National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is a huge park in Staffordshire filled with walkways, trees and memorials dedicated to people who died in service. Admission is free and it’s well worth the trip from nearby Derby or Burton-on-Trent. The main complex of buildings that welcomes you to the site includes a large café, offices and a modern chapel (pictured above). The buildings are surrounded by gardens and a courtyard with a beautiful man-made stream flowing through. From here you can explore the parkland on foot or by using the land-train. The biggest memorial is the Armed Forces Memorial (pictured below) which contains the names of all British service personnel who have died in service since the second world war. Ever so often, you’ll find a stonemason at work chiselling more names into what is already a huge list. It’s a sombre place to stand a reflect and it’s also the highest point in the entire site.

As you walk the various pathways here you will come across more and more memorials. There are around 400 currently ranging from small plaques to huge landscaped structures. Although many different divisions of the armed forces have their own special memorials, there are also many from other walks of life. The National Police Memorial is here for instance and we particularly liked the one dedicated to showmen/women who had died in the forces as it uses a carousel horse. The creativity on display with these memorials is immense – each one is different and they’re like works of art in themselves.

Although you can see the main memorials in about an hour, make sure you allow enough time to explore further. There’s so much to see here and some of them are tucked away in shaded woody areas. There are 25,000 trees on this site which was once a barren gravel pit. If you’ve ever been to Washington DC, the whole place reminded is of the National Mall area there where you’ll also find different memorials. For children there is a stick-man trail here. Simply pick up a map at the entrance and follow the route. The National Memorial Arboretum has many events throughout the year where special temporary attractions are added. We have been the Armed Forces Day event for instance which was packed with things to do.

The National Memorial Arboretum is open every day from 10am to 4pm. Admission is always free, but there is a charge for car parking.

LOCATION & MAP

Address: National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AR
Phone: +44 1283 245100

The National Memorial Arboretum is located in the Staffordshire countryside at Alrewas, just off the main A38 road.

There’s a lovely little Airbnb nearby which we’d recommend if you want to stay overnight. It’s in the picturesque village of Tutbury and is packed with original features. It was also very affordable! Check out prices here:
Glassworker’s Cottage, Tutbury