National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
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
Fantastic to walk round and see all the different memorials and the history surrounding them. Well worth a visit and go to the restaurant theres plenty of choice at reasonable prices
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Family get-together for afternoon tea in the restaurant, having visited the Arboretum sometime ago but there are clearly more exhibitions to see which will be for another day.
The afternoon tea is good value at £17 for two and is served on 3-tier stands.
Due to veggies amongst our group, one of the staff did give us the choices offering egg mayo, tuna, smoked salmon, prawn and cheese - the meat options included beef/mustard, cheese/pickle and ham/tomato.
As a group of seven we chose all veg sandwich choices and indeed for the meat-eaters all those options too.
The only thing we were not asked was if we wanted white or brown (didn't think about it until platters arrived)
More white bread served than brown, no crusts cut off and no sign of beef or cheese/pickle. However, bread was fresh as was fillings.
Middle tier of lemon drizzle cake and caramel cake/choc shavings, fresh raspberries dotted about.
Scones were fabulous - fresh and fruity and huge! Clotted cream, strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries accompanying.
Choice of coffee or tea - I had pot of berry tea which gave me three nice cups.
The afternoon tea is good value at £17 for two and is served on 3-tier stands.
Due to veggies amongst our group, one of the staff did give us the choices offering egg mayo, tuna, smoked salmon, prawn and cheese - the meat options included beef/mustard, cheese/pickle and ham/tomato.
As a group of seven we chose all veg sandwich choices and indeed for the meat-eaters all those options too.
The only thing we were not asked was if we wanted white or brown (didn't think about it until platters arrived)
More white bread served than brown, no crusts cut off and no sign of beef or cheese/pickle. However, bread was fresh as was fillings.
Middle tier of lemon drizzle cake and caramel cake/choc shavings, fresh raspberries dotted about.
Scones were fabulous - fresh and fruity and huge! Clotted cream, strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries accompanying.
Choice of coffee or tea - I had pot of berry tea which gave me three nice cups.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent 5 hours at this lovely memorial and it is truly a fitting tribute to all those who have served this country. We spoke with a number of volunteers (of which there are 250 and mostly ex-service personnel) and every one was passionate about their role. It's a beautiful walk around the grounds and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Met friends here over the late May Bank Holiday. The site is huge with lots to see for people of all ages. It's peaceful but not silent. Our sons are both in cubs and really enjoyed looking at the Scouting memorial. They also enjoyed the pond dipping. Visiting is free (donation). There is also a good sized cafe and large carpark. Recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The only way I can describe this would be a massive garden with memorials and tributes paid to every regiment in the armed forces. It will take you a good few hours to visit them all, take it all in and appreciate it all. The grounds are kept immaculate and it's a lovely place to visit. Its a somber experience and really makes you think and reflect on the many men and women who have lost their lives. Some of the statues are breath taking. There's no entrance fee, but donations are welcomed. There's a small charge of £3 for the car park that covers you for the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is free entry, but you pay £3 into the parking metre when parking your car. We spent the whole day there, not leaving until it closed at 5 o'clock. There is so much to see, it is truly amazing. My partner was in the RAF police where he also served for two and a half years in Singapore. At the restaurant there is a stand where you can purchase crosses with a poppy on that you can lay at your desired memorial.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was hot and delicious, also reasonable. Oh joy to be able to eat all kinds of good home cooked food, instead of these mass produced restaurants these days. We even went back in our last day of holiday, to visit the Far East exhibition building, which is a tear jerker. We even had lunch again, with a completely different menu. Be careful food finishes at 2.30. The grounds are vast so if you have difficulties in walking there is a comfortable land train you can travel in for £6 each.
There are plenty of walks a really enjoyable day out. Enjoy.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was hot and delicious, also reasonable. Oh joy to be able to eat all kinds of good home cooked food, instead of these mass produced restaurants these days. We even went back in our last day of holiday, to visit the Far East exhibition building, which is a tear jerker. We even had lunch again, with a completely different menu. Be careful food finishes at 2.30. The grounds are vast so if you have difficulties in walking there is a comfortable land train you can travel in for £6 each.
There are plenty of walks a really enjoyable day out. Enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful site. Superbly laid out with hundreds of memorials all unique. The train ride lasting 45 minutes is a great way to survey a lot of the memorial site. One can then visit particular monuments of interest. The volunteer guides are very helpful and knowledgeable.The only shame the day we went was the weather was not good. It didn't spoil our enjoyment however
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a very sombre and strange place. The site is vast. In particular the central monument listing those killed in action since WW2 is particularly moving, especially as when we visited more names were being added to the endless list. The grounds are well kept. It isn't the sort of place I can honestly say I enjoyed visiting, but it was certainly thought-provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Absolutely beautiful place to visit. Kids and adults loved it and a great way to educate the children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wasn't really sure what the NMA was. I knew it was a memorial centre of some kind, having seen the occasional news item, but why an arboretum? My visit was to find out.
We arrived at 9.30 am and left at 5.00 pm when we realised nobody else was around - and we still had not seen it all. It really is the most incredible place. How do you describe it? Words like evocative, emotional, moving, symbolic, fascinating, interesting hardly seem adequate.
It is a memorial centre to all those who have died since 1945 in the service of their country, yet it is also a memorial centre to many who died or those in so many organisations who died during WW2. The memorials, of so many shapes and sizes, relate not just to the military but also to civilian organisations such as the police, the Scouts, the RNLI, the Soroptomists. Each day, at 11.00 am in the chapel, there is a talk about about the NMA and a Two Minute Silence. That, for us, was another moving occasion. So much in the chapel and in the memorials speak so symbolically of the people and the events they commemorate.
The NMA lies within the area of England that is being developed as The National Forest and tree saplings are being donated to create an arboretum, hence the words Memorial and Arboretum. Most of the trees are themselves dedicated to military personnel.
It is a place that is difficult to describe adequately. The only way to understand it is to make a visit and react as it takes you.
We arrived at 9.30 am and left at 5.00 pm when we realised nobody else was around - and we still had not seen it all. It really is the most incredible place. How do you describe it? Words like evocative, emotional, moving, symbolic, fascinating, interesting hardly seem adequate.
It is a memorial centre to all those who have died since 1945 in the service of their country, yet it is also a memorial centre to many who died or those in so many organisations who died during WW2. The memorials, of so many shapes and sizes, relate not just to the military but also to civilian organisations such as the police, the Scouts, the RNLI, the Soroptomists. Each day, at 11.00 am in the chapel, there is a talk about about the NMA and a Two Minute Silence. That, for us, was another moving occasion. So much in the chapel and in the memorials speak so symbolically of the people and the events they commemorate.
The NMA lies within the area of England that is being developed as The National Forest and tree saplings are being donated to create an arboretum, hence the words Memorial and Arboretum. Most of the trees are themselves dedicated to military personnel.
It is a place that is difficult to describe adequately. The only way to understand it is to make a visit and react as it takes you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The site is vast - one great big garden, with memorials to every military service. It is beautifully organised, and free entrance, although a donation is welcomed. Parking is £3. There are many areas of particular interest, including a WW1 trench replica, and a memorial to the men who were "shot at dawn". There is a nice restaurant with food at reasonable prices, and a coffee shop, both with outside seating. We did a fair bit of walking to cover everything, but there is a land train and a buggy if preferred.
We have no special connection to anyone past or present in the armed forces; even so, we still found the site interesting and moving. You need at least half a day to explore.
We have no special connection to anyone past or present in the armed forces; even so, we still found the site interesting and moving. You need at least half a day to explore.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow...what a memorial....wonderful place to see, def a must! We're going back again as we have not touched half of the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful, sobering and thought provoking experience. With over 300 memorials in quiet woodlands around the central remembrance monument, this place puts things into perspective and makes you realise how many lives have been lost in the defence of our realm.
A very emotional experience with stories of tragedy and suffering, you can only try and grasp at what some of these brave endured.
A wonderful place to visit.
A very emotional experience with stories of tragedy and suffering, you can only try and grasp at what some of these brave endured.
A wonderful place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my husband who wanted to lay flowers at the Burma railway memorial for his grandfather. The place is beautiful, a fitting memorial for all the men & women who have served this country. My husband was moved to tears by the memorials & it is one of those places that I feel that all school children should come & visit, so that they may understand the sacrifices many have paid for the privileges of today.
The Arboretum is free to visit, though there is a small charge for parking, but it is not onerous. To those miserable sods who have complained about the parking charges, get over yourself, you pay more for parking in town centres for your shopping trips!!!
The Arboretum is free to visit, though there is a small charge for parking, but it is not onerous. To those miserable sods who have complained about the parking charges, get over yourself, you pay more for parking in town centres for your shopping trips!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Something for everyone. They have great events throughout the year and there are a couple of hidden play areas for children. It's a beautiful place. I go regularly and I always feel emotional, it's a very special place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myriad of memorials to a variety of causes, regiments, royal air force, navy. Most memorable amongst many is 'Shot at Dawn' a post for each of these unfortunates
Railway for the least mobile
Railway for the least mobile
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place full of quiet places to contemplate with many reminders of people who have died in the course of their work to defend peace all over the world. This is an area where all ages can go and enjoy or quietly remember those who have died. There is a garden to remember still born children as well as the Police, Army , Navy, Raf. It is all encompassing. There is a sensory garden and a play area for children.
We took the train, the volunteers were very helpful, but I would say if you can sit forward facing, we sat facing the back and although the commentary was good, you missed much as it was past before you saw the memorial. It does give a taster and there were many gardens I went back to see in more detail.
The proceeds of all the food goes to running of the place and we found it coffee and cakes delicious. It does cater those who need gluten free food.
We went to the service which starts at 11.00. Very good.
The gardens are probably too large to take in at one go as there there over 150acres, but well worth going more than once. I will go back.
We took the train, the volunteers were very helpful, but I would say if you can sit forward facing, we sat facing the back and although the commentary was good, you missed much as it was past before you saw the memorial. It does give a taster and there were many gardens I went back to see in more detail.
The proceeds of all the food goes to running of the place and we found it coffee and cakes delicious. It does cater those who need gluten free food.
We went to the service which starts at 11.00. Very good.
The gardens are probably too large to take in at one go as there there over 150acres, but well worth going more than once. I will go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very emotional experience only spoiled by small aircraft buzzing overhead disturbing the silence. The 'Shot at Dawn' is a must see. Sadly the food served and the price paid in the canteen does not reach the quality of the setting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
