National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
lovely memorials set in a beautiful backdrop.
Source: google.com
Beautiful place
Source: google.com
Such a peaceful place to visit, is full of respect for the people that have died for our country
Source: google.com
A truly humbling experience, so many memorials, so many names of those who gave their lives. Sadly, l could only pay a short visit and with so much to see l need to return, and I surely will. The visitors centre is a very modern building with staff on duty to help, guide and inform. The visitors centre also houses a decent cafeteria serving hot and cold food and drinks quite inexpensively. There is a very large car park a short distance from the main entrance and costs £3.oo for all day. There is also a land train taking visitors round the grounds, I'm not sure if there is a charge for this. As I remarked earlier, to be able to see everything
Source: google.com
RTTW (ride to the wall) it's an annual event attended by thousands of bikers who congregate to pay respect and honour the fallen service men and women who died since WW2 .... Respect to all ...
Source: google.com
What a marvelous place. A must visit befitting ask year around location for greengrocers those who mage the ultimate sacrifice.
Source: google.com
Breath taking place, all the staff are brilliant... Highly recommended a visit here
Source: google.com
Fantastic place to reflect on fallen friends.
Source: google.com
Wonderful place. Really emotional.
Source: google.com
I have to say I love visiting this place, plenty of parking spaces and very clean. Staff are helpful and friendly. We visited when the stickman event was on, the film was fab as we watched it in the screening building and also did the trail before hand. It was the second time we visited, the shop and cafe are great. Vast grounds and loads of space for the kids to run round and play, play areas are great for kids of many ages and the apple grounds are a great place for them to explore. The train is good if you cannot walk all the way round as you can see a number of memorials even from sitting on the train. It a great place to meet up with friends, take the dogs. I will visit again, the kids definitely enjoyed it and it’s free. I always give a donation as it’s worth it. Check the website for events.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visit the NMA several times a year to enjoy the peace and quiet and remember the names on the wall and once a year I join 10,000 fellow bikers to take part in the Ride To The Wall ride in to help raise funds to keep the Arboretum open and free for all to visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Love this place, second visit this year the staff are really helpful and always see something I’ve not seen before. It’s a small amount to park and everything else is free although it is important to donate what you can to help maintain and keep this place going, you certainly need a full day to get around, the small cafes are very good value for money. We will be back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Every year we as family and friends pay a visit to the National Arboretum. It is a beautiful place to have a day out and for those of us whose family served this country in whatever capacity it is a reminder of the courage of the men and women involved. There is a lot to see as there are so many memorials. There is also a visitor's center, restaurant and shop. Unfortunately on this particular visit the weather had flooded some areas so we couldn't see all parts of the grounds. One of our group was in a wheelchair but no problem as most of the grounds are wheelchair accessible. There is also a land train that you can board which takes you round the site. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is a beautiful place, very tranquil and immaculately kept. When we visited it was a very cold, misty winter’s day but in many ways this added to the atmosphere. It was far bigger than we imagined, had hundreds of memorials and quite a number of interior spaces too. However we did find some issues. As a family group of three generations with ages ranging from 5 to 68, we’d been led to believe that there were aspects of the NMA suitable for children, however we found it a very difficult place to engage children. There seemed to be two areas specifically for children (a very small ‘play/sensory area’ and the ‘stickman trail’) but with appalling sign-posting and no decent plan of the grounds we found these areas VERY difficult to locate. When we did find them the play area was so minimal that it didn’t provide much of an outlet for children, and the Stick Man Trail was impossible to follow (neither the adults nor the children found the “letters”!!). Our children would have been happy to run about in woodland areas but again sign-posting made it impossible to find our way around and we kept finding ourselves back around the Central Armed Forces Memorial (where quite understandably there were ‘keep off the grass’ signs, but because of these signs we couldn’t see how to actually access other areas that we could see in the distance!!). Finally, the children asked some very thoughtful and enquiring questions about the memorials, and I’m ashamed to say that the adults (all well-educated people but with no military background or experience) struggled to answer many of their enquiries. I understand that this place is designed to be a “memorial” not a museum but some simple, child-orientated information boards explaining a bit about some of the more significant memorials would have been really useful and would help ensure that the next generation have a sound understanding about the service men and women who have given their lives for their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We only stopped for a quick walk and use of the cafe, but ended up walking round most of the dog walking routes.
What an amazing place. Acres of well maintained grounds with memorials wherever you turn. It certainly makes you feel fortunate to be able to walk among the memorials of those who laid down their lives for others.
All the staff were friendly and helpful from gate to cafe to restaurant.
Restaurant food tasty and good value. Cafe cakes yummy (yes, we were there long enough to try both!) can sit outside under cover with the dogs at both.
Certainly somewhere to return when there are leaves on the trees.
What an amazing place. Acres of well maintained grounds with memorials wherever you turn. It certainly makes you feel fortunate to be able to walk among the memorials of those who laid down their lives for others.
All the staff were friendly and helpful from gate to cafe to restaurant.
Restaurant food tasty and good value. Cafe cakes yummy (yes, we were there long enough to try both!) can sit outside under cover with the dogs at both.
Certainly somewhere to return when there are leaves on the trees.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I attended the Sensory Saplings session today for the first time. It is held in the learning centre part of the Arboretum so is warm and dry! I took my two daughters (3 years old and 4 months old) For £2.50 each, this was a lovely experience. There was an area for babies with plenty of playmats and toys. For the toddler and preschoolers, the session started with a story and song. Then there were crafts (we made a clay tree decoration, some Christmas cards and did some festive colouring) There was a lady playing the violin along to festive music and the children could join in with the instruments. There was a tunnel and a couple of small ride on things to enjoy too. What made this so good were the people running it - they were so enthusiastic and friendly. They really made a fuss of the children and spent time encouraging everyone to join in. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back. Keep up the hard work everyone - it is much appreciated!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Truly beautiful place. We did the buggy tour with Jeff. He is just awesome. Made the tour round so much more interesting, pointing out the small but significant symbolisms of the monuments.
Will definitely go back in spring.
Will definitely go back in spring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spend the day, you wont be bored. Visit here and you will reflect on life (and death) amid the beautiful grounds and memorials. Plenty of places to sit and ponder, lots to see and a good cafe too. Very disabled friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here on November 9th to pay our respects. The weather was a beautiful bright autumn day. Both my young daughter and I had a wonderful 3 hours, walking, completing activities and spending time together. We loved it and it's a beautiful place to reflect. I can't wait to take my other family members there. Most certainly worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place of tranquility and reverance / remembrance considering what our brave men and women of all the military forces went through.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited here numerous times since it opened in 2001 but it was some 5 years since the last visit and 'wow', many changes and even more positive developments.
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had visited here a couple of years ago but only saw memorials close to the centre as I had a limited time. This time I wanted to see all the memorials, but due to heavy rainfall the week before some of the paths and grass around the memorials were very waterlogged, but I had been warned about this by one of the volunteers, but I still managed to walk around for 3 to 4 hours. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and one lady was very interesting as she has been helping since before the site officially opened. I had to park in an overflow car park, but you never see crowds of people. The restaurant always has plenty of space too and the food 1s excellent value, just over £8 for a hot meal, which I needed on my visit.
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA covers a large area and is a tremendous, fitting tribute to all the men, women and animals who have served their country. Allow a full day to really appreciate the memorials, gardens & woodland areas. It cost us £3 to park the car and entry is free although a donation is of course welcome. There are plenty of volunteers to give guidance and they are keen to assist if you are looking for a particular memorial. The NMA is wonderful in more ways than one. Main paths are excellent although on a wet day, smaller woodland paths could be a help so as not to churn up the grass access to some memorials off the main routes. Cafe, shop & visitor centre are all good. A privilege to visit & honour those who gave their today for our tomorrow.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came here by myself in September 2019, with no expectations. Parking was easy, £3 cash and it’s free to enter, however a donation is of course welcome.
Entrance is easy with a help desk, gift shop, exhibition space, toilets and a large cafe area.
The memorials are incredible, the land area of the arboretum is not to be under estimated and is certainly a decent walk for the day, with many hours spent looking at them all.
Help is on hand from staff and a land train should mobility be an issue.
The whole site was immaculate, well looked after and a true dedication to those who served and are currently serving.
I then once again attended again today with my partner, who is currently serving in the Royal Navy. We went for the remembrance service and we so impressed with the event. It was an honour to be in the presence of so many veterans and to be able to pay our respects.
As a side note, the cafe is good with lots of options, good coffee and tasty cake.
Entrance is easy with a help desk, gift shop, exhibition space, toilets and a large cafe area.
The memorials are incredible, the land area of the arboretum is not to be under estimated and is certainly a decent walk for the day, with many hours spent looking at them all.
Help is on hand from staff and a land train should mobility be an issue.
The whole site was immaculate, well looked after and a true dedication to those who served and are currently serving.
I then once again attended again today with my partner, who is currently serving in the Royal Navy. We went for the remembrance service and we so impressed with the event. It was an honour to be in the presence of so many veterans and to be able to pay our respects.
As a side note, the cafe is good with lots of options, good coffee and tasty cake.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here the week before local schools half term in October, so not overly busy. It's free to enter relying on donations, which we duly gave.
The day of our visit, was the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal and they had a wonderful exhibit that meant the autumn flowers projected on the floor turned into poppies when you walked through them - great fun for young and old alike.
We'd arrived at lunchtime so dined in the restaurant and had soup with fresh bread. Butternut squash and sweet potato for myself and Gran (83), leek and potato for Mister and daughter had a cheese sandwich. The soup was filling but we'd spotted some fresh scones so had them for dessert. All the food tasted homemade, delicious and was reasonably priced along with the hot drinks.
We only saw a fraction of the site during our 3 hour visit which beautifully landscaped and well maintained, so we will definitely revisit.
There is a children's play area but on this day, we followed the Stickman Trail with our 6 year old and we walked over a mile soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and different memorials including the spectacular Armed Forces memorial to the brave fallen and simpler ones to beloved civilians young and old.
A reminder that this a national place for remembrance not just on 11 November but everyday always...
The day of our visit, was the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal and they had a wonderful exhibit that meant the autumn flowers projected on the floor turned into poppies when you walked through them - great fun for young and old alike.
We'd arrived at lunchtime so dined in the restaurant and had soup with fresh bread. Butternut squash and sweet potato for myself and Gran (83), leek and potato for Mister and daughter had a cheese sandwich. The soup was filling but we'd spotted some fresh scones so had them for dessert. All the food tasted homemade, delicious and was reasonably priced along with the hot drinks.
We only saw a fraction of the site during our 3 hour visit which beautifully landscaped and well maintained, so we will definitely revisit.
There is a children's play area but on this day, we followed the Stickman Trail with our 6 year old and we walked over a mile soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and different memorials including the spectacular Armed Forces memorial to the brave fallen and simpler ones to beloved civilians young and old.
A reminder that this a national place for remembrance not just on 11 November but everyday always...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
