National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We arrived at 9:30 and left at 3:45pm and we still had not visited the new "remembrance centre". The whole place is fascinating and many of the memorials and gardens very moving. We had sandwiches in the restaurant which were fresh and used good bread and fillings. Allow plenty of time to read all the information boards, as a bit if a history buff finding out more about regiments and other groups really added to the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not having been before we took the train ride round the site. This took 45 mins.and now we have a good idea of where everything is. Its a pity you have to book a time for your ride and can't get on and off anywhere round the park. you have to get on at the start and if you get off you cant get back on. The train was only 1/4 full, even though the car park was completely full. There is so much to see and a good caffateria and coffee shop. We will go again.
It was interesting to learn about the memorials to non-combatants, disaster victims and animals that I didn't know would be here.
It was interesting to learn about the memorials to non-combatants, disaster victims and animals that I didn't know would be here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had the chance to revisit whilst visiting the area. Only a few years since last here but now larger and the main facilities are excellent. Walked most of the site with so much to see and time to reflect on the many outstanding regimental sites and the tales of history and bravery associated with many aspects of ancient and modern conflicts.
The main memorial is so impressive.
Regimental reunions were taking place and at lunchtime the Royal Artiilery Band and Pipers gave a great recital in the main concourse where you could sit and enjoy lunch from the very good café.
This is a restful and peaceful place worthy of several visits.
Good car parking - wheelchair accessible throughout. Land train for those unable to walk the whole site.
The main memorial is so impressive.
Regimental reunions were taking place and at lunchtime the Royal Artiilery Band and Pipers gave a great recital in the main concourse where you could sit and enjoy lunch from the very good café.
This is a restful and peaceful place worthy of several visits.
Good car parking - wheelchair accessible throughout. Land train for those unable to walk the whole site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Arboretum with a work function. Beautiful gardens provide serene environment for quiet reflection. Grounds are immaculately up kept.
The food and function facilities were excellent.
The food and function facilities were excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here first two years ago when it was starting up. Now it is a fantastic place. I defy anyone not to feel some emotion with regard to all the memorials to the dead. The train trip around the site is well worth while as you get a lot of information en route and it is a fair old walk right round the park. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the new reception building is excellent. I personally delighted to see that two of the RAF stations where I served as a National Servicemen are commemorated. Overall I felt quite emotional. Everyone should come here.
The restaurant and coffee shops were first class. The staff, who are mostly volunteers, are so friendly and helpful.
The restaurant and coffee shops were first class. The staff, who are mostly volunteers, are so friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A first visit for us to the National Memorial Arboretum, and what a lovely day it was, bringing back some very poignant memories. We took the Land Train (which lasted for around 45 minutes), and then walked all the way around after that. Had a drink in the restaurant afterwards, everywhere is spotless, and the staff very helpful. Entry is free, although there is a £3.00 parking charge which lasts all day. Donations are worth making.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful, moving, should be a must for everyone!
Staff helpful, friendly and efficient.
Newly enlarged main entrance/shop/cafe and parking, a great improvement.
Staff helpful, friendly and efficient.
Newly enlarged main entrance/shop/cafe and parking, a great improvement.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the third time on Saturday afternoon. Free entry, just £3 for parking. It seems to grow and improve each time. The new reception area and welcome quadrangle is impressive.
There is an automated search station but someone will help you if you are looking for a particular ship/ regiment. Not one for HMS Charibdis sadly, as that was our family interest.
We have just walked around each time, the number of monuments is amazing and humbling. As is the number of lives lost.
Yesterday we visited the wildflower field of remembrance, a carpet of green,red, yellow and blue; the Passchendale trench reconstruction, the Basra wall and of course the World War memorial which centres the site.
On a practical level, there are toilets and picnic sites and play areas around the site, if you have children with you and their interest flags; but refreshments only at the main site, so take a drink at least to walk around with. Yesterday was warm but the wind can whip around open areas in previous experience. You could spend a day here but the minimum would be 2 hours I think.
You can't fail to feel thankful, proud and humble.
There is an automated search station but someone will help you if you are looking for a particular ship/ regiment. Not one for HMS Charibdis sadly, as that was our family interest.
We have just walked around each time, the number of monuments is amazing and humbling. As is the number of lives lost.
Yesterday we visited the wildflower field of remembrance, a carpet of green,red, yellow and blue; the Passchendale trench reconstruction, the Basra wall and of course the World War memorial which centres the site.
On a practical level, there are toilets and picnic sites and play areas around the site, if you have children with you and their interest flags; but refreshments only at the main site, so take a drink at least to walk around with. Yesterday was warm but the wind can whip around open areas in previous experience. You could spend a day here but the minimum would be 2 hours I think.
You can't fail to feel thankful, proud and humble.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have never visited the arboretum so was not sure what to expect. Visited on a Saturday July 1st which coincided with the Royal artillery memorial. We were treated to brass bands and bagpipes from the forces. Amazing. The area covered is massive however you can buy a ticket for a mini train to take you around the grounds. This is accompanied with a running commentary. Beautiful walks and well signposted. No problem for less abled people. Plenty of entertainment for youngsters. It was truly a moving experience. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Facilities very clean and plentiful. Would be happy to go back again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not sure what to expect, beautifully presented and well maintained with attentive guides at the entrance and in the gardens. Everything was immaculate from the car park to the eating areas, shops and gardens. We especially enjoyed the Far East area as had visited the River Kwai bridge a couple of years ago. Nice to see a well behaved party of school children being shown around. A bit odd to see adults taking selfies in front of the main memorial. Interesting, moving and well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
No matter your politics or feelings about war etc every single person should visit this magnificent site and pay their respects to all those who have acted in our name and made the sacrifice. All the sponsors, management, organisers, staff and volunteers are to be congratulated for presenting the site and its contents in an incredibly well thought out way. Such a pleasure to walk round and after four trips to battlefield sites, cemeteries and museums abroad there is just nothing else like this elsewhere. Just go and see for yourself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the NMA on a Thursday and thoroughly enjoyed it,there is so much to take in that we have decided to come back next year.
Sadly there was one particular experience that went a long way in improving our understanding of the Arboretum. There was a young man probably in his early 30's with a bar of medals across his chest, who attended the Basra Wall and quietly and with great dignity laid a 'Remembrance Cross ' at its foot. No doubt he was paying his own tribute to his fallen comrades, It was incredibly moving.
Having said that the Arboretum is a 'Must' place to visit.
Sadly there was one particular experience that went a long way in improving our understanding of the Arboretum. There was a young man probably in his early 30's with a bar of medals across his chest, who attended the Basra Wall and quietly and with great dignity laid a 'Remembrance Cross ' at its foot. No doubt he was paying his own tribute to his fallen comrades, It was incredibly moving.
Having said that the Arboretum is a 'Must' place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first visit and although the weather was drizzly and not terribly warm (in June!) I shall most certainly be paying further visits in the future. The whole experience is well thought out and superbly executed. I had no idea just how many groups and individuals were represented here and what a way to be remembered!
The visitor centre, gift shop and restaurant were beautifully run and nowhere near as pricey as I thought they might be.
Staff were very knowledgeable and extremely helpful and pleasant. I would recommend taking the road train at the start of your visit to get your bearings.
I would love to see it in all the seasons as the gardens are just gorgeous.
I shall be back before too long!
Thanks to all.
The visitor centre, gift shop and restaurant were beautifully run and nowhere near as pricey as I thought they might be.
Staff were very knowledgeable and extremely helpful and pleasant. I would recommend taking the road train at the start of your visit to get your bearings.
I would love to see it in all the seasons as the gardens are just gorgeous.
I shall be back before too long!
Thanks to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the first time we have visited, but it won't be the last. A fantastic memorial to all those who have given their lives over the years. I would suggest you start the day by going on the Land Train ( £6 pp). This takes you all around the arboretum, giving commentary on all the main memorials and allowing you to see which you would like to explore in more detail and a clear orietation of the whole site. Don't miss the 11am 2 minutes silence in the chapel. A very humbling and moving experience, started by listening to Nimrod, the last post and 2 minutes silence.
You can easily walk to all the major memorials, or have a guided walking tour or golf buggy tour (additional cost). It costs nothing to go in, but all they ask, if you can, make a donation which helps them continue to fund this fantastic memorial.
They have a cafe with food and drink at reasonable prices, but also sufficient seating throughout the site, for your own picnic.
A brilliant and enjoyable day out
You can easily walk to all the major memorials, or have a guided walking tour or golf buggy tour (additional cost). It costs nothing to go in, but all they ask, if you can, make a donation which helps them continue to fund this fantastic memorial.
They have a cafe with food and drink at reasonable prices, but also sufficient seating throughout the site, for your own picnic.
A brilliant and enjoyable day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arrival we had a coffee in the restaurant. As it was close to 11am we visited the Chapel which was almost fill and observed a two minute silence. This was very moving indeed.
We took advantage of the small train that tours the site, the automated commentary was very good and the driver slowed to allow us a good view. We then retraced our "steps" and paid more attention to the memorials that were if particular interest to us.
We ate lunch in the restaurant which I could not fault. Considering the amount of people being catered for they had it down to a fine art! No hanging about or long queues. The menu is varied and covers most tastes. Wines, beers, teas coffees all available. The toilets were clean and plenty of them. The gift shop had a large variety of goods particularly with the Poppy as a theme, reasonably priced, good quality and some made with the "fair trade" brand.
This is a wonderful place commemorating those killed in their line of duty since the Second World War. It's a "must" for everyone - such a sobering place and most lovingly cared for.
We took advantage of the small train that tours the site, the automated commentary was very good and the driver slowed to allow us a good view. We then retraced our "steps" and paid more attention to the memorials that were if particular interest to us.
We ate lunch in the restaurant which I could not fault. Considering the amount of people being catered for they had it down to a fine art! No hanging about or long queues. The menu is varied and covers most tastes. Wines, beers, teas coffees all available. The toilets were clean and plenty of them. The gift shop had a large variety of goods particularly with the Poppy as a theme, reasonably priced, good quality and some made with the "fair trade" brand.
This is a wonderful place commemorating those killed in their line of duty since the Second World War. It's a "must" for everyone - such a sobering place and most lovingly cared for.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very thoughtfully constructed site with a myriad of memorials ranging from the headline armed forces monument, through to individual servicemen and women.
The land train is a useful way to see the main elements (charge applies), but the best way is to walk the grounds, taking time to think and reflect on the sacrifices made.
Especially worth visiting is the far east section, which includes sections of the railways POWs were forced to build, plus a mini-museum covering the wider treatment of captives under the (mainly) Japanese during WW2.
No-one can fail to be moved by a visit here.
Good café and restaurant also on site.
The land train is a useful way to see the main elements (charge applies), but the best way is to walk the grounds, taking time to think and reflect on the sacrifices made.
Especially worth visiting is the far east section, which includes sections of the railways POWs were forced to build, plus a mini-museum covering the wider treatment of captives under the (mainly) Japanese during WW2.
No-one can fail to be moved by a visit here.
Good café and restaurant also on site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really interesting place to visit. Too much to see in one visit,a trip on the land train first will give you an idea of the lay out. The restaurant is excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
the national memorial arboretum is a must visit for young and old it is one fantastic place to visit. it is a place to remember reflect and enjoy the grounds are so well set out help full staff. a very moving but happy day to no that all the brave can be never forgoton to much to see in one day i will be visiting many more times.
it was great houser and pleasure to visit this awesome memorial
it was great houser and pleasure to visit this awesome memorial
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took our 81 year old dad, and when we were at the Korean war area for the first time ever he spoke about his national service in Hong Kong and Korea. Also watched the National Service mans remembrance parade. The place is clean and tidy and very peaceful. A real credit to the people there who maintain it for the nation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a local resident I would encourage everyone to visit. It will help the elderly to remember and hopefully teach younger persons what they owe to the generations who gave their lives for them.
The arboretum is now maturing and a delight to walk around.
The arboretum is now maturing and a delight to walk around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing experience visiting the arboretum. Definitely going to visit again in the future. Staff are amazing, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Quite a moving experience
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very full day at the Arboretum. Starting with a short, moving service for armed forces day and finishing seven and a half hours later when we had to leave as it was closing and still hadn't managed to see everything. So many memorials dedicated to so many diverse causes, with each one so very different from the last. Enjoyed the whole day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on Veterans Day the site is now massive but beautifully laid out. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable.it would need a full day to see it all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited with my husband who is ex raf and have a few moans first one it says free admission yet you feel bullied into making a payment with the way it is laid out and you can't just give a donation as they say it's five pounds each secondly there is lack of toilets the Porter cabin ones were locked so we had to walk back to the entrance and thirdly I expected to see an help the hero's outlet where you could buy items from but no I will be visiting again in the hope that things are different yours Mrs hogan
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on national armed forces day,it was our first time.the new reception area leading out into the courtyard was very modern with a large resaurant attatched to it.wr walked the length and breadth of the park with many things of interest.the most poignant being the shot at dawn area, remembering those who some were shot for misdemeanors or and i choose this word carefully desertion,we might term it shell shock and or battle fatigue.the large cenotaph rembering those in all the armed forces giving up there lives was especially sad,the reminders still there with blank bits of the cenotaph reminding us of the troubled times we still live in.i will go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
