National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
The idea of a memorial arboretum is lovely and there are sections of the site for non-military memorials such as the police, railway workers and children. By far the most dominant features are the military sections with most, if not all regiments, commands and ships represented. The feature that is the focus of the whole site is the raised cenotaph with the inscribed walls and the slot for the sun to fall on the centre on the 11th day of the 11th month. This is a moving and poignant construction.
Whether it had been the intention from the outset for the site to have such a military focus is not clear but that is certainly the feel of the place when you walk round it.
The site is still very young and none of the trees are approaching maturity yet. No doubt, the place will have a different feel when the trees are bigger and more able to provide shelter for the wind that can whip across the parkland on cold days.
The other drawback of the site is that is is on the flood plain of the river and there are muddy areas even in dry periods, at other times the site is liable to flooding. The high water table and poor soil quality of the reclaimed gravel pits from which the site is reclaimed tend to restrcit the growth of the trees and the varities that can flourish.
It is worth a visit but different people are going to get different things from it.
Whether it had been the intention from the outset for the site to have such a military focus is not clear but that is certainly the feel of the place when you walk round it.
The site is still very young and none of the trees are approaching maturity yet. No doubt, the place will have a different feel when the trees are bigger and more able to provide shelter for the wind that can whip across the parkland on cold days.
The other drawback of the site is that is is on the flood plain of the river and there are muddy areas even in dry periods, at other times the site is liable to flooding. The high water table and poor soil quality of the reclaimed gravel pits from which the site is reclaimed tend to restrcit the growth of the trees and the varities that can flourish.
It is worth a visit but different people are going to get different things from it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are interested in the past this is an excellent place to visit. You can get to the site by bus No. 7 from lichfield bus station. Beaware the site is large so plan plenty of time to absurb all the different sections. They also have ride on buggies and also a guided trip buggy if you have trouble walking. There are so many things to see so you may not have the time to see everything on your first visit so come again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with a friend who had been before so I had an idea what to expect. Quite an emotional day. I hadn't got any personal link with the memorials but I still found them very moving especially the wall of names with amazing sculptures. There is quite a lot of walking if you want to go round it all but it can be done, weather permitting, at a leisurely pace. When I went they were still planting trees commemorating various Army, RAF, Royal Navy and other units including the animals and pigeons that were part of the war efforts. It's possible that they have completed this by now but by it's very nature it will always be an ongoing project. Do visit and remember your day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is an absolute must for everyone who visits the area. It is well organised, well maintained and very thought provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We only live a few miles away, so are frequent visitors. It is a wonderful place, whether or not one has associations with any particular regiment, etc. The site is large and people need at least 2 - 3 hours to see everything. There are motorised scooters for the disabled, plus ride on escorted golf buggies and also a ride-on road train. There are only toilet facilities in the main area as far as I know, so make sure you 'go' before walking around the site. It is a very moving experience for all ages. If possible, start your visit with the non-denominational service held every morning at 11.00 a.m. The chapel is lovely - look out for the wooden carvings, but it sets the tone before seeing everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place to a visit and only on my door step.
Took my son and wife to be , for the ay, to look around and take some photos. Can not believe how big and wonderful the place is.
Will be popping back again .
Took my son and wife to be , for the ay, to look around and take some photos. Can not believe how big and wonderful the place is.
Will be popping back again .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is only 5 miles from home but all visitors to Lichfield and the area must go and see this amazing place. The memorial wall is such a moving place that really brings home the sacrifice of our service men and women. It is a location that everyone should visit to pay their respects.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Alrewas is a roughly 6 miles 10 kms from Lichfield, The National Memorial Arboretum is part of the national forest but is designed as a memorial to the British Armed Forces. Green and peaceful it is very moving. The various monuments and commemorative plaques along with the wall of the fallen remind visitors what we owe our armed forces.
There is a cafe and a gift shop with plentiful parking. If you are in the area please go and spend a little time in rememberance.
There is a cafe and a gift shop with plentiful parking. If you are in the area please go and spend a little time in rememberance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Arboretum, do not turn up for a quick visit, it is impossible. 150 acres and so much to see, not all military, you can mix with others or seek solitude both are available. Research is also possible if you have 'some information', a sip, a unit a flight, anything that will give the volunteers something to go on. Currently there are also thing for children (den building and nature trail) there is so much to do and see, the land train is a must, but also consider a walk with a volunteer, from experience each volunteer has information of use to all regarding the Arboretum, but many will add their own research. The best advice has to be time though, you will return as one visit will not be enough!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Currently free to enter, this memorial commemorates the soldiers of the UK who have died in the various conflicts since the end of the second world war. The site is extensive with ample parking, and the "attractions" are developed continuously. It is a humbling experience to visit here, and there are numerous commemorative services throughout the year. There is a shop on site which sells souvenirs, together with cafe and toilet facilities. Up-to-date information can be found by visiting www.thenma.org.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With its stunning main memorial and surrounding woodland and river, this place is a beautiful place for a walks and contemplation, excellent facilities for tea, or a main meal, will make a good day out.
There is a car park charge.........
There is a car park charge.........
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great to share with my father who was quite emotional. Greatt ride on the tractor saved his walking which at 91 years old was very important. Excellent layout 7 so well tended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and myself visited for the first time having heard positive comments from friends who had been. We did not know quite what to expect, however we were impressed by the size and scope of the organisations and individual's represented. By providing a national focal point and the landscape of the site together with its central England position I am sure an ever increasing number people will come to see this national memorial arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't quite know what to expect but I found this visit the most thought provoking and memorable part of my holiday. After visiting the memorials and gardens I found my feelings had changed from regret to a sense of appreciation. If you haven't been put it in your diary.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Needed to buy a map and have a very good idea what to see. We started just wandering - up to the memory wall then over to the Falklands memorial. By then it was lunch time so we went for some food and drink, I bought the map, and planned what else we wanted to see. My wish was to find out more about my uncle who was buried in Rangoon cemetery. Helpful staff directed me to the area commemorating the war in Japan. The information on the POWs was deeply moving, but did confirm my uncle was not amongst them. I eventually found the monument to the Chindits in a lonely forgotten corner very appropriate for a forgotten operation and it confirmed my uncle was a Chindit. A lot of walking but some superb monuments make sure you visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens are fairly new so many of the trees are still fairly small but the area is well laid out with various sections. A large section (and probably the most elaborate) is the one dedicated to the Air Force. Other sections include the St John's Ambulance and the French Resistance. The highlight are the memorial walls with so many names inscribed - very moving.
There is ample car parking, a cafe and toilets as well as a shop.
An area for improvement would be to provide better signage to the different areas as trying to find a particular area can involve a lot of walking without signs.
There is ample car parking, a cafe and toilets as well as a shop.
An area for improvement would be to provide better signage to the different areas as trying to find a particular area can involve a lot of walking without signs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit as the last time we were there we bought a book after reading we realised we had missed so much.
This time we took the train round and as there was a commentary we learnt even more.
It is amazing the amount of thought that has gone into the planning and building and it is immaculately kept.
The only sad thing is the memorial wall has so many spaces lets hope they are never needed.
This time we took the train round and as there was a commentary we learnt even more.
It is amazing the amount of thought that has gone into the planning and building and it is immaculately kept.
The only sad thing is the memorial wall has so many spaces lets hope they are never needed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my grandma and grandad have a tree planted here in memory of them and we went to visit it. it had grown loads and was a lovely day and peaceful there. we had a walk round and looked at lots of the memorials which are breathtaking and stunning in design. a nice afternoon out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second time I have been to the arboretum and what a lovely day it was too. I took a party of elderly people and they had a wonderful time there. They went on the train at a cost of £4.50 which was worth it due to the really hot day. £3 to park your car there all day. The admission is free but they ask for a donation. If you like anything to do with the military or the like you wont go far wrong with visiting this wonderful attraction. Every conflict seems to have been honoured in some form and I could go on for hours. I really enjoyed this and I found the memorial for HMS HOOD which was sunk by the Bismark in the second world war. I will go back there again and I urge people to go and have a look round. You wont be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is a must visit for every body it makes you think about all the young men and women who stand up and fight for our country the central monument with all the names that have died since world war two, does make you stop and think about all the conflict there has been around the world in the last 70 years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fabulous day out,didn't know what to expect but wasn't disapionted.The morning started with a short service,last post,reveille and a welcome speech in the lovely chapel.We then went on a guided tour( on foot) the guide was excellent and this is a must as you learn lots of interesting facts of the varying parts of the Arboretum.We where part of a group booking our lunch was in a private room, the food was very good as was the service.Next onto the land tour nearly an hour on a train around many memorials,areas of natural beauty,the river and lots more,didn't want it to finish.There is plenty to see and be a part of,you can't do it justice in one day (especially when it is sunny!) The gift shop is like most other attractions shop,but like the restaurant,the charity shop and car park the monies go back to the Arboretum therefore didn't mind so much about the cost of the goods as its free to enter.Overall a humbling day out and we urge you to see for yourself ,makes you proud that for one day you where a part of it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were fortunate to be visiting the Arboretum on Armed Forces Day and my hubby being ex Army was delighted he was able to take part in a parade.The highlight of our day was being able to Shake hands with Seargent Johnson Beharry VC something we will probably never have an oppourtunity to do again.The Arboretum is a very special place to reflect on those who lost their lives fighting for their country it is a true Memorial and should be a must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was so overwhelming.There were so many ex servicemen displaying there medals and also in uniforms it brought a tear to the eye.It is well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA has developed tremendously over the past decade, and a beautiful Saturday in early July gave thousands an opportunity to enjoy a unique visitor experience. If present in the morning, the 1100hrs service, last post and reveille, followed by a welcome talk, in the chapel, is highly recommended. The restaurant is self service and usually busy; the food is of a high standard and not extortionately priced.
The land train, a 50 minute journey with good recorded commentary, round the entire 150 acre site is also recommended, at a cost of £4.50 per adult. The day of our visit was also the Royal Artillery day, with many veterans and their families on the site, plus a military band and many service personnel, and cadets; this enhanced the overall experience.
Unlike other reviewers, I felt under no pressure to make further contributions to the running costs of the NMA; my £3 parking charge, land train fare and profits on my lunch and refreshments more than covered the £6 anticipated contribution.
The £3 map of the site is certainly overpriced, and is disappointing. The memorials are not listed in any particular order, and it is not at all easy to use.
Overall the NMA is an excellent place to visit, and is highly recommended.
The land train, a 50 minute journey with good recorded commentary, round the entire 150 acre site is also recommended, at a cost of £4.50 per adult. The day of our visit was also the Royal Artillery day, with many veterans and their families on the site, plus a military band and many service personnel, and cadets; this enhanced the overall experience.
Unlike other reviewers, I felt under no pressure to make further contributions to the running costs of the NMA; my £3 parking charge, land train fare and profits on my lunch and refreshments more than covered the £6 anticipated contribution.
The £3 map of the site is certainly overpriced, and is disappointing. The memorials are not listed in any particular order, and it is not at all easy to use.
Overall the NMA is an excellent place to visit, and is highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is an inspirational place that is rightly becoming the centre of commemoration in this country. During a visit you are very likely to bump into serving personnel and veterans. The staff are very good indeed. There is a road train to give an idea of the main areas of the NMA, and there are golf buggies for those with access difficulties. EPV (scooters) are allowed on the site, but not into the café. Many of the memorials are across grass without paths, so wheelchairs or EPVs will have to cope. Suggested highlights
Armed Forces Memorial
Shot at Dawn memorial
Parachute Regiment Memorial
Merchant Navy Wood
Wild Flower meadow
Polish services memorial
WRNS memorial
Parking charge is £3 but entrance is free and is the main income to keep the place looking pristine. Café is now struggling with the numbers, so for a nicer experience go down the slope to the Big Bear and the first marquee is a tea room - quiet and lovely and most of what the main café offers.
Complete must for all and parents should take their kids at some stage before they leave home.
Armed Forces Memorial
Shot at Dawn memorial
Parachute Regiment Memorial
Merchant Navy Wood
Wild Flower meadow
Polish services memorial
WRNS memorial
Parking charge is £3 but entrance is free and is the main income to keep the place looking pristine. Café is now struggling with the numbers, so for a nicer experience go down the slope to the Big Bear and the first marquee is a tea room - quiet and lovely and most of what the main café offers.
Complete must for all and parents should take their kids at some stage before they leave home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
