National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
There is nothing to fault here at all. Stunning memorials, architecture and planting in a very tranquil setting. Really friendly, helpful volunteers, great food in the cafe, clear signs.
Don't miss the Dunkirk Veterans memorial as it is at the building entrance.
Don't miss the Dunkirk Veterans memorial as it is at the building entrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back been wanting to go for years..didn't disappoint
Very emotional and thought provoking and very good buggy tour by Richard.
we were lucky there were only 2 of us so asked questions to our hearts content, accompanied too by a trainee called Pam who was really sweet and welcomed us on arrival
Beautiful landscaped area and so much bigger didnt have time to see it all so going to return
The large centre piece of the armed forces memorial was our highlight plus the memorials for Basra camp bastion and and Falkland Islands
This place is a must
Only downside some of the restaurant staff were not friendly or helpful ..not sure if they are volunteers or not..but nowhere near as welcome and friendly as all the volunteers in the green t shirts
Very emotional and thought provoking and very good buggy tour by Richard.
we were lucky there were only 2 of us so asked questions to our hearts content, accompanied too by a trainee called Pam who was really sweet and welcomed us on arrival
Beautiful landscaped area and so much bigger didnt have time to see it all so going to return
The large centre piece of the armed forces memorial was our highlight plus the memorials for Basra camp bastion and and Falkland Islands
This place is a must
Only downside some of the restaurant staff were not friendly or helpful ..not sure if they are volunteers or not..but nowhere near as welcome and friendly as all the volunteers in the green t shirts
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with the British Legion. The site is huge and contains 30,000 trees and many marvellous yet varied memorials. The National Memorial in the centre is very moving. It us a memorial to all those who lost their lives since the end of the Second World War with all the names carved.
We started our visit with the remembrance service at 11 in the chapel with the Last Post and two minutes silence. There was a recorded talk by Jeremy Paxman. This set the scene for the day.
I would recommend the land train which costs £6 and takes around 50 minutes to go slowly round the site with a commentary. There are also buggy tours or walking tours. Otherwise, take a map and follow one of the trails.
We wanted to find the Fleet Air Arm memorial which was my father in law's service, and the Land Army which was my mother in law's. Both very impressive.
Lovely café and restaurant and also an exhibition centre. You can also hire audio equipment for a personal commentary.
We started our visit with the remembrance service at 11 in the chapel with the Last Post and two minutes silence. There was a recorded talk by Jeremy Paxman. This set the scene for the day.
I would recommend the land train which costs £6 and takes around 50 minutes to go slowly round the site with a commentary. There are also buggy tours or walking tours. Otherwise, take a map and follow one of the trails.
We wanted to find the Fleet Air Arm memorial which was my father in law's service, and the Land Army which was my mother in law's. Both very impressive.
Lovely café and restaurant and also an exhibition centre. You can also hire audio equipment for a personal commentary.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One day is not enough! Easy to find, plenty of parking (charge of £3), free entry. Large new Entrance hall, with front desk, shop and large cafeteria. Plenty of staff and all extremely helpful. Buying a map is essential, and this could be improved a little. Advisable to go on the land train to orientate yourself, and to pick out the areas you want to visit. Remember the daily memorial service at 11am in the chapel. The Shot at dawn memorial is a must, and the Third battle of Ypres trench display. Walk through the British legion garden of remembrance, and the SANDS garden. The site is vast, and there are plans for a large extension in the future. One complaint would be the lack of facilities beyond the entrance area, you will need to plan your visit with a return to this area. Few portaloos around site, but nowhere to buy drinks etc. Beautiful walks along the rivers Tame and Trent. Advisable to do some research before your visit, or spend two days there. Remember, no entry fees, just car parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a massive site and I would recommend the land train which costs £6 and drives around the whole site with a running commentary and takes about 45 minutes. All the volunteers are very happy to talk about any aspect of the site. There is a short but very moving service in the chapel neat to the entrance with a short speech (read by Jeremy Paxman) and the Last Post is played followed by 2 minutes silence, which they do every day of the year. One of the volunteers then explains how the Arboretum came into being. When the land train deposits you back near the entrance it is only a short walk to the main Armed Forces Memorial where the names of all those who lost their lives in conflicts since 1945 are carved. There is a gap in the wall that allows a ray of sunshine to strike the centre of the memorial on the 11th of November every year
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving experience on par with the War Graves in France & Flanders. Everything was brilliant except for the land train. This has clearly been contracted out to a group of people who are grumpy & have no feeling for the site. Being cooped up in a hot stuffy wagon like a sardine when the operator could have spread us out into three wagons was crap. If you visit give the land train a miss, either walk or give the personal buggy a go. The land train was recommended to me but it is not worth the money. Just walk & enjoy the experience, save yourself £5.00 & put it in the donations box. I will visit again with friends but there is no way i will use the land train.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited to pay our respects to a namesake who was shot at dawn 100 yrs ago on the 19th February 1917 in Basra with his buddy, they been on a 30 mile desert march and fell asleep on guard duty
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visiting here we didn't know what to expect. We were absolutely blown away by both the size & amount of monuments to all the different regiments. As we didnt know what to expect we were only planning an 1-2 hr visit, in that time we roughly saw just under half. Definitely going to go back & possibly do the train ride & audio tour.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although we live fairly close to the Arboretum and so visit regularly, the central monument commemoration the men and women in the forces, who have died since the 2nd world war can still make me cry. It is a wonderful facility and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been before, but not for a couple of years. There as been lots of work carried out since then. The restaurant has been enlarged bright and spacious. It's clean and airy. The choice of food and drinks are reasonable. Lots more to see in the grounds and this time found the Corp where my husband and I were stationed. We would recommend a visit there are lots for everyone to see and enjoy. You won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very disappointed with the Dunkirk memorial, not only is it outside the main building in the car park(where not a lot of people will see unless they know it's there!) , it's not mentioned at all within the building OR on the train commentary!
Dunkirk was and still is a very important part of our war history!!! We owe so much to these brave men, and for them NOT to have the recognition they deserve is a disgrace!!
Dunkirk was and still is a very important part of our war history!!! We owe so much to these brave men, and for them NOT to have the recognition they deserve is a disgrace!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took the train trip around the Arboretum that comes with commentary. What a wonderful place that is peaceful, respectful and carefully thought out. You can do your own walking tour but the small train was well worth the small charge.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Husband and myself thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The Arboretum is a lovely peaceful place to visit. There are lots of lovely walks, everything is well maintained and the staff were very informative and helpful. There is a nice restaurant and coffee shop and a gift shop which caters for all ages. We spent approx 4 hours here, but could have spent a lot longer, we are hoping to return in the near future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The location is in a peaceful countryside setting with good access and parking. If the weather is good then its perfect. Ideal for anybody who want to pay respects to our fallen protectors. You can take your dog with you but you have to use the outside walk path, not ideal if the exhibit you are looking for is not on that route.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone needs to visit here at least once in their life. It was peaceful and tranquil. Stirs the emotions and gives you a lot to think about.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The buildings which were recently opened are far superior to at were in situ beforehand, and a warm welcome was given by the staff on entry. Pay £3 a day for parking and entrance is free, however for those of limited mobility I would suggest the land train (£5) which takes you on a circuitous route and will enable you to identify areas where you can return to if needed. A very moving tribute of all shapes and sizes, not only to military and the garden area to stillborn babies is both quiet and moving.
The cafeteria area has floor to ceiling windows, and is not overly expensive. There are many areas that you may miss unless you join with a guide, who can show and explain the garden areas, so please make enquiries to do so.
The one thing I believe should be free is the map of the arboretum, as at £3 a copy it is extortionate.
The cafeteria area has floor to ceiling windows, and is not overly expensive. There are many areas that you may miss unless you join with a guide, who can show and explain the garden areas, so please make enquiries to do so.
The one thing I believe should be free is the map of the arboretum, as at £3 a copy it is extortionate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited as part of the armed forces day with members of the air despatch association.
There was a lot going on but the remembrance flagstone is now in place, was good to see
There was a lot going on but the remembrance flagstone is now in place, was good to see
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited again this year on armed forces day, it is so moving made even more poignant for me as my husband who passed away last year used to be in the Royal Navy. Laid a poppy on the memorial for him
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here with my husband, it's a great place to visit the staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. They have a little train to travel on with onboard commentary and it stops at various points of interest so it's a brilliant way to see the place even if like my husband you're not too spritely - it takes around 50 minutes to complete. There are lots of other areas where the train doesn't go to which can be walked to, it obviously comes with the obligatory gift shop which actually isn't too pricey. There's also a coffee shop and a restaurant. It has been very well designed and offers a perfect way in which we can support and appreciate all our armed forces and other services such as the police and fire services. It is a beautiful and very peaceful way to spend a day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived on a Sunday to find the main car park full, went around a couple of times then went back to the road only to find an overflow car park . It really needs more signs telling you that there is one but still people park on the roadside because they can't afford the £3 to park or they are too tight - Shame on them.
Apart from that we had a cracking day, lovely place and lovely staff. The train really needs to be multi-stop and allow people to get on or off.
We will go again, no question about that
Apart from that we had a cracking day, lovely place and lovely staff. The train really needs to be multi-stop and allow people to get on or off.
We will go again, no question about that
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went up to see an exhibition of an artist .when we arrived there was an exhibition for 100 years of women in the forces ,which was interesting.this is a totally humbling place and the staff are so knowledgable.the different memorials are all so different but pay triubute to these amazing people.it is on a massive scale,I don't think we saw everything .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were fortunate to choose a sunny, warm Sunday for our visit. Arriving at 11.15 we were just in time to board the land train for the 50 minute tour.
Almost essential and easy to book at reception for just £6.00 each. It enables you to choose which part to visit later.
Sunday lunch was excellent quality and £9.95 for two courses.
Almost essential and easy to book at reception for just £6.00 each. It enables you to choose which part to visit later.
Sunday lunch was excellent quality and £9.95 for two courses.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An enormous place to visit. Very well laid out and sensitively done. The land train is a must. Gives you an audio tour and takes in a lot that the less able might not see. You are able to walk around the whole place, visit specific memorials, plenty of seating around to rest and remember. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Surprisingly big, we knew it was a big area but you can easily spend a whole day walking round looking at all the beautiful memorials. Each one is unique and really helps you reminisce and pay respects to those who fought for our country. Amazingly clean and well kept. Dog friendly. Food in the restaurant looked lovely, made us regret taking a picnic! Buy or take a drink with you as there is only one area at the start where you can do this. The only downside is the parking area is quite small and be aware that it IS pay and display although there aren't many obvious signs to say so! Oh and not to mention it's free entry although we bought a map and tour guides, and they do appreciate any donations too! We would definitely return, very sobering experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a total surprise. we only live about 10 miles from this site and have only seen on local news they only show you the main monument, so we thought we would go and have a look what a surprise the area covers 150 immaculate acres and is full of every aspect of war and some civil memorials since 1914 my own father was on the Burma railway and I found the items and museum very emotional we took the train ride around the site with commentary well worth every penny it is free to go in. The train ride is £6 each
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
