National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Its hard to describe this because of the reason its there but its a must. I can only call it serene, peaceful and totally respectful of the troops we have lost. God bless them all. R.I.P.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my friend there who had served as a nurse on the Falklands taskforce, so she had many memories. It is worthwhile trying to get there before 11am, so you can visit the Millenium Chapel when the last post and reveille are sounded, followed by a brief history of the instigation of the site. There are so many moving tributes, especially "Shot at Dawn" for the many soldiers in WW1 who were wrongly executed. It is a very sombre experience looking at the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial and seeing all the names of the fallen who have given their lives since WW2 so that we may live in freedom. All children should visit this site to understand the horrors of war and the sacrifices made.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
one of many visits for me.once a year we go to the arboretum to support UKCOPS at their service.also as a family we have been 3 times to spend the whole day.there are so many memorials to visit,it is quiet and beautiful and very moving.everyone should visit at least once in their life. Shot at Dawn is extremely moving. in fact the whole place is.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit by anyone. I have visited this Memorial arboretum numerous times and am very moved each and every time and also taken numerous friends too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent a beautiful day walking around the peaceful gardens with hundreds of memorials and stories of those who have lost their lives in pursuit of peace and freedom. There is a land train and a buggy ride (both payable) which take you around the extensive gardens telling the story of the arboretum. There is a relaxing lakeside area and a restaurant, tea rooms and a gift shop. It is a thought provoking reminder of the cost of freedom and it is well worth taking children to help them understand our military history. It is also a wonderful celebration of first class horticultural skills in tending a vast, perfectly nurtured and manicured garden which provides a fitting tribute for the families affects by loss and the public in general.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is a very moving place to visit - prepare to be moved! There is so much to see and learn that you need to set aside a whole day. Admission is free but there is a charge of £3 for parking. A visit entails a lot of walking as it is now a huge site. There is a land train with commentary or you can book a buggy in advance. Perhaps the most significant site is the Armed Forces Memorial, opened by the Queen, and contains the names of all the fallen since the 2nd World War. Also you will not fail to notice the blank walls on to which names are added every year into the future. I recommend a visit to the Chapel at 11am when the last post and reveille is sounded every day of the year. There is a good lunch menu in the Visitors Centre and a well stocked lunch. Very knowledgeable guides are available and donations are much welcomed. Not to be missed!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This site is developing rapidly and is a very good place to pay respects to all who have served to keep our country safe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
