, I still wouldn't want to give the Arboretum any lower than the 5 star rating though, as it's such a beautiful place. Very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving, tributes to those who have fought fir their country. Lots to see, and places to spend time to reflect. A credit to the British Legion
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to walk and reflect on life. I've taken the dog a few occasions on the official dog waling route. Great when the weather is dry and the sun is out. Also has nice cafe which sells excellent food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The arboretum is stunning and a fitting memorial to all. This place should be visited by everyone it really makes you appreciate the sacrifice given by so many. The main memorial to the dead since the last world war is chilling especially the blank sections which are frightening when you see how quickly we are still adding to the fallen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Place to visit to honour those fallen during war and to those who are interested in history.
There are various areas to see, which represent different parts of the world during different wars.
There are eating places and retail areas too.
Educational facilities too!
There are various areas to see, which represent different parts of the world during different wars.
There are eating places and retail areas too.
Educational facilities too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The national memorial is a credit to the country, the armed forces memorial in particular is very moving indeed. If you can get a tour with a guide as they tell you so much about the statues and the time it took to carve the names of fallen soldiers into the stone. The place has a special surprise if you visit on 11 Nov at 11:11hrs. Very well thought out place with memorial for so many worthy causes. Not a dry eye in the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing and fantastic experience it was to spend a few hours here. The main Armed Forces Memorial is a tremendous and inspiring piece of work. The many other memorials are each beautiful and informative in their own right. The whole site is a moving and thought-provoking place. A single day is not long enough - we will be back, no doubt many more times, as the number of memorials continues to grow. It is a place everyone should visit, to remind them of the past.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
always have lots on, great to be able to have a dedicated place to celebrate what people have fought for for us. Its also great to have a central point for events for things like armed forces day and airborne forces day. I like to spend time visiting those that I have so much to be thankful for
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have always had the utmost respect for our fallen service personnel. Therefore I had to visit this fantastic memorial to them. It is very humbling to walk around the various memorials to our brave folk. My dearly departed Uncle was a Japanese prisoner of war & I was very moved to visit an area dedicated to him & his comrades. I hope to return again to pay my respects to them all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the memorial with our two dogs and asked for the dog map. We followed the map carefully not wanting to upset anyone but I think whoever designed it has never even walked a dog. They expect you to tie your dog up while you see the memorials and the path skirts the outside of the arboretum. We only found one "mooring point" which if we left our dogs at they would have howled as it was concealed by some bushes. We coped with this taking it in turns to stand with the dogs while the other person saw the memorial. However we had not realised that we would be told off for sitting at a picnic bench outside the cafe with the dogs sat under best while we are our lunch purchased from the cafe. Being told off for doing wrong without realising it was upsetting and ruined the day for me as I felt like a naughty school girl. My advice- visit, it is an important place but take your dogs somewhere they are actually welcome!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very thought-provoking, to think of all those who have lost their lives attempting to protect others - the sheer magnitude is very humbling.
I was also impressed to see that virtually every conflict was covered, not just the World Wars but even the individual police forces and Northern Irish conflict.
Highly recommend a visit, everyone should make themselves aware of the cost of freedom and politics.
I was also impressed to see that virtually every conflict was covered, not just the World Wars but even the individual police forces and Northern Irish conflict.
Highly recommend a visit, everyone should make themselves aware of the cost of freedom and politics.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited today and we were amazed at how beautiful and moving the arboretum is. The memorials are all so different, the ones we went to see were dedicated to FEPOW and we were surprised to see the names of the POW projected onto the wall inside the FEPOW building. Seeing my father in law's name on there was so moving. Also the part of the Burma Railway. To think it could have been the very part he helped build was too. I cannot understand why people object to the car park fee. £3 is such a small amount to pay to be able to visit. I would gladly pay it every week if I lived closer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
visited at on a Sunday. Truly an inspirational place and very humbling. think it is a beautifully thought out (and still developing) acknowledgement of what we all owe. even our teenager - who is normally unaffected by most things felt it was a very special place. would just confirm although attraction is free there is a parking fee which is fine but may mislead people not expecting it. thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second time I have been here and again I was taken aback by the magnificent display of so many wonderful memorials. It is so moving to see so many tributes to our armed forces and the personnel who gave their all for their country. It is very nostalgic and all members of the armed forces current or retired will be moved by the area dedicated to them. The trees and flora of the site is wonderful and the catering facilities extremely good. I am glad I came back and will come back in the future. WELL DONE TO ALL THE STAFF.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The land train is the best way to see the whole Memorial. It only costs £5 person and lasts 45 minutes. You can get off at major sites but, you cannot board once off!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is certainly somewhere thought provoking to visit, from the names of service personnel who have died since the end of the Second World War engraved on the memorial walls to the empty spaces which hopefully will not be filled.
The site is still quite young and the trees have a lot more growing to do but it is well laid out and access is easy. The car park is spacious and the cafe provides good quality fare.
Certainly worth a visit.
The site is still quite young and the trees have a lot more growing to do but it is well laid out and access is easy. The car park is spacious and the cafe provides good quality fare.
Certainly worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy to access from A38 near Lichfield, this very large area with many dedicated areas to specific regiments/groups of people who've lost their lives mainly defending our country is well worth a visit. Parking is £3 and admission is FREE. We chose to take their 50 minute, 4mph trolley ride with documentary, which stopped at many destinations pointing out where to look and why areas had been planted in the meaningful way they had. The magnificent centrepiece, with wheelchair access is an ongoing memorial to those who have lost their lives since 1945 and inscribed with new names every year. There are guides to assist you as you visit the many areas. Their café/restaurant is reasonably priced. There is also an ice cream van and outside refreshment area plus gift shop. A very thought provoking, interesting place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place to go and feel uplifted and a place to be still in both mind and body. I look forward to returning when both trees and size of arboretum have grown. A place to remember both my Grandads.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Coverage on TV made me want to visit and opportunity arose recently when on holiday nearby. Finding it was easy and lunch in the cafe very reasonable then on to visiting in the flesh so to speak. The Armed Forces Memorial is so many things: splendid, imposing, appropriate, thought provoking, a work or rather multiple works of art. Names of all those killed on active service since WW2 are listed in the order they died, by year, service and without rank but with decorations. So many almost every year.and for all of those we think of as being at peace! If you get the chance to listen to one of the volunteer guides do so- ours added so much that we might otherwise have not seen or failed to understand.
Spreading out in all directions are hundreds more memorials, some no more than a single tree with a plaque others like the Basra Memorial Wall with all the original plaques. For those wanting a fifteen minute tour of the whole there is a land train but three hours was for us not enough to see as much as we wanted. Finished our visit in the non denominational chapel which itself was very thought provoking but also peaceful.
We shall return!
Spreading out in all directions are hundreds more memorials, some no more than a single tree with a plaque others like the Basra Memorial Wall with all the original plaques. For those wanting a fifteen minute tour of the whole there is a land train but three hours was for us not enough to see as much as we wanted. Finished our visit in the non denominational chapel which itself was very thought provoking but also peaceful.
We shall return!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The main memorial and the surrounding woods are wonderful.
The commerations include many civilian organisations as well such as the Merchant Navy, Toc H, the salvation Army, the Fire Brigade. The staff, particularly those who walk the grounds are very helpful. The allocation of the plots seems rather haphazard and the quality of the memorials are variable, from traditional military 'spit and polish' to a wonderful cross shaped arbour of different apple trees cordoned trained. The upkeep can be variable too. Apparently an organisation can do the upkeep itself, or contract with the aboretum to do it. If it is too neglected then the arboretum will step in and send the bill [which had just happened with the Trefoil [Guides] garden]. The cafe was reasonably priced. There are steps but basically it was wheelchair accessible. The best comment that we had from a lady passing by us was that it was a wonderfully quiet place to walk and think
The commerations include many civilian organisations as well such as the Merchant Navy, Toc H, the salvation Army, the Fire Brigade. The staff, particularly those who walk the grounds are very helpful. The allocation of the plots seems rather haphazard and the quality of the memorials are variable, from traditional military 'spit and polish' to a wonderful cross shaped arbour of different apple trees cordoned trained. The upkeep can be variable too. Apparently an organisation can do the upkeep itself, or contract with the aboretum to do it. If it is too neglected then the arboretum will step in and send the bill [which had just happened with the Trefoil [Guides] garden]. The cafe was reasonably priced. There are steps but basically it was wheelchair accessible. The best comment that we had from a lady passing by us was that it was a wonderfully quiet place to walk and think
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on Bank Holiday Monday. Easy to reach off the A38 and large easy car parking arrangements. £3 for all day parking at a pay and display. We went to visit and try to locate a particular memorial stone. There is a facility at the entrance for people to look for you and point you in the right direction of your memorial. We spend a few hours walking through the memorials and looking at each one. Took a picnic and sat by the river. Lovely serene place. Has to be seen to appreciate how nice it is. Free entry but take a few pounds to donate for various things such as dedicating a leaf on the tree or just making a simple donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is quite a new site and it is always having something added to it. It is vast so I would recommend the trolly ride around the site with interesting dialogue at each place you slowed down . It is not easy to walk up the steps if you are not good on your feet. The restaurant is very well used. Not too expensive, but we took a picnic. The weather has to be good because it is very open and not much cover for rain. Nice interesting shop, lots to browse. Clean toilets
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is wonderful and contains much of interest. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and very willing to help. We visited late in the day and they went out of their way to make sure we maximised our time. However, the organisation of the place never seems to have been considered holistically. There appears to be no logical layout and plenty of the green space is not particularly well maintained once you leave the main memorial area.
Finally, the mix of military and civilian memorials is strange and this serves to erode the impact of the site and could be construed as disrespectful to the military.
Finally, the mix of military and civilian memorials is strange and this serves to erode the impact of the site and could be construed as disrespectful to the military.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
