National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
There is so much to see it's difficult to know where to start. A member of staff summarised the different experiences available and he suggested he thought the train ride was helpful for a first visit as it gives a general view of the different memorials.
The restaurant offered a variety of choices and the prices were reasonable.
The restaurant offered a variety of choices and the prices were reasonable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here with my family for historical/educational reasons. The place is massive and well looked after, although lacks any sense of direction, memorials are simply dotted around in what appears to be totally random places. It would be more helpful if they were positioned in dates, like WWI kept together and separate from WWII etc, although it was still an eye opener. I would also recommend taking your own lunch as I felt prices were over inflated, even for a charity. I would still recommend on a dry day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You simply pay for parking and then you can spend hours walking around this military memorial.
Is is constantly expanding and the area it covers is huge so you can return many times.
One of the most poignant areas is the area with memorials to soldiers shot for desertion in the 1st World War. Virtually ever one of them where aged 15 or 16. Also Britain was the only power to shoot young deserters.
You can spend hours walking around the various memorials and they are all we'll worth a visit.
The only downside is the cafe which is overpriced.
Is is constantly expanding and the area it covers is huge so you can return many times.
One of the most poignant areas is the area with memorials to soldiers shot for desertion in the 1st World War. Virtually ever one of them where aged 15 or 16. Also Britain was the only power to shoot young deserters.
You can spend hours walking around the various memorials and they are all we'll worth a visit.
The only downside is the cafe which is overpriced.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I totally endorse what other have said - a great day out - but if you don't know someone who is connected with a memorial then it is hard to engage with what's here.
There is no story, nothing links the various memorials together. Could do with something like a WWI or WW2 or Gulf War trail with some material to link and give context. Very little background info available.
This is especially true as a generation grows up who have no real understanding of WW1 let alone Korea.
There is no story, nothing links the various memorials together. Could do with something like a WWI or WW2 or Gulf War trail with some material to link and give context. Very little background info available.
This is especially true as a generation grows up who have no real understanding of WW1 let alone Korea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place of remembrance and is a peaceful place to visit with fantastic memorials. My husband took some very poignant photographs particularly of the shot at dawn and evacuees memorials. Well organised with fantastic volunteers who are friendly and helpful. Can book tours, buggy rides and road trains (at a cost). Entrance is free for all and when we visited all age groups were there. £3 for daily parking. Restaurant serves a wide range of meals/snacks/drinks. Would particularly recommend the afternoon tea served after 1:30 sandwiches, cakes and scones with cream and jam and potfuls of tea/coffee, very good value and wonderfully fresh.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although we live within an hour's drive, we hadn't heard of this place util we moored for a night in Alrewas on a canal boat trip. It was too far to walk at that time, and on the wrong side of the A38, so we returned by car. Arrived just in time for the daily 2 minute silence in the chapel, then listened to the 15 minute introduction to how the place was conceived and constructed.
The chapel is a lovely place - built to look like a woodland glade - and entry is free to the site. (There is a minimal £3 parking fee and plenty of space in the car park.) After hearing this talk we decided to take the 50 minute landtrain tour of the gardens. There are various tours you can pay for - buggies, guided walks, all costing around £5 each. Well worth it. There is so much to see - memorials to every service - and even to those 'shot at dawn' during WW1. It proved very moving and definitely a place to return to. You could easily spend a day there looking around, in good weather. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop,but taking a picnic would be an option too. There will be even more in the future as there is constant development and even more land promised.
The chapel is a lovely place - built to look like a woodland glade - and entry is free to the site. (There is a minimal £3 parking fee and plenty of space in the car park.) After hearing this talk we decided to take the 50 minute landtrain tour of the gardens. There are various tours you can pay for - buggies, guided walks, all costing around £5 each. Well worth it. There is so much to see - memorials to every service - and even to those 'shot at dawn' during WW1. It proved very moving and definitely a place to return to. You could easily spend a day there looking around, in good weather. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop,but taking a picnic would be an option too. There will be even more in the future as there is constant development and even more land promised.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place for a very informative day out!
Lots to see, land train a must!!!
Restaurant very reasonable priced!!
Great place to go for poppy fans😊!!!
You don't need to pay anything, just £3 to park & take a picnic!
Lots to see, land train a must!!!
Restaurant very reasonable priced!!
Great place to go for poppy fans😊!!!
You don't need to pay anything, just £3 to park & take a picnic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My father and I having served in the BSAP Police in Rhodesia went to visit our Memorial in the park. It was a very sobering moment as we remembered our brothers and sisters that fell in the Rhodesia War.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There were far too many memorials to see in one day, and we were quite unprepared for the wonderful moving tributes.
I would recommend a trip on the land train to give an overview of the park, but to take in evrything in depth would require several visits.
Highlights for us: On the vast wall of the Arned Forces Memorial we found the name of a colleague and neigbour of ours who died in the Falklands War; We were able to take a picture of the ATS memorial which delighted my 96 year old Mother, now in a care home, who served during WW2; I found the Sherwood Foresters bench (my grandfather served in WW1).
I would recommend a trip on the land train to give an overview of the park, but to take in evrything in depth would require several visits.
Highlights for us: On the vast wall of the Arned Forces Memorial we found the name of a colleague and neigbour of ours who died in the Falklands War; We were able to take a picture of the ATS memorial which delighted my 96 year old Mother, now in a care home, who served during WW2; I found the Sherwood Foresters bench (my grandfather served in WW1).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visiting, despite only living half an hour away. Arrived at 10.30am, we paid to use the devices which explain a lot about the memorials, which was well worth it. Lots of beautiful and moving sculptures aswell as exhibitions. We enjoyed a very good roast dinner in the restaurant, reasonably priced for 2 courses. A very interesting way to spend a day, i found it very touching listening to other visitors talking about the memorials, lots of people visiting have a personal connection to the memorials. There was so many things to see that i really need another visit to see them all, as its free to enter i expect this will be soon. Paid £3 to park the car.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Second visit to The Arboretum,this time to attend the Home Front Proms.Once again everything well organised,the perfect evening,even the weather was kind.
Overdue for a visit to pay our respects.....we'll be back soon.
Overdue for a visit to pay our respects.....we'll be back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an outstanding place - very thoughtful and moving. The idea of having a memorial of this type, and certainly to the range of groups represented, is very moving. I would recommend this to all and would suggest that all schools be encouraged to visit or at least discuss the Arboretum and the reasons for it.
I always read the negative comments out of interest. Clearly everyone's opinion is important and valid, and a representation of their visit but I am not sure what some expect! Yes, you have to pay £3 for the very large and well maintained car park, but you do not have to pay to enter the Arboretum. Most people will want to donate once they have visited this very moving site. We paid for a specific exhibition, which is optional. It was very well laid out and extremely moving to hear some of the comments played from the videos.
My only comment was that I did not see anywhere to sign Gift Aid statements. This would allow the recovery of tax, which I believe everyone would support!
I always read the negative comments out of interest. Clearly everyone's opinion is important and valid, and a representation of their visit but I am not sure what some expect! Yes, you have to pay £3 for the very large and well maintained car park, but you do not have to pay to enter the Arboretum. Most people will want to donate once they have visited this very moving site. We paid for a specific exhibition, which is optional. It was very well laid out and extremely moving to hear some of the comments played from the videos.
My only comment was that I did not see anywhere to sign Gift Aid statements. This would allow the recovery of tax, which I believe everyone would support!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the arboretum with my sister. It is a very significant place for us. So beautiful and serene. The Christmas carols were beautiful and were a truly wonderful experience.
The arboretum is an absolutely outstanding place.
It is a place to reflect and remember loved ones. You have to visit to understand how much work and effort it takes to keep it looking so beautiful all year round.
The arboretum is an absolutely outstanding place.
It is a place to reflect and remember loved ones. You have to visit to understand how much work and effort it takes to keep it looking so beautiful all year round.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fascinating place with memorials to many different people and organisations. We visited with my elderly father and took a trip on the land train to see the bulk of the park. This was charged (but overall entry is free) and well worthwhile, unless you want to walk over long distances. Finding particular memorials of interest may not be easy. so be sure you know where you're heading before you set off from the Visitors' Centre.
We had some soup for lunch but were disappointed by the mean serving of bread. Servings of tea were too small too
We had some soup for lunch but were disappointed by the mean serving of bread. Servings of tea were too small too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful place to visit free entry but donations welcome. Lots of walking but plenty of seats. I defy anyone not to be moved and emotional . Good reasonably priced restaurant. Best to rent an audio guide to learn more. A land train and buggies available for the less mobile
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with our 4 year old daughter and took advantage of the WW1 backpack experience for her for the day. It costs £2.50 (+£5 returnable deposit) for a backpack and Tommy style helmet and the back contained numerous of items such as a compass, periscope, Christmas tin and binoculars, as all as little booklet with a story of WW1 child 'Tom'. The booklet explained about the war from a child's perspective and encourage us to find various memorials and areas of the Arboretum. My daughter loved it, and it added an element of interest & adventure to our day. The trench was particularly interesting.
The Memorial Arboretum itself is huge. Entrance is free (donations welcomed) and parking is £3. The place apparently costs around £4K per day to run so I don't begrudge that at all!
It is full of facts, stories, history, sadness and pride. The main Memorial (the wall) is a sight to behold and whilst it is sad that it has to exist it truly is humbling. We didn't have a guide but I do think for the cost that a guided tour (either walking or buggy) would be well worth it.
All in all it's a brilliant place for all ages and a great place to introduce children to the sadness of war, and for me in particular the history of our family's involvement with the Armed Forces throughout 100s of years.
The Memorial Arboretum itself is huge. Entrance is free (donations welcomed) and parking is £3. The place apparently costs around £4K per day to run so I don't begrudge that at all!
It is full of facts, stories, history, sadness and pride. The main Memorial (the wall) is a sight to behold and whilst it is sad that it has to exist it truly is humbling. We didn't have a guide but I do think for the cost that a guided tour (either walking or buggy) would be well worth it.
All in all it's a brilliant place for all ages and a great place to introduce children to the sadness of war, and for me in particular the history of our family's involvement with the Armed Forces throughout 100s of years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must for everyone and they will not be disappointed as it plays a great tribute to our brave fallen. This is our second visit and we still found tributes that we missed on our first visit. The area is unbelievable for being well maintained with the memorials being well spaced out to provide a nice place to meander around but a slow moving train is available if required for those less able.
A fantastic experience and you can rely on the staff being very helpful.
You will also find an enjoyable meal at the restaurant which is good value and plentiful.
Where can you park your car all day for £3 and have free entrance to the experience.
A visit to the shop was a compulsory stop on our way home to purchase a souvenir etc to remind us of the Arboretum and to swell the funds.
A fantastic experience and you can rely on the staff being very helpful.
You will also find an enjoyable meal at the restaurant which is good value and plentiful.
Where can you park your car all day for £3 and have free entrance to the experience.
A visit to the shop was a compulsory stop on our way home to purchase a souvenir etc to remind us of the Arboretum and to swell the funds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving experience to see the 340+ memorials in such a peaceful setting. There are memorials to the whole range of military & civilian organisations that, together, have made this country what it is today. Each visitor will find, perhaps aided by the extremely helpful volunteer guides, the memorials most significant to them, hence all memorials are equal in importance. However, there is one memorial that sums up the sacrifices made, the price paid and the collective change in attitude and understanding of our nation. That is the "Shot at Dawn" memorial to soldiers executed in the First World War for cowardice or desertion when they were suffering from combat stress, PTSD or similar. Many are listed as "age unknown" signifying they were under 18 when shot and too young to have joined up, but they lied in order to serve their country and paid a terrible price for their courage.
I would recommend the 50 minute train trip round the site with excellent commentary to set the scene then either wander on your own or book a guided walk if convenient. Our walking guide was excellent, his information adding greatly to our understanding of the memorials. The 11:00 short service of remembrance, followed by a brief talk on the Arboretum history, is also highly recommended.
The site is free to enter, with £3 charge for parking. The optional train is £6 and the guided walks are £3.
I would recommend the 50 minute train trip round the site with excellent commentary to set the scene then either wander on your own or book a guided walk if convenient. Our walking guide was excellent, his information adding greatly to our understanding of the memorials. The 11:00 short service of remembrance, followed by a brief talk on the Arboretum history, is also highly recommended.
The site is free to enter, with £3 charge for parking. The optional train is £6 and the guided walks are £3.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
AS, I am an ex air dispatcher R,A,S,C 1960 n/s who lost some fellow mate's in a air crash in 1961, I found this place where you can come and pay your respect's and leave you with ease that they are not forgotten .And that I recomened that it is well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit.Laid out well and lots of interesting information boards and displays.Shed a fair few tears l must admit.Very friendly helpful staff.Good cafe and gift shop.Would visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent quite a few hours here at the National Arboretum. What a beautiful and peaceful place set aside in loving memory to those brave souls who have died in service for us.
Everything was immaculately clean and respectful. The staff were, without exception, very polite and clearly very proud of working there.
We spent about 4 hours at the Arboretum, which quite simply was not long enough. We will return again one day.
A must do is the little train that takes you around the highlights of the Arboretum with a full commentary. Do visit the 'shot at dawn' memorial.
Everything was immaculately clean and respectful. The staff were, without exception, very polite and clearly very proud of working there.
We spent about 4 hours at the Arboretum, which quite simply was not long enough. We will return again one day.
A must do is the little train that takes you around the highlights of the Arboretum with a full commentary. Do visit the 'shot at dawn' memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I had wanted to visit this Memorial for quite some time and, being in the area for a weekend, we finally made it and so very, very pleased that we did. It is very well signposted so easy to find and, however long you stay, parking costs £3, all of which goes to the Charity. Similarly, entry to the Arboretum is free, though a donation is requested. Prior to arrival, I had no idea what to expect so was totally amazed at the absolutely wonderful and grand vista that met my eyes as I walked out of the Reception building and into the open air. Being a former very long service member of the Armed Forces, my anticipation and excitement at what lay before me was immense. The memorial to those fallen in battles, over the years, is quite simply stunning. The scope and variety of the very large number (300+) memorials are amazing and very beautiful. Really thought provoking are the memorials to the great number of organisations that supported and served both the Armed Forces and the civilian population. My wife and I were only able to spend 3 hours at the venue but only scratched the surface of what is there to see and experience so, without doubt, we shall go again but for a full day. It is a beautiful place and not in the least depressing but most uplifting of the spirits. The facilities are superb, the staff are extremely friendly/smiley and it was good to see many young people around. We were fortunate that it was a lovely day and we would recommend good quality shoes to ensure personal comfort for walking around the 150 acre site. Can't wait to go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We drove up from London to spend Sunday here, very glad we did. The venue was easy to find and I think well signposted. You pay three pound to park the car, but that is for all day. Entry is free but a donation is asked for. To get an overall view of the venue we took the land train , which last for about fifty minutes, cost £6.00 each, you get the tickets at reception and it goes about every 30 minutes. You can use it if in a wheelchair as well. The commentary was very good and informative, gave us what we needed. Afterward we walked the circuit in reverse route the train went.
I thought the parachute regiment memorial was excellent, as was Shot at dawn. They had surprising memories well, to those from the performing arts, GCHQ, lifeboats. It made you think beyond the armed forces. Although thought provoking the venue is not sad or depressing. There were people from all ages there as well. What was nice to see was the young air cadets going around.
We spent 5 hours there. The restaurant was very good, reasonably priced as well. Good selection of gluten free food . Go!
Staff very helpful, friendly place for those in need of mobility assistance.
I thought the parachute regiment memorial was excellent, as was Shot at dawn. They had surprising memories well, to those from the performing arts, GCHQ, lifeboats. It made you think beyond the armed forces. Although thought provoking the venue is not sad or depressing. There were people from all ages there as well. What was nice to see was the young air cadets going around.
We spent 5 hours there. The restaurant was very good, reasonably priced as well. Good selection of gluten free food . Go!
Staff very helpful, friendly place for those in need of mobility assistance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our 13 year old Granddaughter with us for a visit her first but not ours. As always we were impressed by new memorials & how well everything is looked after. Our Granddaughter was fascinated by it all she is very interested in history & particularly liked the WW1 trench.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a wonderful Sunday here a unique and moving place everyone should visit here but better to visit in good weather our weather was perfect and make sure you wear comfortable shoes
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
