National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to the arboretum - with a reservation
The land train is a great way to see most of the 300 memorials and see the site. Today was biting cold and foggy so perhaps the best way to get around. All of the staff we spoke to were friendly and enthusiastic about the venue, so it was a shame to be so disappointed in the newly opened restaurant ... we arrived after our tour at about 2:25 to find 3 sausage rolls and two pasties as the only hot food on display. There was a menu showing a vegetarian pasta bake or a turkey crown meal, but when ordered from that menu we were told the only food available was that on display! To his credit the kitchen manager (?) came out and said he could do a turkey crown meal, which we accepted. This was for my wife and I had what was by then the last pasty...
The turkey meal was perhaps one of the worst meals I've ever seen served at a professional restaurant. It was like a school dinner - warm, unappetisingly presented and with a stuffing ball that could have been used in a shotgun!
We were hungry after spending a couple of hours outdoors in freezing temperatures and were looking forward to a pleasant meal. This was anything but pleasant and left a bad taste in the mouth ( in all ways) at the end of our otherwise lovely visit
The NMA and its visitors deserves better than this!
The land train is a great way to see most of the 300 memorials and see the site. Today was biting cold and foggy so perhaps the best way to get around. All of the staff we spoke to were friendly and enthusiastic about the venue, so it was a shame to be so disappointed in the newly opened restaurant ... we arrived after our tour at about 2:25 to find 3 sausage rolls and two pasties as the only hot food on display. There was a menu showing a vegetarian pasta bake or a turkey crown meal, but when ordered from that menu we were told the only food available was that on display! To his credit the kitchen manager (?) came out and said he could do a turkey crown meal, which we accepted. This was for my wife and I had what was by then the last pasty...
The turkey meal was perhaps one of the worst meals I've ever seen served at a professional restaurant. It was like a school dinner - warm, unappetisingly presented and with a stuffing ball that could have been used in a shotgun!
We were hungry after spending a couple of hours outdoors in freezing temperatures and were looking forward to a pleasant meal. This was anything but pleasant and left a bad taste in the mouth ( in all ways) at the end of our otherwise lovely visit
The NMA and its visitors deserves better than this!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been recommended to visit the Arboretum on several occasions so as usual, 'always meant to do it one day', so finally we got around to it and so glad we did. What a great memorial to those who lost their lives in past conflicts, I would find it hard to accept that visitors to this site aren't moved emotionally on reading some of the plaques in remembrance of so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our son served in Iraq and northern Ireland and thankfully came home unscathed unlike so many other young people. As is inscribed on many memorial stones "We will ( and should) remember them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pre-booked motorised scooter - efficient and having paid the very reasonable fee of £5,00 it was ready and waiting. Excellent volunteer went through instructions in a friendly way. Headed off to scout memorial but couldn't find it. So a volunteer came down to meet us and take us to it - and then also guided us to the rest of our party who by that time had reached the other side of the park. Top marks to Michael Harrison, who was also full of interesting wildlife information. Café, toilets, parking also fine. All volunteers were impeccable, what a wonderful place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very thought-provoking experience. Some of the memorials were beautiful and had obviously been well thought out, especially the main feature where at 11am on 11th. November the sunlight shines through a door that is ajar. I was fascinated by the many different designs of the memorials and the symbolism incorporated in them. I found the "Shot At Dawn" memorial particularly moving; it is a statue of a young soldier blindfolded and tied to a stake awaiting his execution. Behind the statue are hundreds of stakes, each one representing someone who was shot for desertion in WWI. Each stake has a name on it and the age at which he died, many as young as 17. What is sad is they were shot for cowardice whereas most of them were suffering from the effects of combat or "post traumatic stress disorder" as we would know it today. A terrible waste of young life - and for what?
Visiting this site is a very moving experience, particularly so on the day we visited as it was Remembrance Sunday, but it is also a beautiful place and very peaceful. Everyone should visit this arboretum at least once.
Visiting this site is a very moving experience, particularly so on the day we visited as it was Remembrance Sunday, but it is also a beautiful place and very peaceful. Everyone should visit this arboretum at least once.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful concept - great way to discuss with our kids wartime memorials. I would also recommend eating at their cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyable day out and quite emotional.lots to see we visited the St John ambulance memorial of which I'm a member (serving sister.) Also saw the wooden soldiers to commemorate the battle of the Somme.Unfortunately we were not able to visit the main wall as it was close to Remembrance day and Royalty was to visit.its an amazing place to visit and really makes you think of how people in the past gave service to country.Parking price is reasonable.we took someone for their first visit and they were most impressed.For audio commentary or guided tour there is a charge.there is a train to help those who have mobility probs.I will definitely return.it is not possible to see it all in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to the Arboretum to see a specific memorial that we had helped fund. It is an amazing peaceful place. Each memorial is unique, it is a very large park and you could walk for hours. We found great comfort and peace for those lost that we wanted remembered. It was the perfect place to have a memorial in their honor. We are so thankful we chose this as the site for the memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful memorial to the brave people who gave their lives that we can have our every day. Memorial to those executed without a reason except to encourage others to accept orders that bore no thought to the safety of the front line. A perfect opportunity here to give honour and remember the five hundred young men of Great Britain who were the first to make the sacrifice fighting fascism in Spain 1936-39. I can fine no sign of this.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Simply beautiful memorial to all our fallen service men and women, well worth a visit. Easy to get to and a beautiful place to wonder round any time of year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place that the country has created to honour the memory of those who have defended us since the second world war. It is a wonderful, peaceful place which honours the memories of those who have given their lives to make our world and our lives safer.
My wife and I had the good fortune to live for a number of years close to this space and visited it regularly, We now live thousands of miles away, but on our first return to England, we made sure that one of our first stops was the Arboretum . With each passing year it looks better and better. The people honoured in this place deserve the support of everyone in Britain.
Every time my wife and I return to Britain we will visit this place and donate to those ho deserve our respect and our help.
Alan and Soledad, Chile.
.
My wife and I had the good fortune to live for a number of years close to this space and visited it regularly, We now live thousands of miles away, but on our first return to England, we made sure that one of our first stops was the Arboretum . With each passing year it looks better and better. The people honoured in this place deserve the support of everyone in Britain.
Every time my wife and I return to Britain we will visit this place and donate to those ho deserve our respect and our help.
Alan and Soledad, Chile.
.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit for 6 years. The whole site has developed wonderfully. The memorial to the ww1 executed is deeply moving. The visitors' centre is lovely too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit here and managed to see more of the memorials. This is a special place and very thought provoking. Would definitely recommend visiting here - good paths for the most part and well kept memorials throughout...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went just over 12 months ago and found main area closed off for repairs so had to go back when in the area again.
They appear to have done a lot of work and more going on, very rewarding place to go and be humbled. Always many service personal from all the branches to reply to any question you might have also taking private and personal family visitors around.
Good displays both inside and out , cafe good as well . parking good on site with overflow parking a little walking distance away.
They appear to have done a lot of work and more going on, very rewarding place to go and be humbled. Always many service personal from all the branches to reply to any question you might have also taking private and personal family visitors around.
Good displays both inside and out , cafe good as well . parking good on site with overflow parking a little walking distance away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the NMA several times and regard it asTHE place to remember the sacrifice our armed forces have made for us.It is a superb location in such peaceful surroundings.The memorials celebrate all branches of the military and civil emergency services ,Commonwealth , civil bodies whose members have been lost in conflict and many more.Facilities are first class with an excellent shop and cafe. The grounds are extensive and beautifully maintained with long easily accessible avenues and a nature trail alongside the River Tame. The current Somme Art installation is both poignant and inspiring. Make sure you visit you will remember it forever
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Super new facitilites just opened. Lots of different memorials to visit. Check website for the range of activities going on.
The wooden soldiers representing the number of soldiers who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme really makes an impression.
Lots of interesting areas to check out.
The wooden soldiers representing the number of soldiers who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme really makes an impression.
Lots of interesting areas to check out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although it was very cold when we went, it is a fabulous place. There are loads of memorials to lots of different groups serving this country during time of strife. There are loads of volunteers to help you, they are friendly and knowledgeable and the restaurant serves really good food and drink at a reasonable price. The place has mobility scooters to hire, a chapel as well as activities laid on throughout the year. We will definitely return later next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A good walk around. Lots to see and read. Its very interesting and makes you feel honoured to be there. We really enjoyed the experiance and learnt alot about our past.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting and thought provoking place to wander around and to reflect on how lucky we are to be able to do so. Map shows the principal monuments so you can get your bearings, but there are literally dozens - perhaps hundreds - of smaller monuments no less important for helping visitors to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice.
Somehow it seemed fitting to visit in winter when it is perhaps less busy and more quiet. A very thought provoking place. An especially poignant moment for my wife, a teacher, who found the name of an ex-student, a Royal Marine who perished in Afghanistan.
Some monuments not directly approachable by path, so stout shoes/walking boots recommended especially if the weather has been wet. Small coffee shop (excellent coffee!), large restaurant and shop. Eye-watering running costs of almost £3 per minute makes the Pay & Display charge of £3 all day seem trivial. Basic entrance is free, but maps, guides, land train, museum etc are all extra, but are good value.
Somehow it seemed fitting to visit in winter when it is perhaps less busy and more quiet. A very thought provoking place. An especially poignant moment for my wife, a teacher, who found the name of an ex-student, a Royal Marine who perished in Afghanistan.
Some monuments not directly approachable by path, so stout shoes/walking boots recommended especially if the weather has been wet. Small coffee shop (excellent coffee!), large restaurant and shop. Eye-watering running costs of almost £3 per minute makes the Pay & Display charge of £3 all day seem trivial. Basic entrance is free, but maps, guides, land train, museum etc are all extra, but are good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum with friends as we wanted to experience the amazing tributes to those who have fallen in all aspects of service. We both have young children and used the Land Train to get an informed idea of exactly when is present. We also ate in the newly built resturant which served a lovely Christmas menu and the food was of very good quality and service was efficient. We will definitely return to take in more of the important achievements of those who are no longer with us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit to the Arboretum and it was a humbling experience. We spent about 4 hours walking round, the weather held which was good and we managed to see a lot. We had something to eat in the restaurant which was nice, and did some shopping at the gift shop. All the staff we're welcoming and friendly. Would definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with my husband just after Remembrance Day and it made us very grateful for the people who fought and lost their lives to give us our lives today. As well as the memorial wall which names everyone killed in service from the Second World War to the present day. It is a wonderful place with landscape gardens full of various memorials dedicated to different battalions and others who have lost their lives in various wars. There is also a cafe, restaurant and a great gift shop. It is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. We spent a good two hours there and still hadn't seen it all. I would go again and would recommend it to others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first visit since the refurbishment of the visitor centre. They have made a lovely job of it. Went on the land train this time and is well worth the £5 charge. The commentary is very informative and really does make you think. Try and catch the 11am service in the chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I didn't realise until I visited the National Memorial Arboretum, just how many wars our country has been involved in. It is a truly humbling experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
While I appreciate that many visitors value having this special place where they can remember people who lost their lives in war, purely as an arboretum the site is not that attractive. The trees still lack maturity and the layout seems too stark – too many straight lines, circles and concrete. No Capability Brown serpentine influence here. For me, a gentler landscaping would have provided a more inviting place to ponder about those lost lives and the havoc and grief that war causes in the world. Perhaps in 20 or 30 years time, the contours of the park will have softened enough to give a less austere impression.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place! There is so much to see that this cannot be just a quick visit. We walked round the perimeter with our dog when we arrived and saw some of the memorials and went back the following morning without the dog to have a proper look round.
After attending the 100am service, which is always a moving moment we had a short talk about the history of the site before joining a walking tour. This I highly recommend - we were very fortunate to be the only two so it was like having a personal tour. The volunteer was so informative and he definitely had a passion for the place. By having a guide you get to hear of so many little things that you would never know by walking around on your own.
This is not a memorial just for the Forces but anything from those taken through cancer to young children who lost their lives - so very emotional.
We will definitely go back as the outlook changes through the seasons with the many flowers and bulbs that have been planted.
After attending the 100am service, which is always a moving moment we had a short talk about the history of the site before joining a walking tour. This I highly recommend - we were very fortunate to be the only two so it was like having a personal tour. The volunteer was so informative and he definitely had a passion for the place. By having a guide you get to hear of so many little things that you would never know by walking around on your own.
This is not a memorial just for the Forces but anything from those taken through cancer to young children who lost their lives - so very emotional.
We will definitely go back as the outlook changes through the seasons with the many flowers and bulbs that have been planted.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
