National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Finally visited and wondered why we had taken so long to. A good parking area and at £3 per day not expensive and a welcome from the many helpers at the entrance once through the reception and walking along the many paths where at every turn is a memorial to our heroes from every service army to the police and with so many stories of heroism on them that you could not read them all in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit to the national memorial arboretum, we visited two years ago. Still a lovely place to visit, we arrived at 10 am and left at 5pm and were still rushing and trying to see all the memorials, really enjoyed the Passendale trenches the actors were great and told you some great info and really gave you a view of what it was like to fight in WWI. Very family friendly place .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am an ex forces person and I have found ,many memorials devoted to the ships I served on also my father's regiment. So nostalgic and a must see attraction devoted to all walks of life services
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the National Memorial Arboretum for the first time, not sure about what to expect or how long the visit would last. From the moment I arrived, all of the volunteers I spoke with were friendly and welcoming.
I started the day with a short talk and remembrance service in the Chapel at 11am, which set the tone for the rest of the visit and provided some background information about the origins of the NMA. I then booked onto a buggy tour, which lasted just under an hour. I chose this over the train as it was a more personal approach and there was the opportunity to ask questions. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring that we got the most from the tour and he stopped at some memorials so these could be explored further. For £5 it was well worth it and, even better, the money goes directly back to the NMA.
After lunch in the restaurant I continued to explore the grounds on foot - the whole place is a wonderful tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and is respectfully done. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the care and attention to detail is second to none. The memorial is a place of reflection, but also a celebration of those who serve their country.
I spent about 4.5 hours in total at the site and I still didn't get to explore everything. I would recommend booking a tour (walking, land train or buggy) to begin with and then exploring memorials which are of particular interest.
There is no entrance fee for the NMA, they do ask for donations to help with running costs and to ensure that this place of significance is preserved for future generations. I would highly recommend to everyone!
I started the day with a short talk and remembrance service in the Chapel at 11am, which set the tone for the rest of the visit and provided some background information about the origins of the NMA. I then booked onto a buggy tour, which lasted just under an hour. I chose this over the train as it was a more personal approach and there was the opportunity to ask questions. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring that we got the most from the tour and he stopped at some memorials so these could be explored further. For £5 it was well worth it and, even better, the money goes directly back to the NMA.
After lunch in the restaurant I continued to explore the grounds on foot - the whole place is a wonderful tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and is respectfully done. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the care and attention to detail is second to none. The memorial is a place of reflection, but also a celebration of those who serve their country.
I spent about 4.5 hours in total at the site and I still didn't get to explore everything. I would recommend booking a tour (walking, land train or buggy) to begin with and then exploring memorials which are of particular interest.
There is no entrance fee for the NMA, they do ask for donations to help with running costs and to ensure that this place of significance is preserved for future generations. I would highly recommend to everyone!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another visit made here, site keeps on growing. Had a lovely walk around then decided to take the road train, which promptly broke down on us. Brilliant work by Georgie(?) to keep us all informed despite being on crutches herself. Made a very enjoyable day indeed. And wonderful cake!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Sister Anna's birthday was 1st Aug and she asked if we could visit the N A. Not our first visit and certainly not our last. We try to visit every few months especially when a new memorial is opened.
The whole atmosphere of the place is alive and exciting admission is free although your given many opportunities to donate money. The staff and volunteers are so positive and full of enthusiasm and knowledge it's infectious.
This time we took the little train £6 per adult the journey was at a snails pace giving ample time to take photos. There was a very informative audio soundtrack pointing us in the direction of the next monument and telling us about the service it represented and interesting facts about its construction and about the trees planted around it and why that particular type of tree was chosen. The tour lasted approx 1 hour.
The Chapel is a must to visit the feeling of calm and love in there is wonderful.
Food in the restaurant is varied and offers a good choice of hot and cold at reasonable prices.
The shop has something for everyone prices vary from pocket money to beautiful glassware at quite expensive prices.
All in all a great day despite the rain and once again I came away full of pride and wonder I also gained more knowledge of just what our service people past and present do to keep us safe.
Cannot recommend a visit here enough, even the little children have something to do and they are learning without even realising it.
The whole atmosphere of the place is alive and exciting admission is free although your given many opportunities to donate money. The staff and volunteers are so positive and full of enthusiasm and knowledge it's infectious.
This time we took the little train £6 per adult the journey was at a snails pace giving ample time to take photos. There was a very informative audio soundtrack pointing us in the direction of the next monument and telling us about the service it represented and interesting facts about its construction and about the trees planted around it and why that particular type of tree was chosen. The tour lasted approx 1 hour.
The Chapel is a must to visit the feeling of calm and love in there is wonderful.
Food in the restaurant is varied and offers a good choice of hot and cold at reasonable prices.
The shop has something for everyone prices vary from pocket money to beautiful glassware at quite expensive prices.
All in all a great day despite the rain and once again I came away full of pride and wonder I also gained more knowledge of just what our service people past and present do to keep us safe.
Cannot recommend a visit here enough, even the little children have something to do and they are learning without even realising it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a truly wonderful experience. It is a calm and peaceful place. I felt so humble at the sacrifice made by so many for the future generations to enjoy a peaceful safe life.
We found memorials to friends, relatives and neighbours and it allows you to remember them in a situation unlike a cemetery.
It is so sad to see the huge amount of names on the memorial wall, each person being someone's father, son, brother, sister. Hopefully there will not be any more names added to this memorial and we can live in peace.
We had a private tour and our guide was very knowledgeable about all the memorials in a very interesting way.
This memorial site should be on every schools curriculum to ensure that the waste of life and whole generations will not happen again,
A wonderful place that should be on everyone's list of places to visit.
We found memorials to friends, relatives and neighbours and it allows you to remember them in a situation unlike a cemetery.
It is so sad to see the huge amount of names on the memorial wall, each person being someone's father, son, brother, sister. Hopefully there will not be any more names added to this memorial and we can live in peace.
We had a private tour and our guide was very knowledgeable about all the memorials in a very interesting way.
This memorial site should be on every schools curriculum to ensure that the waste of life and whole generations will not happen again,
A wonderful place that should be on everyone's list of places to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To see everything it is a long walk, but you can take the train for a quick tour, or hire a golf buggy and guide.
We went on a dry, sunny day in July but the strong wind was chilly as it blew across the park.
For me the area of most interest, and the most heartrending, is The Burma Railway Memorial.
The 'Shot at Dawn' Memorial was a long walk from the entrance, but worth the trek.
The gift shop is large and, in my opinion, quite pricey, but there are pocket money items for children.
We didn't use the restaurant but did buy a cold drink from the small cafe. On a dry day a picnic would be a good idea.
We went on a dry, sunny day in July but the strong wind was chilly as it blew across the park.
For me the area of most interest, and the most heartrending, is The Burma Railway Memorial.
The 'Shot at Dawn' Memorial was a long walk from the entrance, but worth the trek.
The gift shop is large and, in my opinion, quite pricey, but there are pocket money items for children.
We didn't use the restaurant but did buy a cold drink from the small cafe. On a dry day a picnic would be a good idea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here with a coach party. Really heart warming experience. Went on the little train around the various memorials, took about an hour for £5. Very big site, but they hire scooters for £5. There is a lovely restaurant and coffee shop and not very expensive. There is also a shop for souvenirs, some of the things are very expensive. Really enjoyed the visit and would recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice site for all of UK's war (and other) memorials. Lots of trees that will be great as they grow.
The "shot at dawn" memorial was particularly poignant.
Free to visit too
The "shot at dawn" memorial was particularly poignant.
Free to visit too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an amazing place, parking cost £3 but free into the Arboretum. Very friendly guides who give you plenty of information. It makes you feel respect for all the armed forces and their families. A train can take you around, it is a very large area or you can hire a golf buggy for a small charge. Thoroughly enjoyed here, even though it makes you think what the armed forces go through,there is a section of the trenches from the First World War.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I just don't like this place. It is very exposed and can be quite cold and damp underfoot. The memorials are often just blocks of granite or stone with little artistic merit. The circular memorial is haunting and the statues are very good but the rest leaves me cold. The best memorial for me is The Scout Association one, but it is off the track and not easy to find. The volunteers were not very friendly, one last managing to serve me without looking up or acknowledging me in any way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the Arboretum on a number of occasions, and my wife and I re-visited in July of this year. As always, we found the experience to be emotional and very moving. A tribute to our fallen heroes. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the new cafeteria allows for a nice break following your visit. I would strongly advise a visit.......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my dad here , as he had never been , a lovely kept place but so sad to see the amount of people who gave there lives, and so many young people who never returned.The bronze sculptures are brilliant in detail.There is a cafe for tea or food, will take several hours to see it all.The portable toilets could have been better and perhaps drink stations at the farest point.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had a chance to visit this Memorial while in England. I have to say this Memorial is something special to see. The Arboretum has all the names of past and recent Military personnel whom have died in battle. Even though i am an American Soldier, this site brought tears to my eyes. I served 21 years in the US Military and I realize that at anytime my name could have been etched on a Memorial back home. War is a horrible thing and unfortunately many have paid the ultimate cost for peace. If you happen to be in England, i highly recommend visiting this Memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
4hrs was no where near enough time to get around. If you are not a fan of walking then you can use the land train, but you'll miss a lot of things. There is a picnic area which is next to a play area for kids. Fab monuments and statues, great water ways and wild life. The cafe is nice, home made pastries. Get a map, I will be going again and I aim to take a picnic and spend the day there to do the fallen justice.
Only down side is some people had smoked and discarded their butts near tributes. These sort should not visit this type of garden, my view I might add.
Only down side is some people had smoked and discarded their butts near tributes. These sort should not visit this type of garden, my view I might add.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful day. Took the train for a preview of the site and the documentary was brilliant giving you a real insight into those involved and the memorials. We then walked around where we wanted to visit, culminating with the truce sculpture and trenches (both wonderful). So much to see that a day isn't long enough to do it justice. The dedications and memorials were wonderful, but at the same time very emotional realising that so many had given up so much and it is only fitting that ALL were recognised. The only minor thing I would recommend is that some sort of drink stops be available around the arboretum (even if vending machines), as it was a hot day but too far to walk back to get a drink before continuing your journey. Please keep up with your good work. They all need to be remembered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We primarily visited this site to see the armed forces memorial.
Entrance is free but parking is £3.
The map of the site is also £3
The toilets were clean and tidy
The cafe/ restaurant had a good selection of food and drinks. I can recommend the carrot cake!
There are a lot of differing memorials but the largest is the Armed Forces Memorial. The area was quite busy and it was difficult to find a little quiet time for remembrance of loved ones named on the memorial.
The walks around the grounds took you to many other memorials including the shot at dawn memorial to service men shot for various reasons, following courts marshal, at dawn. There are plenty of trees and seats and the gardens near the centre are beautiful.
It's worth a visit and is thought provoking.
Entrance is free but parking is £3.
The map of the site is also £3
The toilets were clean and tidy
The cafe/ restaurant had a good selection of food and drinks. I can recommend the carrot cake!
There are a lot of differing memorials but the largest is the Armed Forces Memorial. The area was quite busy and it was difficult to find a little quiet time for remembrance of loved ones named on the memorial.
The walks around the grounds took you to many other memorials including the shot at dawn memorial to service men shot for various reasons, following courts marshal, at dawn. There are plenty of trees and seats and the gardens near the centre are beautiful.
It's worth a visit and is thought provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided to stay overnight as it would have involved over a two hour journey each way - we clearly made the right choice as there is so much to see and take in. If you decide to visit make sure you wear comfy walking shoes as it covers a massive area. Do not despair if you have mobility issues as you can:- Take the land train tour, take a buggy tour or rent a mobility scooter for the day.
The land train tour gives you a good overview for a later walk and the volunteer guides are extremely knowledgeable. There is a modern restaurant and café which cater for most tastes.
The land train tour gives you a good overview for a later walk and the volunteer guides are extremely knowledgeable. There is a modern restaurant and café which cater for most tastes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited twice before and as new memorials are being added all the time there is always something new. We started with the land train ride which is informative and helps you to understand the layout. We then spent a long time in the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Building this is so sad thought provoking. We visited as many as we could including the very striking Polish Forces Memorial the very modern National Naval Memorial and of course the Armed Forces Memorial again. Another memorial I couldn't resist going to see again is The Shot at Dawn Memorial with the Andy De Comyn statue at the front of 306 posts it is so evocative and always brings a tear to my eye. The meals are very good in the cafe and there is a well stocked shop and all the staff are very pleasant and extremely helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the most cared for and friendly place in the area for contemplating relaxing or whatever takes your pleasure. Stunning new visitors centre. The car paring is on site at £3. Great meals a touch pricey but a good meal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very peaceful and serene. Well kept gardens and surroundings.I found the experience very emotional and calming. Good food on offer and nice gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited yesterday 25/07/17. What an amazing experience and a must see place. Had around 6 hours here and it just was not enough time to see everything that this place has to offer. Their are over 300 memorials here and some of them are just jaw-dropping in their design. We experienced a guide giving a half an hour talk at the "shot at dawn" memorial,fascinating and moving. If you have ever wanted to visit but haven't been yet,get your skates on and get here pronto,you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took older friends who wanted to visit and took the opportunity of booking (on-line) an electric buggy for friend to use which was very helpful as the site covers 150 acres.
We started our visit with the land train ride which takes you along the more formal section and gives you an idea what there is to see and where you'd like to explore later.
We then had lunch, in the very reasonably priced restaurant, before setting off on our own to explore. There is so much to see and the grounds are laid out beautifully with some quite formal gardens near the main centre, but then you can go into the more natural areas with poignant memorials dotted in the trees. The whole site is divided into zones, which helps you plan. A map is available at the entrance desk which we found essential.
There are tracks brought from the Burma/Sumartra railways in the Far East Zone, with a museum close by which gives accounts and photographs from the various campaigns which took place.
A recreated First World War trench has just been completed in the area called the Christmas Truce memorial and is well worth a visit, although right at the far end of arboretum.
A very moving memorial was the "Shot at Dawn" which stands in a clearing in the east of the site, portraying over 300 soldiers who were shot, but then posthumously pardoned in 2006.
The whole site is very atmospheric as you relive the memories of so much suffering and hardship and a place to return to again, as more and more sites are developed.
We actually stayed overnight in the area so that we could return the following morning as there is so much to see and digest, which we felt was beneficial.
We started our visit with the land train ride which takes you along the more formal section and gives you an idea what there is to see and where you'd like to explore later.
We then had lunch, in the very reasonably priced restaurant, before setting off on our own to explore. There is so much to see and the grounds are laid out beautifully with some quite formal gardens near the main centre, but then you can go into the more natural areas with poignant memorials dotted in the trees. The whole site is divided into zones, which helps you plan. A map is available at the entrance desk which we found essential.
There are tracks brought from the Burma/Sumartra railways in the Far East Zone, with a museum close by which gives accounts and photographs from the various campaigns which took place.
A recreated First World War trench has just been completed in the area called the Christmas Truce memorial and is well worth a visit, although right at the far end of arboretum.
A very moving memorial was the "Shot at Dawn" which stands in a clearing in the east of the site, portraying over 300 soldiers who were shot, but then posthumously pardoned in 2006.
The whole site is very atmospheric as you relive the memories of so much suffering and hardship and a place to return to again, as more and more sites are developed.
We actually stayed overnight in the area so that we could return the following morning as there is so much to see and digest, which we felt was beneficial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorial gardens pay tribute to all regiments and people who took part in fighting for us. So well kept and so much to see and do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
