Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum from Burton

The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas is one of the United Kingdom's most poignant and beautiful national sites. Set within 150 acres of mature woodland, meadows, and lakes in the National Forest, it serves as the nation's year-round centre of remembrance. With almost 400 memorials nestled within peaceful parkland, it offers visitors a unique space to reflect, learn, and honour personal and national sacrifice.

If you are planning an excursion to this landmark destination, Burton upon Trent makes a natural and convenient base. Situated right on the A38 corridor, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is only a brief 15-minute drive away, offering a peaceful overnight stay and effortless road connections.

What to See at the National Memorial Arboretum

Founded in 1997 and opened to the public in 2001, the Arboretum has grown into a world-class landscape of tribute and natural beauty. Unlike a traditional war memorial, the grounds commemorate not only members of the Armed Forces but also civilian services, charities, and organisations that have served the nation.

Key highlights across the 150-acre grounds include:

• The Armed Forces Memorial: Standing proudly at the heart of the site, this Portland stone structure is engraved with the names of more than 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives on duty or through terrorist action since the end of the Second World War. Its design features a gap in the stone walls oriented so that a beam of sunlight illuminates the central wreath at 11:00 am on Armistice Day.
• The Daily Act of Remembrance: Every day at 11:00 am in the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, visitors can participate in a short, poignant service that includes the Last Post and a two-minute silence.
• Themed Memorial Gardens: From tributes to the emergency services, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and the Scouting movement to the moving 'Shot at Dawn' memorial, the range of installations is vast and deeply reflective.
• Wildlife and Woodlands: Beyond its ceremonial role, the Arboretum is a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. Bordered by the River Tame and River Trent, the grounds feature thousands of planted trees, peaceful riverside paths, and wetland habitats that attract varied birdlife throughout the seasons.

Travelling to the Arboretum from Burton upon Trent

One of the primary benefits of staying at Three Queens Hotel on Bridge Street is our superb access to regional road routes. The journey to the Arboretum is simple and direct:

• By Car: From the hotel, join the A38 southbound towards Lichfield. Follow the dual carriageway for approximately 8 miles (around 12 to 15 minutes) before taking the clearly signed exit for the National Memorial Arboretum at the A513 junction. The hotel provides free on-site parking, allowing you to depart and return without the worry of finding parking in the town.
• By Public Transport: Guests arriving into Burton upon Trent railway station (just one mile from the hotel) can make use of local bus services connecting Burton with Lichfield, which stop near Alrewas village, a short walk or taxi ride from the Arboretum entrance.

Tips for Planning Your Day

To make the most of your visit, consider the following practical guidance:

• Advance Booking: While general admission to the Arboretum grounds is free of charge, it is strongly advised to pre-book your vehicle parking space online via the official Arboretum website prior to arrival.
• Getting Around: Because the site covers 150 acres, sensible walking footwear is highly recommended. The Arboretum operates a land train that offers a 50-minute guided tour around the grounds, ideal for taking in the wider landscape and hearing the stories behind key installations.
• Exhibition Galleries: Spend time in the Remembrance Centre, where interactive exhibits and temporary displays explore the concepts of service, peace, and commemoration.

Dining Out in Burton upon Trent

After a full day spent walking the grounds of the Arboretum, you will find plenty of dining opportunities within easy reach of the hotel. Three Queens Hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the vibrant heart of Burton upon Trent, which boasts a broad selection of independent cafes, welcoming pubs, and global restaurants.

Whether you want to pick up a morning pastry and flat white at a nearby town-centre coffee shop, savour traditional pub classics alongside locally brewed Staffordshire ales, or sit down for Italian, Indian, or contemporary British cuisine in the evening, Burton’s town centre provides dining to suit every palate. Our reception team is available from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm (supported by an overnight night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am) and will gladly point you towards popular local eateries.

Comfortable Accommodation on the A38 Corridor

Returning from a moving visit to the Arboretum, you will appreciate a relaxing space to rest your feet. Three Queens Hotel & Lodge offers 62 comfortable rooms, catering to solo travellers, couples, and visiting families alike.

We offer a versatile selection of room categories, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside our spacious Mews Apartment and a romantic four-poster Suite. You can explore all our options in detail on our rooms page.

Every room at Three Queens Hotel features:

• An en-suite private bathroom with complimentary toiletries
• Tea and coffee making facilities to brew a refreshing hot beverage at your convenience
• A flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio
• Free high-speed WiFi to plan your route or catch up on emails
• A hair dryer and direct dial telephone
• Daily housekeeping service
• Access to our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service

With convenient access to the A38, town-centre convenience, and generous free on-site parking, Three Queens Hotel provides everything you need for an easy, rewarding excursion to the National Memorial Arboretum. Ready to arrange your journey to Staffordshire? Visit our booking page to secure the best rates direct.

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