National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
went their had a buggy ride ,really lovely learned so much worth doing it ,the place is so peaceful ,and a great place to visit ,so much to see can spend a few hours their ,can book wheel chairs or scotters if you cant walk to far as ,a lot of walking ,but worth going ,and such a gem of a place and staff are amazing ,so helpful ,and can get some thing to eat and drink their .car park for every one is 3 pounds but goes to the place ,it is free but ask for a donation xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live pretty local to the NMA and are frequent visitors. There is always something different to provoke a thought and discussion. We went this weekend specifically to see the Poppy Meadow and what a "wow" factor this proved to be. Get their soon before the blooms fade.
Very knowledgeable and helpful staff make every visit worthwhile
Very knowledgeable and helpful staff make every visit worthwhile
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If this is an interest to you, just go you won't be disappointed with anything. Not before time something like this was established for our hero's past and present.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Chose to go to the National Memorial Arboretum as a last minute choice and were so glad we went. It is such a beautiful peaceful place, a stunning location. We enjoyed walking around and looking at the many memorials, there was a land train which took you on a tour of the arboretum, a good choice for people who aren't so mobile. I found it made me proud that we have a memorial in this country that pays tribute to people of all nations who have paid the ultimate price for us. The large memorial at the centre of the park pays tribute to members of the forces who have died in service since the Second World War, it is a stunning structure, however the blank wall is as powerful as all the names listed. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was staying close by on a journey and when I saw how close I was to the Arboretum decided to pop in. I only had a couple of hours and that wasn't long enough!
As I was short of time, I did the train which goes around the site, takes around 45 mins, so that I could get a feel for the place. I then walked back to certain areas but the two hours went far too quickly.
Lots of different memorial gardens for different parts of the military and each had it's own character. Very moving was the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial. The large general memorial in the middle is also stunning.
As the trees grow this place will change and develop, so I will definitely be back and this time with a full day to explore it at leisure.
As I was short of time, I did the train which goes around the site, takes around 45 mins, so that I could get a feel for the place. I then walked back to certain areas but the two hours went far too quickly.
Lots of different memorial gardens for different parts of the military and each had it's own character. Very moving was the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial. The large general memorial in the middle is also stunning.
As the trees grow this place will change and develop, so I will definitely be back and this time with a full day to explore it at leisure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So overwhelming to see all of the names and memorials showing all of the people who have lost their lives to protect their country. It really makes you want you show how much you support them. All of the memorials were beautiful. The scenery was amazing, even better with us going here on the hottest day of the year. Paul who did the talk in the chapel today too was brilliant!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pros : Large parking with a charge but all monies go to the site
A large restaurant cafe with good food/ a shop with poppies to buy
A huge site with many memorials which give you a feel for the lives lost over the years
Planting of trees will get better year on year .
Was it worth visiting ? A moving place with a sense of peace and tragedy. Enjoyed it very much. Everyone should visit
A large restaurant cafe with good food/ a shop with poppies to buy
A huge site with many memorials which give you a feel for the lives lost over the years
Planting of trees will get better year on year .
Was it worth visiting ? A moving place with a sense of peace and tragedy. Enjoyed it very much. Everyone should visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner, grandparents and I attended the Aboretum in May 2017. We spent several hours strolling around the whole site, only seeing a fraction of the 300 odd amazing memorials! It is a beautiful place to spend a weekend. There is an indoor cafeteria on-site, so good for a midday tea break whilst you plan your next memorial track on the map. A pleasant day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was passing nearby and decided to visit having seen it on tv. What a tribute to the memory of both fallen soldiers etc but also those not involved in the military.The site is massive which will in time lend itself to grand vistas surrounding these memorials
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You cannot fail to feel the emotions engendered by this place. As soon as we walked in, and although it was very busy, it was strangely peaceful. We only had a short time here today so we are planning a full days visit very soon. The whole site seems very accessible with both a land train and golf buggy tours to all parts of the site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our third visit - the number of memorials grows rapidly. They are wonderfully laid out, and everything is well cared for. The volunteer staff are brilliant and can't help enough. The restaurant has been improved beyond recognition and the fare offered is excellent, plentiful and at a very fair price. Entry to the Arboretum is free and car parking is cheap. As is said about Las Vegas - the NMA is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I regularly visit the MNA to pay tribute to relatives. Its a humbling experience but a place of tranquillity.
The cafe is quite pricey unfortunately. The volunteers must give up hours of their time. Thanks. You are doing an amazing job.
The cafe is quite pricey unfortunately. The volunteers must give up hours of their time. Thanks. You are doing an amazing job.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Day coach trip proved to be well worth it. Wanted to go for ages and was delighted at what I saw. The 11am memorial service was so well attended that people were standing outside the chapel - a bit uneasy about the 'taped' commentary and words, but it did the job. A more personal commentary would have been better and more friendly. The grounds were terribly well kept, staff were ultra knowledgeable, toilets were cleaned seemingly constantly and the paved areas were well swept and ultra clean. Great, informative land-train ride lasting 50 minutes, gave a perspective of all the grounds and a pointer for exploring and finding certain areas to walk to, afterwards. Cafe lunch prices were less dear than expected, a pleasant surprise. Spent an easy full day there, lots of walking, but mostly flat, so pretty easy to do that.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We'd heard about the arboretum with living not too far away and decided to visit one Sunday. £3 to park the car all day but free entry or small donation. We were amazed whilst walking around how big it is and the different memorials there are. Lots of benches around for a quiet sit, or a moment of reflection. We didn't see everything unfortunately but we'll go back one day. It's an excellent place to visit and remember those who gave who much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to visit and see all the memorials . The cafe / restaurant was pretty spacious and good value . Perfect to spend the day here . There's a train to go in round the complex and see a lot of the memorials without having to walk if you're not able to . Definitely need another visit with my partner , as this time we took my partners dad and we used the train . But would've liked to walk round and see the memorials individually . The attraction is free , but with a recommended donation of £5 each and the train cost £5 each aswell .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We travelled to the area to see Lichfield and the memorial gardens. Such a lovely place which in the light of recent events and the presence of armed police makes you grateful for all the armed and allied services.
A wonderful new centre. No chewing gum on the lovely stone pathways. No dogs allowed in the main areas which helps keep the gardens immaculate. This is a fairly formal site but you can wander on the grass in most areas. It's poignant to see toddlers enjoying the freedom of the areas.
My only suggestion is that the cafe reconsider their milk and cutlery areas as no space to put trays and this is difficult for with a tray of hot drinks. Perching them on the edge is not easy! Hot food a little tired by 2pm.
Otherwise a wonderful place and we'll worth several visits. Staff friendly and welcoming.
A wonderful new centre. No chewing gum on the lovely stone pathways. No dogs allowed in the main areas which helps keep the gardens immaculate. This is a fairly formal site but you can wander on the grass in most areas. It's poignant to see toddlers enjoying the freedom of the areas.
My only suggestion is that the cafe reconsider their milk and cutlery areas as no space to put trays and this is difficult for with a tray of hot drinks. Perching them on the edge is not easy! Hot food a little tired by 2pm.
Otherwise a wonderful place and we'll worth several visits. Staff friendly and welcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been wanting to visit for a while and we're so pleased we got the chance.It's an amazing place -quite overwhelming.I'm sure nearly everyone is commemorated here which is how it should be.Credit to all that are involved-thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
wanted to visit for a long time, myself Daughter and Granddaughter went. Easy to find 30 mins from home, weather was perfect, we walked miles not enough time in a day to get round. Will have to return. It was amazing and very moving, just arrived in time for a talk at the Shot at Dawn memorial, very informative, brought a tear to a few people.
The exhibition centre was well worth the price to go in, Granddaughter loved it, wished we had got the ticket before we started the trek as we could have got the hand held guide.
The staff and customer service was outstanding, grounds kept perfect, everyone has a smile and something to say. We did the train journey, compliments to the man seating us very funny chap.
We will be back
The exhibition centre was well worth the price to go in, Granddaughter loved it, wished we had got the ticket before we started the trek as we could have got the hand held guide.
The staff and customer service was outstanding, grounds kept perfect, everyone has a smile and something to say. We did the train journey, compliments to the man seating us very funny chap.
We will be back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came to the Arboretum whilst they were building their huge new cafe and exhibition centre. Now that it has opened, we came back to see what it is now like, and it is so much better.
We visited following the Manchester bombing, and so armed police were present, which was a sad sign of the times, but did make us feel more secure. The memorials are all so well looked after and maintained, and you really can lose yourself in them.
The Arboretum is bizarre - the car park is almost always full, and the visitor centre has lots of people milling about, but as soon as you head outside to visit the memorials, you can feel like the only person there. It is so tranquil and peaceful, a great place either to reflect or to visit with friends and family for a social get-together or picnic on the grass.
I can't recommend coming here enough, whatever your background is and wherever you're from. There is no religious influences at the memorial, it truly is open for all.
We visited following the Manchester bombing, and so armed police were present, which was a sad sign of the times, but did make us feel more secure. The memorials are all so well looked after and maintained, and you really can lose yourself in them.
The Arboretum is bizarre - the car park is almost always full, and the visitor centre has lots of people milling about, but as soon as you head outside to visit the memorials, you can feel like the only person there. It is so tranquil and peaceful, a great place either to reflect or to visit with friends and family for a social get-together or picnic on the grass.
I can't recommend coming here enough, whatever your background is and wherever you're from. There is no religious influences at the memorial, it truly is open for all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My girlfriend and I stumbled upon this beautiful arboretum. Such a lovely memorial for the fallen soldiers. We had a nice coffee and cake here and walked around and it was beautiful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is the national site for remembrance and is dedicated to the people who have served this country in the many wars and conflicts over the last century or so.
The main focus of the memorials and tributes is for the military, but there are also areas of tribute to the police, fire and ambulance services that have also played a major part whenever conflict arises.
Set in over 100 acres of grounds, the memorials and gardens are set out in areas that are easily accessed by footpaths and roads, with the additional option of a buggy-hire service (with driver/tour guide) for small groups and also a road train that can take many more passengers around the site.
Also on site is a well-managed, large restaurant and also coffee shops for a quick break. there is also a shop with many gifts and souvenirs for those who wish to purchase them.
Our main aim was to find the memorial to my late uncle who was killed aboard HMS Barham in November 1941, which we did, and were able to purchase a poppy from the on-site Royal British Legion area and place it at the memorial.
An easy to use, interactive screen in the main building allows visitors to search the many memorials that are dotted around the grounds and this also lists the locations of where they are to be found.
We spent the day walking around the site and viewing not only the various memorials, gardens and displays, but also the surrounding landscape (the Rivers Tame and Trent run nearby) and the abundance of wildlife that is also noted on informative boards placed around the pathways at convenient point (making them an ideal educational tool for young children).
Whilst being a very attractive place to visit, it also makes one realise the sacrifices that have been made over the years for our country by so many people of all nationalities and the fact that we must never, ever forget them.
The main focus of the memorials and tributes is for the military, but there are also areas of tribute to the police, fire and ambulance services that have also played a major part whenever conflict arises.
Set in over 100 acres of grounds, the memorials and gardens are set out in areas that are easily accessed by footpaths and roads, with the additional option of a buggy-hire service (with driver/tour guide) for small groups and also a road train that can take many more passengers around the site.
Also on site is a well-managed, large restaurant and also coffee shops for a quick break. there is also a shop with many gifts and souvenirs for those who wish to purchase them.
Our main aim was to find the memorial to my late uncle who was killed aboard HMS Barham in November 1941, which we did, and were able to purchase a poppy from the on-site Royal British Legion area and place it at the memorial.
An easy to use, interactive screen in the main building allows visitors to search the many memorials that are dotted around the grounds and this also lists the locations of where they are to be found.
We spent the day walking around the site and viewing not only the various memorials, gardens and displays, but also the surrounding landscape (the Rivers Tame and Trent run nearby) and the abundance of wildlife that is also noted on informative boards placed around the pathways at convenient point (making them an ideal educational tool for young children).
Whilst being a very attractive place to visit, it also makes one realise the sacrifices that have been made over the years for our country by so many people of all nationalities and the fact that we must never, ever forget them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been wanting to visit for a while. So glad we went. Lovely peaceful grounds , thought provoking memorials. friendly staff who answered all our questions. Flat and easy to walk around, road train for anyone who has difficulty walking any distance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting and inspiring place, with stunning memorials, beautiful trees and gardens and thought provoking pieces.
Must visit this free entry site.
Must visit this free entry site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is a collection of over 300 (predominantly military) sculptures and memorials to military groupings ranging from a single ship's crew to the Armed Forces Memorial, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Memorials. Some memorials have been moved here from other locations as barracks and former HQs have been sold off. The memorials are not all military and there are sculptures and gardens dedicated to cot deaths, scouting etc.
All these are laid our in over 100 acres of park and 10 year old woodland forming part of the National Forest. Most things are outside so best to pick good weather. Sensible shoes also required.
For a first visit the land train tour would be a good investment to get to grips with the site layout - particularly since the map does not relate to the ground as well as it might and the all singing all dancing IT guide does not have grid references (despite the paper map having labelled grid squares and space to write the references of individual memorials down (not helpful when planning a route to take in several sites).
All these are laid our in over 100 acres of park and 10 year old woodland forming part of the National Forest. Most things are outside so best to pick good weather. Sensible shoes also required.
For a first visit the land train tour would be a good investment to get to grips with the site layout - particularly since the map does not relate to the ground as well as it might and the all singing all dancing IT guide does not have grid references (despite the paper map having labelled grid squares and space to write the references of individual memorials down (not helpful when planning a route to take in several sites).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Absolutely amazing place, spent all day here, too much to take in, easily accessible for wheelchair, pushchair, visually impaired , land train available for those who are unable to walk but would like to see the whole arboretum. Lovely coffee shop and restaurant at reasonable prices, I can recommend the scones 😀
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
