Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum from Burton

The National Memorial Arboretum is one of the United Kingdom’s most profound and uplifting cultural attractions. Located in the village of Alrewas in Staffordshire, this 150-acre site is the nation’s year-round centre of Remembrance, honouring those who have served, sacrificed, or suffered on behalf of their country. If you are organising a pilgrimage, a peaceful day out in nature, or an educational excursion with family, Burton upon Trent offers the ideal staging post. At Three Queens Hotel & Lodge, located on Bridge Street, you will find a welcoming, comfortable base situated right on the A38 corridor, just minutes away from the Arboretum gates.

The UK's Year-Round Centre of Remembrance

Spanning 150 acres within the National Forest, the National Memorial Arboretum is far more than a military tribute. While it prominently commemorates members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in service, it also pays heartfelt tribute to civilian organisations, charities, emergency services, and humanitarian groups. With over 25,000 mature trees and more than 400 distinct memorials, each corner of the grounds tells a unique story of bravery, loyalty, and community.

Among the most visited features is the Armed Forces Memorial, an imposing Portland stone structure engraved with the names of thousands of service personnel who have lost their lives on duty or through acts of terrorism since the end of the Second World War. The monument is deliberately aligned so that at 11:00 am on the 11th of November, a single shaft of sunlight falls directly across the central wreath sculpture. Visitors can also walk along the tranquil banks of the River Tame, explore dedicated avenues of trees, and pause for reflection in themed tribute gardens that pay homage to nurses, police officers, railway workers, and civilian volunteers.

Getting to the Arboretum from Burton upon Trent

One of the primary benefits of basing your visit in Burton upon Trent is the direct, straightforward journey to the Arboretum. Three Queens Hotel is situated on Bridge Street, right along the historic A38 corridor. Leaving the hotel's free on-site car park, you can reach the National Memorial Arboretum in roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car via the southbound A38, taking the clearly signposted exit at the A513 junction for Alrewas and Tamworth.

For those travelling by public transport, Burton upon Trent train station sits just one mile from Three Queens Hotel. Local bus routes connect Burton with Alrewas, and local taxis are readily available throughout the town centre to take you directly to the Arboretum’s visitor welcome building.

Tips for Your Arboretum Visit

Because the National Memorial Arboretum covers such an expansive area, taking a little time to plan your visit ensures a fulfilling experience:

• Allow Plenty of Time: Many visitors anticipate staying for an hour or two, only to discover that four or five hours are needed to properly explore the grounds, view the exhibitions in the Remembrance Centre, and take in the sheer variety of monuments.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: With miles of woodland trails, riverside pathways, and open meadows, flat and comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
• Land Train and Buggies: For those who prefer a guided tour or wish to rest their legs, the Arboretum operates a seasonal land train that weaves through the grounds, accompanied by an informative audio commentary highlighting key memorials.
• Advance Booking: While admission to the grounds is free, pre-booking a parking space online through the Arboretum's official website is advised to guarantee entry on busy dates, particularly during service weekends and national anniversaries.

Dining Options in Burton upon Trent

After an emotionally evocative day spent walking the grounds, you will want a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy a hearty meal. While Three Queens Hotel does not feature an on-site dining venue or food service, our Bridge Street location puts you in the heart of Burton's vibrant culinary scene. A pleasant five-minute walk from our doors brings you directly into the town centre, home to a wide range of independent pubs, modern bistros, and international restaurants.

Known worldwide as the brewing capital of Britain, Burton upon Trent boasts several historic public houses serving classic pub food alongside award-winning local ales. Whether you are craving traditional British fare, Italian pasta, authentic Indian cuisine, or fresh gastropub dining, Burton’s town centre offers options to suit every palate and budget within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Relax at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

Returning from a day of exploration, Three Queens Hotel provides a quiet and reliable retreat. We offer 62 en-suite rooms to accommodate a wide range of travellers, from solo visitors and couples to larger groups and families. Our available accommodation options include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and a four-poster Suite. Take a look at our full range of rooms to find the arrangement that best suits your party.

Every room at Three Queens Hotel is furnished with your comfort in mind, including an en-suite private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, a flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind. A direct dial telephone, daily housekeeping, and free high-speed WiFi throughout the building ensure you stay connected and comfortable throughout your trip. Guests can also make use of our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

Arriving by car is completely stress-free thanks to our free on-site parking, which eliminates the hassle of finding town centre parking after your journey down the A38. Our front desk reception is staffed from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm to assist with any questions or local recommendations, with a dedicated night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to provide round-the-clock assistance and security.

Book Your Stay Today

Whether you are attending an official dedication service, commemorating a loved one, or simply spending a quiet weekend appreciating the landscapes of the National Forest, Three Queens Hotel provides the location, parking, and quiet comfort you need. Conveniently situated on Bridge Street, just 1 mile from the train station and a short drive down the A38 from Alrewas, we look forward to hosting you on your next visit to Staffordshire. You can check availability and reserve your accommodation directly on our website—book your stay online today for the best rates.

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