National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I visited the arboretum with my mum on the anniversary of my father's (mum's husband) death. There are many positive aspects of the visit with just a few grumbles. The parking is £3 for the day which is excellent value, especially when you consider that entrance is free. There is an excellent entrance venue which is full of helpful people who welcome you and give enthusiastic advice. It is clear they are passionate about the arboretum. The outdoor area containing the memorials is vast, so we decided to get the land train. I would advise against this for a few reasons. Firstly, you can hire a buggy tour. This is a more intimate experience and was cheaper than the train. You have a personal guide and it can go to parts of the arboretum the train will not go. The seats on the train were very uncomfortable! The worst thing about the train was the rediculous man who took our tickets. He thought himself very humerous, telling us that he could teach us how to order ice cream in Japanese "Mint choc chip." This is not funny and is actually offensive, particularly when you consider the memorial celebrating the closer ties between Japan and the UK.
Hopefully when you visit you will not have to suffer this obnoxious man and will leave the arboretum with your spirits raised as you should do... Lest we forget...
One of the highlights for me was the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial which had the names of all the young men who were shot for cowardice and / or desertion, but there are so many poignant memorials celebrating and remembering a variety of corps, RAF, Navy and other groups such as the RNLI.
I will definitely visit again.
Hopefully when you visit you will not have to suffer this obnoxious man and will leave the arboretum with your spirits raised as you should do... Lest we forget...
One of the highlights for me was the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial which had the names of all the young men who were shot for cowardice and / or desertion, but there are so many poignant memorials celebrating and remembering a variety of corps, RAF, Navy and other groups such as the RNLI.
I will definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 1st visit and I found the staff very helpful and friendly. There is a fantastic restaurant serving good food and there is a separate coffee shop which is pleasant to, their tea cakes are huge! and tasty! The train around the The National Memorial Arboretum is well worth it then go by foot afterwards to look around.
And what a amazing chapel.
And what a amazing chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were lucky to visit on a beautiful sunny day. This is such and sad, but also inspirational place at the same time!
The main monument with all the names of servicemen/women who have lost their lives since the 2nd World War is truly moving, especially that there is still one complete blank wall that can take up to 15,000 names!!
Paid a special visit to The Logistics Grove as an ex-RCT member, however the whole site is very special.
The trees are starting to look quite established and it will be great to visit in another few years to see how they have matured.
Unfortunately there was building work going on when we were there which detracted from the quietness of the place, however this new building will be a great addition.
All the staff members who we spoke to from the initial contact before entering the main building and 2 others at different times at the wall of remembrance were extremely friendly & helpful.
The food we had at the restaurant was really good quality as well.
Loved the fact that there were plenty of benches around so you could have a rest and contemplate how lucky those of us who are still around are!
The main monument with all the names of servicemen/women who have lost their lives since the 2nd World War is truly moving, especially that there is still one complete blank wall that can take up to 15,000 names!!
Paid a special visit to The Logistics Grove as an ex-RCT member, however the whole site is very special.
The trees are starting to look quite established and it will be great to visit in another few years to see how they have matured.
Unfortunately there was building work going on when we were there which detracted from the quietness of the place, however this new building will be a great addition.
All the staff members who we spoke to from the initial contact before entering the main building and 2 others at different times at the wall of remembrance were extremely friendly & helpful.
The food we had at the restaurant was really good quality as well.
Loved the fact that there were plenty of benches around so you could have a rest and contemplate how lucky those of us who are still around are!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is about my 9th visit here, my son came with me. The last visit was 6 years ago and what a transformation. The changes made to the new Visitors Centre are wonderful, mind you with 300,000 visitors a year it did need replacing. I was amazed at how the tree's had grown and the large amount of new memorials. It was a warm spring day with a light breeze, the birds were singing. Which made for a tranquil day to reflect to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and all those that have served in HM Forces.
There are plenty of benches around the site to sit and just relax. I sat by the Life Boat Memorial while son went off on his own for a while, the bench was in the shade and it was very relaxing, then on the breeze I heard he sound of a Bugle playing The Last Post. Then we walked a bit more and the sound of a lone Bagpipe was playing Will Ye No Come Back Again. Then more Pipes and Drums joined in, so I let my son go off again and sat on a bench close by. I don't know about other people, I found it absolutely wonderful, but this is what happens at The National Arboretum all the time. The Chapel is a haven of tranquillity and there is a service at 11.00 hrs each day.
If you wish there is a Land Train that runs around the site for a small fee and it is well recommended as there is a running commentary as you travel along.
There are plenty of benches around the site to sit and just relax. I sat by the Life Boat Memorial while son went off on his own for a while, the bench was in the shade and it was very relaxing, then on the breeze I heard he sound of a Bugle playing The Last Post. Then we walked a bit more and the sound of a lone Bagpipe was playing Will Ye No Come Back Again. Then more Pipes and Drums joined in, so I let my son go off again and sat on a bench close by. I don't know about other people, I found it absolutely wonderful, but this is what happens at The National Arboretum all the time. The Chapel is a haven of tranquillity and there is a service at 11.00 hrs each day.
If you wish there is a Land Train that runs around the site for a small fee and it is well recommended as there is a running commentary as you travel along.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the annual memorial service at the Army Apprentice Memorial. This was the first time I had visited this place and I was STUNNED. It is so big that you would need several visits to actually see all the memorials. It is such a beautiful place to just wander round and the memorials are wonderful.
The main entrance has all the ammenities you could wish for, a souvenier shop,toilets and a fantastic restaurant.
There are plenty of things to see and do and staff always on hand to help you.
For anyone with or without a military background this is a MUST SEE
The main entrance has all the ammenities you could wish for, a souvenier shop,toilets and a fantastic restaurant.
There are plenty of things to see and do and staff always on hand to help you.
For anyone with or without a military background this is a MUST SEE
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place to visit for so many reasons such as to spend time reflecting on the sacrifices that numerous members of our society have made for the greater good of us all. It is right that such a place should exist and continue to grow and flourish. Each memorial is very tastefully done to not only blend into the surrounding area but to remember those who are being remembered and honoured in such a classy way.
The designers and those who work at this site should feel justly proud of their efforts as it is such a credit to them all. A society should always honour those who loved their country and fellow citizens so much that they paid a heavy price. We should infeed honour them and make sure that we visit this site.
The designers and those who work at this site should feel justly proud of their efforts as it is such a credit to them all. A society should always honour those who loved their country and fellow citizens so much that they paid a heavy price. We should infeed honour them and make sure that we visit this site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here for a dedication service. This place deserves a full day to explore and find the memorials. The staff are excellent and knowledgeable. The place is very well done indeed. I will be back to honour fellow service personnel who lost their lives. Lest We Forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving experience. Work in progress at time of visit, and once completed this should further enhance your visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place! Everyone should visit this in their lifetime.
Well run, friendly knowledgeable staff and beautifully kept grounds to explore along with some incredible memorials where significant thought has been given to these important structures and those that perished.
Well run, friendly knowledgeable staff and beautifully kept grounds to explore along with some incredible memorials where significant thought has been given to these important structures and those that perished.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent day, everyone made us so welcome. It's a lovely place to visit even if you have no connection to the armed forces. Beautiful surroundings, spread over a vast area. Motorised train available for those who don't want to walk. Lovely cafe and exhibition centre. Nice gift shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second time over about 3 years that I have been to this wonderful Memorial Arboretum. The place is well laid out. The central memorial is awe inspiring the extensive list of dates and names that belonged to fallen hearbreaking,the blank walls awaiting the names of future falken service personnel is very thought provoking. Along with the different service memorials and trees. The shot at dawn is very poinent, whilst they faced their darkest moment, light will encompass them. We will not forget them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Going on a very sunny bank holiday, I know very rare in UK. Masses of people. Overspill car parking in use.
Big queue at lunchtime in the cafe the only slight downside but at least we were out of the midday sun so not all bad.
Big queue at lunchtime in the cafe the only slight downside but at least we were out of the midday sun so not all bad.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An Oasis of calm in a rushed modern world. Reflect on those in memorium, with so many different tales in all the many memorials, both large and small. The new visitor centre sets it off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An excellent place to visit memorials everywhere lots of trees well maintained grass and verges. The only criticism is that there are not enough slope access up to the main memorial and considering the visitor population will be 60 + this should be considered.
there should be larger signs at the car park advising people about fast cars as they cross the road to the arboretum.
there should be larger signs at the car park advising people about fast cars as they cross the road to the arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our fourth visit, and each time we have noticed a 'growth' of the memorials to our brave service men and women. This time we were here for the RAF Association Centenary Service of the Royal Air Force. Anyone who rates this place as 'average' or below should be ashamed - respect to all those who have given their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've been wanting to visit here for a couple of years through the recommendation of local friends. We found time through said friends on a recent visit to them to go. We had only 2 /3 hours but managed in that time to be highly impressed with the layout, architecture, ambiance and feelings of unhurried reflection. it certainly deserves a full day visit. There is a link to all of through family of loss especially through war so it was lovely to see not only the important armed services honoured by individuals or regiment / battalion but also the civilian support services of Fire, Post, Land army and many other auxiliary services. A pleasant cup of tea and cake in the cafe too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this monument as a family member is listed on the memorial wall. It was an emotional, yet uplifting experience. This is such a peaceful and beautiful place. Everything has been carefully thought out and even though construction work is being undertaken, we didn't find that this spoiled our visit. It is vast and very thought provoking. The restaurant has a good selection of food on offer and the staff are friendly. We did a tour which was very informative. We would definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent 5-6 hours on Bank Holiday Sunday in glorious sunshine walking around the arboretum and using the cafe facilities. Excellent, friendly & welcoming staff. Beautiful trees and loads of seats in both sunny & shady areas. Reasonable prices in the cafe, and hopefully most people give a donation as suggested. Shame it was so noisy around the chapel area (singing/music) as it spoilt the peace required, and we didn't quite understand the purpose of the entertainment. Did hear that some staff in cafe area had started at 9am and still on duty at 4pm with only a 5 min break, which really isn't acceptable and needs sorting. The memorials are very moving, especially the Shot at Dawn, where I could easily have wept.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is so worth a visit. The Armed Forces Memorial wall is stunning and very moving as it honours those who have given their life in service of their Country in conflicts since the Second World War. The empty panels serve to highlight the reality that more names will sadly be added in the future. The alignment and axis of the Memorial portray a greater meaning and draws inspiration from prehistoric monuments. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sun's rays stream through the door within one of the sculptures, illuminating the wreath in the centre of the Memorial. I found the Shot at Dawn memorial extremely thought provoking and immensely moving.
To get the best out of a visit, make sure you allow lots of time to walk the site and allow time to simply sit and reflect.
To get the best out of a visit, make sure you allow lots of time to walk the site and allow time to simply sit and reflect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to visit to stroll round seeing the graves of many extraordinary people. There is some amazing monuments. The shop is good and so is the coffee shop. Staff were really nice too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on a busy sunny Bank Holiday and it was glorious. Not only is the place very thought provoking and interesting it’s also just a beautiful place set in some wonderful countryside.
Extra on the day we visited was a vintage fair with 1940s/1950s entertainment. I think you could go even bigger on this, we would have paid extra to enjoy the fair, maybe some outside catering as well?
But as a place to visit it was wonderful, we spent a couple of hours wandering around, enjoyed the fair, watched and listened as some singers performing and then grabbed a bite to eat from the cafe sitting in the shade around the glorious surroundings.
Would go back here in a heartbeat. Wonderful place to learn, explore and enjoy.
Extra on the day we visited was a vintage fair with 1940s/1950s entertainment. I think you could go even bigger on this, we would have paid extra to enjoy the fair, maybe some outside catering as well?
But as a place to visit it was wonderful, we spent a couple of hours wandering around, enjoyed the fair, watched and listened as some singers performing and then grabbed a bite to eat from the cafe sitting in the shade around the glorious surroundings.
Would go back here in a heartbeat. Wonderful place to learn, explore and enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place to visit as part of our national heritage. My father visited his regimental monument and both visited the monuments to their respective fathers regiments.
Topped off by a daily act of remembrance and on our visit a ex-serviceman playing the pipes!!.
Topped off by a daily act of remembrance and on our visit a ex-serviceman playing the pipes!!.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very imposing entrance hall. Work is ongoing and construction vehicles very busy. Midweek visit and fairly quiet so plenty of room to park. Would have liked a free printed map of the site to carry round with us as you are given when visiting National Trust properties. Huge site and very well maintained ~ a lot to take in in one visit. Particularly touched by the Post Traumatic Stress Memorial. Give the coffee shop a miss! The cake was as dry as dust due to being left out in the air ~ rather like eating a bath sponge. Offered our money back which we refused. Disappointing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful moving place to be, very sad some of the exhibits such as the Burma railway. The monuments are touching but these story’s need to be heard so it won’t be repeated again, every time I go there something new to see, staff are really friendly and helpful and it is kept in excellent condition. It’s really needs to be seen to be believed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Greatly appreciative of all the volunteers who work here. Remembrance service and talk afterwards excellent , again. Always chilly though so make sure you have warm windproof clothing for walking around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
