01283 523800   |   frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk
1 Bridge Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1SY
1 September 2026 • Travel Guide
Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum from Burton

Discovering the National Memorial Arboretum

Set within 150 acres of picturesque Staffordshire countryside in nearby Alrewas, the National Memorial Arboretum serves as the United Kingdom's year-round centre of Remembrance. Freely open to the public, this remarkable landscape features over 400 distinct memorials nestled among approximately 25,000 mature and developing trees. The site pays tribute to the armed forces, emergency services, civilian organisations, and individuals who have served the nation.

Whether you are paying personal respects, researching military heritage, or seeking a tranquil day walking through nature, the Arboretum offers an emotionally resonant and visually striking day out. For visitors travelling from across the UK, staying in Burton upon Trent provides an ideal base just minutes away along the A38.

Getting to the Arboretum from Three Queens Hotel

The Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is conveniently located on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, placing guests directly on the A38 corridor for straightforward travel to the Arboretum.

  • By Car: The drive from Three Queens Hotel to the National Memorial Arboretum takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes (around 6 miles). Simply head south on the A38 towards Lichfield, take the exit for the A513 towards Tamworth/Alrewas, and follow the prominent brown tourist signs directing you straight to the Arboretum's main entrance on Croxall Road.
  • By Public Transport & Taxi: If you are arriving by train, Burton upon Trent railway station is only one mile from our hotel. Local taxis are readily available at the station or from the town centre, offering a quick direct journey to Alrewas.
  • Parking: We offer convenient free on-site parking for all our guests at the hotel, allowing you to leave your vehicle securely before and after your excursions.

Key Highlights at the National Memorial Arboretum

With 150 acres of land and hundreds of tributes, planning your day helps ensure you experience the Arboretum's most significant landmarks:

  • The Armed Forces Memorial: The centrepiece of the site, this commanding Portland stone structure honours the service men and women who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorist actions since the end of the Second World War. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a shaft of sunlight shines through an aperture in the wall onto the central bronze wreath.
  • Shot at Dawn Memorial: Commemorating the 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for cowardice and desertion during the First World War, this poignant circle of wooden posts surrounds a statue modelled on Private Herbert Burden.
  • The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Reconciliation: A peaceful indoor sanctuary where an Act of Remembrance, complete with the Last Post and a two-minute silence, takes place daily at 11:00 am.
  • Riverside and Woodland Trails: The site borders the River Tame and River Trent, featuring extensive paved walking paths, sensory gardens, and wildlife habitats home to kingfishers, hares, and various waterfowl.

The site also features the Remembrance Centre, where visitors can browse interactive exhibitions, learn about the stories behind each memorial, and obtain site maps or electric buggy transport passes for their visit.

Dining Out in Burton upon Trent

After a reflective day exploring the grounds in Alrewas, you will find an extensive variety of dining choices in Burton upon Trent. The Three Queens Hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the town centre, making it easy to stroll to nearby independent eateries, international restaurants, traditional British bistros, and historic brewing pubs.

Burton is world-famous for its brewing heritage, and the surrounding streets feature several traditional alehouses where you can enjoy local craft beers, hearty pub classics, and relaxed evening meals. Whether you fancy Italian, Indian, authentic pub fare, or light café bites, everything is within easy reach of our front doors on Bridge Street.

Your Stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When visiting the National Memorial Arboretum, having a restful and well-appointed place to stay ensures a stress-free trip. The Three Queens Hotel features 62 well-equipped rooms, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple rooms, a Mews Apartment, and a four-poster Suite. You can explore all our options on our rooms page.

Every room at our hotel includes:

  • A private en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer
  • Flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Free high-speed WiFi
  • A direct dial phone
  • Daily housekeeping service

Our front desk reception is staffed from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by an overnight night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am for your peace of mind. We also provide a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service for added convenience during longer stays.

Book Your Arboretum Break in Staffordshire

Make the most of your trip to the National Memorial Arboretum with comfortable, well-located accommodation in Burton upon Trent. With complimentary on-site parking, flexible room layouts, and immediate access to the A38 corridor, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is ready to welcome you. Visit our booking page to secure your room at the best available rate, or contact our team directly at 01283 523800 or frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

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