National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
lots to see need more than a day get around shot at dawn makes you think resturant good value easy to find
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit to the National Arboretum while we were staying in the Peak District for 2 nights. Entry to the Arboretum is free & the car park is £3 for all day parking which is brilliant value when getting free entry. We spent 4 hours in the sunshine walking round the vast amount of memorials & were fascinated with the stories of different conflicts were we lost so many brave service men & women over the years, we learnt a lot of new information. The volunteers really make you welcome at the main entrance & there's plenty of them on hand to provide you with any answers to questions you might have & to point you in the right direction if you get lost in the vast grounds. If your thinking about coming to the National Arboretum we would definitely highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautifully laid out, peaceful and thought provoking memorial. The memorial statues are quite spectacular in themselves we took the train around the site which is a good place to start as the commentary is very helpful. The volunteers are really dedicated and it is worth going to the chapel for the two minute silence at 11am. We spent a thoroughly enjoyable day there and were very impressed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was an organised group trip with our local U3A. The site is vast so the train with commentary was a must even if it’s only to get your bearings; in addition there are walking and buggy tours. Entry is free but there is small charge for car parking and the tours. There are plenty of volunteers on hand to give any information, a cafe and restaurant, static displays, chapel and shop. The grounds are beautifully kept as are the monuments. Certainly a place to revisit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visit for us. Found 23 of my comrades names on the most recent section of The Wall. Will certainly come back again to find more of them. A peaceful and pleasant afternoon tinged with sadness.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a peaceful interesting day out this was. The grounds are superb and if you take the train you will learn so much about the various memorials. Thought provoking about the sad losses of various conflicts. Take your camera.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place for reflection and thoughts. It really gives you a sense of the dutiful sacrifices our forces (and others to support them around the world) made for our freedom.
We were made very welcome at reception and by the train drivers Richard and Greg. Richard our (road) train driver took us on a tour around the vast ground of this stunning place, whilst a commentary played informing us of the different memorials. I highly recommend doing this, you can always walk around the grounds in your own time after to gather your thoughts.
The restaurant is clean and spacious and the staff again are friendly and efficient.
I really can't fault this place, please go and support this wonderful National Treasure and remember the sacrifices made and the feel the power of the clear camaraderie.
We were made very welcome at reception and by the train drivers Richard and Greg. Richard our (road) train driver took us on a tour around the vast ground of this stunning place, whilst a commentary played informing us of the different memorials. I highly recommend doing this, you can always walk around the grounds in your own time after to gather your thoughts.
The restaurant is clean and spacious and the staff again are friendly and efficient.
I really can't fault this place, please go and support this wonderful National Treasure and remember the sacrifices made and the feel the power of the clear camaraderie.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with friends arrived to be amazed the entrance is free, we got the little train which takes you most of the way around the gardens for nearly hour this cost £6.00 each.
This place is so amazing and very emotional to see the monuments that represent all the services around the world not just the top four, we were there 4 hours plus and still didn't see everything we wanted to, this is a place where everybody should go just once in there life time if not more, we all know somebody that have been lost in the past & present conflicts and we should salute them all.
This place is so amazing and very emotional to see the monuments that represent all the services around the world not just the top four, we were there 4 hours plus and still didn't see everything we wanted to, this is a place where everybody should go just once in there life time if not more, we all know somebody that have been lost in the past & present conflicts and we should salute them all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The site is enormous and if you want to see it all it will take more than one visit. There is a land train that goes round the site but you cannot get off at any point and so can only give an overview. There are some beautiful sculptures and memorials throughout the park. There are some talks at various times, we listened to the one at the memorial for soldiers executed for supposed desertion. The mound in the middle with the names of all members of the military that have lost their lives since WWII makes one stop and think.
Entry is free, you just pay £3 for parking. The restaurant on site is good value as well.
We shall certainly return to visit the parts we were not able to see on our first visit.
Entry is free, you just pay £3 for parking. The restaurant on site is good value as well.
We shall certainly return to visit the parts we were not able to see on our first visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here with with a family member as part of a coach trip.
We were not disappointed.
The size of the place is impressive!! We went on the land train to have a look round the place then decided to walk round.
We still never got to see everything,even though we were there for a while it just shows how big the place is.
We also went to one of the many talks they have round the site. The one we went to was about shot at dawn.
A great talk and very interesting.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who hasn’t been before.
There is so much to see and the memorials ate excellent and well kept.
There is also a cafe and gift shop.
We were not disappointed.
The size of the place is impressive!! We went on the land train to have a look round the place then decided to walk round.
We still never got to see everything,even though we were there for a while it just shows how big the place is.
We also went to one of the many talks they have round the site. The one we went to was about shot at dawn.
A great talk and very interesting.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who hasn’t been before.
There is so much to see and the memorials ate excellent and well kept.
There is also a cafe and gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorial grounds are much bigger than we imagined, with so many memorials dedicated to the various regiments, and also personal family memorials on individual trees, remembering a family member. It is a wonderful, peaceful place to walk around but very touching when you see so many names of people who gave their lives in conflict.
There are also exhibitions on various topics concerning the armed services, a shop, café and restaurant. You could easily spend a whole day here. It is free to enter, but a donation is welcome and car parking is £3 for the day
There are also exhibitions on various topics concerning the armed services, a shop, café and restaurant. You could easily spend a whole day here. It is free to enter, but a donation is welcome and car parking is £3 for the day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited as a group for the first part of our tour which was on the land train. A ride which is informative and guides you through the grounds it gives you ideas of where you wish to visit. Beautiful, tranquil it is such a moving tribute to everyone concerned. So beautiful to stroll around. We stayed 7hours and didn't see everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were amazed at the size of this place. Would recommend the informative 40 minute train trip around the grounds when you arrive to get an idea of where to walk to after it. We spent over 4 hours there wandering around the beautifully kept memorials and gardens and only touched the surface, so will be returning soon.
£3 to park all day, and free entry into the museums and grounds..rare these days, and £6 each for the train trip. Worth every penny.
All in all it was a wonderful and thought provoking visit.
£3 to park all day, and free entry into the museums and grounds..rare these days, and £6 each for the train trip. Worth every penny.
All in all it was a wonderful and thought provoking visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went here today on a community 10k project through work. We helped clean memorials, weed, tidy the garden area for The families to visit to pay respect to their loved ones.
What an amazing place it is. Immaculately clean, very informative and our ground guy Tom who looked after us for the day was such a lovely bloke. He knew everything about the flora, fauna and the memorials. He is passionate about his work which is why the grounds are so beautiful.
I have learnt lots today and it serves as a gentle reminder to us all, if it wasn’t for these service men and women, we wouldn’t be living the lives we do today. I for one anpm eternally grateful to them.
Dogs are allowed to walk in the grounds. The cafe has a great choice of beverages and food.
It’s free to get in, they just ask for £3.00 car parking.
There is a gift shop with some nice quality items for sale too.
I would 100% recommend a day out there.
What an amazing place it is. Immaculately clean, very informative and our ground guy Tom who looked after us for the day was such a lovely bloke. He knew everything about the flora, fauna and the memorials. He is passionate about his work which is why the grounds are so beautiful.
I have learnt lots today and it serves as a gentle reminder to us all, if it wasn’t for these service men and women, we wouldn’t be living the lives we do today. I for one anpm eternally grateful to them.
Dogs are allowed to walk in the grounds. The cafe has a great choice of beverages and food.
It’s free to get in, they just ask for £3.00 car parking.
There is a gift shop with some nice quality items for sale too.
I would 100% recommend a day out there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited here on a Saturday in September. We were amazed by the size of the place and spent an enjoyable 5 hours there and still didn't see it all. It is in very extensive, well kept grounds and a most impressive undertaking. Admission is free (donations very welcome)and parking is £3. There are 'motorised train' rides or buggy rides, with commentary, if you wish to cover the area without too much walking, these cost £6 per person each. The staff/volunteer helpers are knowledgeable and very helpful.The guide book at £7.50 is excellent value for money, and very well produced, but the orientation sheet at £3 is a bit over-priced. We had a snack in the coffee shop which was very good, and the main restaurant offered a good choice of food at reasonable prices. We will return to view the rest of it at some point in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very beautiful and moving experience. Tranquil areas to reflect and pay ones respects to those who have died. Lovely walks and peaceful spaces. However, the website needs to make it clear that dogs are not really welcome. There is a dog walking path but we regretted bringing our dog. From previous reviews we knew that one day would not be enough to see everything so had planned a weekend stay as we were visiting from Suffolk. The restaurant and coffee shop serve a good selection of refreshments. Gift shop has lovely thoughtful gifts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorial arboretum itself was very good- respectful and considerate to all. However I did have some issues with the website which said the arboretum was dog friendly. It is in fact not dog friendly at all- certain staff members making it very obvious how much they abhorred dogs and those who owned them. So I wouldn’t go with your furry friends to the national arboretum even if they say they are friendly to your pets.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very special place to visit. A place to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices the men, women & animals did for us.
Hundreds of memorials are set in beautiful well kept grounds. Friendly helpful staff. Gift shop, chapel, restaurant & coffee shop. Plenty of picnic seating available. There is an additional fee to use a buggy or land train.
Entrance is free. Parking is £3. Tribute Ink is currently on show. A must place to visit.
Hundreds of memorials are set in beautiful well kept grounds. Friendly helpful staff. Gift shop, chapel, restaurant & coffee shop. Plenty of picnic seating available. There is an additional fee to use a buggy or land train.
Entrance is free. Parking is £3. Tribute Ink is currently on show. A must place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went today for Royal Green Jackets meet with my uncle.The place is so touching and so much to see.I shall come back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent the first day of our break here and were not disappointed. The car park was £3 for the day and entrance is free. We were greeted at the door by a very nice chap who explained briefly what we could see and where to go. There is a land train which goes around the site with a commentary and there are also buggy tours too but although I had a bad knee we just decided to strol around and explore on our own. The memorials are superb, with the Armed Forces memorial right at the heart of it, which I didnt go up to owing to the amount of steps, but my partner did and said it was a great tribute to all. We visited the small coffee shop on the square (there is also a nice restaurant) which was pleasant and served all the usual teas and coffees, hot chocolate etc plus snacks. All in all its a great place to spend the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a very enjoyable time here. Gentle walk taking in all the stunning memorials so much to see. So much history for all types of services.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We didn’t realise how big it was and were glad we wore comfy shoes.
On entering we were greeted by one of the team who explained where to go and what was there. You can book a guided tour via train or foot or you can make your own way around.
Everyday in the chapel at 11:00 they have 2 minutes of silence.
It was a very somber feeling seeing all the memorials for all the people who gave there lives not only in the wars but while at work (police, ambulance, fire brigade etc) I for one am so very grateful.
Parking cost £3 for the whole day and it was free entrance but they rely on donations.
There is also a coffee shop and a gift shop by the entrance.
On entering we were greeted by one of the team who explained where to go and what was there. You can book a guided tour via train or foot or you can make your own way around.
Everyday in the chapel at 11:00 they have 2 minutes of silence.
It was a very somber feeling seeing all the memorials for all the people who gave there lives not only in the wars but while at work (police, ambulance, fire brigade etc) I for one am so very grateful.
Parking cost £3 for the whole day and it was free entrance but they rely on donations.
There is also a coffee shop and a gift shop by the entrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is without doubt a wonderful experience to come and explore. So much history for all forms of services and a great place to while away the day. The restaurant serves great food and very friendly staff. Well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four of us enjoyed a day out at the arboretum wandering round the hundreds of memorials to all people(& animals)involved in our countries' many conflicts since WWI.
The stories of heroism was humbling & made us realise even more-so what a debt we owe for our freedom.Its such a beautiful place with all the trees & flowers & the staff were very helpful & friendly.Great coffee shop as well as a restaurant.The train tour was very informative too.Great day out.
The stories of heroism was humbling & made us realise even more-so what a debt we owe for our freedom.Its such a beautiful place with all the trees & flowers & the staff were very helpful & friendly.Great coffee shop as well as a restaurant.The train tour was very informative too.Great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first visit on a lovely sunny Sunday. My elderly father in law had donated a tree in memory of his brother several years ago, so we decided to treat him to a buggy tour as it will probably be his last opportunity. We couldn’t be happier with the day, the tour was designed to visit our specific tree and then take in all the major memorials. Sue our guide had printed out various documents and certificates and was excellent throughout, with amazing knowledge of the whole site. It is a special place with a marvellous tranquil air. I would highly recommend this tour, especially for anyone with mobility issues, as the site is too vast to manage in one trip, otherwise. The tour is great value with a 2 course lunch included, all in all brilliant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
