National Memorial Arboretum
A vast 150-acre woodland site with over 400 memorials honoring service and sacrifice, offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and daffodils bloom
National Memorial Arboretum
Best Time
Blossoms and daffodils bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast 150-acre woodland site with over 400 memorials honoring service and sacrifice, offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
"A truly unforgettable visit, offering a profound sense of peace, reflection, and inspiration."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 150 acres! :athletic_shoe:
Book Parking Online
Save money and guarantee your spot by booking parking in advance. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The National Memorial
Main Monument
A sobering and central monument listing the names of armed forces members lost since WWII. A place for quiet reflection.
Stick Man Trail
Various locations
A fun, self-led trail perfect for families, featuring sculptures inspired by Julia Donaldson's beloved character.
Themed Memorials
Throughout the Arboretum
Discover over 400 unique memorials honoring various services, conflicts, and individuals, each with its own story.
Peace Garden
Near the main monument
A tranquil space offering a moment of calm and reflection amidst the expansive grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Parking in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 150 acres! :athletic_shoe: +1
Book Parking Online
Save money and guarantee your spot by booking parking in advance. :car:
Dog-Friendly (Mostly)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but restricted from some areas. :dog:
Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and absorb, a full day is recommended. :clock: +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 150 acres! :athletic_shoe: +1
Book Parking Online
Save money and guarantee your spot by booking parking in advance. :car:
Dog-Friendly (Mostly)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but restricted from some areas. :dog:
Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and absorb, a full day is recommended. :clock: +1
Check for Events
Special events like VJ Day commemorations or Illuminated Arboretum are popular. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Memorial Arboretum for its moving tributes, beautiful grounds, and inclusive atmosphere. Many highlight the Stick Man trail as a fantastic addition for families. While the site is vast and requires time to explore, the free entry and accessible paths make it a worthwhile visit for all. Some note that certain memorial areas might be less accessible in wet weather.
"We had an amazing day out at the arboretum. We had a mixed family group from 89year olds to 3 year olds and a dog.
We had a fantastic day there, they strike the atmosphere perfectly with somber areas and moments but encourages the young people to learn and be fun and look at the wildlife around the arboretum.
The dog was able to walk round all bar two places which were perfectly reasonable and there were bins and toilets everywhere needed.
.
The staff were nice, accessibility ♿ was at the forefront of the staffs mind with buggys to the top, toilets and ramps everywhere."
Callum Jones
"The detail in the exhibits was great and very informative.
The layout was spread out but flowed nicely.
Some memorials wouldn't be easy to get to with a wheelchair if the ground was wet due to a few being grass or gravel paths but most would still be accessible.
The natural aspect of the sight makes for a wonderful walk.
I would recommend booking in advance for special events as it can get very busy quickly.
I arrived at 10 and finished at 5 as there is a lot to see and take in, so, is a wonderful day out.
The cafe looked good but I didn't use it today as the fish and chips bus was here so didn't want to miss that."
kingmoochoo
"The National Memorial Arboretum is a very interesting place to visit. It lies in quite a large area, so you may find that one visit is not enough. There really is so much to see! I have been several times, and any time of year is good. It is so different through the seasons, from Spring blossoms and Daffodils to Summer Poppies to Autumn colours. There are land trains, and guided talks etc which go into great detail to explain various exhibits. I found these quite fascinating! It is mainly on the flat, with decent paths all round. Wheelchair friendly too, as you can imagine it was built with Veterans in mind. Not just a Memorial to the armed forces, but to anyone involved doing their bit during conflicts, (Police, NHS, Coal Miners, Railwaymen etc) and also to victims of terrorism. There is a "Twin Towers" Memorial here. The wall at the main monument is quite a sobering sight. All the names of members of the armed forces who have lost their lives since World War 2. There's usually plenty of volunteers about who will happily answer any questions. Entry is free, but you must pay for parking. This is cheaper if you book online through the website. It is dog friendly, although dogs are restricted from certain areas (Main Monument and wall etc)."
Rob Clayton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arboretum is located in Alrewas, Staffordshire. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from major routes. For public transport, trains run to nearby Lichfield Trent Valley or Burton-on-Trent stations, followed by a taxi or bus. Some visitors have noted train routes via Burton-on-Trent.
Yes, there is ample parking available. It's highly recommended to book your parking online in advance, as it's cheaper and guarantees your space.
While car is the most convenient, you can reach the Arboretum via train to Lichfield Trent Valley or Burton-on-Trent, followed by a taxi or local bus service.
The Arboretum is well-signposted from major motorways like the M1, M6, and M42. The postcode for Sat Nav is DE13 7AR.
The Arboretum is designed with accessibility in mind, with many paths being flat and suitable for wheelchairs. However, some memorial areas might have grass or gravel paths that could be challenging in wet conditions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum itself is free. You only need to pay for parking, which is cheaper if booked online in advance.
While entry is free, booking parking in advance is recommended. For special events like the Illuminated Arboretum, advance booking is essential.
The Arboretum is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Arboretum hosts various events throughout the year, including remembrance services, VJ Day commemorations, and the popular Illuminated Arboretum winter trail.
Yes, while driving is convenient, you can reach the Arboretum via train to nearby stations and then a taxi or bus.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore over 400 memorials, walk through themed gardens, enjoy the Stick Man trail (great for kids), and learn about service and sacrifice. The main monument is a must-see.
Absolutely! The Stick Man trail is a big hit with younger visitors, and the vast grounds offer plenty of space to explore. The mix of somber and engaging elements caters to all ages. +1
Yes, dogs are welcome at the Arboretum, but they are not permitted in certain areas, such as the Main Monument and the chapel.
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours, but many spend a full day to fully appreciate the site. +1
Yes, the Arboretum often offers guided talks and land train tours that provide in-depth information about the memorials and history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a large cafe on-site offering a range of food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Picnic areas are available, so you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it amidst the beautiful surroundings.
While specific menus can change, the cafe typically offers a variety of options, and it's always a good idea to check with staff for current vegetarian and vegan choices.
The Arboretum has its own cafe, and there are also local pubs and restaurants in the nearby village of Alrewas.
During special events, food buses may be present, offering additional dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and respect any restrictions.
The main monument, the various themed memorials, and the seasonal landscapes offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Illuminated Arboretum event also provides unique nighttime shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at memorial sites to ensure respect and safety. It's best to check the Arboretum's specific policies regarding drones.
Yes, capturing memories of the Stick Man trail is encouraged, especially for families.
During official ceremonies or events, photography might be managed by designated event photographers. Always check event-specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The vast grounds provide plenty of space for kids to explore and burn energy, and the sensory play gardens add another layer of engagement. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be walking a lot, and consider bringing snacks or utilizing the cafe. While the site is primarily a place of remembrance, the staff and layout are designed to be inclusive. The mix of educational elements and natural beauty makes it a valuable outing for teaching children about service and sacrifice in an accessible way. Booking parking online is a good tip to streamline your arrival.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
Consider dedicating a full day to truly immerse yourself in the site's atmosphere. Utilize the guided talks or land train tours if you wish to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the memorials.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the National Memorial Arboretum
The Arboretum serves as a living tribute, with thousands of trees planted to commemorate specific events or individuals. This natural setting provides a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, making it a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance. The site is managed by the National Forest Charitable Trust and is a partner of The Royal British Legion, ensuring its continued legacy.
Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving and inspiring. The sheer scale of remembrance, combined with the beautiful natural landscape, creates a powerful and unforgettable visit. It's a place where history, nature, and commemoration intertwine, offering a unique space for reflection and learning.
Family Fun: The Stick Man Trail
It's a fantastic way to engage younger visitors and encourage them to explore the Arboretum's natural beauty. The trail is free to participate in, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for a family day out. Parents often highlight how much their children enjoy searching for the different Stick Man characters and interacting with the installations.
Combined with the sensory play gardens and the open spaces for running around, the Stick Man Trail ensures that the National Memorial Arboretum is not just a place of solemn remembrance but also a fun and educational destination for the whole family.
Experiencing Remembrance: Key Memorials and Atmosphere
Beyond the main monument, the Arboretum features over 400 themed memorials. These range from those dedicated to specific military units and conflicts to those honoring civilian services and even victims of terrorism, such as the poignant 'Twin Towers' memorial.
Many visitors emphasize the importance of allowing ample time to truly absorb the atmosphere and the stories behind the memorials. The natural setting, with its thousands of trees, adds to the sense of peace and reflection, making it a powerful place for remembrance and understanding.
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