National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
.. however you will not be able to see everything in one day .. so research the things you want to see this time .. First it's situated off the M6 toll so there is a charge for that .. then there is a £3 charge for parking .. lastly there is an admission charge and a charge for the little train which will save an amount of walking .. you will be given a map or take a guided tour .. you will easily spend all day here so comfy shoes are needed however there are plenty of benches for a rest and porta loos are at each information stop .. We did make use of the cafe where I purchased a glutton free ham sandwich that was tasteless and uneatable .. ..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an excellent time at the arboretum on s school trip today, Jo was fantastic with the children and the adults loved it too! The new centre looks fantastic and the grounds are beautiful, with so many different stories hidden amongst the trees. Can't wait to visit with my family and get the information headset on.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today we visited the war memorial. What a sad but beautiful place. A thoroughly enjoyable day we had. It was a shame that the main feature was not opened but they say it will be finished in time for the remberance day service. The staff was very imformative. This place is very big and lots to see in fact we couldn't fit them all in. Will be going back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit to the Arboretum and the new building was open. After a £17m investment it is very impressive and you either pay a £5 "donation or £7.5(£6 for concessions) and get a audio guide.
It is impossible to visit all the memorials in a day so we chose to see those we missed last time, plus there are always new ones.
The main memorial was closed for restoration but we suspected that is was being readied for armistice day next Sunday, not a problem as we saw it last time.
You can pay for one of the train rides which is recommended on a first visit to see the main ones.
We were ready for lunch which we enjoyed last time, but the chicken curry this time was almost inedible! Perhaps it was a bad day or maybe they should have spent some of the £17m on their menus!
Well worth a visit at this time of year to remember those who gave their all. Don't miss the "soldiers shot at dawn", very moving.
It is impossible to visit all the memorials in a day so we chose to see those we missed last time, plus there are always new ones.
The main memorial was closed for restoration but we suspected that is was being readied for armistice day next Sunday, not a problem as we saw it last time.
You can pay for one of the train rides which is recommended on a first visit to see the main ones.
We were ready for lunch which we enjoyed last time, but the chicken curry this time was almost inedible! Perhaps it was a bad day or maybe they should have spent some of the £17m on their menus!
Well worth a visit at this time of year to remember those who gave their all. Don't miss the "soldiers shot at dawn", very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a sombre affair but its well kept .a memory to our fallen heroes.this is worth a visit as it's a big memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place and worth visiting. I wanted to see the memorial to the DEMs as my Dad was a gunner on the merchant ships during World War 2. I'm sure many people have a personal reason for visiting and there are over 300 different memorials. It's all beautifully kept with plenty of seats and there's also a land train with commentary if you don't feel up to walking round the 150 acre site. The restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices. Many volunteers give their time to keep this running - well done to them all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unlike any other war commemorative sites this is uplifting rather than sombre. Historically interesting, and beautifully laid out. It is vast so take advantage of the land train with its informative commentary which makes everything come alive. There is information about the trees as well as the memorials. The talk in the Chapel is also informative
The restaurant is good, varied selection of food, well cooked and reasonably priced.
Another place that depends heavily on a corps of volunteers, all of them lovely and helpful
The restaurant is good, varied selection of food, well cooked and reasonably priced.
Another place that depends heavily on a corps of volunteers, all of them lovely and helpful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set in 150 acres of countryside this place is well worth a visit. There is a train that takes you round some of the memorials which costs £5 and they tell you some of the history of the memorials. At the main entrance there is a restaurant, gift shop and a cafe. If you have a dog they are also welcome. To walk around the whole place would probably take a few hours but if you went on a nice day it would be worth it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second visit - ten years since the last time.
A beautiful site and it is hard to believe it was originally a sand and gravel quarry. There are over 300 different memorials, interspersed between a range of small (maturing) mainly British trees, with all the memorials individually designed.
There are many gravel and tarmac pathways, but to fully appreciate the area you do have to go "off piste" and on to the grass, so in the winter, remember to bring suitable footwear.
There is a spacious cafeteria area offering freshly prepared food - everything from a packet of crisps to a full roast dinner.
A new addition since our previous visit is a large "retail area". I can fully understand the Royal British Legion wanting to maximise its fundraising and it was fascinating to see how many items could be branded with a poppy logo.
However, I feel "The Poppy" is being rather devalued and being turned into a fashion accessory. For nearly 100 years the simple red paper poppy has been a poignant symbol of remembrance as well as one of the major means of fund raising for the Legion.
At the store at the NMA it was possible to buy enamelled poppy earrings, collar studs, broochs as well as larger garden ornaments and indestructible poppies to go on car radiator grilles.
It worries me that younger people and future generations may buy one of these expensive symbols (with only a small percentage going to the RBL) and feel they have done their duty in contributing to the charity - and then bring out the same item each November in the coming years.
The RBL needs continuing contributions to enable it to maintain it charitable work.
A beautiful site and it is hard to believe it was originally a sand and gravel quarry. There are over 300 different memorials, interspersed between a range of small (maturing) mainly British trees, with all the memorials individually designed.
There are many gravel and tarmac pathways, but to fully appreciate the area you do have to go "off piste" and on to the grass, so in the winter, remember to bring suitable footwear.
There is a spacious cafeteria area offering freshly prepared food - everything from a packet of crisps to a full roast dinner.
A new addition since our previous visit is a large "retail area". I can fully understand the Royal British Legion wanting to maximise its fundraising and it was fascinating to see how many items could be branded with a poppy logo.
However, I feel "The Poppy" is being rather devalued and being turned into a fashion accessory. For nearly 100 years the simple red paper poppy has been a poignant symbol of remembrance as well as one of the major means of fund raising for the Legion.
At the store at the NMA it was possible to buy enamelled poppy earrings, collar studs, broochs as well as larger garden ornaments and indestructible poppies to go on car radiator grilles.
It worries me that younger people and future generations may buy one of these expensive symbols (with only a small percentage going to the RBL) and feel they have done their duty in contributing to the charity - and then bring out the same item each November in the coming years.
The RBL needs continuing contributions to enable it to maintain it charitable work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very well laid out with simply hundreds of memorials large and small. From conflicts of the distant past to those closer to the present day. All well presented and cared for, although several were being cleaned or refurbished when we visited. Excellent new restaurant with tasty food for a good price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this venue with the purpose of seeing the trees in autumn colour, so many were young trees, and with no info on the tree's I felt as an arboretum much was missing. However, the information on military history was ample, and disturbingly thought provoking. The 'Shot at dawn' area, was so hard hitting and emotive. The sculpture's and art works will stay with me. I understand that each tree is a personal memorial to each individual, I would just have liked to see each tree with more space and information as to what the tree was and if there was meaning to the choice of tree. There is a train that takes the journey around the site, and guided tours.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our dog so had to stick to the dog walk but still saw most of the memorials. I don't see what harm a dog on a lead could do just walking round so didn't understand why we were restricted. We enjoyed the visit and the walk by the river was very enjoyable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our visit was combined with a journey to visit family in the midlands so was a bit of an afterthought however the NMA is amazing and I would urge everyone to visit .
The staff are friendly ,helpful ,patient and informative and the exhibition makes you think about the how's and why's of lives given in service of the country.
The new building had just opened on Friday 21st October and we visited on the Monday ,it contains excellent toilet facilities, a visitor restaurant(good home cooked food)) and a gift shop with some good poppy gifts for sale ,however I was disappointed with the limited selection of books available.
It was a breezy October day so the buildings warmth was appreciated also.
The site is free to enter but the exhibition costs £7.50 ,there is also a motorised train £5.00 which tours 65% of the site which is also good value especially if you have visitors who are less mobile.
The NMA guide book is also a worthwhile purchase £6.50 which is a great souvenir and contains lots of glossy colour pictures of many of the memorials.
Parking is £3.00 per car and is a 10 minute walk from the main entrance, however there is closer parking for those with disabilities near the entrance.
The site has a chapel near the main hall which is thoughtfully designed and worth a visit.
The outstanding memories I will take away are hearing children laugh and run around the site playing whilst also being told the stories of the memorials and explaining what they meant and generally enjoying the thousands of trees planted.
The memorials are thought provoking and peaceful on a beautiful countryside site that takes hours to explore (luckily there are portacabin toilets around the site)
All in all an excellent visit and very much worth the effort.
However I was sad that the main armed forces memorial was cordoned off due to building work (albeit mentioned on the website that it is closed for work) as I am from Newcastle upon Tyne and cannot visit easily.
The staff are friendly ,helpful ,patient and informative and the exhibition makes you think about the how's and why's of lives given in service of the country.
The new building had just opened on Friday 21st October and we visited on the Monday ,it contains excellent toilet facilities, a visitor restaurant(good home cooked food)) and a gift shop with some good poppy gifts for sale ,however I was disappointed with the limited selection of books available.
It was a breezy October day so the buildings warmth was appreciated also.
The site is free to enter but the exhibition costs £7.50 ,there is also a motorised train £5.00 which tours 65% of the site which is also good value especially if you have visitors who are less mobile.
The NMA guide book is also a worthwhile purchase £6.50 which is a great souvenir and contains lots of glossy colour pictures of many of the memorials.
Parking is £3.00 per car and is a 10 minute walk from the main entrance, however there is closer parking for those with disabilities near the entrance.
The site has a chapel near the main hall which is thoughtfully designed and worth a visit.
The outstanding memories I will take away are hearing children laugh and run around the site playing whilst also being told the stories of the memorials and explaining what they meant and generally enjoying the thousands of trees planted.
The memorials are thought provoking and peaceful on a beautiful countryside site that takes hours to explore (luckily there are portacabin toilets around the site)
All in all an excellent visit and very much worth the effort.
However I was sad that the main armed forces memorial was cordoned off due to building work (albeit mentioned on the website that it is closed for work) as I am from Newcastle upon Tyne and cannot visit easily.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited in the past but this time we took our son and his family. It has been over ten years since our last visit and many changes have taken place. There is a new visitor centre and new restaurant along with an activities centre for children. The number of memorials have increased and modern conflicts now have a place here. It is a peaceful place and walking around we were able to increase the knowledge of our children and explain more of what they had learnt at school. The trench brought home a little of what conflict was all about and the sheer number of people who lost their lives both on land sea and in the air. This is an awesome place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just visited the NMA for the second time, each time we have had a love day. The new centre was lovely a great asset , so much to see, the changing colour of the tees was lovely. Such an inspiring, tranquil place to visit. The staff are wonderful, helpful and very informative. Well worth going to spend a day there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived at 0930 in the morning and were still there at 1700 and still didn't see it all. The armed forces memorial was still shut for refurbishment but there was plenty more to see but I understand that it will be open again for this years remembrance day. The exhibition for the FEPOWs is as moving as those I've visited at Sachenhausen and Bergen-Belson and highlights the atrocities handed out to fellow human beings by so called human beings. What is really nice is that everybody and not just military are remembered here, there are areas for still birth babes and those killed in RTCs and if you look hard there are individual trees dedicated to individuals. One that sticks in my mind was one to a mother who died whilst shielding her son from a V2 bomb towards the end of WW2 and incredible act of selfless bravery. In all an excellent day out for all the family very poignant and moving.
As an aside we walked for over 5 miles so I would suggest suitable footwear as some of the paths I would think could become muddy.
As an aside we walked for over 5 miles so I would suggest suitable footwear as some of the paths I would think could become muddy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We last visited when it was all very new and the trees were young. So it was lovely to see how the trees had matured. Lots of new memorials to see too, such as the Christmas truce and the last post. The last post memorial really moved me. Beautifully done, so simple in its meaning, but such an impact!
We were there for the talk at it too, and this was really interesting.
We also enjoyed the walk along the river to the bunker. Nice to see the young soldiers walking around too.
We will be back to have a look at the main memorial when it's open again. But loved the display of the wooden soldiers in the grass, fantastic.
Only thing i wasn't sure about was what is in the exhibition bit you pay for as nothing really up to tell you and the staff explanation wasn't clear either or the website, although I appreciate its all very new still and being done. I think we will do that bit next time we visit.
We were there for the talk at it too, and this was really interesting.
We also enjoyed the walk along the river to the bunker. Nice to see the young soldiers walking around too.
We will be back to have a look at the main memorial when it's open again. But loved the display of the wooden soldiers in the grass, fantastic.
Only thing i wasn't sure about was what is in the exhibition bit you pay for as nothing really up to tell you and the staff explanation wasn't clear either or the website, although I appreciate its all very new still and being done. I think we will do that bit next time we visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well designed massive area for all the different memorials in one place!
Separate coffe shop next to the chapel, which hold a daily service with 2mins silence at 11am every day of the year! In the main building there is a cafeteria serving warm food as well as sanwhiches and snacks, at reasonable prices. All profit goes to the charity to help maintain the project.
Many interesting memorials from all conflicts around the world.
The information centre for the Far East war gave an in depth insight to the suffering that these men had to endure during there captivity. Very Emotional viewing.
The recently added "Shot at Dawn" memorial is another thought provoking image.
There is a land train which takes you around the whole site as is a very large area to see everything. Some beautiful trees, which when matured will make a wonderful peacefull setting for people to remember and pay their respects.
Separate coffe shop next to the chapel, which hold a daily service with 2mins silence at 11am every day of the year! In the main building there is a cafeteria serving warm food as well as sanwhiches and snacks, at reasonable prices. All profit goes to the charity to help maintain the project.
Many interesting memorials from all conflicts around the world.
The information centre for the Far East war gave an in depth insight to the suffering that these men had to endure during there captivity. Very Emotional viewing.
The recently added "Shot at Dawn" memorial is another thought provoking image.
There is a land train which takes you around the whole site as is a very large area to see everything. Some beautiful trees, which when matured will make a wonderful peacefull setting for people to remember and pay their respects.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been 6 times and it gets more established each time. It is a stunning place to visit. One criticism is this time is the first time we have not taken a packed lunch and what a mistake. I know it runs on donations but the food there costs a small fortune. £4.50 for a role and £3.00-£4.50 for a sandwich. Instead of going for small volume with large profit they should go for large volume with smaller profit which would make it a more affordable day out. But don't let that stop you going, just take a picnic. Wallers keep walling.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have often driven past here and wondered what it was like, so this time we decided to take the time to stop a while and see.
What a wonderful tribute to those we have lost. You can see it evolving into a national treasure as it's already a masterpiece of Memorium and tranquility
Took two 15 year old teenage boys who I thought would be bored, but even they were taken by the feeling of history and tranquility that the memorial plaques and statues evoke.
Small £3 car parking charge and reasonable food drink in the new visitor centre.
Excellent Children's play park on site and dog walking routes so all can enjoy the tranquility of the Arboretum.
What a wonderful tribute to those we have lost. You can see it evolving into a national treasure as it's already a masterpiece of Memorium and tranquility
Took two 15 year old teenage boys who I thought would be bored, but even they were taken by the feeling of history and tranquility that the memorial plaques and statues evoke.
Small £3 car parking charge and reasonable food drink in the new visitor centre.
Excellent Children's play park on site and dog walking routes so all can enjoy the tranquility of the Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is my 4th visit to the NMA and it never disappoints. There's just so much to see, you'll need a full day, even then you may miss something. No matter how busy it appears to be when you arrive and park on the car park, there's many opportunities to be alone when visiting the many memorials.
This is my first visit since the opening of the new visitor centre. What a great job they have done. A big airy space to dine.
We opted for a roast beef dinner on arrival, it was midday after all. It was delicious and reasonably priced too.
This is well worth a family visit and you're supporting a worthy cause.
I will return soon and the armed forces memorial should be completed in its restoration, looking magnificent as ever, if not better.
This is my first visit since the opening of the new visitor centre. What a great job they have done. A big airy space to dine.
We opted for a roast beef dinner on arrival, it was midday after all. It was delicious and reasonably priced too.
This is well worth a family visit and you're supporting a worthy cause.
I will return soon and the armed forces memorial should be completed in its restoration, looking magnificent as ever, if not better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A drizzly day, grey and overcast but just amazing. So peaceful and lovely, could spend all day there and still not see everything. A truly fitting place to honour those who died for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been before but not for sometime.The parking has got better. There is now an amazing visitors centre. You can get everything you can dream of with a poppy on it. There are two places to eat. We did eat but did have a hot drink. Not bad prices. Sadly the main memorial is closed but we did get to see all the others. Nice day out and good to see young soldiers there looking around to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Following the rive,the aboretum is a beautiful place to visit. A lovely memorial to those we have lost but also scenic, peaceful and just lovely to walk around. You can't help be touched by the memorial plaques and statues and the small plaques on the trees will make you weep, but it's a fitting place to remember our heros. Cafe and shop are also worth a visit. Entrance is by donation. Parking small charge
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see the new centre that opened last week and must say that it looked excellent. Had a walk round the site and it is so calming and peaceful. The staff are so helpful and informative. We love going and find memorials we never saw before
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
