National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
The National Arboretum In Alrewas.Lichfield is a beautiful peaceful place to visit, It is very moving, a place to sit and reflect on what the site represents,A lot of thought has gone into the design of the Arboretum it is in a very peaceful location and well worth a visit,there is also a lovely little church there.It is a place that once you have visited it you will not forget it.Our soldiers deserve this beautiful memorial .I am sure it would bring a lump to anyones throat.x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are very fortunate to live so close by to the NMA and have been there on many occasions, both when there have been formal events taking place (such as Remembrance Services) and also just to visit. To walk round the different gardens and memorials is very peaceful and reflective, and then to see the remembrance wall with everyone's names on is incredibly moving. It is certainly well worth a visit there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Who ever had the vision to develop this site in the middle of the UK is a hero for all the heroes and special people that have laid down their lives for the help and protection of others.
This is such a beautiful and well thought out site. Immaculate maintained by I think mainly volunteers
This really is a special place it must give so much comfort to those that have lost their loved ones. I would like to thank all the kind and helpful people that I met during my visit. Please go and give your support.
This is such a beautiful and well thought out site. Immaculate maintained by I think mainly volunteers
This really is a special place it must give so much comfort to those that have lost their loved ones. I would like to thank all the kind and helpful people that I met during my visit. Please go and give your support.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited last Friday. It was a lovely sunny day. We went to see my friends young brothers remembrance tree and his name up on the monument .
We had a lovely but a little sad day.
It's so worth a visit, to remember the
People who lost there life for us to have a better one.
X
We had a lovely but a little sad day.
It's so worth a visit, to remember the
People who lost there life for us to have a better one.
X
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This site has so many memorials that its almost impossible to see them all on one visit. New ones are being added all the time. One was under construction when we were there, ready to be dedicated on 29th November. There is a reminder that this was once gravel pits, with the active pit next door, but its not intrusive. The visitor centre is small, but I understand that there will be a new, larger one next year. It is worth arriving before 11 a.m. to visit the chapel for the Silence - very moving as there are usually some veterans there. After this one of the volunteer guides gives an introductory talk about the site and the chapel, explaining the significance of some of the symbolism. The large Services memorial tends to dominate the view from the Visitor Centre, but it is moving to read the names of all the service personnel who have died since 1945 - especially in places like Afghanistan. Do find time to visit the Shot at Dawn memorial especially as the centenary of WW1 approaches. There are interesting memorials and exhibitions about the War in the Far East - look for Churchill's face in the stained glass. But there are many smaller memorials - one that is very touching is the SANDS one.
The café is small and was very busy when we were there, but the staff try hard.
A thoughtful experience for all ages.
The café is small and was very busy when we were there, but the staff try hard.
A thoughtful experience for all ages.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Worth a visit to see all the differnt memorials and walk around the grounds. Cafe is quite small but serves nice snacks and the shop is very good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Its a large site, and particularly at this time of year you need your boots on as many monuments are not on paths. It is well worth walking around if you can, as you are reading plaques at every turn, and seeing so many different memorials to many aspects of war, as well as commemorating some civilian elements as well. The South East Asia building was particularly poignant, as was 'shot at dawn'.
Really clever and ingenious sculptures and designs, its really a full day out to see it all.
The cafe and visitors centre were good. My only gripe was that the guidebook was outdated as new memorials had been added. Perhaps an updated map (showing the ditches, which caught us out) could be handed out on arrival? Its free to go in, but you pay car parking and for a guide. We camped nearby and walked over from Willowbrook Campsite.
An important site, commemorating for a nation, and which will grow in importance and relevance as time passes.
Really clever and ingenious sculptures and designs, its really a full day out to see it all.
The cafe and visitors centre were good. My only gripe was that the guidebook was outdated as new memorials had been added. Perhaps an updated map (showing the ditches, which caught us out) could be handed out on arrival? Its free to go in, but you pay car parking and for a guide. We camped nearby and walked over from Willowbrook Campsite.
An important site, commemorating for a nation, and which will grow in importance and relevance as time passes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the day after the Remembrance Service had been held . It was a beautiful sunny morning, but there weren't many people there.
We took a train ride to get an overview of the site, which passes most of the memorials. Each one is moving in its own right.
At just before 11am we went into the chapel for the daily remembrance ceremony. This is non-denominational and very moving. It only takes a few minutes, then there's a short talk about the arboretum from one of the volunteers.
Later we walked to see a few of the memorials. Particularly significant to us was the Far East memorial, as we've visited the Death railway, the Bridge over the R Kwai, and the site of Changi jail in Singapore.
The cafe serves good food at reasonable prices.
We'll return next spring to see the trees in leaf and visit more memorials.
We took a train ride to get an overview of the site, which passes most of the memorials. Each one is moving in its own right.
At just before 11am we went into the chapel for the daily remembrance ceremony. This is non-denominational and very moving. It only takes a few minutes, then there's a short talk about the arboretum from one of the volunteers.
Later we walked to see a few of the memorials. Particularly significant to us was the Far East memorial, as we've visited the Death railway, the Bridge over the R Kwai, and the site of Changi jail in Singapore.
The cafe serves good food at reasonable prices.
We'll return next spring to see the trees in leaf and visit more memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am not sure this can really be classed as an attraction,but this review will indicate, hopefully what an amazing place it is. There is so much to see here and is relevant for all ages. A place of memories, sadness, joy, remembrance. All emotions may be experienced here.
The memorial gardens, the stunning trees, the dells, the groves, the sculptures, the list goes on; one day is simply not enough.
Excellent facilities inside and out to suit all ages and tastes; accessibility to all, including a small land train to take visitors around the whole site. Even a play area for the smaller family members.
It is a place to remember friends, family, fallen colleagues and the awful wasteful travesty of war, it is also a site where family, friends and loved ones may be remembered through tree planting.
Overwhelmingly though, it is an uplifting place; the small chapel is inspirational.
The whole site is full of light, friendship, new growth and a sense of hope for a future without conflict.
A visit here, is one we should all make at least once.
The memorial gardens, the stunning trees, the dells, the groves, the sculptures, the list goes on; one day is simply not enough.
Excellent facilities inside and out to suit all ages and tastes; accessibility to all, including a small land train to take visitors around the whole site. Even a play area for the smaller family members.
It is a place to remember friends, family, fallen colleagues and the awful wasteful travesty of war, it is also a site where family, friends and loved ones may be remembered through tree planting.
Overwhelmingly though, it is an uplifting place; the small chapel is inspirational.
The whole site is full of light, friendship, new growth and a sense of hope for a future without conflict.
A visit here, is one we should all make at least once.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my wife and i decided to visit its very thought provoking and made us feel very humble reading all the tributes to all the brave men and women who gave their lives in all the conflicts our country has had the grounds are beautiful kept and well wort a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My father served in Aden and a visit here was an opportunity for him to remember his friends that had died whilst doing what all put servicemen and women do; fighting for your/our freedom.
Everything about the day was an emotional pull to where he'd been, what he'd seen and the loss of life he'd witnessed.
My dad is an incredible man; he's lost friends, lost an elbow and a kneecap and struggles to walk, but that would not have prevented him from paying his respect and gratitude to those that have served so bravely and fought so valiantly for our freedom.
I can't help but feel disheartened when I read reviews about the price of parking at this place; funnily enough, my dad never mentioned it and certainly didn't complain.
I think my dad probably remembers that these men and women fought for out freedom, not for our free parking.
Perhaps you could petition the families of those that you are there to pay your respects to, to pay your parking fees for you? Or perhaps you could remember this is a charity and that each life lost is certainly worth more than the inconvenience of having to pay for parking.
Everything about the day was an emotional pull to where he'd been, what he'd seen and the loss of life he'd witnessed.
My dad is an incredible man; he's lost friends, lost an elbow and a kneecap and struggles to walk, but that would not have prevented him from paying his respect and gratitude to those that have served so bravely and fought so valiantly for our freedom.
I can't help but feel disheartened when I read reviews about the price of parking at this place; funnily enough, my dad never mentioned it and certainly didn't complain.
I think my dad probably remembers that these men and women fought for out freedom, not for our free parking.
Perhaps you could petition the families of those that you are there to pay your respects to, to pay your parking fees for you? Or perhaps you could remember this is a charity and that each life lost is certainly worth more than the inconvenience of having to pay for parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am not sure this can really be classed as an attraction,but this review will indicate, hopefully what an amazing place it is. There is so much to see here and is relevant for all ages. A place of memories, sadness, joy, remembrance. All emotions may be experienced here.
The memorial gardens, the stunning trees, the dells, the groves, the sculptures, the list goes on; one day is simply not enough.
Excellent facilites inside and out to suit all ages and tastes; accessibility to all, including a small land train to take visitors around the whole site. Even a play area for the smaller family members.
It is a place to remember friends, family, fallen colleagues and the awful wasteful travesty of war, it is also a site where family, friends and loved ones may be remembered through tree planting.
Overwhelmingly though, it is an uplifting place; the small chapel is inspirational.
The whole site is full of light, friendship, new growth and a sense of hope for a future without conflict.
A visit here, is one we should all make at least once.
The memorial gardens, the stunning trees, the dells, the groves, the sculptures, the list goes on; one day is simply not enough.
Excellent facilites inside and out to suit all ages and tastes; accessibility to all, including a small land train to take visitors around the whole site. Even a play area for the smaller family members.
It is a place to remember friends, family, fallen colleagues and the awful wasteful travesty of war, it is also a site where family, friends and loved ones may be remembered through tree planting.
Overwhelmingly though, it is an uplifting place; the small chapel is inspirational.
The whole site is full of light, friendship, new growth and a sense of hope for a future without conflict.
A visit here, is one we should all make at least once.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a blustery day when Hurricane Jude was expected, we walked through a tiny part of these lovely grounds spotting the next intriguing tribute whether it was a large statue or an individual tree planted in memory of a friend.
From the moment you arrive the staff are helpful and informative. We had come to see the Wall but found this wonderful area of parkland contained many other memorials to those who had lost their lives in conflicts that we remembered about and those we had forgotten.
We spent a fascinating and thought provoking three hours here and know that there was so much more to see and learn. We would come again and again knowing that there is some much more to see.
From the moment you arrive the staff are helpful and informative. We had come to see the Wall but found this wonderful area of parkland contained many other memorials to those who had lost their lives in conflicts that we remembered about and those we had forgotten.
We spent a fascinating and thought provoking three hours here and know that there was so much more to see and learn. We would come again and again knowing that there is some much more to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I spent an afternoon there and felt there was still plenty to see. It has a very peaceful feeling and helps you to reflect on sacrifices made by others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this place is a must for all, we go every year to the rttw it has a nice cafe and shop and is very well layed out you can have a full day looking at every thing dont rush it you will leave with a head full of thoughts .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely place to remember those who died in peacetime! Shocking to see so many names - there is not one year since 1946 where no-one died in conflict around the world. My father is 89 and served in the parachute regiment during 2nd WW. He has the Burma Star. Visiting the Burma & Sumatra railway memorial with him talking about what he saw and how people suffered made me realise how lucky we are.
The autumn colour is beautiful.
The autumn colour is beautiful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment you arrive at the poorly signposted site, the emotion of the National Memorial Arboretum grabs you. Yes there is a £3.00 parking charge, but this is the only cost of the day if you buy nothing and eat or drink nothing. There are lots to see and not all military, though everyone seems to think it is just military. The Armed forces memorial is the central memorial of the site and worth a visit on its own (I am biased, ex military), every name on the wall is a story of its own. The 150 acres has memorials to all the armed forces, plus the post office, the fire brigade, BLESMA, SANDS and many others. Please if your thinking of visiting the site, try and arrive before 1050, as the daily rememberance starts just before 1100 in the chapel, during which one of the volunteers provides a short chat, giving details of how the site was created. Visitors will return again and again. The signposts to the NMA, are poor, but the welcome makes up for it, plus the Restraunt provides good food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although you can dip in and out of this marvelous place try and allow the whole day for your visit. Take the train and the buggy ride if you can. This arboretum touched my heart in such a way that I personally will never forget. It helped to explain some of my childhood memories and lay them not to rest, but aside.
The magnitude of those service and non-service people who have laid down their lives since the second world war becomes so apparent as you travel around the site. Explore on foot too, to visit specific memorials pertinent to your own life experiences, and spend some time there.
As well as seeing the memorials do not leave without seeing the Far East POW exhibition, it tells the story forgotten by so many.
The site is huge so do take the train and Buggy journeys if you can, there is a commentary that helps to explain what is where. The entry is by donation, so free if you are without funds, but do try and leave something to help with the marvelous upkeep of this national treasure.
The magnitude of those service and non-service people who have laid down their lives since the second world war becomes so apparent as you travel around the site. Explore on foot too, to visit specific memorials pertinent to your own life experiences, and spend some time there.
As well as seeing the memorials do not leave without seeing the Far East POW exhibition, it tells the story forgotten by so many.
The site is huge so do take the train and Buggy journeys if you can, there is a commentary that helps to explain what is where. The entry is by donation, so free if you are without funds, but do try and leave something to help with the marvelous upkeep of this national treasure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As we were staying close by in Burton The NMA was at the top of our to do list. I had only seen a glimpse of the memorial on television before so didn't know what to expect. Parking for all day was a very reasonable £3 and entry is free. We went straight to the memorial to see the statues and walls listing all the men and women who have lost their lives in service since WWII. The list seems to go on forever and make yo think of the sacrifices these men and women of the forces make day in and day out. We spent a good few hours looking at all the memorials around the site. One in particular brought me to tears - the stories of young men and boys who were shot for dessertion when in reality they were probably suffering from shell-shock - their families fought hard to have them pardoned and the information said they finally won many albeit many, many years on. As this place relies on donations to keep it open - if you visit, please offer what you can as I can honestly say you will not forget it once you've been.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Once you have been, you will want to keep on visiting.
The whole place just seems to pull you in and grab you.
Well worth the diversion off the A38.
The whole place just seems to pull you in and grab you.
Well worth the diversion off the A38.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A visit to this memorial is a must just to realise the service people who have given their life since the second world war.
I would recommend getting here early, taking the train ride and then exploring on foot. The site is huge and the train journey explains all parts.
The entry was free which pleasantly surprised me. Donations are voluntary.
Will be going again to see the parts I never got to visit.
I would recommend getting here early, taking the train ride and then exploring on foot. The site is huge and the train journey explains all parts.
The entry was free which pleasantly surprised me. Donations are voluntary.
Will be going again to see the parts I never got to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is so serene. The wonderful tributes to fallen heroes of all wars. It is humbling to read the names of fathers,sons and of course mothers/daughters who fought for our country and for other countries to be free of tyranny. Even the courage of animals are honoured at this wonderfully designed memorial.
You need to spend at least half a day to appreciate all that the arboretum has to offer.
You need to spend at least half a day to appreciate all that the arboretum has to offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is our second visit, we plan to visit every year from now on.If you haven't been its a must and l promise you will return again and again.lt really makes you think of all the people that died so we could live!!Very moving,but not to be missed.Thank you again.Lest we forget......Cheshire.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a 'must visit' if you are anywhere near the area. Tho living in New Zealand, I have been lucky enough to visit 3 times - the last was very recent, on a cool but mostly sunny day. We had a buggy, organised by a very knowledgeable relative, & our volunteer driver, Bernard, was also well aware of the history of the area. It meant we saw much more in the available time.
There is so much that shouldn't be missed, but I would suggest: Shot at Dawn, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial & the Millennium Chapel as well as the most recent Armed Forces Memorial.
Leave plenty of time, wear sensible shoes & take a brolly if it looks like rain - there now is a shelter (& a porta loo) some distance from the main entrance. The gift shop has much to look at with plenty of reasonably priced gifts. A web site is improving all the time & worth studying before visiting.
There is so much that shouldn't be missed, but I would suggest: Shot at Dawn, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial & the Millennium Chapel as well as the most recent Armed Forces Memorial.
Leave plenty of time, wear sensible shoes & take a brolly if it looks like rain - there now is a shelter (& a porta loo) some distance from the main entrance. The gift shop has much to look at with plenty of reasonably priced gifts. A web site is improving all the time & worth studying before visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely site well worth visiting as I did this autumn.The land train is excellent for views of the memorials,trees and river and then a walk to different parts of the arboretum is very rewarding and thought provoking.Looking forward to another visit next year. If you haven't been yet it is well worth the effort and Alrewas itself is a nice place to look around with some good pubs and local beer!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
