National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
This is far more than either a collection of trees or a collection of headstones. The site is vast, and the once tiny trees are approaching maturity. The central feature of the Armed Forces Memorial does perhaps dominate the site a little to much, but as the trees around it continue to mature this sense may well fade. The range of smaller memorials is vast, from the Shot At Dawn memorial via the Polish Memorial to the RUC memorial, with new sites coming on line all the time. There is even a piece of the World Trade Center in the small memorial to New York firefighters.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving site. Visited with my father just before he died and was very affected by the Far East exhibition not least as he had served in India during WW2. Fascinating to see a real section of the Burma railway and even more interesting to learn that it was made and forged in the west midlands, shipped out, and has now found its resting place in the place of its birth. The monument to those servicemen and women who have lost their lives since the war is also very poignant. The sun also rises however, as the burgeoning trees demonstrates. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Me and my partner came here a few months back and didn't know quite what to expect. The place was very pleasantly laid out and was so emotional. The staff were very friendly and eager to answer any questions you have. It has so much information about different wars and eras. An excellent place commemorating some of the bravest people.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited for the dedication of our monument to the troops who lost their lives at Monte Cassino.It is beautifully laid out and vast,There a plaques everywhere so you can read about the people they are dedicated to. If you want to you can purchase artifical poppies to lay or light a candle in someones memory. The staff there are extremely helpful and friendly. you don't have to worry about walking , if like me your legs aren't what they were as they have little carriages to take you round. Although most people go to see a particular memorial I'm sure that they will end up looking at many others, It is not before time that we did something to honour those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The first memorial when you go in is for those who died in the Two Towers and it really hits home that this is not just for those who died in the 2 Great Wars but those who have died and continue to die in the service of their countries. I will certainly be going back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is a tranquility about this place and it is very moving to see all the names of the people killed in action. The grounds are immaculate.We have certainly honoured the dead here
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didnt quite know what to expect, but found it both interesting & emotional. Well worth a few hours on a nice day for young & old.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I along with loads of WI ladies ,and a few husbands, from the local branch visited today 24 May 2012,and though we had first visited last September during a coach holiday stop we really enjoyed the whole day.
This time we took a land train costing £4.50 which took us on a hours tour with every place visited explained via a very very informative recording.
One would need a command of English to benefit as no concesion for non english speaking visitors.
I noticed later on that a large number of mobility scooters were avaiIable parked by the main catering establishment.
One could leave the train and then visit an area and wait for the next one to return back to the entrance providing you had purchased a ticket or rather a paper wrist band.
Trains left every hour on the half hour.
This visit had most of the trees in fresh leaf and the Arboretum was busy but not over such.
Food and drink were of a good quality and a good price.
Entrance is free but visitors are encouraged to leave a donation to offset the thousands of pounds upkeep cost every week.
The only downside to visiting is the lasck of sign posts from the motorway,perhaps the local council could enhance this big disadvantage to getting more visitors.
Overall though if the weather is s good as today then it makes for a very enjoyable day out.
This time we took a land train costing £4.50 which took us on a hours tour with every place visited explained via a very very informative recording.
One would need a command of English to benefit as no concesion for non english speaking visitors.
I noticed later on that a large number of mobility scooters were avaiIable parked by the main catering establishment.
One could leave the train and then visit an area and wait for the next one to return back to the entrance providing you had purchased a ticket or rather a paper wrist band.
Trains left every hour on the half hour.
This visit had most of the trees in fresh leaf and the Arboretum was busy but not over such.
Food and drink were of a good quality and a good price.
Entrance is free but visitors are encouraged to leave a donation to offset the thousands of pounds upkeep cost every week.
The only downside to visiting is the lasck of sign posts from the motorway,perhaps the local council could enhance this big disadvantage to getting more visitors.
Overall though if the weather is s good as today then it makes for a very enjoyable day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I really wanted to see the changes to the RAF Halton Grove, as an ex Halton Apprentice, I wanted to see the changes that had been made. It was opened by Lord Trenchard's grandson Viscount Trenchard on the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Halto Apprenticeship scheme. We also wanted to see the "Red Paw" tribute our son was in the Vet. Corps, and served in N.I. Also my wife's mother was in the W.R.N.S. so we had to see the carving of the Jenny Wren. My Uncle was captured by the Japanese in Burma so we went to see the Burma Star tribute. The whole day was magnificent, with so much to see and do, walking in the woods commemorating boats and individuals from the Navy. The food and beverages were reasonably priced, especially the coffee stall from Australia. The Armed Forces Memorial is a must see experience, the public do not realise how many serving men and women have given their lives since W.W.2.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our entire extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles and children visited together on a recent sunny Sunday. The perfect place to stroll, enjoy natural beauty, and teach older children a bit about history. It's very touching to see families with veterans there as well. The main monument puts me very much in mind of parts of The Mall in Washington DC, with the huge obelisk and the curving walls that resemble the WWII memorial. Very emotional sculptures of soldiers in wartime at the main monument. Be sure to ask a docent for details on the sculptures; ours pointed out facts that I would certainly have missed. Very glad to have visited.
This is a lovely place, opened in 2007. Unfortunately, we did not get to cover all the grounds. I imagine you could go regularly for a long time before accomplishing that goal. As more continues to grow, it will only get better as an arboretum.
I think it is free, but a fee for parking. Well worth it. Nice gift shop, also a restaurant though we did not go there. There is a lot of walking and many steps up to the monument. Be sure to get assistance in advance if you need it.
This is a lovely place, opened in 2007. Unfortunately, we did not get to cover all the grounds. I imagine you could go regularly for a long time before accomplishing that goal. As more continues to grow, it will only get better as an arboretum.
I think it is free, but a fee for parking. Well worth it. Nice gift shop, also a restaurant though we did not go there. There is a lot of walking and many steps up to the monument. Be sure to get assistance in advance if you need it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This major memorial, attractively located in the flood plain between the Rivers Trent and Tame, is dedicated to the efforts and sacrifices made by many of the people of this nation, and others. There are large and small memorials for the post-WWII period for the armed services of the UK and for nations closely linked to the UK. There are, however, memorials for many civilian organisations and charities, including some for children, and the site thus provides a wonderful commemoration for all those who have served this nation and others. It should be an inspiration to all. The large area contains over 50,000 trees, which divide the site into large and small groves for individual group memorials. There is a small road train which tours the area, with a commentary on the various sites, and smaller buggies are also available. The area is almost entirely open to the elements, but there is an arrival building which provides shelter, refreshments and mementoes, with the mostly-voluntary staff being informative, friendly and helpful. The Memorial is open every day, except Xmas Day, and there is no charge for entry, although a small donation is requested for the use of the car parks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is still a work in progress - especially the planting of the trees and when it is mature it will be truly spectacular. At the moment you get the feeling it is not finished. Very busy on a weekday in May - mostly older people and veterans.
Entrance is free but parking costs £2. It is mostly outdoors and you should plan for poor weather - the self service restaurant was busy, but the food was good value. However there are many other eating options on the road into Lichfield.
Entrance is free but parking costs £2. It is mostly outdoors and you should plan for poor weather - the self service restaurant was busy, but the food was good value. However there are many other eating options on the road into Lichfield.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
beautiful and well worth the visit - you'll be in awe
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is nothing to dislike about here. We have had several visits and each time have come away feeling very contented and happy that we had been again. Just waiting to go again. Lovely place to walk about in, nice restaurant and church. Staff always very welcoming and happy to help.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited the NMA 7 times now and each time we have discovered more wonderful memorials.
This wonderful place isn't easy to find but is near Alrewas on the A38 7 miles south of Burton-on-Trent.
There is so much to see and it's the location of the National Memorial to all servicemen who have died in service since the second world war. It has an alter upon which the sun shines at 11am and the 11th day or the 11 month each year. Sadly the marble walls are filling up too fast.
The other areas contain, groves, grottos, individulal trees and seats dedicated to others who have died, not all in service but also small children, who were still born or died when very young.
Many organisations are represented, including my R.A.F. training school at Halton, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last saturday with a dedication and a fly past by a Hurricane from the R.A.F. Battle of Britain Flight.
If you haven't visited, please do so you will not be dissappointed.
This wonderful place isn't easy to find but is near Alrewas on the A38 7 miles south of Burton-on-Trent.
There is so much to see and it's the location of the National Memorial to all servicemen who have died in service since the second world war. It has an alter upon which the sun shines at 11am and the 11th day or the 11 month each year. Sadly the marble walls are filling up too fast.
The other areas contain, groves, grottos, individulal trees and seats dedicated to others who have died, not all in service but also small children, who were still born or died when very young.
Many organisations are represented, including my R.A.F. training school at Halton, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last saturday with a dedication and a fly past by a Hurricane from the R.A.F. Battle of Britain Flight.
If you haven't visited, please do so you will not be dissappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting place to visit. Larger than you might think from the outside.
Food is ok too.
Food is ok too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must for anyone who who wants to reflect on what conflict costs in lives. Setting can be bussy but there are many tranquil areas. The gaps for new names mon the maik wall makes you think of what future conflicts will mean in true terms.
wear warm clothes site can be windy.
Small Cafe/tea room.
A place everyone should vist once in their lifetime
wear warm clothes site can be windy.
Small Cafe/tea room.
A place everyone should vist once in their lifetime
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everything was amazing a truly majical experience. The memorial were very moving and wonderfully designed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place to think. reflect and remember.
There are lovely walks, trees, wildlife and places to sit.
Beautifully kept in prestige condition, a sad but lovely place to visit.
There are lovely walks, trees, wildlife and places to sit.
Beautifully kept in prestige condition, a sad but lovely place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Huge site, quite open until the trees become fully established. A very moving and humbling experience. You need plenty of time to do your visit justice
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As this is mainly in the open air it can be windy and cold particularly in winter but gives you a perspective of the bravery and sacrifice of our military and civilian forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well laid out site & really good interpretation. The memorial wall with all the names of the fallen is just so moving, as are many of the other commemorative items. Wonderful place to visit, makes you really think about what's important. Try and arrive in time for the 11am short service of rememberance. Good cafe for coffee and lunch. Well worth visiting, but the site is very cold and windswept, so choose a nice warm day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Arboretum in May 2011. Had a family member listed one a memorial in the Northern Ireland section of the park so was visiting to pay my respects but also looking forward to looking at all the other memorials.
The park and visitor centre is a nice, well kept bigger then what I had expected. Alot of people around but it didn't feel crowded. A very peaceful place with lots of small areas you can get away and sit down take it all in.
I don't have my own transport and found it annoying that the centre doesn't run a small shuttle or bus service to the larger towns/cities nearby even if it was for a small fee. As a tourist visiting without a car I don't know how you would get out to the parks location. Luckily I have family in the area and therefore relied on them.
Well worth a visit !
The park and visitor centre is a nice, well kept bigger then what I had expected. Alot of people around but it didn't feel crowded. A very peaceful place with lots of small areas you can get away and sit down take it all in.
I don't have my own transport and found it annoying that the centre doesn't run a small shuttle or bus service to the larger towns/cities nearby even if it was for a small fee. As a tourist visiting without a car I don't know how you would get out to the parks location. Luckily I have family in the area and therefore relied on them.
Well worth a visit !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
the whole place is so much bigger than I expected. For me the most moving part is looking at the blank walls and thinking that gradually that space will be filled with more names of those who have died, so many in what seems a pointless war.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my mother here, really not having much interest or expectation.
How wrong can you be, this place was very interesting, not sad but grand and respectful.
Full of interesting things, lovely people from the second you walk through the door.
Nice little cafe also.
My advice, don't keep driving past on the a38 as I did for years.... It's well worth a visit.
How wrong can you be, this place was very interesting, not sad but grand and respectful.
Full of interesting things, lovely people from the second you walk through the door.
Nice little cafe also.
My advice, don't keep driving past on the a38 as I did for years.... It's well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is not about sadness. Its a memorial to life and living and educates as well. The experience was moving. The staff there were informative,helpful and friendly. A visit is highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
