National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
It was a pleasure to arrive at the special NMA for the EdwardsTrust Tree of Life Remembrance Event. Over 130 members of the Edwards Trust Family gathered in the new Aspects building and enjoyed tea and coffee while being entertained by ukulele musicians. We heard how the Tree of Life Garden came to pass and then walked together to the Garden to attach our roses to the structure. Thank you so much for this moving time when we shared our loss
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the arboretum on a sunny day and found a really beautiful place. I didn't expect there to be as many memorials as there are and was impressed by how well everything was kept. We used the land train as I have difficulty walking very far and the service was excellent, it included a recorded commentary of information about each memorial visited., and the train staff were helpful and amusing. My husband left the train to walk and I returned to the main building to wait for him. the volunteer staff there were attentive , informative and very friendly. (Thursday afternoon !5th ) thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must go to place but once there give yourself plenty of time to look around and to soak up all that the NMA stands for. A place for peace, remembering, respecting and honouring so many people who in whatever way of life have served their country and their communities. Deserves 10*s!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a lovely day here today with my husband and two daughters. We started off with a trip on the land train. This 45 minute tour takes you around the whole arboretum with a commentary pointing out lots of the memorials and explaining details about them. We then had lunch in the cafe, delicious food and not too expensive followed by a walk around the memorials. There are so many to look at with so many different stories attached to them, it was incredibly thought provoking throughout. Towards the end of our walk we found a hut with volunteers dressed up and telling people about the work of the SOE (special operations executive). We were allowed to hold real weapons, the girls took part in an SOE training activity and we learnt about recruitment and some of the activities that the SOE took part in to help out during the war. Having arrived at midday there was too much to look at in one afternoon. All together a very thought provoking day set in beautiful grounds. Highly recommended, we will definitely come back to see the rest.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were travelling through the area and decided to stop off to investigate the NMA. What a truly amazing and wonderous place this really is.
As an ex Royal Navy person of 25 years with father, two uncles and grand father all in the Merchant Navy I found this somewhere where all can be remembered. My two great uncles who fought and died in the army during the Great War and many other long lost relatives are all remembered in one place, truly amazing.
We took the land train for a quick visit during our travels, but we will return for a few days to walk through the many wonderful memorials.
Staff and volunteers are helpful and very knowledgeable about each memorial and we thank them for their care and compassion.
Look forward to our next visit.
As an ex Royal Navy person of 25 years with father, two uncles and grand father all in the Merchant Navy I found this somewhere where all can be remembered. My two great uncles who fought and died in the army during the Great War and many other long lost relatives are all remembered in one place, truly amazing.
We took the land train for a quick visit during our travels, but we will return for a few days to walk through the many wonderful memorials.
Staff and volunteers are helpful and very knowledgeable about each memorial and we thank them for their care and compassion.
Look forward to our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a forces family, the NMA always has particular poignancy for us, but this is a place for everyone. The breadth of memorials is fascinating. So much to see that one visit is never enough. The military aspect is hard to ignore, but even if you have no military connection, there is so much to catch the eye as each memorial is different. The site itself is huge, but a land train is available with guides to help cover the distance as well as golf cart type buggies, but take the time to stroll through beautiful gardens and admire the memorials as artwork.
We visited with children and it is lovely that the focus is shifting from a place of sombre reflection to one of celebration and remembrance. It is important to engage this generation to ensure that remembrance continues and the balance is being struck just right. As it was the summer holidays, there were planned activities for children with a stickman trail for the younger ones and a spy trail for older children with an entertaining prop bag. We had fun learning about the importance of special ops during wwII and finished off with costumed interpreters who set a challenge to help the resistance! Their enthusiasm and knowledge was a great bonus.
The cafe is clean with a good range of food/drinks and seems reasonably priced.
Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum should be mandatory for everyone. We are already looking forward to our next visit,
We visited with children and it is lovely that the focus is shifting from a place of sombre reflection to one of celebration and remembrance. It is important to engage this generation to ensure that remembrance continues and the balance is being struck just right. As it was the summer holidays, there were planned activities for children with a stickman trail for the younger ones and a spy trail for older children with an entertaining prop bag. We had fun learning about the importance of special ops during wwII and finished off with costumed interpreters who set a challenge to help the resistance! Their enthusiasm and knowledge was a great bonus.
The cafe is clean with a good range of food/drinks and seems reasonably priced.
Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum should be mandatory for everyone. We are already looking forward to our next visit,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On 14th August I attended the 'Op Banner 50' memorial to honour all the service men and women who gave their lives during the 38 years of the Northern Ireland 'troubles', I found the staff very helpful and the experience and the way the stones are laid out very moving. Perhaps I am biased as I had personal reasons for being there. Well done to British Legion for giving the public somewhere they can give thanks for years to come.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went as invited guests to a memorial for Operation Banner (Northern Ireland conflict)
Although it rained and rained it did not dampen anyones enthusiasm as lowly ex Gunners and Privates mingled with Brigadiers and Generals.
This place is a must see .
Awesome gardens and grounds. Fantastically moving service gardens, the Royal Artillery one being by far the best (Says an ex Bombardier lol)
Well worth a visit.
The actual memorial event we attended was brilliant
Although it rained and rained it did not dampen anyones enthusiasm as lowly ex Gunners and Privates mingled with Brigadiers and Generals.
This place is a must see .
Awesome gardens and grounds. Fantastically moving service gardens, the Royal Artillery one being by far the best (Says an ex Bombardier lol)
Well worth a visit.
The actual memorial event we attended was brilliant
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One visit is not enough. It gets better in so many ways with each return trip. So much to see and reflect upon. The thought and detail that’s gone into every area is wonderful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staying in Burton-on-Trent for a couple of weeks this was on the top of our list of things to do and we were not disappointed. We have all probably seen the main cenotaph there on television, but its elevation and presence when you actually are there is overwhelming. Apart from the main cenotaph there are an immense number of specific memorials spread over a vast area - I cannot remember how many acres - all different in appearance but all with a common theme. It was very nice to see the vast range of the ages, races, and people that were there.
Each morning there is a service in the on-site memorial hall which includes The Last Post - a spine chiller and reminder if ever there was one. Be on time, late comers are NOT admitted.
This is a place that everyone should visit during their lifetime - but one day is not enough.
Eat at the on-site restaurant - the food is great and the prices very reasonable.
All the staff, both in the gardens and in the restaurant are so very pleasant, cheerful, and helpful.
This is a
Each morning there is a service in the on-site memorial hall which includes The Last Post - a spine chiller and reminder if ever there was one. Be on time, late comers are NOT admitted.
This is a place that everyone should visit during their lifetime - but one day is not enough.
Eat at the on-site restaurant - the food is great and the prices very reasonable.
All the staff, both in the gardens and in the restaurant are so very pleasant, cheerful, and helpful.
This is a
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Considering I wasn't even aware of its existence I was absolutely blown away. Immaculately maintained grounds with thought provoking memorials which will strike a note with everyone. A very dignified garden of remembrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was immensely moved by this place. You may pay your respects to the many who have died in the Armed Forces in a quiet and reflective atmosphere.
It will also move you to ponder what the future holds. There are huge walls only partly covered in names - there are many spaces for names for Conflicts as yet unimagined.
It is a bit out of the way and i was glad to be in the Car. Not sure what it is like on Public Transport.
It will also move you to ponder what the future holds. There are huge walls only partly covered in names - there are many spaces for names for Conflicts as yet unimagined.
It is a bit out of the way and i was glad to be in the Car. Not sure what it is like on Public Transport.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visit and will definitely be back, blown away by the size of the place. Everywhere was well maintained and some of the areas were stunning to look at.
Plenty of benches around the park, enjoyed just sitting in the great surroundings.
The memorials are very impressive, and very moving.
Plenty of benches around the park, enjoyed just sitting in the great surroundings.
The memorials are very impressive, and very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very special , moving place. I lot bigger than I imagined. Very well looked after, presented and maintained. Over 300 memorials to look at. Really need a few days and to go in different seasons too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took 8 people everyone learnt some thing new and most were amazed at the variety of memorial. Some people got very emotional
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
the National Memorial Arboretum is worth a visit as I was there for four hours and I would recon on a two day visit to enjoy it all as it was fantastic,interesting and mind blowing. I am definetly going back some day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited recently while we stayed at Wychnor Park. It's only about 10 minutes drive away from there.
Costs just £3 to park and fee admission.
We took the land train first which while it gives an overview of the park it's a little way off from see the memorials close up.
We walked all around the memorials to see them better and it's just an amazing place to visit.
Costs just £3 to park and fee admission.
We took the land train first which while it gives an overview of the park it's a little way off from see the memorials close up.
We walked all around the memorials to see them better and it's just an amazing place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another great night at the Arboretum. We treated ourselves to the VIP package and it was superb.
On arrival greeted by a fine trio of musicians and complementary fizz or orange. This was followed by a fine meal with great service from the volunteer and paid young staff.
The out to the arena Union flags now in hand to take our VIP seats - a little rain spoiled itself for 15 mins - but it is the UK and up went the brolly.
Then followed an evening of fine music followed by the spectacular fire work display.
Highly recommended
On arrival greeted by a fine trio of musicians and complementary fizz or orange. This was followed by a fine meal with great service from the volunteer and paid young staff.
The out to the arena Union flags now in hand to take our VIP seats - a little rain spoiled itself for 15 mins - but it is the UK and up went the brolly.
Then followed an evening of fine music followed by the spectacular fire work display.
Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I had always wanted to visit here so being a nice morning we actually visited this attraction. Parking was only three pound (bargain). You have the opportunity to go on the small cart which takes you around, ideal for people not able to walk long distances. There was so many memorials to see which we think we visited them all, even though it was busy it seemed very tranquil walking around. There is also a restaurant and gift shop. A pleasant day out, well worth the visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Met up with friends, had a great day out. Stick man trail for the children which was laid out well and easy for them to follow. Some lovely memorials although having young children with us we found that it was not ideal to cover the area that we would have liked. We will certainly be paying another visit so that we can enjoy the peace, tranquility and beauty of this wonderful place. Depending on what you want to see will depend on the length of you stay. Plenty of car parking at £3 for the day, areas to enjoy a picnic and a lovely restaurant, plenty of seating around Arboretum, children’s play areas and a train for those with walking difficulties. Staff were very helpful, approachable and knowledgable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four of us had a lovely day last Wednesday, touring the arboretum. My husband suffers from Parkinson's Disease and cannot walk very far and I discovered that it is possible to book a tailor made tour in a golf cart.
We were asked to arrive by 10.30am, and David our wonderful guide was waiting for us. We had a coffee while he asked what we really wanted to see in detail, and then we went to the Chapel where he had reserved four seats for us in the front row. The little service was very moving and we were also given a talk on how the Arboretum was first envisaged and how it was developed and built over several years.
We were then taken to our golf buggy which would actually seat 7 passengers, but was very comfortable for our group of four. David had also thoughtfully supplied blankets as it was a cold windy day. Luckily we had no rain though.
The whole place is absolutely fascinating. It is beautiful and so well presented, and even though very sad in places it was wonderful to see. David was a great guide and a mine of information, and also had many photographs to help us understand various memorials.
The cost of our tour also included a really good 2 course lunch, served at a table with white cloth and silverware and glasses. We did think other visitors probably thought we must be some VIP's visiting!
I think this place is well worth a visit, and especially for people who find difficulty walking, the private tour is a must.
For everyone else, there is a train which goes all around the whole site and you can get on and off it at will.
We were asked to arrive by 10.30am, and David our wonderful guide was waiting for us. We had a coffee while he asked what we really wanted to see in detail, and then we went to the Chapel where he had reserved four seats for us in the front row. The little service was very moving and we were also given a talk on how the Arboretum was first envisaged and how it was developed and built over several years.
We were then taken to our golf buggy which would actually seat 7 passengers, but was very comfortable for our group of four. David had also thoughtfully supplied blankets as it was a cold windy day. Luckily we had no rain though.
The whole place is absolutely fascinating. It is beautiful and so well presented, and even though very sad in places it was wonderful to see. David was a great guide and a mine of information, and also had many photographs to help us understand various memorials.
The cost of our tour also included a really good 2 course lunch, served at a table with white cloth and silverware and glasses. We did think other visitors probably thought we must be some VIP's visiting!
I think this place is well worth a visit, and especially for people who find difficulty walking, the private tour is a must.
For everyone else, there is a train which goes all around the whole site and you can get on and off it at will.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We`ve been meaning to go to the NMA for sometime. Location is easy to reach and there is lots of car parking priced at £3 for the day! A family could easily have a very economical day out in the 150+ acres of grounds. There are 300+ memorials to those who serve from the military branches through to the emergency services. Even with a fair few people there it is so well laid out there are lots of quiet areas for thought and reflection. Cafe & exhibitions are fantastically well laid out and there is a small legion of volunteers to help visitors. Absolute 10/10 from us, we`ll return possibly in Autumn to appreciate the change in seasons.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Looking forward to next year's Prom following what was probably my most enjoyable evening of entertainment.
The closing aerial firework display that accompanied Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Reserves) Band playing Holst's 'Mars' from the 'Planets Suite' were, on their own, worth the price of the ticket.
Music from the 1930's, favourites of the big screen and Elton John were included in the band programme.
A selection of nautical music had the audience clapping 100mph to match the increasing speed at which the band played the Hornpipe. 'Rule Britannia' had them singing along and waving the Union Flag.
Two soloists sang items from opera and Simon and Garfunkel.
'Land of Hope and Glory' prompted further singing and flag-waving.
Although the openair performance was not due to start until 8pm the public, complete with fold-up chairs and picnics, lined-up two hours earlier in order to bag the best spots on the lawn in front of the stage.
A hat, a coat and an umbrella are advised in case of an odd shower.
The closing aerial firework display that accompanied Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Reserves) Band playing Holst's 'Mars' from the 'Planets Suite' were, on their own, worth the price of the ticket.
Music from the 1930's, favourites of the big screen and Elton John were included in the band programme.
A selection of nautical music had the audience clapping 100mph to match the increasing speed at which the band played the Hornpipe. 'Rule Britannia' had them singing along and waving the Union Flag.
Two soloists sang items from opera and Simon and Garfunkel.
'Land of Hope and Glory' prompted further singing and flag-waving.
Although the openair performance was not due to start until 8pm the public, complete with fold-up chairs and picnics, lined-up two hours earlier in order to bag the best spots on the lawn in front of the stage.
A hat, a coat and an umbrella are advised in case of an odd shower.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here by accident with my family aged 9to 64.
WOW an amazing heart tugging place.
The whole place is beautifully done & shows a massive amount of respect for all servicemen woman and animals and their families. The amount of effort that has gone into the arboretum is wonderful.
A must visit by anyone
WOW an amazing heart tugging place.
The whole place is beautifully done & shows a massive amount of respect for all servicemen woman and animals and their families. The amount of effort that has gone into the arboretum is wonderful.
A must visit by anyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am a 25 year Army "Veteran" and have lived most of my working career overseas. Recently I returned to the UK and one of the first sites I had to visit was the National Memorial Arboretum.
Well, I was not disappointed. I was humbled at the sheer numbers of Veteran Volunteers both front and back of house working tirelessly to keep the memorial in tip-top condition. Full credit to them all.
The Arboretum (a botanical garden devoted to trees) is exactly what it says it is. there are over 400 memorials positioned subtly amongst the trees and open grassed lawns that are dedicated to our servicemen and women, civil service, civil defence, special operatives, and overseas servicemen and women, of all kinds including the Travelling Entertainment Society.
It is a beautiful place just to visit and to either take the land train or to walk around the grounds just taking in the sites.
Considering that there are a high proportion of elderly visitors to the site I would have expected a few more public toilets located in subtle hideaways around the grounds. The attraction is FREE to enter, which is amazing, as I would have thought that there would be a small charitable admission fee, at least for the upkeep of the property. It has all-day car parking priced at only £3.00. Food and light refreshments are available on-site, plenty of wheelchair and motor chair access.
This is a good say out for all, it teaches us about history and respect for our fallen heroes.
Well, I was not disappointed. I was humbled at the sheer numbers of Veteran Volunteers both front and back of house working tirelessly to keep the memorial in tip-top condition. Full credit to them all.
The Arboretum (a botanical garden devoted to trees) is exactly what it says it is. there are over 400 memorials positioned subtly amongst the trees and open grassed lawns that are dedicated to our servicemen and women, civil service, civil defence, special operatives, and overseas servicemen and women, of all kinds including the Travelling Entertainment Society.
It is a beautiful place just to visit and to either take the land train or to walk around the grounds just taking in the sites.
Considering that there are a high proportion of elderly visitors to the site I would have expected a few more public toilets located in subtle hideaways around the grounds. The attraction is FREE to enter, which is amazing, as I would have thought that there would be a small charitable admission fee, at least for the upkeep of the property. It has all-day car parking priced at only £3.00. Food and light refreshments are available on-site, plenty of wheelchair and motor chair access.
This is a good say out for all, it teaches us about history and respect for our fallen heroes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
