National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I’ve been here a few times and it’s a spectacular place. Very thought provoking and so lovely to see such beautiful memorials to so many of the forces, the emergency services, the police and many others. This visit however, was something we had to book and pay for in advance with an allocated time slot too.
Some considerable time and effort has gone into the illumination of many of the memorials and you followed a set path around them finishing up at the central memorial wall. Here, there were several powerful spotlight beams moving around and shining up into the sky. Very well done and very impressive.
Some considerable time and effort has gone into the illumination of many of the memorials and you followed a set path around them finishing up at the central memorial wall. Here, there were several powerful spotlight beams moving around and shining up into the sky. Very well done and very impressive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been many times to the Arboretum as we live close by in Staffordshire.
We last went recently and again it was a very memorable experience.
I was born in April 1939 and have many memories of being pushed under the stairs with a Gas Mask pushed on my head and hearing that awful Doodle Bug overhead as I lived close to a Military Airport.
The arboretum caters for all tastes and is a wonderful history lessen for all and shows the full horrors of war. It is good for children with many sites designed for them.
On my last visit we went to the Poppy Field which had been filled with Poppies planted and supplied by many organisations. Not quite like the field when in bloom in Spring/Summer but still very moving.
To conclude do make time to pay a visit and say A BIG THANK YOU to all those who have given their lives to give us the life we lead today.
We last went recently and again it was a very memorable experience.
I was born in April 1939 and have many memories of being pushed under the stairs with a Gas Mask pushed on my head and hearing that awful Doodle Bug overhead as I lived close to a Military Airport.
The arboretum caters for all tastes and is a wonderful history lessen for all and shows the full horrors of war. It is good for children with many sites designed for them.
On my last visit we went to the Poppy Field which had been filled with Poppies planted and supplied by many organisations. Not quite like the field when in bloom in Spring/Summer but still very moving.
To conclude do make time to pay a visit and say A BIG THANK YOU to all those who have given their lives to give us the life we lead today.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This evening we have been to see the Illuminated Arboretum. This is a new attraction for them, starting this year. It was amazing! Over 5 miles of cable and lights, transformed the Arboretum into a very moving experience. A good night out for old and young alike. The highlight is the monument to all fallen servicemen/women. There are searchlights shining up into the sky, over the monument, which join together pointing towards the heavens, added to this, is some very moving music..the whole effect, moved me to tears. If this years show, is an example of what they can do, in their first year, then following years, should be even better. Well done to all concerned. On a more practical note, the whole walk is easy walking, on flat ground, all well lit and signed, plenty of staff on route, to assist if required, a very welcome stall selling hot drinks half way round and a lovely warm restaurant and toilets in the visitors centre. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free to get in. Ability to walk round on your own or take the land train at a small cost for a 50 minute auditory tour
Cafe reasonably priced, with volunteers clearing tables as they are vacated
Dogs welcome
Site constantly dedicating more memorials. Will require more than one visit to see everything
Cafe reasonably priced, with volunteers clearing tables as they are vacated
Dogs welcome
Site constantly dedicating more memorials. Will require more than one visit to see everything
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We enjoyed our visit, we used the land train for our tour it was very interesting and informative. We had lunch there, a very tasty soup and excellent sandwiches. We will go again in better weather and walk around so we can view the memorials more fully. Well managed and tended, the staff and volunteers were very helpful and made us feel very welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked a buggy tour and two course meal for my Nan & grandads anniversary. We met our tour guide, who volunteers, and our buggy which was gratefully full of blankets to keep us warm. Bryan was very knowledgable and amazed us all with everything he knew. He also made the attempt to see if there was anything in particular we wanted to see (which both grandparents did due to both their fathers serving). The tour lasted from 10.30 to around 3.30 but depends on how long you take to eat (the food was really nice and we had our own reserved table and were waited on by a lovely young lady) and to walk the small sections without the buggy (mainly around the Burmese war). With the amount of money they spend to keep it running then I’d advise everyone to visit even just once. We learnt so much from our day and the whole experience was great. Thank you Bryan especially!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I hadn’t been to the NMA for a few years but was up visiting a friend who lived close by so we went for a visit.
The last time I visited most of the trees were saplings so it was great to see an arboretum with maturing trees. There were also a lot more memorials on display since my last visit.
It isn’t truly disabled friendly, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters available for hire for a couple of pounds. The Armed Forces memorial is also wheelchair accessible by a circular path.
Some of the memorials were fenced off as they were being repaired. This is usually ground repairs as the whole area is liable to flooding from the nearby river. That said it was still a humbling and awe inspiring visit.
The last time I visited most of the trees were saplings so it was great to see an arboretum with maturing trees. There were also a lot more memorials on display since my last visit.
It isn’t truly disabled friendly, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters available for hire for a couple of pounds. The Armed Forces memorial is also wheelchair accessible by a circular path.
Some of the memorials were fenced off as they were being repaired. This is usually ground repairs as the whole area is liable to flooding from the nearby river. That said it was still a humbling and awe inspiring visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic venue....Fantastic road travel, the Aspects business conference centre is superb, great facilities, fantastic catering and friendly expert staff.....of all the conference venues I've been to, and there have been many, this is by far the best!!! Highly recommended and I hope to use over and over in the future
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place for your own contemplation, and interesting to walk around the various areas. Took walking shoes as once you are off the main path there are interesting areas.
Shot at Dawn talk was interesting..
Walked around and stayed for 2 hours.
thank you...
Shot at Dawn talk was interesting..
Walked around and stayed for 2 hours.
thank you...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a lovely peaceful place to visit. You couldn't do it in one day. Nice new visitors centre and always something new to see well recommended do visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The thought and quality of consideration that went into developing this wonderful Memorial is a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Great Wars, and other conflicts. A very emotional and outstanding memory to those, who we should be so proud and grateful too. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. God, make sure they rest in peace.
We will never be forget them.
We will never be forget them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An extremely interesting and very moving place to visit. Impossible to do in one day. A several days visit is recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It’s free to enter if you don’t go on a tour. Cafe was good too.
We parked further down the road as the main car park was full, so didn’t have to pay for parking.
We parked further down the road as the main car park was full, so didn’t have to pay for parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had an excellent trip and was very moved by some of the memorials.
The one that got to us the most was Shot at Dawn very emotional place to see.
The only down side was the lunch we had
The vegetables were barely warm very disappointing lunch would not eat a full meal if we go back again
The one that got to us the most was Shot at Dawn very emotional place to see.
The only down side was the lunch we had
The vegetables were barely warm very disappointing lunch would not eat a full meal if we go back again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with a group of 6 year olds to see the Scout Memorial. Children loved the space and the different memorials on show plus the abundance of nature visible even on a damp cold day. Restaurant had a good selection of food and the ‘Sunday Dinner’ looked lovely. (We had cakes and hot chocolate).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with a group of ex WRAF on a reunion. Fantastic day and very humbling. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy and staff were lovely. Cafe/shops not over priced and will certainly visit again with my family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having read the diverse reports commentating on the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day,I should like to add my own Did the organizers of this event realize a much larger attendance figure would be the norm on such an historic occasion.
Did they not carry out a sound test at the Memorial the day before.and place more visual enhancements around the site of the Ceremony.
Who authorized a mobile burger van on a site of such dignity,this is not Glastonbury.
Why was the restaurant not more fully staffed,long queues meant hot food had cooled long before diners reached the cash machine.
My most significant complaint is the lack of organisation of the traffic/parking system.When we arrived at the Showground there was a queue of around 200 people for a shuttle bus.My brother in law,who has mobility problems,decided to walk as he did not wish to miss the Ceremony.After a few hundred yards,was unable to continue.We were stranded by the roadside as my husband had no chance of fetching our car,We were saved by a 'Good Samaritan' lady who turned her car around and offered him a lift.I accept that people had parked irresponsibly,and this was no fault of the Arboretum,but couldn't some other way to the venue have been made purely for the shuttle buses? I have awarded the Arboretum 5 stars because it is a unique place,the Field of Remembrance is a revelation to the Fallen,and I will return.Such a shame the unique occasion was not more helpful.
Did they not carry out a sound test at the Memorial the day before.and place more visual enhancements around the site of the Ceremony.
Who authorized a mobile burger van on a site of such dignity,this is not Glastonbury.
Why was the restaurant not more fully staffed,long queues meant hot food had cooled long before diners reached the cash machine.
My most significant complaint is the lack of organisation of the traffic/parking system.When we arrived at the Showground there was a queue of around 200 people for a shuttle bus.My brother in law,who has mobility problems,decided to walk as he did not wish to miss the Ceremony.After a few hundred yards,was unable to continue.We were stranded by the roadside as my husband had no chance of fetching our car,We were saved by a 'Good Samaritan' lady who turned her car around and offered him a lift.I accept that people had parked irresponsibly,and this was no fault of the Arboretum,but couldn't some other way to the venue have been made purely for the shuttle buses? I have awarded the Arboretum 5 stars because it is a unique place,the Field of Remembrance is a revelation to the Fallen,and I will return.Such a shame the unique occasion was not more helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on the 13th November as part of a coach party, didn't quite know what to expect having visited a large number of WW1 battlefields but from our arrival onward we were made welcome, reception was the only wait we had as there was only one receptionist working but otherwise all good. The restaurant was very impressive with loads of choice and all reasonably priced. The train was well worth booking as it gave us a really good idea of what the arboretum is all about, in all a really moving experience. Our thanks to everyone for the help and respect shown to my Wife and myself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
e tea stop whilst on our way to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of 1st world war. we'd heard great things about it but nothing prepared us for what we saw. arrived early to take advantage of a hearty breakfast and was greeted by lovely volunteers who were extremely helpful. we were looking for a few thing in particular including regiments, and more specifically war veterans and everyone we asked were extremely well informed and,able to direct us to exactly where we wanted to see. Apart from the main memorial of the fallen etched on stone tablets, there were hundreds of regimental memorials scattered within the gardens. the place is huge and a fitting tribute to all the men, women and animals who served. I had read a few negative reviews about the service of remembrance on the 11th. all I can say is, the plans were huge and being set up as we were there on the Friday morning. The numbers attending could not have been anticipated and as for the complaint about the cafe, I would have thought it would have been pleasing to see so many people attending to pay their respects. I am sure following our experience and that of others I have spoken to, the staff will have done their utmost to hold a service fitting for the fallen
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and were invited to to the NMA for the Armistice 100. Over the last five years it has developed into a 'place to see'. The history, the serenity and the layout is second to none. I fully recommend anyone to make a visit. Helping to make visits is the staff around the whole area, pleasant, friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
Thank you for our day of remembrance.
Thank you for our day of remembrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Second time we've visited last time was ''ride to the wall'' 2017. My complaint this time was the lack of buses from Park and Ride we were told there were 3 but saw only 2 so after driving nearly 2 hours stuck in traffic we then held our own minutes silence in a car park. My other complaint was the overflowing toilet close to the Christmas Truce Memorial. We watched an elderly disabled gentleman struggling to use the toilet, please can we treat these old soldiers with more respect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I had been meaning to visit for ages and we are both glad we did. We found it all very moving on a glorious September day. AS the site is so large,we decided to take the train around the arboretum as other people have recommended on Tripadvisor. This gives a good insight with commentary and we were glad we did it. WE spent the whole day here walking around after the train trip and have still not managed to see it all. Will definitely be returning to take in the rest. There is also a restaurant and shop to visit. The guides are very helpful and knowledgeable too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another wonderful visit. Such a special place ideal for quiet personal reflection and to meet friends from years past
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I visited on a very rainy day in September..absolutely amazing place such beautifully kept gardens detail on monuments was exceptional totally heart wrenching to read some of the stories of the very brave people who had fought in many wars not just 1 and 2. Children should visit to learn what their great great grandparents era went through to enable us to live the life we do today..so thankyou to all those who give their time some as volunteers to keep this great place so immaculate..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came here primarily to lay a "In Remembrance Cross" at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Memorial to my grandfather. The whole experience was moving and uplifting. So many memorials and many that you can relate to. This is definitely a place you should visit in your lifetime.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
