National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
The arboretum is pretty impressive. Vast grounds hides memorials to the army, navy, paratroopers, RAF and a whole lot more.
Perhaps a guide would have been more useful but just wondering round it wasn’t clear if there was a section for each or they were just all presented together.
Some of the memorials were difficult to reach and required walking across muddy grass to see them as there was no walk way/path to get to them.
We walked up to the WW1 trench which was very good to see. The walk takes in the river too which is a nice back drop.
Right back the other way at the other far end of the arboretum is the shot at dawn memorial - apparently the most visited memorial in the park.
The memorials were impressive and very well made.
After all that walking we stopped by the cafe for a hot drink and a scone.
I think it’s worth coming here but just appreciate that it’s a bit random how it is all set up and be prepared to walk (though there is a little land train).
Perhaps a guide would have been more useful but just wondering round it wasn’t clear if there was a section for each or they were just all presented together.
Some of the memorials were difficult to reach and required walking across muddy grass to see them as there was no walk way/path to get to them.
We walked up to the WW1 trench which was very good to see. The walk takes in the river too which is a nice back drop.
Right back the other way at the other far end of the arboretum is the shot at dawn memorial - apparently the most visited memorial in the park.
The memorials were impressive and very well made.
After all that walking we stopped by the cafe for a hot drink and a scone.
I think it’s worth coming here but just appreciate that it’s a bit random how it is all set up and be prepared to walk (though there is a little land train).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place was a long time coming to fruition but worth the wait,it has plenty of facilities and well staffed with help if needed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went the week after remembrance day so all the poppies and wreaths were still there. So many dedications and so moving. It is a very large site with so much to see and we missed some of it but tried to see as much as we could before the light faded. I took many photos except when we got to the "Shot at Dawn" memorial. So moving, so emotional and so sad, so many lives lost for nothing other than being scared. This memorial made me weep. Such a moving peaceful site, but please give a nice donation when you visit as it must cost so much to keep it for us all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place to visit so peaceful and tranquil. Free entry to visit but a charge of £3 is nothing tof moan about. With over 250 memorials to see amongst these well kept grounds you will be kept very busy. There is a land train to take but if you are an able walker I would suggest walking. Most areas are also wheelchair friendly. Clean cafeteria offering hot and cold food along with drinks. Toilets very clean
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Aboretum the day after Remembrance Sunday and thus the car
park was full.The central Armed Forces Memorial is the most popular with visitors,but there are another 300 to see and 150 acres to explore. It took me 3 hours and took 11,000 steps.In addition to the memorials, they had a reconstruction of a First World War trench.Although there was a road train option,I decided to walk. The distance seemed a bit of a challenge for me at 65 years young. The Garden of Remebrance with thousands of planted crosses with poppies was visually astonishing. My only small criticism is the sineage,which could include distances. Some of the memorials are incredible and I found the experience very moving and put into perspective the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
park was full.The central Armed Forces Memorial is the most popular with visitors,but there are another 300 to see and 150 acres to explore. It took me 3 hours and took 11,000 steps.In addition to the memorials, they had a reconstruction of a First World War trench.Although there was a road train option,I decided to walk. The distance seemed a bit of a challenge for me at 65 years young. The Garden of Remebrance with thousands of planted crosses with poppies was visually astonishing. My only small criticism is the sineage,which could include distances. Some of the memorials are incredible and I found the experience very moving and put into perspective the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here last month, having intended visiting for ages.
I was here for around four hours, and there is so much to see. Yes, many straight forward memorials to specific regiments, etc., but so much more.
The Shot at Dawn memorial to those executed for cowardice or desertion is unbelivably moving. And there are plenty of non-military memorials too.
After four hours, and some 6 miles of walking (there are rides to take you round if you cannot manage that distance), I bought the guide book on my way out. And now that I have gone through it, I realise that that there was so much I did not see.
I will return.
I was here for around four hours, and there is so much to see. Yes, many straight forward memorials to specific regiments, etc., but so much more.
The Shot at Dawn memorial to those executed for cowardice or desertion is unbelivably moving. And there are plenty of non-military memorials too.
After four hours, and some 6 miles of walking (there are rides to take you round if you cannot manage that distance), I bought the guide book on my way out. And now that I have gone through it, I realise that that there was so much I did not see.
I will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Highly recommended, many memorials to view, only managed to cover half the site so will certainly be going again 🙂
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere we have always wanted to visit. The whole experience is a wonderful way to appreciate the debt this country owes so many men and women across the years of conflict and in service to their country. We were also moved and surprised by the range of tributes to infants and babies. The WW1 trench exhibit is fascinating and can only give the slightest of glimpses into what conditions must have been like. Perhaps most moving is the eerie Shot at Dawn installation showing just how far we have come in the treatment of mental issues caused by combat. So refreshing seeing some KS1 children being shown around too as well as older, secondary students. Glad to have spotted my Grandfather's regiment, The Honourable Artillery Corps from WW1 and the Royal Navy memorials from WW2 in which my father served. Both survived, but understandably didn't speak much about their experiences.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took a community group of over 50s to the Arboretum. We were welcomed on arrival and taken to a private room for our pre ordered tea/coffee. We attended the welcome service which included a two minute silence. We then took the land train tour. This was an excellent way to see the Arboretum, especially as some of the group had mobility problems,The commentary was excellent and very informative. It is amazing how much thought has gone into each memorial. For example the one for the police they have planted trees around it that the truncheons are made of. Its this little detail that makes it so special.There are staff/guides all around the Arboretum who are happy to show you round and relay stories of the memorials. We had free time to walk around but acknowledged that there was more than enough to fill a day. We finished off with afternoon tea. The staff were fantastic and on hand to fill up the teapot and milk jugs. NOTHING was too much trouble. If anyone is thinking of bringing a group I can highly recommend it. The service from the booking staff to all of those working at the Arboretum was excellent. We will return!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been to Ypres & Tyne Cot, but didn't know that England could also do it so well!
Very well laid out, we could see it was always being added to, over 300 memorials so far!
Very emotional walk round, especially the Shot at Dawn memorial, especially when you see the age of some of those young boys that were shot!
£3 to park and no further charges if you don't want to. Nice cafe with good selection of food.
With 150 acres to walk round we'll come back and see a bit more, somewhere EVERY school kid should see!
Very well laid out, we could see it was always being added to, over 300 memorials so far!
Very emotional walk round, especially the Shot at Dawn memorial, especially when you see the age of some of those young boys that were shot!
£3 to park and no further charges if you don't want to. Nice cafe with good selection of food.
With 150 acres to walk round we'll come back and see a bit more, somewhere EVERY school kid should see!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free entry, so a lovely day out for family and kids. Car park fees are well kept, and the memorial ground is very clean and pleasant to walk around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here at least once a year since its opening in 2001, as there is a Royal Hong Kong Police and Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police (Police Reserve) Memorial and a Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corp Memorial to commemorate the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong (WW2) during which my grandfather had been executed for espionage for the British Army Aid Group. There is now a lot of educational material not just to teach history but also to focus on keeping peace in future, and the importance of he armed forces and volunteer services within our society. There are emotional memorials for different regiments, but also national memorias for organisations ranging from the Fire & Rescue Services, NHS Ambulance Services, Royal National Lifeboat Institute. From a building site, there are now paved access for electric buggies and buggies for hire as well, and open area around the bistro for meetings, tutorials and others. A chapel, and other open spaces, rooms, and gazebos for events, all under the henge-like Armed Forces National Memorial, cooled by the river running along the whole complex. From just 20 or so stops, now there are audio information to over 70 significant locations of different memorials and surroundings. There is also a land-train taking over from tired legs and poor mobility. And it is a very fruitful birding site as well -- I saw twenty goldfinches and a small murmuration of starlings within one hour. It is open air so it can get very windy and very cold, so always make sure to bring extra clothing and rain gear in rainy season. Beware of flooding as it is just under the high water mark of the river. All these for free but a donation to the NMA/Royal British Legion for our servicemen and servicewomen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed walking around here...if you can understand the word in such a place. Beautifully designed.. moving and thoughtful and particularly like that people from all over the world are recognised here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been here before last year for the remembrance day service, we were here this time for the service on 11th Nov for the 2 min silence, it was very busy and there was a ticketed event going on in the dome, but we stood and watched it with everybody else on the big screen, which was very touching and then watched the march past, the gardens are so well kept and so interesting, each time I have been I am ceased to be amazed that there is always something new to see, it is free to get in, there is a very well stocked restaurant and a small café ample places to sit in the gardens would highly recommend a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Poor coffee shop. coffee cold and served with uht milk not fresh milk staff could not care attitude gift shop very expensive
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well kept car park and car parking fees go to the upkeep of the memorials and gardens. Free entry and welcoming visitor centre with cafe, toilets, information, booking for special events etc and plenty of volunteers on hand to assist you in your visit. The 11am service in the chapel is worth a stop to participate in the 3 minutes silence and learned about the history and development of the site. There is a land train for those who can't walk the site or just want a quick tour (extra charge). We walked as we wanted to get up close to the memorials and trees. Over 300 memorials so impossible to see them all in one visit. Very emotional to see not only the names of those who have died serving their country but also witnessing the people visiting to see their loved ones names on the wall. Varied array of trees and saw some wildlife too. It is a beautiful place and although it was emotional and sad, it was also uplifting. The café and restaurant served a good selection of drinks and foods (cakes and meals). Everywhere was clean, tidy and well kept. We will certainly visit again when in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been wanting to visit this place for ages and finally got to visit in the beautiful light of Autumn. We went on a Monday and although there was a few others there, it was relatively quiet. And it was truly humbling. We started with the train which is worth the money for a 50 minute journey around the arboretum to get your bearings. The driver was brilliant and really helpful. We then wandered around at our leisure and it is beautiful. The main memorial in the middle is perfectly formed and I can only imagine what it is like on Remembrance Sunday. There are pretty much memorials to everyone including 9/11, the victims of Dunblane, most Military regiments and the emergency services. Our only disappointment was not getting around the whole place in the time we had but we will just have to head back again! The cake in the restaurant is delicious too so what better excuse than to grab a hot drink and slice of the good stuff!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spend as much time as possible at the Arboretum so you can stop and reflect. Book tickets on the land train as that will help you understand a lot more about the arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been to the National Memorial Arboretum. Started with lunch in the restaurant. had the Turkey and Leek pie. Delicious!.
Then went to see all the wooden crosses placed by the Royal British Legion in memory of all the Heroes that have given their lives so that we can live ours in peace. God Bless.
Very moving.
Then went to see all the wooden crosses placed by the Royal British Legion in memory of all the Heroes that have given their lives so that we can live ours in peace. God Bless.
Very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is well signposted and has excellent car parking .(fee charged)
The site entrance is clear,there is no charge but donations are welcomed .Inside there are people to help you if you want to find specifics e.g. names on memorials,special areas .I could not fault this as I was looking for a name and they gave me 2places were it I would find it .By the main area volunteers took the time to explain things to my 5 year old grandson ,.There are exhibitions which are excellent,a shop selling appropriate merchandise and a cafe.There is a train (fee ) that will take you around .
The site has some play areas for children as well as an area for pond dipping.A boon to keep the children engaged.
It is a very large site and it is better to plan what you would like to see .It is a place you can and will return to.
I went with family ranging from 63 to 1 and everyone got something out of the visit.
The site entrance is clear,there is no charge but donations are welcomed .Inside there are people to help you if you want to find specifics e.g. names on memorials,special areas .I could not fault this as I was looking for a name and they gave me 2places were it I would find it .By the main area volunteers took the time to explain things to my 5 year old grandson ,.There are exhibitions which are excellent,a shop selling appropriate merchandise and a cafe.There is a train (fee ) that will take you around .
The site has some play areas for children as well as an area for pond dipping.A boon to keep the children engaged.
It is a very large site and it is better to plan what you would like to see .It is a place you can and will return to.
I went with family ranging from 63 to 1 and everyone got something out of the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living close by, we visit this place on a regular basis. Totally impressed by its ethos and the total dedication to those who deserve recognition. The restaurant serves decent reasonable food, and there is a dog walking area around the periphery. Excellent all round, good to take visiting guests too also. All power to them and the concept.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This easily accessible place is a poignant reminder of those fallen hero's and you can't help but feel the tranquillity of the atmosphere as you walk through the many memorials. This facilities are well geared up for the many visitors who come here to pay their respects and it is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Surreal place to visit. Plenty to see, but very emotional. Nice on site cafe with plenty of choice. Would visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an incredible place to visit. The tributes and memorials are many and various, over 300 of them, and cover a huge area. There's a full list of them on their website.
Lest we forget.
Lest we forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy to find. Well marked and well kept car park, £3 per car per day or £25 per year. No cost for entrance into the facility but obviously donations are welcome-it costs some £4,000 per day to run. Took the little train around at £6 each, c. 50 minutes. Gave you a good feel to where things are. The little Church has a small act of remembrance at 11 am-not to be missed. The facilities on offer are excellent, the loos, the restaurant (Superb brekky), gift shop etc, but the whole area and tributes are magnificent. You could get lost in thought and reflection for a whole day. Fitting, classy tribute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
