National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We really enjoyed our visit to the National Arboretum. There was so much to see and lots of quiet places to sit and reflect. There is no entrance fee but donations are very welcome. We went on a land train tour which you do have to pay for on arrival. This gave us a good insight into the layout of the arboretum and the commentary was excellent. There are a number of places the train will stop if you want to alight but be aware you cannot re-join the next train along if you do this. Maps of the arboretum can be bought at the desk as you enter reception at a cost of £3, we found ours very helpful. There is a large café with plenty of outdoor seating on Heroes Square outside. It is not just war dead that are remembered but many other organisations. At 11.00am every day there is a short act of remembrance and this is the only place in England that does this daily. The staff are so pleasant and helpful and would thoroughly recommend a visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wasn’t sure what to expect but really enjoyed our visit. Easy spacious parking. Willing friendly volunteers/guides. Extensive site. Over 300 memorials. Plenty to see and plenty to think about. Really pleased to find the SANDS garden. Surprised to see a memorial to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Military memorials are amazing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit. The range of trees dedicated to all the memorials is stunning. At the moment there is a lot of new building and repair work going on. The road train is an excellent way to travel around and then you are able to walk back to places you want to see. We missed the WI memorial but I have been before and saw it then. The colours of the trees make it more of a pleasure in autumn. The shop, cafe and toilet facilities are excellent and other exhibitions are available all year round. A great and emotional place to go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had a lovely visit here, they had a service in the chapel at 11am, we hen went onto the land train which is an excellent idea and saves your legs and gives you an idea of where everything is. We then went to the main army memorial and had a lovely lunch. You can’t help but become emotional at the volume of lives that have been lost 🙏 lovely venue I’d encourage everybody to visit. It was a sunny day there’s plenty of bench’s so you can sit almost anywhere 👍🏼
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place to visit. It is a place of reflection, making people think about and celebrate our service personnel and their roles and sacrifices, but is also a place of life, which is reflected in the planting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is one of the best places to visit in the Midlands. Everything about the Arboretum is excellent, from the car park (only £3.00 for the whole day!). through the entrance building where all visitors were greeted by members of staff, to the cafeteria serving very tasty and fresh meals and sandwiches (all at a very reasonable price), to the immaculate state of the grounds, to our departure where we were thanked for coming to the Arboretum. It is a place that we, as a country can justifiably proud.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place - I would have liked to be able to see more and walk about but dad struggled with walking so far. The train was good as it allowed us to see so much more. Only thing was it's a circular trip and if get off the train can't get back on. Had hoped to get train to far end to have wander then use to get back but this not possible even though thought it would be from their website. Well worth visiting. Very poignant. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I go there to pay my respect to my list friends and those who have gone before and after them. Its always immaculate
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited on the 13th May to commemorate the Fallen heroes of the London Fire Brigade. There was plenty to see and explore on this beautiful ground.
As the main car park was reserved for dignities and special guests, I parked a distance from the main entrance and walked on high gravel ground - very uncomfortable, in a vast ground used as a car park.
There are lots trees and memorials surrounding memorials, colourful flower beds and well-kept lawns.
A place worth visiting.
As the main car park was reserved for dignities and special guests, I parked a distance from the main entrance and walked on high gravel ground - very uncomfortable, in a vast ground used as a car park.
There are lots trees and memorials surrounding memorials, colourful flower beds and well-kept lawns.
A place worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our 2nd visit to this wonderful place even in the rain which there was a lot of on our visit but did dry up eventually. Came as a couple last time but bought daughter & granddaughter this time & was great to see everything assessable to see. Granddaughter enjoyed making a plaque for the RAF 100year ceremony. Only negatives are the cost of the paper maps £3 not good in the wet & the cost of gifts in the shop, yes I know it all goes to The Arboretum which is why I made some purchases. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable if tiring day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A friend and myself selected this location for a photography lesson.
There is plenty of parking available on site and it costs £3 for as long as you want.
The place itself is fantastic. A great memorial to past and present servicemen and women. Lots of lovely memorials, plaques and displays. Some of the pieces of sculpture are amazing. Lots of stories being told. We spent a good couple of hours taking photographs and walking around reading about the different services. Very interesting day
There is a lot of walking to be done as the grounds are expansive, there are wheelchairs available for those who would struggle, but its also a lovely walk if yo are able.
The weather was awful most of the time but the location and the history was great. There is a large Cafe, which sells meals, snacks and drinks - pretty expensive but thats pretty par for the course for this sort of place (2x sandwich and 2x hot drinks £14). If I go again ill take a sandwich and a flask.
Overall a very good day out. The monuments with the stretcher bearers was very moving, which the slot in the stone which shines through on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month. Definitely a recommended place to visit
There is plenty of parking available on site and it costs £3 for as long as you want.
The place itself is fantastic. A great memorial to past and present servicemen and women. Lots of lovely memorials, plaques and displays. Some of the pieces of sculpture are amazing. Lots of stories being told. We spent a good couple of hours taking photographs and walking around reading about the different services. Very interesting day
There is a lot of walking to be done as the grounds are expansive, there are wheelchairs available for those who would struggle, but its also a lovely walk if yo are able.
The weather was awful most of the time but the location and the history was great. There is a large Cafe, which sells meals, snacks and drinks - pretty expensive but thats pretty par for the course for this sort of place (2x sandwich and 2x hot drinks £14). If I go again ill take a sandwich and a flask.
Overall a very good day out. The monuments with the stretcher bearers was very moving, which the slot in the stone which shines through on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month. Definitely a recommended place to visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To our serving past and present Service Men and Women. Wonderful gardens, memorial plaques, benches, water. Really good parking which costs £3 for the day. On entering there is a large lovely cafe area with indoor and outdoor seating, gift shop and desk to help you with informatiom on the Arboretum. A beautiful calm place where you can wonder at your leisure, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the different memorial gardens. There are some womderful pieces of sculpture and the tree used are wonderful. We have had the most amazing day. The Volunteers and Staff made sure everyone was looked after.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great to see this place as a focus for us to remember those that have given so much for us. Wheelchair readily available for those who would find walking round the site a bit much. every part of the site was accessible .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place. The land train is well worth a ride. The arboretum is wonderfully laid out, the buildings are superb, the staff and volunteers helpful and the memorials beautiful and varied. The restaurant was really great too.
So glad we visited and will do so again.
Thanks to all who work there and who have been involved in bringing a concept to reality.
So glad we visited and will do so again.
Thanks to all who work there and who have been involved in bringing a concept to reality.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Plenty to see and investigate on this 150 acre site.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've visited a good few times and I always find something I haven't seen before, so well worth a visit even if you've visited already. I last came here a couple of months ago when the trees were bare, but today the place looks stunning. Glorious trees surrounding the memorials, beautifully kept lawns and colourful flower beds. A place to be proud of. And the new Pegasus Bridge Memorial is a real must see. I'd also like to say a huge thank you to Mick Byrne and Paul Moore, volunteers at NMA, who took the time to give me lots of information that helped me with a photography project I was doing. So helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Ten out of ten for customer service!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here as part of a wider weekend in the area. Our visit was not planned and was just an add on to the last day, however what a find!
After parking (£3 charge per car) we were greeted at the entrance and the centre was explained to us. You then enter a really modern and well laid out entrance with ticket desk (It's free to enter although there are a range of options you can do such as buggies to get around), toilets, shop and huge cafe/restaurant.
You then enter Heroes Square before finding your way around the complex. Warning: IT IS HUGE so get a plan before you head out and be prepared to walk.
There is a huge range of memorials from armed forces to police, secret services to fire and nursing too. All are different, all have their own poignancy (including seeing the stone mason adding the most recent names to the roll of honour of armed forces personnel who have died in service since the end of WWII. there are even sections devoted to different theatres of conflict to remember particular areas or countries.
On the day we came, there were some people who re-enact WWII scenes such as RAF, Army Nursing etc to help bring things to life. Nice little touch.
The planting is exceptional, such a huge range of trees and shrubs and walks through woodlands as well as along the path by the river.
After we had finished we enjoyed the cafe for a hot drink and cake, a browse in the shop where there are currently some unique items linked to RAF 100 years, and used the super clean toilets.
The only downside is that there should be more maps on display around the complex to help you find things and your way around. The signage they do have is poor and not of real use unless you have a map to follow.
Well worth visiting though. And I will definitely come back.
After parking (£3 charge per car) we were greeted at the entrance and the centre was explained to us. You then enter a really modern and well laid out entrance with ticket desk (It's free to enter although there are a range of options you can do such as buggies to get around), toilets, shop and huge cafe/restaurant.
You then enter Heroes Square before finding your way around the complex. Warning: IT IS HUGE so get a plan before you head out and be prepared to walk.
There is a huge range of memorials from armed forces to police, secret services to fire and nursing too. All are different, all have their own poignancy (including seeing the stone mason adding the most recent names to the roll of honour of armed forces personnel who have died in service since the end of WWII. there are even sections devoted to different theatres of conflict to remember particular areas or countries.
On the day we came, there were some people who re-enact WWII scenes such as RAF, Army Nursing etc to help bring things to life. Nice little touch.
The planting is exceptional, such a huge range of trees and shrubs and walks through woodlands as well as along the path by the river.
After we had finished we enjoyed the cafe for a hot drink and cake, a browse in the shop where there are currently some unique items linked to RAF 100 years, and used the super clean toilets.
The only downside is that there should be more maps on display around the complex to help you find things and your way around. The signage they do have is poor and not of real use unless you have a map to follow.
Well worth visiting though. And I will definitely come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful grounds,and very interesting visit.we spent two days visiting and still didn't see everything.and it's free to visit.this is our fourth visit and every year there is more to see,it is a very numbering place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting day, the volunteer guides are the stars of this experience, knowledgeable and helpful its a place to remember the past, the sacrifices of the many from all different walks of life, it has space and grandeur, symbolism and reverence, tasteful yet understated, thought provoking and humbling.
Free entry, great tasty food on offer at reasonable prices it is well worthy of a visit the Royal British Legion at its best administering the whole site. Thank you.
Free entry, great tasty food on offer at reasonable prices it is well worthy of a visit the Royal British Legion at its best administering the whole site. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place and spotless. Strangely so really as couldn't find a bin to dispose of rubbish. Had lunch in the restaraunt which was a bit all over the place, sauce here, salt and pepper there - strange! Price ok but later had a drink in the small café within the grounds and a lot cheaper, need to get their acts together.
The Chapel there is lovely and really worth popping into, we weren't going to but two friends said do and I am so pleased we did
The Chapel there is lovely and really worth popping into, we weren't going to but two friends said do and I am so pleased we did
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second visit to this most humbling of places..Amazing to see so many trees in rememberance of so many members from all the serving Forces of UK And over seas...
The beautiful setting gave a calmness for private moments as well..
The cafeteria was well set out with plenty space to allow wheel chair access...
With Free entry I'm sure NO ONE could possibly be able to leave without leaving a donation to go towards the upkeep of this amazing place...
The beautiful setting gave a calmness for private moments as well..
The cafeteria was well set out with plenty space to allow wheel chair access...
With Free entry I'm sure NO ONE could possibly be able to leave without leaving a donation to go towards the upkeep of this amazing place...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well signposted, excellent parking facilities, entrance building impressive and staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers. So many memorials to see,set in tranquil surroundings. "Shot at Dawn" memorial is heartrending but must not be missed, as is the main central memorial. Excellent catering facilities at reasonable prices and an interesting, themed, gift shop. Well worth a whole days visit, don't forget your camera.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My favourite place for being at peace the mumorial are thought provoking. Nice place for contemplation
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Huge site, you can choose how long you stay and I have seen different things each time I've visited. The shot at dawn memorial is particularly harrowing. It's not exactly a "nice" day out but it is humbling and interesting and quite beautiful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic place to visit , you need to allow a full day and if you have mobility problems there are electric chairs for hire £5 a day that’s not bad, to see it all you need to be well Mobile , there is the electric train £6 but you do not get to see that much, all in all a great place but take your walking shoes and carry water with you on a hot day, parking is £3 a day that’s also good, so yes I would recommend a visit I’ve been 4 times.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
