Local Reviews
In April 2015, Lou M said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited for the first time on Easter Sunday not really knowing quite what to expect, was it a forest or a war memorial? Well, it's both, with the trees having significance to the memorials they are near to. We started the day with a short presentation in the chapel followed by a 2 minute silence at 11am, which happens every day. Our guide was very informative and told us how the site was conceived and developed and why all the staff have a £1 coin on them at all times! We then wandered around the site on our own, stopping for a pre-booked lunch in the restaurant, then had a buggy ride with another very knowledgeable guide who took us to the furthest reaches of the site which we might not have got to on foot. The whole thing is so well done. My only criticism is that there could be signage to advise you to stay in the park to access the Far East section, rather than crossing the car park only to find you can't get in that way and having quite a trek to get back. The site is also built on a flood plain so the grass areas can get very wet and muddy so would advise having wellies in the boot! Make the effort to visit the Shot At Dawn memorial, the most moving one on the site for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Marian Q said about National Memorial Arboretum
My husband and I visited the National Arboretum specifically to see the memorial to Japanese POWs, of which my late father- in- law was one.
We were bowled over by the extent, beauty and comprehensive nature of the arboretum. The British Legion,and all the supporters of the memorial have done a wonderful job of designing, furnishing and maintaining all the memorials - of which there are over 400.
We attended the daily Act of Remembrance at 11am which was very moving and then wandered round using the excellent map provided.
The facility relies on donations and is well worth supporting.
There is a coffee shop, restaurant - in outside tents - and the usual shop and facilities available.
For those who are not as nimble as they would like to be (how diplomatic is that?) there is a small train that does a 50 minute tour of the memorials, caddy carts that would carry up to 6 people, or individual electric chairs that can be used.
The staff - all volunteers - are wonderful. They are always on hand to offer information or assistance, and do so with great good humour and a ready smile.
They are currently undergoing a huge building project to erect a new Visitor Centre which will be 5 times bigger tan the current one.
We were thrilled by this visit and will return again in the future.
We were bowled over by the extent, beauty and comprehensive nature of the arboretum. The British Legion,and all the supporters of the memorial have done a wonderful job of designing, furnishing and maintaining all the memorials - of which there are over 400.
We attended the daily Act of Remembrance at 11am which was very moving and then wandered round using the excellent map provided.
The facility relies on donations and is well worth supporting.
There is a coffee shop, restaurant - in outside tents - and the usual shop and facilities available.
For those who are not as nimble as they would like to be (how diplomatic is that?) there is a small train that does a 50 minute tour of the memorials, caddy carts that would carry up to 6 people, or individual electric chairs that can be used.
The staff - all volunteers - are wonderful. They are always on hand to offer information or assistance, and do so with great good humour and a ready smile.
They are currently undergoing a huge building project to erect a new Visitor Centre which will be 5 times bigger tan the current one.
We were thrilled by this visit and will return again in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, Michael J W M said about National Memorial Arboretum
We always come to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas at least twice a year but especially for the Armistice Service in November. It is 150 acres of land with hundreds of Memorials to those who gave their lives for us, be they Military or Civilian.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2019, Iain W said about National Memorial Arboretum
Always wanted to visit the memorial and stayed overnight in Lichfield, just a few miles along the A38. Easy to find but beware of the gravel lorries hurtling around the sharp bends to the adjacent gravel pit. Pay and display is a very reasonable £3.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2019, Eva T said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited this place yesterday - the hottest day so far this year. It's absolutely amazing place! There's no way you can see all 350 memorials and read all plaques at the trees or names on tiles laid in the pavements. The place is HUGE. There are hundreds of benches to sit on in sun or shadow but you can bring your own picnic blanket and basket and enjoy it on the grass. You can bring your own food and drink but you can also buy it at very good café/restaurant. I think that everyone should visit it and it's not only for older generation but families with children too. As I have problem with my knee we reserved wheel chair about two weeks prior our visit which was excellent. The entry is free. What we realized was that we hardly saw birds and they would be very much needed there as many trees were heavily damaged by caterpillars - so please put bird nest boxes around. Also we haven't see rubbish bins but somehow it works - there was no rubbish at all (!!) on the grass and there were thousands and thousands of folks. I wonder why the people cannot take their rubbish home on other places as it happening here. We will definitely come back as we would like to see more. I can highly recommend to visit it - you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, Getaway113504 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I had visited here a couple of years ago but only saw memorials close to the centre as I had a limited time. This time I wanted to see all the memorials, but due to heavy rainfall the week before some of the paths and grass around the memorials were very waterlogged, but I had been warned about this by one of the volunteers, but I still managed to walk around for 3 to 4 hours. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and one lady was very interesting as she has been helping since before the site officially opened. I had to park in an overflow car park, but you never see crowds of people. The restaurant always has plenty of space too and the food 1s excellent value, just over £8 for a hot meal, which I needed on my visit.
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2023, Karen Mccaffrey said about National Memorial Arboretum
My mum and I had a lovely day here today. The thought and detail that has gone into every memorial is truly amazing. From who the memorial is for, to how it looks, what it's made from and the background as to why, and even why specific trees were chosen. These tributes give you time to reflect on just how many men, women and children have been involved in conflict and how so many have faced the ultmate sacrifice so we can have our freedom today. Especially poignant is the Shot at Dawn memorial in tribute to all those who have since been pardoned, placed in that particular spot as that is the first memorial to be lit by the rising sun each day, showing just how much thought goes into each tribute. I would highly recommend going on the train there. It lasts for 50 minutes and takes you around quite a lot of the memorials and has an audio describing everything you see. There are also buggy tours. There is also a gallery where you can read about the different wars over the years and a very good sized restaurant, offering drinks, cakes and meals as well as a coffee shop. There are plenty of toilets which are kept clean. There is also a gift shop. All the staff were so friendly and helpful and couldn't do enough for us. Thank you to all at the National Arboretum for all that you do to keep our heroes memories alive.
Source: google.com
In June 2022, Victoria Lemm said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited here May bank holiday with my son and his fiancée, we booked a 2pm slot, but only managed to cover a tiny fraction of the arboretum before it closed so we made a 2nd visit. The place is so calming and peaceful it's easy to spend a day there if the weather is nice. There is a restaurant and coffee shop, but also plenty of places to eat if you want to pack a picnic.<br>Well behaved dogs are welcome except on the wall memorial and in the restaurant.<br>There is a lot of walking involved if you wish to cover all the ground, but mobility scooters and golf buggies are available to hire for a fee. There is also a road train which leaves as frequent intervals I think it's about £6 per person. Dogs are not allowed on the train or golf buggies.<br>There is children play area and the stickman trail for children. We plan to take our 4 year old grandson next time so will post his verdict.<br>There is limited places to shelter if it rains and being open can be a bit cooler if it's windy, so be advised to dress accordingly.<br>Entry is free but there is a charge for parking which can be paid for on line in advance for a discounted price. The car park fees go back into the upkeep of the arboretum so it's still good value for money.
Source: google.com
In May 2022, Patricia Ramsey said about National Memorial Arboretum
A fantastic place to remember all the different forces, emergency servicesand civilian organisations - there are a lot more than you realise!<br>My sister, a friend and I started with tea and cake (of course) in the large, clean, well stocked and friendly cafe/ restaurant. Then we went to the gift shop, which is filled with memorabilia for young and old alike, whilst waiting for our time slot on the land rail.<br>The land rail, like old railway carriages was driven by a lovely friendly happy lady who we had a few laughs with . There was guided commentary from a prerecorded source, pointing out various monuments. Very informative and interesting.<br>For the rest of our day we walked around most of the 150 acres and saw many more memorials.<br>We also went into the Chapel (which is a lovely quiet place) for reflection<br><br>All the staff/guides, of which there are many, are very polite, approachable and helpful. They also are well informed as to where things are situated.<br>The Arboretum does not charge an entry fee, however there are boxes inside the building for those who would like to give a voluntary donation.<br>You do need to pay for the car park, a welcome bonus is that you can book to park for a reduced fee.
Source: google.com
In June 2012, Trevor W said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is a good day out for anyone who is interested in looking at a marvellous array of monuments and memorials dedicated to our lost relatives & friends etc whether it be Army, Royal Navy, Police, Wrens, RAF etc. You name it - there is a memorial for them.
Set in acres & acres of lovely grounds. There is a train which can take anyone round who does not fancy the amount of walking that is required. Nice river walk, A chapel & a couple of picnic areas...make it a good day out for most people - children are welcome, but personally I think they may become a little bored with all the walking. To see it all in one day - you would need at least 5-6 hours. We spent 3 hours there and only saw about a third of it.
There is a restaurant and a gift shop on site.
Please note...
It is free to enter the arboretum - but it is £3 to park your car. You can try and navigate the site without a map - but you do really need one. This costs £3. Guide books are £6 each.
If you use the mini train it will cost you £4.50 each - and you are asked to leave a donation, suggested £5 on exit. The gift shop is also very expensive.
We enjoyed the day - and will return at some stage to see the rest of it...but did not realise there would be so many 'add ons' - so be warned.
Set in acres & acres of lovely grounds. There is a train which can take anyone round who does not fancy the amount of walking that is required. Nice river walk, A chapel & a couple of picnic areas...make it a good day out for most people - children are welcome, but personally I think they may become a little bored with all the walking. To see it all in one day - you would need at least 5-6 hours. We spent 3 hours there and only saw about a third of it.
There is a restaurant and a gift shop on site.
Please note...
It is free to enter the arboretum - but it is £3 to park your car. You can try and navigate the site without a map - but you do really need one. This costs £3. Guide books are £6 each.
If you use the mini train it will cost you £4.50 each - and you are asked to leave a donation, suggested £5 on exit. The gift shop is also very expensive.
We enjoyed the day - and will return at some stage to see the rest of it...but did not realise there would be so many 'add ons' - so be warned.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk