National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
This is a fitting tribute to our fallen.
Stunning architecture & sculptures spread over acres of beautifully landscaped and themed areas.
A modern information centre with helpful workers who really care.
You are able to take your dog around the outer perimeters on leads.
On my first visit we walked over 5 miles but there is a train that can take you around some of the main areas.
Stunning architecture & sculptures spread over acres of beautifully landscaped and themed areas.
A modern information centre with helpful workers who really care.
You are able to take your dog around the outer perimeters on leads.
On my first visit we walked over 5 miles but there is a train that can take you around some of the main areas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Friends took myself and my wife to the NA. Apart from the sheer number of memorials to visit, the shop, amenities, cafe and restaurant were all very good - the place was immaculately clean and well cared for. My first and main impression was of relief - I'd feared that the whole thing would be mawkish, sentimentally nationalist, and verge on the bombastic. It was considerably more restrained and respectful. I still find it odd that it is a collection of memorials - there are no actual burials - and that somehow sums up my innate reservation about the place. It is a stage set for eliciting memory and feeling, tactfully left for the visitor. What bubbles up is left to them. But a little unnerved to find the Orange Order were visiting on the same day. With so much bubbling and seething away in the UK today, I was not so surprised to hear that a visitor attraction built to cater for 30,000 people a year was now receiving 300,000 visitors a year. However one feels about it, a place that captures the zeitgeist.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first visit to this unique place for the Dedication of RAF Photographers Memorial paviour in Hero's Square.
A wonderful peaceful place, staff brilliant clean and well ordered
A wonderful peaceful place, staff brilliant clean and well ordered
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended the Memorial for the Cyprus Stone - laid 21st August 2016 to remember Armed and Police Forces killed by Greek terrorists during the 50's and 60's. Well worth a visit, and spending some time seeing so many memorials to the fallen in so many different fields of conflict. Gives one pause for thought.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Simply put - well worth a visit. Thought inspiring, emotional yet wonderful place to visit. Clean, very reasonably priced and the memorials are fitting to each and every Service or category as this isn't just about the Armed Forces. My 14 year old son was engrossed.
Take some comfy shoes though as this place is huge and is getting bigger by the day. Great historic landmark makes you proud to be British and is a lovely gesture for the sacrifices given.
Take some comfy shoes though as this place is huge and is getting bigger by the day. Great historic landmark makes you proud to be British and is a lovely gesture for the sacrifices given.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A well maintained and presented arboretum. Over 300 thought provoking exhibits. Lots of variation to keep your interest. Even a mini assault course for the younger ones. Interactive exhibits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic location with a wide range of very fitting memorials.
Staffed by dedicated and passionate volunteers.
If you're in the area or just passing make sure you drop in.
Staffed by dedicated and passionate volunteers.
If you're in the area or just passing make sure you drop in.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second visit as we wanted to see the main memorial as it was cordoned off for maintenance when we visited the previous year. Still cannot believe how peaceful and relaxing it is. Very thought provoking in some areas and always informative. The new visitors centre is fabulous. Staff are excellent and we got to fill our water bottles for free which was most welcome on such a hot day. Must bring our grandchildren.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My dad has been wanting to visit the memorial for a while, WOW what a place!! This is a fabulous memorial to remember those that have lost their lives in the line of duty. It's far bigger than we imagined so give yourself plenty of time to walk round the grounds/memorials.
We stayed for lunch, the fish & chips was very nice, unfortunately this didn't leave room for a piece of cake 🍰 and there's a gift shop on the way out!!
This is a definite must see, wish we'd visited sooner!!
We stayed for lunch, the fish & chips was very nice, unfortunately this didn't leave room for a piece of cake 🍰 and there's a gift shop on the way out!!
This is a definite must see, wish we'd visited sooner!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We didn't really know what to expect, so we came to see for ourselves. We were amazed at the extent of the area it covers, seemingly reclaimed land. The absolute MUST is to take the land train (£6), the commentary is extremely informative, I don't think we would have gained so much of an understanding about the place had we not done so. We thought we might be able to find the names of relatives who died in WW1, but quickly realised that it is a memorial for people who have died since WW2.
There are many, many memorials to various organisations and regiments - all of which are clearly well thought out. Most poignant is 'Shot at Dawn' sensitively placed at the most eastern edge of the site so that it catches the first rays of morning sunshine.
I'm sure we'll visit again.
There are many, many memorials to various organisations and regiments - all of which are clearly well thought out. Most poignant is 'Shot at Dawn' sensitively placed at the most eastern edge of the site so that it catches the first rays of morning sunshine.
I'm sure we'll visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our first visit to this memorial and it was an extremely moving experience. Found myself quite tearful at the "Shot at Dawn" memorial! The trees and the memorials were beautifully maintained with thought provoking designs. As well as the main sculpture memorials, every tree seems to have a plaque dedicated to an individual by their family and friends. A lot of walking is involved but there is a road train and there are also buggies available to give a ride up to the main memorial. We would advise picking up a free map which shows all the memorials as some can be a challenge to find if you try to follow the sign posts. Nice little coffee shop and there is also a large restaurant. Staff were pleasant and helpful. £3 car park charge, entrance is free but donations can be made. Definitely intend to go back as there was too much to see in the half day that we had. A place for the nation to be proud of!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a group outing . An amazing place paying respects to all those who has sacrificed their lives to keep the world safe. Had a walkabout to start. Would recommend a trip on train you get a commentary of memorials passed so can go back later walking. Staff friendly and helpful. When you have walked yourselves out. Visit restaurant . We had afternoon tea in founders room. Had plates of various sandwiches, fruit and cakes put tea or coffee . Staff friendly and helpful.
Well worth visiting.
Well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place a must visit on anybody's list...nice food friendly staff...lovely and reflective place to walk around ..can get busy on weekends ..no entry fee but donations welcome..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited whilst in the area and so glad we did.
The location is beautiful and poignant.
It is set over a large area so be prepared for plenty of walking to get around it all.
Parking is £3 per day and entry is free.
The land train was expensive at £15 for a family of 4.
The location is beautiful and poignant.
It is set over a large area so be prepared for plenty of walking to get around it all.
Parking is £3 per day and entry is free.
The land train was expensive at £15 for a family of 4.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second visit here. It is just a fantastic place and something of which we as a nation should be proud. Atmospheric and memorable, especially the huge number of names on the walls of the national memorial marking all those who have died since the end of the 2nd World War. The whole site is beautifully kept and cared for and the more recently built vistor/remembrance centre is a terrific addition. Mention should be made of the many volunteers who are helpful and friendly and help to make the visit special. We will return again at some point as it interesting to see how the site continues to develop as new memorials are added and the trees continue to mature.
Well done to all concerned in managing and caring for this wonderful memorial.
Well done to all concerned in managing and caring for this wonderful memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This has to be one of the most moving visits we have ever made anywhere. There is no entry charge other than the £3 carpark, but a voluntary contribution is possible. The site is huge and we spent three and a half hours and even then didn't see everything. The site is beautifully laid out and landscaped and covers the major historic events such as WW1 and 2, The Falklands and the Gulf campaigns. What is really nice is all the monuments to non combatants i.e. children and railway workers etc. There is a restaurant and a large shop and toilets set out around the site. This is a definite must see location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved everything about this visit, so much so that we would happily drive the 3 hours and stay overnight to visit again.
Entrance is free which we couldn't believe and you only pay for guided tours and different events that are held within the Arboretum. Donations obviously are gratefully received as it is entirely supported by Charity.
Over 150 acres of different memorials and areas to visit with the River running along part of the site. Ideal area for lazy walks and picnics as well as visiting the various interesting displays.
There are two cafes as well, both expertly ran serving delicious hot and cold food and drinks.
Entrance is free which we couldn't believe and you only pay for guided tours and different events that are held within the Arboretum. Donations obviously are gratefully received as it is entirely supported by Charity.
Over 150 acres of different memorials and areas to visit with the River running along part of the site. Ideal area for lazy walks and picnics as well as visiting the various interesting displays.
There are two cafes as well, both expertly ran serving delicious hot and cold food and drinks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As the weather was surprisingly hot, the car parks were full to bursting, however once inside the crowds werent obvious as the venue is so vast so don't be put off.
Staff we encountered were all exceptionally helpful and friendly.
Beautifully kept and maintained gardens.
WW1 trenches - children loved it. The two volunteers took on their roles with great enthusiasm !
Pond dipping - only area for improvement - beautiful creation but the children weren't able to partake as the reeds have taken over the vast majority of the pond .
All in all I wish we d allowed far more time , as a day simply isn't long enough to rake in everything the venue has to offer.
Staff we encountered were all exceptionally helpful and friendly.
Beautifully kept and maintained gardens.
WW1 trenches - children loved it. The two volunteers took on their roles with great enthusiasm !
Pond dipping - only area for improvement - beautiful creation but the children weren't able to partake as the reeds have taken over the vast majority of the pond .
All in all I wish we d allowed far more time , as a day simply isn't long enough to rake in everything the venue has to offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a really nice place to visit very atmospheric a lot of history the range of memorials is amazing and they are still increasing always beautifully done.The land train is worth using to get around the Museum be aware the Loos can be a long way off depending where you go. The Cafe is very nice with good food but people with restricted diets or allergies must check first as the food was not very well labelled
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit to the arboretum. A beautiful, tranquil place. Entry is free. We paid £6 each to go on the train which takes about 45 mins and well worth it. Wheelchair friendly and brilliantly designed. We ran out of time and will be going back. Ate in restaurant reasonably priced. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should make the effort to find the time to visit and show respect. A wonderful green landscape expertly designed and maintained. Powerful memorials are artistically arranged to remind us of the supreme sacrifice made by the many for the freedom we all enjoy today. This is a peaceful place to stroll around and reflect. Not suitable for young children.There is an excellent car park and cafe including transport services for the disabled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The UK's only memorial park to those who have fallen through the ages. This isn't a cemetery and there are no graves here, but memorials to land, sea and airmen from nations who've fought in the name of freedom.
Take as long as you like to walk around. It will take the best part of a day to visit all of the memorials, but it's free to enter (with 3 pounds all day parking ticket).
If it's a hot day, bear in mind that many of the trees are still young and shade is at a premium in many areas.
Although there are still plenty of things for children to see and do, this isn't really a venue for children and I was rather annoyed with the number of loud children who'd been let loose, clearly with no respect for the peace of the location.
Take as long as you like to walk around. It will take the best part of a day to visit all of the memorials, but it's free to enter (with 3 pounds all day parking ticket).
If it's a hot day, bear in mind that many of the trees are still young and shade is at a premium in many areas.
Although there are still plenty of things for children to see and do, this isn't really a venue for children and I was rather annoyed with the number of loud children who'd been let loose, clearly with no respect for the peace of the location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Surpurb visit can't fault this place, some of the memorials are really powerful.
The staff are also really helpful.
The staff are also really helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was really a great day out, parking was £3 for the whole day, entry was free. We walked for about 4 hours, following the map (also £3 but worth it). Another hour would have been useful. We choose a lovely day and the whole place is beautifully maintained. We found the information huts really useful and we feel that perhaps adding a little more "learning" similar to the Far East exhibition would be well received. There is a train available if you have limited mobility or limited time, but we did not take advantage as the weather was good. All and all, a great day out. The shop was lovely too and not overly priced.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited for the first time recently and I was sure what to expect other than what I had heard from others, all I can say is Wow! This place is such a great place to showcase our brave troops who have paid the ultimate price for their country! You have goosebumps walking round which takes a while as the place is so vast! I would recommend the land train so you don't miss a thing or a good pair of comfy shoes. I would also arrive early as the overflow car park is a lot further away once the first one is full and on weekends that happens quickly. You must go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
