National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
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
We were surprised at the size of the site not having expected it to be as large as it is, set beside the river. We had expected the memorials to be only of a military nature but this is not the case by any means, civilian organisations and individuals are also commemorated there. The central memorial commemorating all the service personnel killed since WWII, and there are a lot, is truly impressive. The two groups of sculptures are extremely evocative. Other memorials, particularly that of the Parachute Regt. are very impressive works of art. A tranquil location with space to stroll and reflect on the sacrifices that others have made on our behalf.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was pleasantly surprised by this truly magical place. It is an enormous site, covering around 150 acres. There are surprises around every corner and I was truly moved by some of the events described very vividly but in such an interesting way. Particularly poignant was the Shot at Dawn memorial, particularly as those men were recently granted a royal pardon. It consisted of a group of named wooden stakes, one for each man, in a woodland glade. I could hardy speak, I felt so emotional. In many of the memorials, there were stories of bravery and courage which were so moving it was hard to keep a dry eye. There are new memorials being built all the time and of course as the trees become more mature, the site will look even more beautiful. We were lucky that the April sun was shining and this made the experience so much more enjoyable. It is however also a very sad place and the stunning Armed Forces Memorial, dedicated to deaths since 1945 just emphasises to me the futility of recent wars. The lovely gardens dedicated to dozens of other well deserved groups of people, Innocent Children, Lifeboat Men Guides, even police dogs and others too numerous to mention. All gave their lives to this country. The National Memorial can only improve with time and I look forward to visiting again in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This relatively new site is beautifully presented on a mainly flat site. The memorials themselves are interesting and varied and the whole site can be viewed from the raised central memorial itself really wonderful (easy access ramps and buggy rides are available). The planting of the site is most thoughtfully done and the tree specimens while marvellous can only improve with age. The site is free to enter and £3 for car park. Another element to the planting scheme is a perfumed garden for blind veterans all absolutely great. All on hand are busy whether setting out up coming displays, driving folk around, making refreshments and making everyone welcome.
Good job well done thanks and congratulations this was a lovely visit.
Good job well done thanks and congratulations this was a lovely visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place I have passed many times on the A38 and thought it was about time to visit. We went the first week of the Easter holidays as they were putting on some craft workshops for the kids. It's free to get in but you pay £3 for all day parking (nicely laid out car park if you are precious about your car like I am!) and you pay for a guide if you want to. It is a beautifully laid out setting with each of the memorials beautifully made. The Armed Forces Memorial was stunning. A quiet place for contemplation and viewing the 16,000 names is quite astounding. We were told that there is space for another 16,000.
We had a meal in the cafe which was nice, the staff were friendly and helpful. My son had a good time making a Chinese wind sock which we had to pay a £1 for. I'm sure he used £5 in materials!
There is a well stocked shop with the usual trinkets and goodies.
All I can say is if you have sometime to spare take a visit to this place. You will be impressed I'm sure.
We had a meal in the cafe which was nice, the staff were friendly and helpful. My son had a good time making a Chinese wind sock which we had to pay a £1 for. I'm sure he used £5 in materials!
There is a well stocked shop with the usual trinkets and goodies.
All I can say is if you have sometime to spare take a visit to this place. You will be impressed I'm sure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here a couple of years ago and was impressed but now there are even more monuments and gardens and it looks like more are being installed. It's a beautiful place and going round seeing the tributes is very emotional - uplifting and draining at the same time. If you've problems walking distances take a trip on the train, there's an informative documentary and the driver is incredibly helpful, and of course the money helps maintain the place. You do pay for parking but it is only £3 for the day. It's well worth a visit or two!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
so well planned and thought out. All aspects of those affected by conflict considered. Brilliant volunteers who are very knowledgeable. A range of tours available from walking tours; the road train, and golf buggy tours. I was impressed how well it caters for those with mobility issues. All in all, I was very impressed, inspired and can highly recommend. Free to enter but pay to park, and there is a donation system I believe if you wish to hire wheel chairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's a fantastic day out. It's very moving but also very beautiful. The staff are brilliant extremely helpful and informative. You can keep going back time after time as there us so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I cannot speak highly enough of this place. It is so well thought out and considered, every walk of life who has ever been affected by conflict is represented. It is not just for those interested in military history; nor those who have a personal connection to military personnel; it is for anyone who wants to respect those past and present.
It is very moving, awe inspiring, thought provoking place.
It is also the best place I have ever visited which caters so well for those with mobility issues. There are a range of tours you can take - the guided walks are obviously best for those who can get about on foot; but there are also tours on the land train, or the golf buggy in different parts of the arboretum. There are also plenty of manual and electric scooters at the entrance, so everyone can get about with ease. I went with my mother who is not very mobile, and my 12 year old son, different ends of the "entertainment" spectrum I think you'll agree. But they both absolutely loved it. Me and my son are planning to visit again and we will take the guided walk this time so that we can find out more on foot.
It is very moving, awe inspiring, thought provoking place.
It is also the best place I have ever visited which caters so well for those with mobility issues. There are a range of tours you can take - the guided walks are obviously best for those who can get about on foot; but there are also tours on the land train, or the golf buggy in different parts of the arboretum. There are also plenty of manual and electric scooters at the entrance, so everyone can get about with ease. I went with my mother who is not very mobile, and my 12 year old son, different ends of the "entertainment" spectrum I think you'll agree. But they both absolutely loved it. Me and my son are planning to visit again and we will take the guided walk this time so that we can find out more on foot.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
excellent place to visit ...lovely grounds lots of walks an memorials ,very moving at times ..good facilities and helpful staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit. Pay your respects, reflect on the memorials, enjoy the quiet tranquillity amongst the growing trees and sculptures. A very well set out memorial, easy to spend a couple of hours here, especially lovely in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visited here having been to Ypes a couple of years ago.
Large car park and an overflow car park and costs £3 .
Large shop, café and decent toilets.
Outside is amazing and well laid out and one can walk miles. Plenty of seating around the gardens. It was a cold day so we will visit again in the summer and possibly spend a whole day there.
Large car park and an overflow car park and costs £3 .
Large shop, café and decent toilets.
Outside is amazing and well laid out and one can walk miles. Plenty of seating around the gardens. It was a cold day so we will visit again in the summer and possibly spend a whole day there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited early in the morning and started with bacon butties in the lovely restaurant. Then we walked all round the site and visited just about everything. We didn't go on the train, but the guides were very kind, informative and friendly. It is a fantastic reminder of the devastation that war can cause but is thoughtful and respectful. There is no charge to go in, but 3.00 for the day to park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My girlfriend and I are both ex forces and have wanted to visit here for a while. We were not disappointed at all. We arrived at 1045 and went to the chapel for the 2 minute silence which happens daily and a great 15 minute introductory talk about the Arboretum. This was very interesting. We spent the rest of the day going around most of the site. It was good to take the road train 1 hour tour first which was informative and gave us an idea of what we wanted to see. The facilities were very good, all in all it was a great day. Quite emotional finding old friends and remembering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely spot to walk around; to see all the monuments would take a few hours. For people who can't walk too far the small train with commentary is worth taking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being ex-RAF and having served in the Falklands Campaign, I felt proud of the way in which those who fell in the service of their country are remembered. We had a beautiful day, and plenty of time to look round. Much ground to cover so, if this a concern, book a buggy trip. Excellent meal very well priced on site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I never expected anything like this!
A very moving and poignant place that has been done so well. The attention to detail is outstanding.
Thank you for creating such a place of Rememberance
A very moving and poignant place that has been done so well. The attention to detail is outstanding.
Thank you for creating such a place of Rememberance
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
