National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Beautiful, thought provoking, at times upsetting but so well worth a visit. It is very well run with a lot of thought going into the facilities and the future development of the site. It was very well attended by old and young alike.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place that has to be viewed with good walking shoes and loads of time. If you go with the idea of just looking at one or two specific areas forget it. Once you have visited the specific areas you came for, it is almost impossible to leave without carrying on and on and on. The memorials hold your attention and keep on doing just that. If you have an interest in visiting the arboretum, then it is very likely you will not leave for hours. You will be walking along then see something that takes you off your planned route, then you see something else, and something else and on the day goes. There is a small "train" which can take visitors on a guided tour of the arboretum for a small charge, otherwise access to this whole place is totally free, but donations can be made to help the upkeep of this fantastic memoral to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in the service of their country. There are also other memorials too, poignant ones which you should see for yourself. Highly recommended. If you arrive before 11 am on any day you will be able to take part in the two minute silence in memory for all those who should never be forgotten.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit if you are in the area. There is much more to see than I had imagined. The site is well laid out and easily walkable. The Memorial to the Prisoners of the Far East is very well done, interesting and moving. The main memorial on the hill with its beautiful sculptures is both stunning and incredibly sad. There are several places outside where you can eat a packed lunch, but there is also a cafe and a coffee stand. The walk by the river is lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Much more than we expected. Had seen the main memorial wall on the TV but it is much more than that. There are memorials to every service you can think of and it is set in lovely grounds. You must do the train that takes you round as the commentary gives so much information. The cafe/restaurant is excellent and reasonably priced.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must for old and young mobility scooters available for us that are unable to walk and explore the many sights not to be missed in your lifetime for old and young alike
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
a fantastic place for reflection. Lots to see and many differing memorials. The church service at 11am was particularly poignant. A place to visit often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You will need more than one day at this arboretum, the RBL are constantly updating and adding to the site and it is an amazing place. Don't forget your tissues.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the Arboretum a number of times and each time i learn something new. Anybody with connections to the military past or present must visit here. The grounds are very large so prepare for a good walk around all the various memorial areas. This is a beautiful place and a fitting testament to our Armed Forces. I`m no softie but i admit to having a lump in my throat on occasion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very Moving place.Very interesting, and plenty of spaces to browse around.Not a lot of shade when very hot, was my only concern.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with family members to have a look around. Very impressed with the beautiful surroundings and the memorials that have been built there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited here many many times and still like walking around and seeing how it is growing. It is not just the trees that are growing, it is the memorials and features, which makes no two visits the same. The entrance, shop and restaurant all give value for money and the chapel and exhibits will interest even the most sceptical. As for the main memorial, I go to see names of those that I have known.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Many people don't know about the Arboretum at Alrewas, but it really is a wonderful space with myriad tributes in a lage open area for our Armed Forces, right through to children's charities. I'm fortunate to live nearby, and visit many times through the year. It is constantly evolving, and will grow and develop through the years to be a continuing focal point for rememberence for our country.
I won't pick any specifics, because everyone comes with their own focus, but rest assured that this is a great setting for reflection.
I won't pick any specifics, because everyone comes with their own focus, but rest assured that this is a great setting for reflection.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
what a beautiful memorial. I had a lump in my throat as there are more names being added all the time. You must visit. There are memorials for everyone not only in the forces but ordinary people too. Atruly mind boggling experience. It also has a little train to go round too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife went here to commemorate the unveiling of the Paratroopers monument a couple of months back and it was awful weather and she wanted to visit it in better weather and I have wanted to visit it since it opened but never found the time to make the trip.
I am lucky (if that’s the right word) and only personally know one person who is one the wall of remembrance, my mate "Shep" - RIP mate, never forgotten.
Anyway, we went along on sat 15 Sep 12, weather was warm and sunny. Well, I was totally amazed, I didn't know what to expect, but what greeted me was a beautifully crafted and maintained "garden" (slowly becoming a forest) of remembrance, it was so peaceful and poignant.
There are memorials to nearly every conceivable outfit/organisation who have lost comrades since WWI.
Even if you don’t know anyone who has given their life for “our today”, you (young and old) must make the pilgrimage to marvel at this wondrous dedication to those 10’s of thousands who gave their lives for us.
There is a cafe, but you can and I recommend, taking a picnic as there are lots of places to sit, eat and ponder.
Enjoy and say a prayer for the fallen.
I am lucky (if that’s the right word) and only personally know one person who is one the wall of remembrance, my mate "Shep" - RIP mate, never forgotten.
Anyway, we went along on sat 15 Sep 12, weather was warm and sunny. Well, I was totally amazed, I didn't know what to expect, but what greeted me was a beautifully crafted and maintained "garden" (slowly becoming a forest) of remembrance, it was so peaceful and poignant.
There are memorials to nearly every conceivable outfit/organisation who have lost comrades since WWI.
Even if you don’t know anyone who has given their life for “our today”, you (young and old) must make the pilgrimage to marvel at this wondrous dedication to those 10’s of thousands who gave their lives for us.
There is a cafe, but you can and I recommend, taking a picnic as there are lots of places to sit, eat and ponder.
Enjoy and say a prayer for the fallen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took the hour ride which has an excellent commentary.
You can spend hours wandering around reading the plaques.
It is beautifully laid out.
Had a very good tea for £7. Sandwiches, scone & cake.
You can spend hours wandering around reading the plaques.
It is beautifully laid out.
Had a very good tea for £7. Sandwiches, scone & cake.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should visit here. Shuch an incredible place. Really brings it home to you, on the main memorial with all the names of those who have lost their lives. Then blank space - lets hope this is not filled.
Wonderfull gardens, We had a ride on the road train, well worth doing as you could be there days trying to take in everything.
Wonderfull gardens, We had a ride on the road train, well worth doing as you could be there days trying to take in everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently paid a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum on a beautiful warm sunny day, my second visit to this amazing place, my first visit was two years ago and I was very surprised to see how many new memorials have been added since my first visit. I took a trip on the land train this time, as this is a good way to see most of the memorials and to learn more about each individual memorial, well worth the 4.50 for the ticket. There are many memorials to our armed forces, but many others to organisations who have done so much good work tthroughout our country, so all in all something to interest most visitors. There is a very good restaurant on site with very reasonably priced food and a gift shop well stocked with interesting merchandise. If you are intending to visit the Arboretum, please allow a full day to make sure that you see all that it has to offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum today on a gorgous sunny day.Was our first visit and Definatley won't be our last.Beautifully set out grounds,lovely helpful staff and lots to do.wasn't prepared for the affect would have on e but that's a different story.take a tissue or two.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been here a few times. It covers a large area and can't all be seen properly in one day so allow plenty of time and wear good walking shoes! If you are going for a particular memorial then ask the staff. They are mostly volunteers but are very knowledgeable and so willing to help it's refreshing! There are mobility aids to hire so you can get around even if disabled, but book in advance as they are very popular. Although entry is free, the car park costs £3 for the day, and maps and things cost, but every penny stays in the Arboretum so shouldn't be a problem. The refreshments are good, with a reasonable choice of meals and drinks in the restaurant as well as more from facilities outside the visitor centre, which, btw, is scheduled for a rebuild to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
It is an oasis of peace and quiet and although it can be argued that everyone should visit because of what it stands for militarily, it should be remembered that it is a National Memorial, not just a military one, so there are many civilian memorials as well. It is a very poignant place to be and can be a little disturbing, especially the Far East memorial, and, in its way, the large empty space on the Military Memorial awaiting the names of those yet to die in our name for our freedom!!
It's open every day except Christmas Day and there is an Act of Remembrance every day in the Millennium Chapel at 1100hrs incorporating Last Post, silence and Reveille. You certainly don't have to be religious to attend and appreciate this.
So, if you have half a mind to visit this lovely place change that to a determination, and go. You won't regret it.
It is an oasis of peace and quiet and although it can be argued that everyone should visit because of what it stands for militarily, it should be remembered that it is a National Memorial, not just a military one, so there are many civilian memorials as well. It is a very poignant place to be and can be a little disturbing, especially the Far East memorial, and, in its way, the large empty space on the Military Memorial awaiting the names of those yet to die in our name for our freedom!!
It's open every day except Christmas Day and there is an Act of Remembrance every day in the Millennium Chapel at 1100hrs incorporating Last Post, silence and Reveille. You certainly don't have to be religious to attend and appreciate this.
So, if you have half a mind to visit this lovely place change that to a determination, and go. You won't regret it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Peaceful, excellent to reflect and remember.
Good parking - good restaurant, important to remember those who have given their lives for us.
Good parking - good restaurant, important to remember those who have given their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is hard to do justice to this place. It is superb and really should be described as "unique". On a first visit the trip on the guided tour is HIGHLY recommended. If you are in the area DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can stroll at leisure through acres of well planted grounds, and study at leisure the moving monuments and tributes to both military and civilian organisations, as well as individuals.
If you have mobility difficulties or a tight shedule, regular 'train' tours are available, in addition to both manual and powered wheelchairs.
Areasonable cafe, though not well prepared for the numbers on the day we visited.
Very helpful and informative guides.
If you have mobility difficulties or a tight shedule, regular 'train' tours are available, in addition to both manual and powered wheelchairs.
Areasonable cafe, though not well prepared for the numbers on the day we visited.
Very helpful and informative guides.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The setting, grounds, memorials and experience is beautiful and a fitting tribute to those brave individuals who have given more than anyone ever should and paid with thier lives. This is a place for family, friends and anyone who would like to pay thier respects to our brave enforcers and protectors. Brought me to tears in my own space, wonderfull tribute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a reasonably young Services Veteran (45), I've visited the NMA many times and always find it to be the most tranquil and fitting tribute to the fallen you could imagine.
Stunning memorials and beautiful surroundings - Charlie and his team maintain the site as well as anyone possibly could.
Stunning memorials and beautiful surroundings - Charlie and his team maintain the site as well as anyone possibly could.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an enjoyable 2-3 hour visit, great education for kids and adults. The grounds are kept well and the memorials are unique. A really nice Cafe and gift shop, talks at selected times, enjoyed my visit and highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
