National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I have cycled here with friends as well as bringing my family for a day out. Whilst the purpose of the venue is to make one reflect, the setting is so beautiful and interesting that one always leaves feeling good. The place is staffed by volunteers and I was particularly impressed by a lady called Sue who spent a lot of time explaining about the battle of the Somme and other things (I think she cycles all the way from Whittington). The food is very good as are the dining facilities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a cold October day just after the new Visitor Centre had opened. The approach road is not what you might expect - but the arboretum is very interesting and moving. Overall the site is quite young and many of the trees are not established but you can feel the care and attention being put into this set of memorials.
The land train is highly recommended- gives you a very good feel for the whole site and many of the most iconic memorials. On a cold day wrap up warm!
Excellent refreshment area and shop.
Well worth the visit
The land train is highly recommended- gives you a very good feel for the whole site and many of the most iconic memorials. On a cold day wrap up warm!
Excellent refreshment area and shop.
Well worth the visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a place-- it brought tears to our eyes, a wonderful place, it made me think how lucky I am, we took the train ride to get an idea of the size of the place, £5.oo each worth every penny, the car parking £3.00 it all goes on the upkeep, we had a lovely day, sad in places but I would not have missed this visit for any thing, if you don't do anything else please go and look at this most extraordinary place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place, an oasis of calm and reflection. We took the little train which gives an excellent overview of the whole area and an idea of where things are. We went back to the Far East Memorial and a couple of others that we particularly wanted to visit. A lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely place - so much more than just a collection of memorials. Each piece has a story.
We went along for a twilight walk around the arboretum - accompanied by a guide and lanterns which were included in the cost.
The guide was interesting when questioned but I did feel that he was not particularly comfortable with the role and there was probably more that could have been said.
I have no objection to the parking charge or to a suggested contribution (the twilight walk did have a cost but I felt that this was reasonable)
What I did find slightly off putting was the cost of a very (if I could underline the word very I would!) small sandwich in the cafe - £4.50.
Two cups of tea and a small piece of cake came to over £6. This was not a pot of tea, it was two cups with two tea bags.
I appreciate that a proportion of profit goes to the upkeep of the arboretum. However, this seems to be profiteering.
We went along for a twilight walk around the arboretum - accompanied by a guide and lanterns which were included in the cost.
The guide was interesting when questioned but I did feel that he was not particularly comfortable with the role and there was probably more that could have been said.
I have no objection to the parking charge or to a suggested contribution (the twilight walk did have a cost but I felt that this was reasonable)
What I did find slightly off putting was the cost of a very (if I could underline the word very I would!) small sandwich in the cafe - £4.50.
Two cups of tea and a small piece of cake came to over £6. This was not a pot of tea, it was two cups with two tea bags.
I appreciate that a proportion of profit goes to the upkeep of the arboretum. However, this seems to be profiteering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere we have wanted to go for a long time and eventually made it. Well set out and a ticket for the land train have us a rough idea of where things were before setting out on foot. Lots to see and the Somme 100 recreation of a WW1 French is worth the visit with actors playing soldiers making it more interesting.
Unfortunately the monument from Basra is under construction or repair ready for November 11 so we couldn't get close but still worth the trip and will definetly return as it is constantly expanding.
Unfortunately the monument from Basra is under construction or repair ready for November 11 so we couldn't get close but still worth the trip and will definetly return as it is constantly expanding.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today to experience the new visitors centre. The aboretum remains free to visit but we paid £7.50 to visit the new exhibition which really is worth a visit. There are so many moving examples of memorials and interactive spaces to sit and reflect. Particularly lliked the current WW1 art exhibition.
We paid £2.00 each to take the land train which takes a tour of the extensive site you can get off at two points but we went the whole way around, their is a commentary which explains the memorials that you pass.
After the tour we walked back to the shot at dawn memorial which is so moving. We also spent some time in the trench installation which is very atmospheric.
The site takes a couple of hours to walk around and the trees atvthis time of year are beautiful. The staff and army of volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable. Dont miss the chapel which is full of beautiful carved pillars.
We paid £2.00 each to take the land train which takes a tour of the extensive site you can get off at two points but we went the whole way around, their is a commentary which explains the memorials that you pass.
After the tour we walked back to the shot at dawn memorial which is so moving. We also spent some time in the trench installation which is very atmospheric.
The site takes a couple of hours to walk around and the trees atvthis time of year are beautiful. The staff and army of volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable. Dont miss the chapel which is full of beautiful carved pillars.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit, and it was still a great experience. The venue is spread over a large area, superheated into various forces and nationalities that supported us in our times of need. It is being improved upon all the time, and has a lot of interesting memorials and information about those brave souls that have fought and died on our behalf. It is well worth a visit, and an educational day out for those learning about the various wars in our history. It is also free, however, a small suggested donation is advertised, and to be honest is worth it to support this attraction. There is a shop and cafe on site, and plenty of places to eat your own picnic, as you will spend several hours here if you want to explore it in its entirety.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free to visit the memorials. Fantastic new exhibition centre now open. Adds a lot of background to the memorials. Costs £7.50 but well worth it. Great on a sunny day. Lots of walking, but little train can be caught to take you around if you prefers. £5.00
Pic nic area for all and small play/climbing area for children. Minimum age 6 years old but not really a visit for young children.
Pic nic area for all and small play/climbing area for children. Minimum age 6 years old but not really a visit for young children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful spot that stirs proud feelings of gratitude and pride. Well managed, clean and easily accessible to all abilities and ages. Strong instructional programme too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Charming little place, very clean and tidy, staff are very friendly and food and service is very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Close to Litchfield, car parking close to entrance wheel chair friendly, from the very start the history and exhibits give you an insite of our past history, for the disabled there is a train ride around the extensive grounds leading to the main memorial.
Not a place to go on a wet and windy day.
There is a restaurant on site and gift shop. Enjoy.
Not a place to go on a wet and windy day.
There is a restaurant on site and gift shop. Enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My family had alot to do with the start of the project when it first started as my mother in law helped getting people involved and over the years has grown into a very informative place. Also a place to think about all the people that have lost their lives to help all of us. A very peaceful and humbling place. Well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The most amazing memorial in the UK . State of the art and beautiful to see names engraved of who gave their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The combination of stunning nature and deeply evocative memorials makes this a profoundly moving and very carefully thought through experience. The opportunities to participate and experience are excellent and the riverside walk time to reflect. A must see to remind us all that others "gave their today for our tomorrow"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went here on a beautiful sunny weekday afternoon, a lovely peaceful place, having recently left the armed forces it was a ideal location for reflection and contemplation, there a lot of memorials, the main central one was being renovated and was out of bounds. A worthwhile visit for anyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have driven pass the Arboretum many times on our way south on the M6 toll and can't believe it has taken us so long to visit. We had certain areas we particularly wanted to visit, the Aden Protectorate memorial, the Kenya Mau Mau, the Suez 1956 and World Wars I and II. We started on Milleniun Avenue and instead of following the map to find our particular interest we just walked for almost four hours completely lost in the beautifully kept gardens and walkways and moving tributes to brave men and women of all walks of life. For anyone who hasn't visited this beautiful memorial please do, for the volunteers who are so helpful and interesting, for the history and to pay homage to the heroes remembered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The short service in the chapel at 11.00am highly recommend. Also take the train or hire a private buggy with guide. They offer VIP and will take that next time visiting. Excellent guides everywhere.
The café was alos fine and popular.
The café was alos fine and popular.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a truly wonderful place. This place focuses on celebrating the people who lost their lives, there is so much more here then I could ever have imagined.
The wonderful volunteers are on hand to tell you all about each and every memorial and the stories behind them..... truly special
The wonderful volunteers are on hand to tell you all about each and every memorial and the stories behind them..... truly special
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit full of history. Mainly all outside and plenty to see. You can either walk, take the motorised train or 4 seater golf buggies. Well worth a visit as we would definitely recommend to anyone.
If your there for lunch there is an indoor cafe or larger outdoor marquee. We went to the marquee and had a Sunday roast on the carvery . Choice of beef or turkey all of which was carved lovely and thick. Lovely
If your there for lunch there is an indoor cafe or larger outdoor marquee. We went to the marquee and had a Sunday roast on the carvery . Choice of beef or turkey all of which was carved lovely and thick. Lovely
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is a 'must' place to visit. It takes a full day. Start with the chapel service, where you will be given the history of the site. As you go round take your time to absorb the emotions that will be aroused. In the South East Asia memorial building look very closely at the stained glass window, an identical replica of the real one. There is something there that would have meant the death of many prisoners had their guards noticed it. I won't spoil it by telling you what it is .... The restaurant is fair priced and serves good food. I wholeheartedly recommend this to people of all ages, a very moving and informative day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Love visiting here and everytime a new different experiance. Great idea to have civilian memorials too. Plenty to see and do for any age regardless of the weather.
Certainly lovely to remember but also to say thanks and never forget. Very uplifting spiritual place to visit.
Staff very helpfull and knowlegable. Looking forward to coming back to see new visitors centre which is opening soon.
Certainly lovely to remember but also to say thanks and never forget. Very uplifting spiritual place to visit.
Staff very helpfull and knowlegable. Looking forward to coming back to see new visitors centre which is opening soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is being remodelled/extended again, but remains open. Hard to imagine that all those poor people have died, serving their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thought provoking when you stop to realise that every name on the wall is a lost sole since the end of World War2.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went here with my partner it was beautifully kept but it made so sad to see so many of our boys that did not return home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
