National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. With 150 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens to explore and over 400 unique memorials to see, you're sure to be fascinated by our many memorials and the amazing stories and symbolism behind them. Entry is free. To help you make the most of your visit; guided walks, tours and trails, learning activities, exhibitions, a restaurant and a gift shop are also available.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • mrmrsm01
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting & moving site
    We enjoyed a very moving visit. The site is vast- much bigger than I had imagined. The volunteers are extremely helpful. We were advised to take the land train as we were first time visitors and it was the best way to see the various monuments. It was excellent advice. I would definitely recommend a visit
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 March 2023
  • grahampk73
    Kidderminster, United Kingdom66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thought provoking
    It’s always a emotional visit looking at the numerous memorials that increase in number every time I visit. It’s easy to walk around and navigate. It’s free but pay for parking which is expected as it’s free to visit. Nice restaurant and enjoyed the food. Well worth the visit
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 April 2023
  • The Wellbeing Gamer
    Cannock, United Kingdom852 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Bug event
    We visited on the morning of the coronation and it was excellent. We brought our 2 young boys for the special bug event running and we really were not disappointed. The entire activity was truly brilliant. Well done to all those involved.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 9 May 2023
  • Hazel J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The sound quality of the commentary in the train is excellent.
    A really lovely day out. Very moving in places. A relaxed and calm place to be in. Staff were very helpful. As a person who is hard of hearing, I was extremely delighted when listening to the commentary on the train that took us around the grounds, the sound quality that came over the speakers was very clear and even with hearing aids it was easy to understand. Thank you for that. The train staff were also quite entertaining and good fun.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 May 2023
  • Sheila R
    London, United Kingdom111 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Astounding Arboretum
    What a wonderful day out! We spent 5 hours at the Arboretum and still didn't see everything. However, with the help of the charming guides we found the memorials that meant the most to me eg the Royal Engineers (for my father) and RAF (for my cousin). There is the most marvellous memorial to all the horses who died in WWI and in other battles. The whole Arboretum is moving, especially Shot at Dawn for those who were deemed deserters or cowards, interesting and educational. It is so well cared for. Words can't express how wonderful it is. We met a teacher with school kids and she told us how much they had enjoyed their day out. So encouraging!
    Visited May 2023
    Written 23 May 2023
  • CM50
    London, United Kingdom144 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a wonderful, well designed and beautiful space
    My visit here was the highlight of my week’s holiday. An interesting history, a beautiful and well designed space , inside and out. Lovely planting. So many details have been thought through and it’s very accessible for those with mobility challenges. Wonderful sculptural memorials, bringing together contributions from other nations in support, peace and reconciliation. The memorials are not just for military, for example the charity SANDS has a memorial garden. There is also a conference centre where it seems many groups come together to remember. The staff and volunteers are so helpful and the cafe is good too, with indoor and outdoor seating. Dogs are allowed in most of the outdoor spaces. You need at least half a day and then you won’t see it all! It’s free to go in, but parking is £6 or £4 booked in advance. It’s only been open about 22 years .Overall I cannot praise this highly enough. I was happy to make a donation.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2023
  • lhamilton1995
    Livingston, United Kingdom57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible
    Absolutely wonderful place with the most beautiful scenery and memorials. It's very reminiscent of Arlington cemetery which was always a place that stuck with me after visiting there. Was anxious about going with young kids, but they have very cleverly built 2 trails into the site, one free (stickman) and one paid (only 2.50 to do a bug trail with a prize at the end). They way they have laid the trails out mean that the adults get to see all of the main memorials, but are engaging enought to keep the kids entertained. We came here hoping to pass a morning and left at 4.30pm! Definitely recommended.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 June 2023
  • LordCapel
    South Wales, United Kingdom187 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    RAPC Dedication Ceremony.
    Attended here for the unveiling of the Royal Army Pay Corps statue. A wonderful arboretum with many memorials to view. Easy to get to with large car parks, good facilities throughout the location. Lucky to witness a fly past by the RAF of the Hercules C30 being retired from service. I would suggest a full day to fully explore and appreciate the site.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 14 June 2023
  • Alan A
    Chesterfield, United Kingdom1,709 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A day to remember.
    Very emotional experience & one not to be missed. We paid ÂŁ6 for parking & ÂŁ7.50 for a trip on the land train. Well worth the money. Many are remembered here from all walks of life & station. The grounds are very well presented & a credit to staff. The food on offer is varied & suits all tastes. Clean & well maintained throughout including toilets & comfort zones. We will return because we believe it deserves a second visit to take it all in.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 June 2023
  • sallytil
    Saffron Walden, United Kingdom18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed
    My GIBSON W I group from Saffron Walden arranged this day trip. The day was very well organised , a lovely meal which was hot and delicious, followed by a guided walk and talk. our guide Tony was excellent, giving us lots of information that you could not have learnt if walking around on your own. The grounds were immaculate and the Monuments were wonderful. So many tributes to those that were lost. The galleries at the front of the welcome desk too were not no be missed. All the staff were a credit. All in all a wonderful day out that should be visited and supported by everyone.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles3,820 reviews
Excellent
3,241
Very good
461
Average
65
Poor
32
Terrible
21

Ann V
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
What a moving experience this visit became…it started off in the Chapel to hear the last post… we then went to the Shot at Dawn talk by the fabulous Mick Byrne which was very interesting and thought provoking!
Our next visit was to the Prisoners of War Memorial Building where the lovely John Smith provided us with lots of facts about prisoners of war… we even saw the name of my husband’s uncle on the computerised register, which incredibly also gave us the location of his grave in Singapore! Again, a very emotional and thought provoking talk. The restaurant has a really good selection of snacks/ food and very reasonably priced! Every single member of staff we saw was helpful, polite and passionate about being involved in this centre. Every child should have a visit here as part of their education! We left feeling very emotional thinking about all the men women and children who gave their today, for our tomorrow!
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gazb26
203 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
The day I visited was wet and cold, but I still spent about 5 hours walking around. Very interesting, moving and thought-provoking attraction. Special mention to all the volunteers who are very willing to chat about the place and particularly those doing the very informative talks. Highly recommended.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jessica S
Wolverhampton, UK23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Today we did the Stick Man Trail and what a beautiful place for children and adults alike. The large stick man in the woods was fab and very exciting to see for young children. We booked the Stick man cinema showing which was super, played in the sensory garden, ate lunch in the restaurant and went on the land train. The ground and gardens are landscaped beautifully and very well looked after, we could even appreciate this is on a very wet, gloomy day! The land train was so interesting and a fantastic way to get around the grounds as it is a enormous place! I wish we had time to do the craft activities being hosted for half term this week but we enjoyed being outdoors so much, despite the weather. All of the volunteers/staff today were absolutely fantastic, on the desk, in the reception area, the lady's cleaning the restaurant, in the cinema room, the parking staff which all helps you have a lovely day out and experience here. We will definitely be coming back as a family and it's brilliant to have such a wonderful day out full of activities for the children in the holidays. Thank you to everyone who made our day today (lady with the baby boy and 3 year old girl)
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gena.25
Leicestershire, UK118 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
Upon arrival your directed where to park and how to make a car parking payment-in the visitor centre. Free entry just pay for parking.
There was a lovely volunteer who greeted us on arrival and gave advice of what is available to do and where everything is.
There is a central memorial with names of the fallen soldiers up to present day, and on the grounds memorials of all the regiments, plus memorials to the fallen soldiers of Iraq and Afganistan. There was loads to see which we didnt see but you could spend a day here.
It is dog and family friendly (assistance dogs only to see the central memorial) wheelchair accessible to the memorials also. There are baby changing facilities and the restaurant has a range of food & drinks of great quality and price.
The volunteers and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and lovely to chat to. We were advised when its been bad rain it floods in certain areas so best to visit when its cold or warmer weather.
It has a sensory play area for children, a chapel with services (we chatted to the bishop he was lovely) a visitor exhibition where you can record your own personal war experience aswell as other exhibits.
One of the best war exhibits ive been to and its local so will be returning again.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CMiddleton
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK182 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Such a beautiful place for a lovely stroll around the beautiful countryside and memorials.
Free to get in. Only have to pay for parking which is cheaper if you pay online before you arrive.
We even went over the river up to the quarry. Not a sole in sight. Lovely to see the wildlife.
All staff very friendly and helpful.
Nice restaurant, good quality food at reasonable prices.
We will be back in the summer to see it in all its glory.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Turtle5954
Warrington, UK1,932 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
Amazing place, watching it grow over the years. Walking around and seeing all the memorials, very thought provoking.

For me the Shot at Dawn memorial is most poignant...so many young lives takenby their own side simply because they were terrified. Nowadays this would be PTSD and support. :-(
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cindy D
Warrington, UK560 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This was our 2nd visit, last time was 2017.
I think everyone should visit this Memorial at least once in their life.
There are amazing monuments to the fallen and to those that have served.
We were greeted on entering the building, as we had been before we were happy to do our own thing.
We got there in time for the memorial service with the last post at 11.00 so that set the tone for me.
There are 2 memorials that always break me Shot at Dawn, all those poor lives just shot down, so many such young Boys. The other one is the Bastion Memorial I had links at that time with the Royal Marines and there are many names I can connect to, just rips my heart..

We had a sandwich and coffee, which was all very nice.

Plenty of toilets all clean and tidy.

Nice shop selling lots of bits and bobs

We made our donation electronically, but there are places you can pay cash into.

You can either pre book the car park or pay on the day we paid on the day it’s not that much dearer

If you have an interest in Military and so many other groups it’s well worth a visit.

There are golf buggy rides or a driven train on wheels with commentary for the less able.

We were there nearly 4hrs
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lizzie
Stafford, UK72 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
Supposed to visit the arboretum for the illuminations - rebooked for Tuesday 12th friends weee coming from 20 miles as it rained all day we assumed it may be cancelled, we tried to get in touch waited 15mins to get someone to answer the phone - when it did said they were busy and would get back to us the following day…to late, we decided because of the horrendous weather it would not be safe to attend. For a national organisation the communication is appalling, the arboretum itself is amazing, but think the people who run it need to have a rethink as it is definitely not up to the standard you’d expect, communication is poor, even on the desk people don’t seem to know what’s going on, perhaps the time has come to make it more professional, rather than depend on the army of untrained volunteers, who to be fair try their best.
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sue We’re sorry to hear that you weren’t able to attend Illuminated Arboretum last night. As stated in our FAQs for the event: Illuminated Arboretum FAQs | Events | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk), bad weather can inevitably affect any outdoor light trail, but it will always go ahead, unless the conditions become unsafe on site. Whilst we were extremely disappointed to have to cancel the first four nights of the event due to flooding at the Arboretum, the site conditions have remained safe, and the experience completely available since we opened on Monday 11 December. We have sent email communications to all visitors who were affected by the earlier cancellations, contacted individuals by phone to try to minimise any wasted journeys, and worked diligently to transfer tickets and/or process refunds as fast as possible. At the same time, our website and social media channels have been kept up to date with any situations that may affect a planned visit. The Arboretum is run by a professional, albeit relatively small team of staff, and is additionally supported by around 250 volunteers who are all extremely passionate and vital to ensuring we can provide our world-class centre of Remembrance for all. Each and every member of our team receives appropriate training in their role. We focus on visitor experience, however if at any point we get this wrong, we are always keen to address this. We’re unsure from your comments if you actually spoke to a member of our team on the phone yesterday, or if it was the voicemail that you heard. Due to the cancellations of the first four evenings, our phone lines have been very busy. If you could call us on 01283 245 100 or send an email to info@thenma.org.uk with your booking reference number, we would be happy to discuss this with you.
Written 13 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Carole A
Lichfield, UK140 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
A most wonderful visit as always. The people who give talks or give you advice are amazing. We had a lovely lunch. Soup followed by cake and coffee.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

diane
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
I came from Canada to visit the National Memorial Arboretum Nov 29, 2023 for the Suez Maru 80th anniversary. It was a lovely ceremony and I was w my elderly parents and they were treated very well (given a ride and blankets). The building is modern w a beautiful gift shop and large coffee shop. Grounds were phenomenal. The only strange thing, there was no public transport to a place like this to honour our fallen, if no one can easily access such a place why is it there? We ended up taking an uber from Birmingham, was cheaper than train (for 4 of us and the taxi from Lichfield). You are looking about $120 return trip from Birmingham for transport alone to honour your loved ones. It is a magnificent place - the far east building depicted what my uncle went through, worth a visit, and after what he and others went through they deserve to be honoured as much as possible by all, no transportation barriers.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

Frequently Asked Questions about National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 16:00