Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum from Burton

The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, is one of the United Kingdom's most poignant and uplifting national sites. Set within 150 acres of maturing parkland and woodland, it serves as the nation's year-round place of remembrance, honouring those who have served, sacrificed, or suffered for the country. Whether you are paying respects to family members, attending a service, or simply exploring the tranquil landscape, Burton upon Trent makes an ideal base for your trip.

Located on the A38 corridor, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge offers a comfortable retreat just a short drive from the arboretum. With free on-site parking and 62 en-suite rooms, it provides an easy, stress-free location for travellers visiting this remarkable destination.

Why Burton upon Trent Is the Ideal Base for the Arboretum

Burton upon Trent sits roughly 8 miles north of the National Memorial Arboretum. Its location along the A38 dual carriageway ensures that you can reach the arboretum gates in under fifteen minutes by car. Staying in Burton allows you to pair your reflective day at the arboretum with the conveniences of a historic market town known worldwide as the capital of British brewing.

After a full day spent walking through the sprawling grounds in Alrewas, returning to a base with dedicated parking and town-centre amenities makes your travel experience straightforward and restful.

How to Travel to the Arboretum from Three Queens Hotel

The journey from Three Queens Hotel to the National Memorial Arboretum is remarkably simple:

• By Car: From our location on Bridge Street, join the A38 heading south towards Lichfield. Continue along the dual carriageway for approximately 7 miles, then take the exit towards the A513 (signposted for the National Memorial Arboretum and Alrewas). Follow the brown tourist signs straight to the arboretum entrance on Croxall Road. The total driving time is usually between 12 and 15 minutes. Best of all, you can take advantage of the free on-site parking at Three Queens Hotel before and after your trip.
• By Public Transport and Taxi: For those arriving by train, Burton train station is located just one mile from the hotel. From Burton town centre or the station, local taxis can transport you directly to the arboretum gates. Alternatively, bus services run from Burton toward Lichfield, stopping in Alrewas village, from which the arboretum is a moderate walk or short taxi ride.

What to See at the National Memorial Arboretum

With more than 400 memorials nestled within 25,000 growing trees, the arboretum is a place of deep national significance, quiet beauty, and historical reflection. There is a great deal to see across the 150-acre site:

The Armed Forces Memorial

The centrepiece of the arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial. Designed to honour the men and women of the British Armed Forces killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the end of the Second World War, this monumental Portland stone structure carries tens of thousands of engraved names. At 11:00 am on the 11th of November each year, a precise shaft of sunlight illuminates the bronze wreath at its core.

The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness

The Millennium Chapel is the only chapel in the UK where an Act of Remembrance takes place every single day of the year. Visitors are invited to attend the short 11:00 am service, which includes the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and words of reflection, making it a powerful focal point of any visit.

Civilian and Service Tributes

The arboretum does not only commemorate military personnel. The grounds feature tributes to the emergency services, the NHS, scouting movements, railway workers, and volunteer organisations. Memorable stops include The Beat (honouring police services), the Shot at Dawn Memorial, and the poignant Children's Remembrance Garden.

Nature and Riverside Walks

Set along the banks of the Rivers Trent and Tame, the arboretum is also a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Paved pathways, boardwalks, and tranquil riverside trails let you appreciate native British trees, wildfowl, and seasonal flora at your own pace.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Advice

Because the arboretum spans 150 acres, it is best to plan ahead to get the most from your day:

• Footwear: Much of the site is outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Getting Around the Grounds: For visitors who prefer not to walk extensive distances, the arboretum operates a land train that takes visitors on a 50-minute guided tour through the grounds, as well as manual and electric buggy rentals (these can be reserved directly with the arboretum before you travel).
• Booking: While general admission to the grounds is free, visitors are strongly advised to pre-book their vehicle parking online via the arboretum's official website in advance to guarantee entry.

Dining in Burton upon Trent

While the arboretum provides visitor catering during daytime opening hours, staying in Burton upon Trent gives you access to a rich variety of local places to eat and drink in the evening. Three Queens Hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from the heart of the town centre.

Here you will find renowned heritage pubs serving locally brewed Staffordshire ales, riverside bistros, cosy tea rooms, and a broad range of international cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and contemporary British dining. Our team will happily point you in the direction of popular town-centre eateries along High Street and Station Street.

Relax at Three Queens Hotel After Your Visit

Following a meaningful and walking-filled day at Alrewas, Three Queens Hotel provides everything you need to unwind. With free on-site parking, you can park without hassle upon your return.

Our property features 62 well-appointed rooms tailored to suit all kinds of stays. You can explore our rooms to find the ideal option, whether you need a Single room for solo travel, a Standard Double, an Executive Double, a Standard Twin, an Executive Twin, a spacious Family room, a Quadruple room, an independent Mews Apartment, or our elegant four-poster Suite.

Every bedroom includes a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, free WiFi, a direct dial phone, and a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio channels. Each room also features tea and coffee making facilities so you can enjoy a warm hot drink as soon as you settle in. Daily housekeeping keeps your room fresh, and our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service is available for added convenience.

Our front desk reception is staffed daily from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, with a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm until 8:00 am to assist with late arrivals or overnight requirements.

Make your trip to the National Memorial Arboretum seamless and memorable. Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel today for reliable comfort on the Staffordshire A38 corridor.

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