National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I've visited a few times but it was the first time for my wife, a daughter of an ex Navy officer.
Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find that the armed forces memorial was out of bounds owing to maintenance work, and yes, a retrospective visit to their website did find a single sentence to this effect. However the same paragraph did say that no other memorials were affected. Strange then that the bear was shrouded in plastic and scaffold.
Further, the obvious works are needed to facilitate the opening of the new visitor centre which looks amazing. But I was disappointed to see that they hadn't bothered to make notes or signs to move the disabled parking. Outside the new building but the furthest spaces away from the temporary entrance?
There were plenty of signs asking for support and donations, just no thought applied to the visitors. In fact the level of appeals literature, posters and banners is in my humble opinion, quite vulgar.
As an ex soldier, I'll visit again, it's in my DNA, but the laurels the management sit on might need a grass roots review.
Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find that the armed forces memorial was out of bounds owing to maintenance work, and yes, a retrospective visit to their website did find a single sentence to this effect. However the same paragraph did say that no other memorials were affected. Strange then that the bear was shrouded in plastic and scaffold.
Further, the obvious works are needed to facilitate the opening of the new visitor centre which looks amazing. But I was disappointed to see that they hadn't bothered to make notes or signs to move the disabled parking. Outside the new building but the furthest spaces away from the temporary entrance?
There were plenty of signs asking for support and donations, just no thought applied to the visitors. In fact the level of appeals literature, posters and banners is in my humble opinion, quite vulgar.
As an ex soldier, I'll visit again, it's in my DNA, but the laurels the management sit on might need a grass roots review.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I visited for the first time today (16th October) not really knowing what to expect.
What I did enjoy was the £5pp buggy tour (you can also do the land train tour which has running commentary for the same price which does a slightly different route). This gave us a good idea about the Arboretum and Daventry guide was fantastic!
I thought that this was a memorial area just for the Armed Services but I was so wrong. (Only 30% is) There is a woodland dedicated to children who have died which is very moving - as well as other areas including one for the RNLI
I can't wait to revisit again to go into the new Remembrance Centre which sounds as though it's going to be a great experience and will be interactive, brand new cafe as well as exhibitions (it opens on 21st October). The main Armed Services memorial will be opened in time for Remembrance Day.
We had such a great time we will return next Summer
What I did enjoy was the £5pp buggy tour (you can also do the land train tour which has running commentary for the same price which does a slightly different route). This gave us a good idea about the Arboretum and Daventry guide was fantastic!
I thought that this was a memorial area just for the Armed Services but I was so wrong. (Only 30% is) There is a woodland dedicated to children who have died which is very moving - as well as other areas including one for the RNLI
I can't wait to revisit again to go into the new Remembrance Centre which sounds as though it's going to be a great experience and will be interactive, brand new cafe as well as exhibitions (it opens on 21st October). The main Armed Services memorial will be opened in time for Remembrance Day.
We had such a great time we will return next Summer
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very memorable and emotionable. Vast any visitor will need decent walking shoes or boots. Some areas can be boggy off path. There are disabled motorised buggys. The area is currently being rennovated so the new visitor centre will be a great addition. The catering staff were amazing attentive and professional. The volunteers enthusiastic and very informative on various areas, monuments and memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can travel on the land train or just wander at will. We did the latter and were amazed to discover more and more memorials dotted about among the very beautiful trees. Every so often we were pulled up short by pictures of a young soldier killed in a recent conflict.
We ended in the Far Eastern museum which whilst excellent was very challenging but not to be missed.
The quarry at the far end of the site continues to work which shows that life goes on... In a different way for so many families. Everyone should visit at some point. We were surprised at how many were there on a midweek day and the volunteers who seem to be everywhere were excellent.
We ended in the Far Eastern museum which whilst excellent was very challenging but not to be missed.
The quarry at the far end of the site continues to work which shows that life goes on... In a different way for so many families. Everyone should visit at some point. We were surprised at how many were there on a midweek day and the volunteers who seem to be everywhere were excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A much overdue visit was enjoyed by all, we started with the service in the chapel and a brief talk before touring the gardens on foot and by land train with commentary that was an added bonus.
An ever changing site, new monuments, refurbishments and a real tribute to all those people that have touched and shaped so many lives. Simply wander alone with your thoughts, visit in groups or with family and friends. Finish with great value refreshments or full meals at great value or take a cup of tea to set you up for the journey home.
A must visit, thank youth all the volunteers and workers, fabulous.
An ever changing site, new monuments, refurbishments and a real tribute to all those people that have touched and shaped so many lives. Simply wander alone with your thoughts, visit in groups or with family and friends. Finish with great value refreshments or full meals at great value or take a cup of tea to set you up for the journey home.
A must visit, thank youth all the volunteers and workers, fabulous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very rewarding with memorials for both military to civilian individuals. Ample parking. Leaves a lump in your throat. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum proved to be a memorable place to visit. We took the train round which we recommend as it was possible to see many of the memorials this way. After our tour there was time for a reflective visit to other memorials. We were sorry that disabilty scooters were not allows in the restaurant and we hope this will be rectified in the new building. The staff were helpful and apart from this problem the visit was excellent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a good day in the gardens ,we only had 3 hours here as we were on a coach trip . It is a very large place and you need good shoes as there is a lot of walking to do but also plenty of seating.Part of it was closed for rebuilding and refurbishment but when the new Visitor centre is completed it will be really sensational to visit. A good day out but you do need at least a whole day or maybe two to see it all.Very emotional in places and interesting in others.All in all well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum thinking that this would have listings of those who did in the World Wars and hoping to find our ancestors; this is not the case. The only name listing memorials are to those who have died since the second world war and this main exhibit is closed until November 2016. The arboretum has a lot of memorials to the respective services and many other organisations.
The arboretum covers a very large area and we hired a ride on scooter for £5 for the day which is an essential for anyone with walking difficulties. Although we got this on the day it would be worth calling and reserving in advance.
We also did the Land train ride which lasts about 50 minutes and includes a very informative narrative of the memorials and helps get a good feel of where specific memorials are located. The time of your trip does need to be booked in advance on the day and costs £5 per adult.
We arrived in advance of the 11am service and spent a full day here.
The arboretum covers a very large area and we hired a ride on scooter for £5 for the day which is an essential for anyone with walking difficulties. Although we got this on the day it would be worth calling and reserving in advance.
We also did the Land train ride which lasts about 50 minutes and includes a very informative narrative of the memorials and helps get a good feel of where specific memorials are located. The time of your trip does need to be booked in advance on the day and costs £5 per adult.
We arrived in advance of the 11am service and spent a full day here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Cannot speak highly enough of this place. Everyone should pay a visit but allow a whole day as there's lots to see. New visitor centre and restaurant about to open which will make the facilities even better. So many memorials to see which include some marvellous sculptures. The most moving was Shot at Dawn.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting, moving place not to be missed. I took the tour bus and glad I did. It is huge and touring first gives an over view which allows you to orientate yourself then walk or take a golf buggy tour to the memorials you want to visit. I learned a lot and will go back.
Only negative was the coffee shop closed sharp. I would have liked a coffee and time to absorb the visit before going out. 30 minutes after closing would be enough. The staff were amazing and very knowlegable. I would recommend this as a must do and I will go back.
Only negative was the coffee shop closed sharp. I would have liked a coffee and time to absorb the visit before going out. 30 minutes after closing would be enough. The staff were amazing and very knowlegable. I would recommend this as a must do and I will go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much, well tended, space for children to run around in. So many striking memorials. So much emotion.
I cannot wait to visit again soon (we live five minutes away, luckily) and see the new memorial building when it opens. It looks so impressive from the outside.
If you are passing and can only spare half hour for coffee and cake (or a full lunch) do pop in as the cafe is very near the entrance.
I cannot wait to visit again soon (we live five minutes away, luckily) and see the new memorial building when it opens. It looks so impressive from the outside.
If you are passing and can only spare half hour for coffee and cake (or a full lunch) do pop in as the cafe is very near the entrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We loved our visit here,so interesting looking at all of the memorials. Amazing designs & thought provoking in some cases. Good access paths & good maps for getting around. We stopped for coffee & cake at the cafe which was great & well priced. The chapel is worth a visit on its own almost with a volunteer giving lots of interesting information. Definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit and found the memorials to be very moving , my Hubby is ex Royal Signals so he really wanted to see their memorial, unfortunately they are doing work on the Armed forces memorial so its closed off but we will be going back for another visit as we didn't manage to see all of the memorials. It really is nicely and respectfully done, very moving to read the names and stories , highly recommend visiting.
£3 to park your car and free entry to the Arboretum with donation boxes as you go inside.
£3 to park your car and free entry to the Arboretum with donation boxes as you go inside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have watched this place grow from when it first opened to present, The gardens are maturing and the buildings are expanding to cater for the increasing flow of people visiting the place. There are some magnificent memorials to those who laid down their lives for others. You can get food and refreshments and can spend a good few hours looking around
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having read there were over 30,000 trees planted we (maybe naively) thought it would be more of a 'forest' but in fact it is quite formally laid out. Did not realise that so many different organisations were represented - apart from obvious Army, Navy, RAF there were tributes to the Merchant Navy, the Fire Brigade, Bevin Boys, Land Army, Burma Railway workers and many many more. Good to see that the sacrifices of others are being recognised.
When we visited we could not see the main memorial and lots of work was going on to get ready for Armistice Day in November - would be interesting to re-visit to see how things have developed. Good that school groups are encouraged to visit and art installations have involved others.
When we visited we could not see the main memorial and lots of work was going on to get ready for Armistice Day in November - would be interesting to re-visit to see how things have developed. Good that school groups are encouraged to visit and art installations have involved others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A thought provoking place to visit. It is huge. I spent hours walking around and reading lots of the memorials but still didn't see it all. Try to make sure you visit the shot at dawn section. It's a little out of the way in the far corner but very interesting. There was a guide on hand to explain lots of the individual stories of the executed soldiers. It was unfortunate that the main memorial was being worked on when I visited.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful, respectful memorial to the many courageous people that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The impressive memorials are more wide ranging and diverse than I had expected.
A land train (£5.00 per person) is worthwhile as it gives first time visitors a really good feel of the Arboretum and helps you identify the areas that you may wish to walk to if you don't have time to visit them all
Staff were welcoming and informative.
Downside is that until early November 2016 the Armed Forces memorial is closed for essential maintenance and is inaccessible as is the main visitor centre and cafe which are currently located in a marquee.
Well worth a visit.
The impressive memorials are more wide ranging and diverse than I had expected.
A land train (£5.00 per person) is worthwhile as it gives first time visitors a really good feel of the Arboretum and helps you identify the areas that you may wish to walk to if you don't have time to visit them all
Staff were welcoming and informative.
Downside is that until early November 2016 the Armed Forces memorial is closed for essential maintenance and is inaccessible as is the main visitor centre and cafe which are currently located in a marquee.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is now over 3 years since my first visit to the NMA. In that time the Memorial Gardens have matured and I did notice that all the geese fouling had been washed away.
This was an apt time to visit as I had just organised and attended our 40th anniversary of joining The Royal Signals Army Apprentice College at Harrogate as 16 year old apprentices in 1976. I was extremely pleased to see the memorial garden dedicated to the Army Apprentices and to learn there was a 4th College at Carlisle for RAOC apprentices.
Other notable memorials visited were; Royal Corps of Signals, GCHQ, Intelligence Corps, Y Service, Airborne Services, Suez and Canal Zone, TOC H and 100 years of Gallipoli.
This is a real must visit for anyone, but especially poignant to anyone who has even the most tenuous links to all the fine men and women that have served in our Armed Services.
It was really good to see that all gardens and memorials are kept in pristine condition and entrance is free. Car Parking is £3.00 and you are requested to make charitable contributions for the up keep of this remarkable facility.
Proud to have served - absent friends!
This was an apt time to visit as I had just organised and attended our 40th anniversary of joining The Royal Signals Army Apprentice College at Harrogate as 16 year old apprentices in 1976. I was extremely pleased to see the memorial garden dedicated to the Army Apprentices and to learn there was a 4th College at Carlisle for RAOC apprentices.
Other notable memorials visited were; Royal Corps of Signals, GCHQ, Intelligence Corps, Y Service, Airborne Services, Suez and Canal Zone, TOC H and 100 years of Gallipoli.
This is a real must visit for anyone, but especially poignant to anyone who has even the most tenuous links to all the fine men and women that have served in our Armed Services.
It was really good to see that all gardens and memorials are kept in pristine condition and entrance is free. Car Parking is £3.00 and you are requested to make charitable contributions for the up keep of this remarkable facility.
Proud to have served - absent friends!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well set out and very moving. I'm just a little concerned that as a charity asking for volunteers and donations they can spend so much money on "rebranding". The change in title to just add in the word memorial seems a bit of a waste of money! However the place is well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We found this experience very humbling and were overawed by the work that has gone into making it a very special and tranquil place, for both those who have lost loved ones and those of us wanting to respect other people's sacrifices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is a beautiful place I attend at the RTTW every Oct to show my respect to all the fallen service men and women who gave their lives so that we have our lives.Emotions run high and all show respect to all.
We Will Remember Them.
We Will Remember Them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fourth time with RTTW, absolutely love this place,having a relatives name in the FEPOW makes it very poignant for me. The place is extremely well looked after,free entry and all the staff and volunteers are fantastic, wished I lived nearer,I would visit more often. Can't wait for next year's RTTW.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
NMA
This is one of the most peaceful and sombre places going on a normal visit, you can spend a day here and take in all the memorial's which bring home what this place represents
Ride To The Wall
This is the 3rd time I have attended this event and it is a fantastic event, well organised but be prepared to see the largest turn out for bikers in the UK who come to show there respect to the fallen and to raise funds for the NMA.
This is one of the most peaceful and sombre places going on a normal visit, you can spend a day here and take in all the memorial's which bring home what this place represents
Ride To The Wall
This is the 3rd time I have attended this event and it is a fantastic event, well organised but be prepared to see the largest turn out for bikers in the UK who come to show there respect to the fallen and to raise funds for the NMA.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Only been to the arboretum once for a vintage car rally..I was moved at all the memorials then as we wondered around and looked at them even though the main wall was under construction.
But the ride to the wall was even more of an emotional day I didn't ride a bike there we travelled in our car and met some biker friends there.
What a totally amazing site 7.000 biker and nearly 20.000 people there all I could say was WOW...
I was taken back how many was there even though the weather was terrible and the wall still wasn't finished.
There was so much respect love and loyalty to bestow.
I hope to be going back next year ...as a rider on two wheels...
But the ride to the wall was even more of an emotional day I didn't ride a bike there we travelled in our car and met some biker friends there.
What a totally amazing site 7.000 biker and nearly 20.000 people there all I could say was WOW...
I was taken back how many was there even though the weather was terrible and the wall still wasn't finished.
There was so much respect love and loyalty to bestow.
I hope to be going back next year ...as a rider on two wheels...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
