National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Visited with my dad today, what a thought provoking place this is. The atmosphere walking up the steps to the armed forces memorial is indescribable. Thank you does not seem enough to to say to all those brave souls that sacrificed their lives so we can live ours today.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As an ex seviceman I enjoyed my visit but the place is so dispersed that you could spend all day there and yet miss something you really wanted to see.
Good cafe, toilets etc.
Very little shelter if it really rains (The Far East pavilion is an exception)
Entrance free but parking £4.
Pre booking required.
Good cafe, toilets etc.
Very little shelter if it really rains (The Far East pavilion is an exception)
Entrance free but parking £4.
Pre booking required.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being ex HM Forces the NMA was a must visit for me, though social distancing was in place, the staff were brilliant. The memorials and grounds are superb, I would recommend a visit to here if you are in the area, the memorial for all HM Forces killed on service is very moving, all round a great visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As of when we first got there we thought we would go on a train trip around the grounds to see what our walk consisted of 12 pounds for this which I found a bit excessive for what we got after our train trip and buying a map for 3 pound we was displeased as the map really didn’t guide us after walking around the large grounds a stream walk went well and then after to restaurant and had good value curry and chips
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Tuesday 1st September with my 2 daughter's and 2 Grandsons. Very lucky with the weather nice and Sunny. I've visited twice before and needed to share the experience with my family. From the moment we arrived in the car park to leaving the visitors centre at 17:00 the volunteer guides made it a special experience for us. The one way system works well even in the cafe where we got take out coffees and freshly made sandwiches all done to order.
What a wonderful trip. We'll done to all.
What a wonderful trip. We'll done to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on saturday with friends, third time i've been and it never fails to impress me, friendly staff, all the covid measures in place, booking the carpark on the website is really easy and hassle free, the whole day was hassle free, even if you dont understand the history and stories behind each memorial you cant knock the place for just being so beautiful, the grounds are always in perfect condition.
i'm only a hour away from it and i am going to make it more regular, it's just a fab walk if nothing else, but being that i get what it's all about it's just a awesome place.
Humbling, inspiring, moving, peaceful, just a few words to describe it.
i'm only a hour away from it and i am going to make it more regular, it's just a fab walk if nothing else, but being that i get what it's all about it's just a awesome place.
Humbling, inspiring, moving, peaceful, just a few words to describe it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful place alot of walking but well worth a day out
Source: google.com
What a great place. Nice modern airy buildings with plenty of information and history plus a cafe and a shop.
Staff at reception very welcoming and friendly.
We took the land train which was almost an hours tour round the site with an audio commentary. We did this first so we had an idea of the specific areas we wanted to visit. Well worth the money. It was all cleaned down between trips and there were plastic dividers between seating groups - we felt very safe and clean.
The site itself is big but very flat and very accessible to all. You easily lose yourself there wandering from monument to monument and taking the time to appreciate the different memorials and monuments and the different styles and ideas behind each one. I especially the liked The Beat which is a parallel line of trees dedicated to each police force and also some individual officers who have died on duty.
Our favourite though was the Shot at Dawn memorial. Incredibly sad, very moving and a huge source of discussion especially about the ages of those shot (not all teenagers) and when they were shot - including one who was shot a few weeks before the end of the war.
There are memorials to the RNLI, fire brigade, NHS, RN, RAF, various army regiments as well as civilian ones - the still birth memorial with is named stones was very moving.
Overall a brilliant place and we were blessed with sunshine.
The only slight niggle is that it is a very quiet place so the constant noise from a nearby quarry was quite intrusive but this should not put anyone off from visiting and I would visit again and again.
Staff at reception very welcoming and friendly.
We took the land train which was almost an hours tour round the site with an audio commentary. We did this first so we had an idea of the specific areas we wanted to visit. Well worth the money. It was all cleaned down between trips and there were plastic dividers between seating groups - we felt very safe and clean.
The site itself is big but very flat and very accessible to all. You easily lose yourself there wandering from monument to monument and taking the time to appreciate the different memorials and monuments and the different styles and ideas behind each one. I especially the liked The Beat which is a parallel line of trees dedicated to each police force and also some individual officers who have died on duty.
Our favourite though was the Shot at Dawn memorial. Incredibly sad, very moving and a huge source of discussion especially about the ages of those shot (not all teenagers) and when they were shot - including one who was shot a few weeks before the end of the war.
There are memorials to the RNLI, fire brigade, NHS, RN, RAF, various army regiments as well as civilian ones - the still birth memorial with is named stones was very moving.
Overall a brilliant place and we were blessed with sunshine.
The only slight niggle is that it is a very quiet place so the constant noise from a nearby quarry was quite intrusive but this should not put anyone off from visiting and I would visit again and again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice day out, lovely cafe. But I was expecting a slightly more peaceful and reflective place. Woodland scattered with memorials. But it was much more built up
Than I was expecting and felt more like a theme park.
Than I was expecting and felt more like a theme park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place to visit and pay respect to those who have given their lives for our freedom. Definitely need to book. Very friendly staff and good idea to use the road train as it enables you to see all exhibits you may not otherwise see. Memorial gardens all beautifully kept and peaceful. Lovely lunch in the cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an amazing place to contemplate. There is so much here, probably you could spend a full three days walking around. The train trip is a must as it allows you to see quite a bit reasonably quickly. The place is so well designed and kept. A real treasure. Don't forget COVID means you must pre book.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I agree that this Arboretum is a sad and moving place to visit. And I also agree that you need a good pair of shoes and foul weather clothing, it is a large area to walk. Having said that they do have a train to take visitors around the site. The staff are exceptional and very knowledgeable especially those staff in the Far East enclosure. The restaurants are available, but you do need your reference number.
Overall, a place one should visit, but book before you go.
Overall, a place one should visit, but book before you go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving place to visit, the names on the wall of fallen troops since world war 2 ended is staggering. I have been there many times in the past with the Ride To The Wall charity event and will continue to do so as long as I can.
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A moving and brilliant experience. The ‘Sands’ and ‘Shot at dawn’ areas are particularly thought provoking. Lots of information and more than you can pack in in a full day. Free entry so entirely reasonable to pay for parking. Very reasonably priced refreshments. Worth a long drive to get there. Don’t miss it this fitting tribute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After seeing the Arboretum on the VJ memorial day, we decided to visit, mainly to see the Burma Railway Memorial (My Grandad was a POW who was on the railway and made it home). We booked our tickets easily online and drove from Yorkshire. The staff were very friendly and told us of changes regarding Covid 19 regulations. Once out of the main building you were able to wander at your leisure. The arboretum is beautiful and has so many memorials to see. The only criticism I would say was the map is not spectacular. We found it difficult to read and the price was a bit extreme at £3 But we managed. We deciddd to have something to eat and chose 4 tuna sandwiches. They were freshly made to order and were lovely.
All in all it is a lovely place to visit to pay respects but I would advise that it is not really the place to have small children running round and round.
All in all it is a lovely place to visit to pay respects but I would advise that it is not really the place to have small children running round and round.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Sadly for us, it was very very wet, but we still had a great day. Currently prebooked visits only, you pay online for car parking (£4) but entry is free. Clear instructions on arrival, lots of sanitiser and signage in place. We bought land train tickets (£6 each) which was for a 45min journey around the site, with a very good commentary. We then walked to see the memorials, we particularly wanted to see. Yes, we got very very wet, but it was more than worth it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving venue. We have visited before but wanted to visit after VJ Day to see the beautiful flowers around the memorials. The layout is ideal for wheelchair users but be warned it is a huge area to cover in one visit. As entry is free, if you live locally don’t rush your visit. To access some of the tributes you need to cross the grass in places.
Good social distancing, excellent hygiene system in place in the restaurant and toilet facilities. The meal in the restaurant was just what we needed but at the moment it’s necessary to pre book on arrival. It was very good value for money.
The quality of the gifts in the shop is very high.
We will return.
Good social distancing, excellent hygiene system in place in the restaurant and toilet facilities. The meal in the restaurant was just what we needed but at the moment it’s necessary to pre book on arrival. It was very good value for money.
The quality of the gifts in the shop is very high.
We will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very tranquil and moving place to visit! Amazing statues depicting very brave people who gave their lives so that we could live ours. We are going through very tough times at the moment but nothing compared to the hard times they suffered! It is very well sign posted and the paths are very well laid out. They have everything in place to help with social distancing, and hand gel is available. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available for take-away. Recommended!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited this venue several times over the years and it always impresses. The vast site is mostly flat and perfect for walking around, viewing the various styles of memorials. It is a very sobering experience to see the sacrifice made by so many. Currently there is a Stickman trail to entertain families with young children. This winds its way through much of the maturing wooded area at the far end of the site. Lots of space to picnic. Good toilet facilities in the main entrance. Shop and eateries open, the latter requires booking on arrival to secure seats. None of the museums open because of co-vid restrictions. Social distancing measures in place around site. Pre-booking a visit is needed at the moment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This event was outstanding.
The way in which the Far Eastern memorials had been decorated was appropriate and stunningly beautiful.
The Royal British Legion worked to put on an event that reflected the diversity of the many nations caught up in these horrendous events.
It was carried out with dignity and love and showed men's true true comradeship with no thought of race, colour or creed.
Such an emotional day showing finally these men and women were not the 'Forgotten Army'
The way in which the Far Eastern memorials had been decorated was appropriate and stunningly beautiful.
The Royal British Legion worked to put on an event that reflected the diversity of the many nations caught up in these horrendous events.
It was carried out with dignity and love and showed men's true true comradeship with no thought of race, colour or creed.
Such an emotional day showing finally these men and women were not the 'Forgotten Army'
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The arboretum is well worth the visit 150 acres of memorials, the grounds are well maintained, there is plenty of parking
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful space to contemplate life, that so many gave thiers so we are free to live our lives. We visited on a very hot day, it looked busy, but once you are out into the park, it's quiet and laid out so well with all the memorials at intervals, but the centre piece stood out with the sun hitting the point of the high tower with it's gold tip. We had travelled quite a way to visit, but having prebooked and all you pay for is the parking, it was so easy and straight forward. Staff all very friendly, everywhere clean and tidy, mind Prince Charles was visiting 3 days later for VJ day celebrations. Give yourself plenty of time to walk around, my favourite was the paratroopers memorial x
Thank you RBL a fine place to remember of lost for our country xx
Thank you RBL a fine place to remember of lost for our country xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy to book online (and totally understand the requirement to at the moment!), clear 1-way system in place in the visitor centre before accessing the outdoor area and being able to wonder freely. Great day spent looking at some of the many memorials. All of the volunteers we spoke to very friendly, engaging and knowledgeable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The centrepiece of the NMA is a steep sided mound with a circular memorial commemorating all those who have given their lives in service since the end of WWII; it’s a depressingly long list. The rest of the huge area contains smaller memorials for individual groups all moving in their own way. Definitely worth visiting if in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good value outing and straight forward to book with ample parking and loads of open space, didn't come across many other people whilst walking around.
Some lovely sculptural memorials and lovely grounds to walk around. We mainly visited to take our daughter to see the stickman which she loved, shame there's not more of the characters, would be a superb attraction for young families...also missing a trick not selling stickman product in the gift shop.
Some lovely sculptural memorials and lovely grounds to walk around. We mainly visited to take our daughter to see the stickman which she loved, shame there's not more of the characters, would be a superb attraction for young families...also missing a trick not selling stickman product in the gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
