National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
A very special place to visit. Lots of car parking & a very reasonable £3 charge which we were happy to pay. Lots of changes/improvements/building work being done - it will be amazing when finished. We walked around the site with no particular route in mind - it was lovely just to wander around, we walked just over 3 miles. We have no particular connection with any of the armed services, but that is certainly not a reason to not visit. Highly recommended outing, allow at least a half day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful inspirational place. A marvellous tribute to the nation's fallen. Land train trip is very good as are the restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was on my motorbike all the staff were really friendly and helpful. The food and drink was very nice and the place amazing
Paul
Paul
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I write this review as a person training to be a volunteer at the site and having read some other reviews. I thought it important to let people know that the national memorial arboretum is not just a memorial to the armed forces, nor is it just an arboretum. The site has a tremendous variety of areas dedicated to military, civilian, voluntary and personal memorials as well as virtually every type of tree within the UK plus examples of trees from other areas of the world eg far east, Mediterranean etc. It is run as a charity and as such needs to collect revenues so do not be surprised when there are charges for parking, use of train etc? The c250 volunteers have differing skills and abilities but have one thing in common, they give their time to assist. Overall the visit is very much worth doing but do not expect a freebie or a theme park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A marvellous day out. Great place to visit with all the war memorials. There is a train which takes visitors all round the site stopping at all the memorials and a lovely guide who explains all about them and answers any questions you may have. A lot of work is going on which should be finished soon to heighten ones enjoyment. A lovely meal - or snack - can be had in the restaurant which is clean and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable too. A visit to the large shop which has a lot of products and souvenirs rounds off the day. A must see attraction for all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a Sunday. Surprised at the number of people there. Lots of memorials. The Burma Railway exhibit and Shot at Dawn thought provoking. The talk at the Shot at Dawn very informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place sure makes you appreciate your life
And also appreciate all those service heroes that have lost there lives, very peaceful place, i didn't appreciate the mother allowing her two young children climbing a memorial so disrespectful i felt, i don't think this is a place for young children, some parents have no control over children and don't feel it is a place for children to run about.
It is a very tidy place , not too keen on cafe area come entrance but other wise a place to visit but you will need a full day .
And also appreciate all those service heroes that have lost there lives, very peaceful place, i didn't appreciate the mother allowing her two young children climbing a memorial so disrespectful i felt, i don't think this is a place for young children, some parents have no control over children and don't feel it is a place for children to run about.
It is a very tidy place , not too keen on cafe area come entrance but other wise a place to visit but you will need a full day .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited this attraction once again and sad in one sense to see it under refurbishment but on the other hand glad that money has been secured to maintain and upgrade a must visit place not only for ex services and family but should be a must visit place for the nation and most certainly its school children.
The WW1 exhibit first class and the FEPOW a brilliant exhibition. I read every word in this haunting place.
Will visit again after its makeover.
The WW1 exhibit first class and the FEPOW a brilliant exhibition. I read every word in this haunting place.
Will visit again after its makeover.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were granted a tree in the memorial garden for our son, aged 19 killed in a motorcycle accident. We visit often, and enjoy the walk around all of the arboretum and it's beautiful and informative displays/memorials.
Tea and coffee with a slice of cake in the cafe round the day off nicely
Tea and coffee with a slice of cake in the cafe round the day off nicely
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing and humbling experience,proud to have taken part in this service.Definitely well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My visit was only brief, but the visitor's centre and gift shop was fantastic, and the grounds themselves were stunning. Especially loved to see the small garden dedicated to the CLB (CLCGB).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place that everyone should visit at least once, to see the sacrifice given by members of the Forces and other organisations in the name of Peace
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
15 ex members of the UDR Ulster Defense Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment visited for the first time this weekend. The weather must have been imported for us. Yes it rained. The parade consisted of around 400 persons. We were given the honour of being at the head of the parade along with similar members of our Regiments. Many commented on the personal emotions they felt during the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today to support Tenbury town band who were asked to play to commerate the 100yr anniversary of the Somme. Beautiful and clean...shortage of available bins tho. Immaculate grounds, peaceful and humbling.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's the first time for us to go to the Arboretum and I must say it won't be the last. It's one of the most tranquil places I've ever been to, and loving cared for in all areas.
A place that cannot be seen in one day to appreciate to full meaning of what the Arboretum brings.
I could put a load more photos on this review but I implore all the people who are thinking of visiting,to do so, you will not be disappointed
A place that cannot be seen in one day to appreciate to full meaning of what the Arboretum brings.
I could put a load more photos on this review but I implore all the people who are thinking of visiting,to do so, you will not be disappointed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Over 300 memorials did not have time to see them all but will go again amazing place morning service is a must gift shop amazing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great place to visit. It's free entry but there is a £3 parking charge ( which also applies to Blue Badge Holders ). The facilities were very clean and the cafe had a good range of food at reasonable prices. The staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable.
There is a "land train" which takes you round the very large site. This costs £5 each and slowly travels round parts of the site with a very good recorded commentary.
There is a "land train" which takes you round the very large site. This costs £5 each and slowly travels round parts of the site with a very good recorded commentary.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The arboretum is undergoing extensive building expansion.I'd visit next year when it may be finished
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our third visit but we have not been for three years. We were surprised at how much all the trees had grown especially around the Armed Forces Memorial which is the picture everyone sees when the Arboretum is advertised. It is no so visible as it used to be. At the moment it is closed to visitors but will be open by 11th November. We took an hour long journey through a large part of the arboretum on the land train £5 per person and excellent value with good commentary. We then walked to other areas. There are 300 memorials on this site and not all are military. The volunteers are enthusiastic and keen to answer any questions. There is a new visitor centre nearing completion and that will offer new eating facilities, shop and entrance area. The car park is a short walk away although parking for disabled is outside the entrance. Parking is £3 per day and entrance to the Arboretum is by donation. This place is thought provoking and a wonderful place for remembrance. My Uncle has a dedicated seat there amongst the trees. The Guidebook is an excellent source of information at £6.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Clear directions, easy parking very friendly helpful staff. Sun shone on a lovely service dedicating a new memorial to soldiers who served in Italy during WW2. Attended by several veterans, standard bearers, a piper and the Rural Dean of Chichester Cathedral. Train tour afterwards well worth doing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Arboretum with a friend, and we were both very impressed with the quality and standard of the various memorials.
In addition, the site is laid out in such a way that you never feel as though you among crowds of people; rather that you can take your time to contemplate and remember fallen colleagues in quiet solitude.
Each of the elements and branches of our armed forces are represented there in an extremely tasteful and honourable manner.
Finally, any visit to the site should include a walk to the "Shot at Dawn" Memorial, this is one of the most emotional places I have been to. Very moving.
A full day is required, and it will be one that is long remembered.
In addition, the site is laid out in such a way that you never feel as though you among crowds of people; rather that you can take your time to contemplate and remember fallen colleagues in quiet solitude.
Each of the elements and branches of our armed forces are represented there in an extremely tasteful and honourable manner.
Finally, any visit to the site should include a walk to the "Shot at Dawn" Memorial, this is one of the most emotional places I have been to. Very moving.
A full day is required, and it will be one that is long remembered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my 94 year old dad who had spent many years in the services. Great place however as he is unable to walk unaided we were intending to get a motor scooter. Upon arrival we found that there were non available. As the site has many acres of site we had to resort to a wheel chair and guess who pushed!!! Such a shame as we could have seen so much more.
So if you have difficulties you can pre book a motor scooter.
So if you have difficulties you can pre book a motor scooter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with my husband + 8yr old daughter. The Arboretum is huge so you possibly won't see everything in one go. I thought we had done pretty well but when I looked at the brochure we missed so much. However we had 5 or 6 hours strolling in the fresh air + the walks are flat. Some memorials, not too many though, are off the path but I'm sure they would be accessible still but please check if you have a wheelchair. I had looked online before I went + identified some of the memorials I wanted to see + we did see them. The Shot at Dawn memorial made me cry, then a couple of minutes later my daughter is making me smile at the Showmans Guild memorial. Emotions will be mixed. Sadly when we visited the main memorial to those who died in combat from WW 2 on was closed for maintenance, but they had thoughtfully made a mock up so the names could still be seen on the display so all was not lost. I will go back + visit to find the memorials I missed. Entrance is free, you buy a guide book or trail if you want to. Well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place to reflect and remember the fallen in beautiful setting, not just from the wars but other atrocities. There is a land train which is well worth the £5 for a trip around with interesting commentary. It is free entry and any donations are used to upkeep and improve the Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Poignant but unmissable. Too much to take in on one day. Best to take the "train" for a good overvue and go from there. A lot of walking but you can take the golf carts. The internal transport seems a bit disorganised but the staff are marvellous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
