Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum from Burton

A Meaningful Visit to the National Memorial Arboretum

Set within 150 acres of mature parkland in the Staffordshire countryside, the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance. Home to over 400 distinct memorials nestled among 25,000 growing trees, it offers a deeply moving and visually stunning tribute to those who have served the nation, in both military and civilian capacities.

Whether you are attending a formal service, discovering family history, or simply looking to spend reflective hours walking across landscaped grounds by the River Tame, the Arboretum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. If you are travelling from further afield, staying nearby in Burton upon Trent provides the ideal balance of quiet convenience and straightforward access.

Getting to the Arboretum from Burton upon Trent

The National Memorial Arboretum is located at Croxall Road, Alrewas, just south of Burton upon Trent. One of the main reasons visitors choose Burton as their travel base is the effortless connection provided by the A38 dual carriageway. The journey from the Three Queens Hotel & Lodge to the Arboretum gates takes only 10 to 15 minutes by car:

• By Car: From the hotel on Bridge Street, you can quickly join the A38 heading south towards Lichfield. Take the exit marked for the A513 towards Tamworth and Alrewas, and follow the clear brown tourist signs leading directly into the Arboretum grounds. Having free on-site parking at the Three Queens Hotel means you never have to worry about finding or paying for vehicle parking before you set out.
• By Public Transport and Taxi: Burton upon Trent railway station is located just one mile from the hotel, offering frequent train services from Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. From Burton railway station or town centre, local buses run towards Alrewas, and local taxis can make the short trip in around 12 to 15 minutes.

What to See and Experience at the Arboretum

Given the sheer scale of the grounds, it is well worth planning your itinerary to make the most of your day. The site is open daily and entry to the grounds is free, though advance booking of parking is recommended by the venue.

Key highlights of the Arboretum include:

• The Armed Forces Memorial: The centrepiece of the Arboretum, this Portland stone structure is engraved with the names of over 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or training since the end of the Second World War. On 11 November at precisely 11:00 am, a shaft of sunlight passes through the bronze sculpture to illuminate the wreath at its heart.
• The Daily Act of Remembrance: Held every morning at 11:00 am inside the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, this simple, moving service includes the Last Post and a two-minute silence.
• Specialist Memorials: Across the site, you will find tributes to specific regiments, emergency services, scouting groups, the merchant navy, and civilian workers. The Beat, dedicated to police forces, and the evocative Shot at Dawn Memorial are among the most visited.
• The Land Train: For those who wish to view the expansive parkland at a relaxed pace, a 50-minute guided land train journey runs regularly around the grounds, complete with an informative recorded commentary explaining the history and symbolism behind the major monuments.
• Riverside Walks and Wildlife: Beyond the stone and bronze memorials, the Arboretum is a thriving haven for flora and fauna. Peaceful pathways trace the riverbanks, where kingfishers, herons, and swans are frequently spotted.

Dining and Exploring in Burton upon Trent

After a full day of walking and reflection across the Arboretum’s extensive grounds, you can head back to Burton upon Trent to relax. The Three Queens Hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from Burton town centre, placing a wide variety of dining options right on your doorstep.

Known throughout the world as the capital of British brewing, Burton upon Trent boasts a celebrated pub culture and a bustling high street. You can begin your morning by visiting one of the independent cafes or bakeries in town for a morning coffee and breakfast before heading down the A38. In the evening, the town centre offers an eclectic choice of dining, ranging from traditional Staffordshire coaching inns and craft ale houses serving classic British suppers to authentic Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean restaurants. You can also take a gentle evening stroll through the nearby Washlands, a tranquil nature reserve along the banks of the River Trent.

Rest and Relax at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

Finding comfortable, dependable accommodation close to the A38 corridor makes a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum stress-free. At Three Queens Hotel & Lodge, our 62 guest rooms provide a peaceful environment to unwind after an emotional or active day.

We offer an extensive selection of room layouts to accommodate solo travellers, couples, groups, and families. You can explore our rooms to choose between Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family rooms, Quadruple rooms, our self-contained Mews Apartment, or an elegant four-poster Suite.

Every bedroom at the hotel includes:

• A private en-suite bathroom
• Flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio
• Tea and coffee making facilities for a hot drink whenever you wish
• Complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer
• A direct dial phone and free high-speed WiFi throughout the property

Guests benefit from free on-site parking throughout their stay, saving you time and parking charges. Our friendly reception team is available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist with late arrivals or early departures. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service to keep your stay effortless.

Whether you are attending an annual commemoration, visiting a personal tribute, or taking part in an organised tour, make your visit memorable with a comfortable base close by. Please contact our team on 01283 523800, email us at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk, or book direct today for the best available rates.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.