National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
It was still under development when I visited but once the grounds and trees etc have matured it will be even better. The memorial is very tastefully done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Whilst staying with friends they took us here for an outing, and we had a very thoughtprovoking day. On arriving we bought the guidebook rather than the map, and were amazed at how big the place was! It is huge, and you need a good 3 or 4 hours to get round it all, we didn't sadly. The main memorial on the mound is very humbling, and it was great to see staff up there to quietly explain any questions we had, they were all very knowledgeable. The different memorials, styles and approaches around the site were very interesting, and we spent a long time in the FEPOW building, which was really fascinating. The one thing to consider when visiting is the weather, it is an outdoor site, and the day we went it was horrendously windy and showery, not the best weather for sure. The trees themselves are obviously still very small, so not much protection around the site from the elements, we probably would have stayed longer had we come on a better day. As a result though, we also ended up eating in the restaurant to get a bit of shelter, which was a plus, as the food was fantastic! Entrance to the site is free, but you do have to pay for parking and the guide/map (one of which you will need).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The minute you step into the grounds you start to feel "at peace". You begin to realise what so many gave up for us. The memorials are fitting tributes and the grounds are laid out beautifully. Every one ought to make at least one visit to the Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A visit to the arboretum is a must the staff are helpful and if you require specific information about the site or a particular section they will gladly oblige. The whole place is a tribute to all those men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very fitting memorial to our armed services. I have made four visits in total and each time have found the time spent there informative, thought provoking and very moving. There are good facilities on site - shop, cafe, etc all accessible to the elderly and less mobile.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a permenant memorial to all those who have lost their lives in service of this country, it is an emotional day out which leaves you in awe of what people of this country have done to keep us free - please visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were keen to visit the Arboretum as we have seen it ofteen on television. The whole place is so impressive with so much to see. We could only spend a couple of hours which was far too little. You need a whole day to do the place justice. There is so much to see and absorb. I found it so amazing how many service personnel had lost their lives since the end of the Second World War. I would recommend that everyone should take time to visit this place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very moving place and well worth giving a day to
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow, what a great job they have done on this place, unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time here, you could spend the whole day wandering around the numerous statues/monuments. Plenty of history here, just amazing. Hope to visit it again one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the National Memorial Arboretum on November 12th this year. It seems inappropriate to review a place like this. I would feel more comfortable simply describing the experience to help others who may visit. The first point to make is about the scale of the place. It is very large, over 150 acres, with over 200 memorials and over 15,000 trees, so we would advise comfortable footwear. There is an overwhelming sense of respect and care about the site and the people who work there. The level of sensitivity which clearly went into the planning and execution is evident everywhere. The Armed Forces Memorial is given pride of place and is, in my view, the most wonderfully realised memorial I've ever seen, including Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. The siting of the memorial is inspired, with gaps in the walls to let the light come through precisely at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh Month, slanting in across the central memorial. There are too many powerfully moving and splendid memorials to mention. If you have any interest in the sacrifices made, you will come to this place. It is very personal for us as our son is about to go out to Afghanistan for his 5th Tour of Duty.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A huge 150 acre site with a central memorial, which was opened last year and has the names of 16,000 members of the armed forces who have died in the service of their country since 1945. Sadly the list will get bigger as time goes on.
The rest of the site is well laid out and visitors would find a map (available from the entrance shop) very useful as there are over 150 memorials to visit. The armed services memorial (centrpiece) is built in such a way that on 11 November every year a shaft of sunlight (weather permitting) falls across the centrpiece where wreaths are laid. Amongst the memorials is one to Simon the ships cat from HMS Amethyst, which took part in the yangtse incident in 1949.
A poignant memorial is the "Shot at Dawn" which is tucked away at the far end of the gardens and comprises of a series of poles each of which represents one of the 306 soldiers executed for "Cowardice" in WW1. The memorial portrays a young British soldier blindfolded and tied to a stake ready to be shot by a firing squad. The memorial was modelled on the likeness of 17-year-old Private Herbert Burden, who lied about his age to enlist in the armed forces and was later shot for desertion. It is surrounded by a semicircle of stakes on which are listed the names of every soldier executed in this fashion.
Far too much to say about a truly magnificent place to visit. It is a bit off the beaten track but taxis run from Litchfield station. a journey costa around £10.00
Well worth a visit and highly praised by those in our party.
The rest of the site is well laid out and visitors would find a map (available from the entrance shop) very useful as there are over 150 memorials to visit. The armed services memorial (centrpiece) is built in such a way that on 11 November every year a shaft of sunlight (weather permitting) falls across the centrpiece where wreaths are laid. Amongst the memorials is one to Simon the ships cat from HMS Amethyst, which took part in the yangtse incident in 1949.
A poignant memorial is the "Shot at Dawn" which is tucked away at the far end of the gardens and comprises of a series of poles each of which represents one of the 306 soldiers executed for "Cowardice" in WW1. The memorial portrays a young British soldier blindfolded and tied to a stake ready to be shot by a firing squad. The memorial was modelled on the likeness of 17-year-old Private Herbert Burden, who lied about his age to enlist in the armed forces and was later shot for desertion. It is surrounded by a semicircle of stakes on which are listed the names of every soldier executed in this fashion.
Far too much to say about a truly magnificent place to visit. It is a bit off the beaten track but taxis run from Litchfield station. a journey costa around £10.00
Well worth a visit and highly praised by those in our party.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended with our children ages 9 and 6. We did not pay an admission fee on this day. To see so many on such a day, made me so proud to be there remembering so many with memorials here. A new parking meadow was used this year with walking only five minutes away and a donation was the parking fee. Great idea! We arrived at 9:45 am for the 10:30 start time of the service. Very busy but orderly. Tickets for seating in the central memorial are very limited - you must apply months in advance to even be considered for such an honor. To accommodate the amount of people who attend, a big screen tv (the length of a tractor trailor) is outside where there are chairs arranged for more people to sit and watch the service on-going inside the circular perimeter of the central memorial. Programs were given to all who attended. The staff and volunteers of the National Memorial Arboretum were very kind and helpful. Very moving and highly recommend it. For restaurants (as the cafe was very busy), go to Lichfield which has many nice choices and parking lots close to town centre (just a 10 minute drive away).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back from a visit to the Arboretum, and what a wonderful visit it was. Shame the weather was so cold!!!
Set in 150 acres all the memorials are set in different coloured zones. The best way to find your way around is to buy a map. They cost £3.50 but the guidebook is a better option at £6.50, as you get a map, and a description of all the memorials. Parking was £3, but it is all day. There is a land train which costs £2.50 per person.
In the centre is a large memorial, engraved with every military persons name, who has lost their life since the second world war, it is very humbling to see. The view from the top of here is breathtaking.
It isn't just for military, we came across the SANDS memorial garden, which was very peaceful.
There is a gift shop and a cafe with loads of places to picnic in the summer. The volunteers we came into contact with were very helpful.
We had a fantastic time, but really you need a full day to appreciate this place, we were here for 3 hours max, as it was so cold, but we shall return in Summer 2012.
Set in 150 acres all the memorials are set in different coloured zones. The best way to find your way around is to buy a map. They cost £3.50 but the guidebook is a better option at £6.50, as you get a map, and a description of all the memorials. Parking was £3, but it is all day. There is a land train which costs £2.50 per person.
In the centre is a large memorial, engraved with every military persons name, who has lost their life since the second world war, it is very humbling to see. The view from the top of here is breathtaking.
It isn't just for military, we came across the SANDS memorial garden, which was very peaceful.
There is a gift shop and a cafe with loads of places to picnic in the summer. The volunteers we came into contact with were very helpful.
We had a fantastic time, but really you need a full day to appreciate this place, we were here for 3 hours max, as it was so cold, but we shall return in Summer 2012.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To be able to give personal thanks to our fallen and for our free country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although we only live a 25 minute drive away, this was our first visit to the National Memorial Arboretum and we are so glad to have finally made the first of what will, hopefully, be the first of many.
The easily accessible 150 acre site, which is situated conveniently just off the A38 and can be reached by local bus services, has a large car park which is really the only thing you HAVE to pay for. £3 will cover the all day fee (from December through till end of March £1.50...I think) and is excellent value.
The visitor centre is warm and welcoming and caters for all. A modern building, serving a lovely hot lunch time menu (greatfully appreciated by us both) and all the information about the Memorial can be bought there also. Displays of photographs and paintings are on view and the staff are extremely kind and helpful. There is also a gift shop that you have to go through on your way to the exit and a donation box as you actually go out.
The site is really quite huge and on a first visit it is jaw dropping. With over 200 memorials and 50,000 trees to walk round it would probably be beneficial if you could time your arrival as early as possible. We arrived just before lunch not realising the enormity of the site but will time forthcoming visits a little better.
Visiting the memorials will always have differenf effects on whoever you are and the experiences and memories you bring with you. We had no specific agenda, just to come and pay our respects, but it was plain to see the pain and grief of others. It is indeed a sombre and poignant place - "Shot at Dawn" - in particular was heart-rending.
Our next visit will coincide with some warmer weather (hopefully) so we can avail ourselves with one of the hundreds of donated seats dotted across the whole site to have a picnic on and to pay our respects at the memorials we didn't have time to visit this time.
A very special place indeed.
The easily accessible 150 acre site, which is situated conveniently just off the A38 and can be reached by local bus services, has a large car park which is really the only thing you HAVE to pay for. £3 will cover the all day fee (from December through till end of March £1.50...I think) and is excellent value.
The visitor centre is warm and welcoming and caters for all. A modern building, serving a lovely hot lunch time menu (greatfully appreciated by us both) and all the information about the Memorial can be bought there also. Displays of photographs and paintings are on view and the staff are extremely kind and helpful. There is also a gift shop that you have to go through on your way to the exit and a donation box as you actually go out.
The site is really quite huge and on a first visit it is jaw dropping. With over 200 memorials and 50,000 trees to walk round it would probably be beneficial if you could time your arrival as early as possible. We arrived just before lunch not realising the enormity of the site but will time forthcoming visits a little better.
Visiting the memorials will always have differenf effects on whoever you are and the experiences and memories you bring with you. We had no specific agenda, just to come and pay our respects, but it was plain to see the pain and grief of others. It is indeed a sombre and poignant place - "Shot at Dawn" - in particular was heart-rending.
Our next visit will coincide with some warmer weather (hopefully) so we can avail ourselves with one of the hundreds of donated seats dotted across the whole site to have a picnic on and to pay our respects at the memorials we didn't have time to visit this time.
A very special place indeed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas near Lichfield is a place I often visit, not only to visit my Father's tree which I sponsored some years ago, but to take in the tranquility and the beauty of the whole site.
Now that the gravel place has been placed round the perimeter of the site, visitors can enjoy the walk round there even more, no matter what the weather, and gives access to many of the gardens and groves, which are beautifully maintained by the staff and volunteers.
This is not a place for sadness, but a beautiful site for remembering the incredible sacrifice and courage of our armed forces who have lost their life on our behalf. The NMA also remembers those brave police and fire officers who have given their lives protecting us. Throughout the arboretum there are many groves and gardens dedicated to so many groups and causes which is really wonderful and uplifting.
It is always a great pleasure to see veterans, their families and friends visiting, and for those with limited mobility there are electric scooters and a land train for use.
The restaurant and cafe serves great food and snacks and well worth visiting, and don't forget to browse through the shop on the way out for souveniers of your visit.
The NMA is a wonderful day out and one where everyone should visit.
Now that the gravel place has been placed round the perimeter of the site, visitors can enjoy the walk round there even more, no matter what the weather, and gives access to many of the gardens and groves, which are beautifully maintained by the staff and volunteers.
This is not a place for sadness, but a beautiful site for remembering the incredible sacrifice and courage of our armed forces who have lost their life on our behalf. The NMA also remembers those brave police and fire officers who have given their lives protecting us. Throughout the arboretum there are many groves and gardens dedicated to so many groups and causes which is really wonderful and uplifting.
It is always a great pleasure to see veterans, their families and friends visiting, and for those with limited mobility there are electric scooters and a land train for use.
The restaurant and cafe serves great food and snacks and well worth visiting, and don't forget to browse through the shop on the way out for souveniers of your visit.
The NMA is a wonderful day out and one where everyone should visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such lovely surrounds.
Made the mistake of taking the dog, as only the edge of one part available to walk. I understand why, but we pick up. Unlike some. Anyway......
Having stowed the dog, we wandered in quiet reflection and got to feel the place. Peace and reflection in quiet. Such a lively but sad place. Lots to read and understand and makes one appreciate what the service personell do for YOU.
Thank you for a lovely visit.
Cafe available, shop and acres if grounds. You must go.
Made the mistake of taking the dog, as only the edge of one part available to walk. I understand why, but we pick up. Unlike some. Anyway......
Having stowed the dog, we wandered in quiet reflection and got to feel the place. Peace and reflection in quiet. Such a lively but sad place. Lots to read and understand and makes one appreciate what the service personell do for YOU.
Thank you for a lovely visit.
Cafe available, shop and acres if grounds. You must go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The moving memorials surrounded rounded by beautifly kept grounds are lovely on a sunny day and also provide a chance for a great walk around. The trees however would be far better in 20 years time when they are more mature, although they do provide some great photography opportunities, especially in the autumn when the leaves are just start.ing to turn
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had no idea how big the site was and in the time we had available (about 3 hours) we only covered a fraction of what there was to see. It is so very beautiful. We found the tributes to the three Isle of Man Steam Packet vessels which went down at Dunkirk which is what we were looking for but in the process we found so much more. It is very moving and well worth a visit.
There is a £3 charge for the car park and that is all unless you buy a map or guide book and/ or give a donation.The cafe is excellent and all the staff are friendly and informative.
We were lucky that the weather was so beautiful so we could wander round looking at all the memorials. This marvellous place is well worth a visit, in fact many visits.
Thank you to all who look after it so well.
There is a £3 charge for the car park and that is all unless you buy a map or guide book and/ or give a donation.The cafe is excellent and all the staff are friendly and informative.
We were lucky that the weather was so beautiful so we could wander round looking at all the memorials. This marvellous place is well worth a visit, in fact many visits.
Thank you to all who look after it so well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the NMA for on a beautifully sunny autumn day. there was something poetic about the colours of the trees in the light and the tranquillity. We were particularly interested in the memorial to the Polish Combatants in exile from WWII and we were not disappointed - its beautifully crafted, informative and have an air of solidity and honour about it. There are many memorials to see and you need to allow yourself plenty of time order to really be able to take it all in and reflect. The guides were wonderfully helpful and sincere. We bought some lovely pieces in the shop. This is a place that is really worth visiting and supporting as it silently yet eloquently drives home the true pity of war.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not sure how to describe a place that brings tears to your eyes to think of all the lives given in the service of their country, but it is quietly beautiful and well worth a visit but bring tissues!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Anyone who appreciates the Armed forces should visit just once at least to see how well the valiant lost ones are remembered and not forgotten.
It is so peaceful and facilities are excellent for visitors.
When visiting the walls ask the guides to explain about the hole in one wall which on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month allows the sun (if shining) to penetrate its beams to light up a powerful thought provoking statue and the explanation of the meaning of the other statues on the other side which implies those who are dead have gone to a better world.
It is so peaceful and facilities are excellent for visitors.
When visiting the walls ask the guides to explain about the hole in one wall which on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month allows the sun (if shining) to penetrate its beams to light up a powerful thought provoking statue and the explanation of the meaning of the other statues on the other side which implies those who are dead have gone to a better world.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Car park is free however donations welcome.
Lovely cafe and friendly staff worth a visit and great sights!
Lovely cafe and friendly staff worth a visit and great sights!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a Saturday lunch time and when we arrived the car park was extremely full and chaotic. However after finding a space and paying a very modest £3 to park, we entered the Arboretum (free admission; donations welcomed) and had a really tasty, reasonably priced lunch. The staff were very helpful and so pleasant; nothing was too much trouble.
As we had no particular memorial in mind to visit, we took the little road train and were so glad we had; it provided a very interesting insight and was a thoroughly enjoyable if somewhat sobering tour covering a large area of the grounds.
Although the car park and entrance area were extremely busy, once in the grounds it was very tranquil and calm. The church is well worth a visit and the guide book was very informative and absorbing.
Time flew by when we were there and we were glad we had plenty of time as with so much to see, a quick visit is unlikely to be very fruitful.
A fascinating experience and we will probably return in a couple of years to see how the grounds and trees have matured.
As we had no particular memorial in mind to visit, we took the little road train and were so glad we had; it provided a very interesting insight and was a thoroughly enjoyable if somewhat sobering tour covering a large area of the grounds.
Although the car park and entrance area were extremely busy, once in the grounds it was very tranquil and calm. The church is well worth a visit and the guide book was very informative and absorbing.
Time flew by when we were there and we were glad we had plenty of time as with so much to see, a quick visit is unlikely to be very fruitful.
A fascinating experience and we will probably return in a couple of years to see how the grounds and trees have matured.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a Saturday lunch time and when we arrived the car park was extremely full and chaotic. However after finding a space and paying a very modest £3 to park, we entered the Arboretum (free admission; donations welcomed) and had a really tasty, reasonably priced lunch. The staff were very helpful and so pleasant; nothing was too much trouble.
As we had no particular memorial in mind to visit, we took the little road train and were so glad we had; it provided a very interesting insight and was a thoroughly enjoyable if somewhat sobering tour covering a large area of the grounds.
Although the car park and entrance area were extremely busy, once in the grounds it was very tranquil and calm. The church is well worth a visit and the guide book was very informative and absorbing.
Time flew by when we were there and we were glad we had plenty of time as with so much to see, a quick visit is unlikely to be very fruitful.
A fascinating experience and we will probably return in a couple of years to see how the grounds and trees have matured.
As we had no particular memorial in mind to visit, we took the little road train and were so glad we had; it provided a very interesting insight and was a thoroughly enjoyable if somewhat sobering tour covering a large area of the grounds.
Although the car park and entrance area were extremely busy, once in the grounds it was very tranquil and calm. The church is well worth a visit and the guide book was very informative and absorbing.
Time flew by when we were there and we were glad we had plenty of time as with so much to see, a quick visit is unlikely to be very fruitful.
A fascinating experience and we will probably return in a couple of years to see how the grounds and trees have matured.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
