National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I visited with my parents and a beautiful sunny day. Easy to find, clearly signed and parking is only £3. The arboretum is very flat which makes it a comfortable stroll, although there are land trains available if required. It is very tranquil, well maintained and a fitting tribute. I would recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended as a standard bearer for the unveiling of the Cyprus Stone Memorial in relation to the Cyprus Emergency in the 1950's
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National Memorial Arboretum is honestly a MUST for every person. It has been planned out with care and tenderness - words cannot describe the feeling roused in one when walking around the site
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not too sure what I was expecting - having been very moved by memorials in other parts of the world, and fully appreciating the horrors of war and the sacrifice made by so many, but regrettably the National Memorial Arboretum, although offering an interesting visit, did not really resonate with me.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy to find and parking is very good at £3. There are many volunteers working very hard here and they are all so friendly and very helpful. Sadly the Armed Forces Memorial was closed off to the public for some much needed renovation, so cannot comment, but will return to see it. The arboretum is spread over a very large area so be warned and wear comfortable walking shoes! Also, the WW1 trench is right at the edge of the Site! It is well signposted but the signs could do with indicating how farcyou have to walk! Very hard going in hot or rainy weather. There is a wonderful road train that take you around most of the site and the information on all of the memorials is really good. Finally the food There is of a good standard. A good 4 hours spent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being an Aussie, I was incredibly moved by the thought and dedication that has gone into this place. My wife and I walked the grounds instead of taking one of the guided train tours and I have to recommend this as you get to take in so much more. Almost every single tree that is planted on the site has a memorial plaque by it to commemorate someone that has been lost in conflict. Try and get there before 11am to take part in the daily 2 minute silence in the chapel and be treated to a wonderful insight to the centres history and how it came to be. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few tears upon reading some of the stories as you explore the grounds. It's truly a fantastic place and well done to the volunteers who keep this place going.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took some friends to the Arboretum last week for the first time. What an amazing place. My friend and I attended the 11.00 memorial service in the Chapel. Not a religious service; they play The Last Post followed by 2 minutes silence, then the Reveille. After, one of the volunteers gave a 15 minute talk about the Arboretum. We then went for a 45 minute ride on the land train (£5) which is the ideal way to get your bearings. We then wandered around the memorials, stopping for lunch and later a cup of tea. We will definitely go back, probably time and time again as new memorials are added and definitely when the Armed Forces Memorial is re-opened later this year. Pick your day carefully though, it is all outdoors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fantastic day out! If you are into memorials of any sort, this is the place to go! Over 300 of them in great grounds! I went for a specific reason and found what i was looking for, my fathers name in the Far East Prisoner of War exhibit. Will have to go again when all the building work is done to see the new visitor centre and the Armed Forces memorial which was undergoing restoration work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was not sure what to expect, described as the UK's Living Centre of Remembrance.
150 acres, with much woodland. featuring individual memorials to military and non military associations. events and organisations.
Once inside, we took the train ride, which is highly recommended, to see the many memorials, and there are also golf style buggies to explore the site, if not I would expect around 3 hours to walk around!
What struck me is the tranquility, and the well designed memorials have been thought out and are symbolic of what they commemorate.
Admission is free, car parking £3, so we spent well in the cafe and shop to support this truly worthwhile place. Friendly staff, many of whom are volunteers
150 acres, with much woodland. featuring individual memorials to military and non military associations. events and organisations.
Once inside, we took the train ride, which is highly recommended, to see the many memorials, and there are also golf style buggies to explore the site, if not I would expect around 3 hours to walk around!
What struck me is the tranquility, and the well designed memorials have been thought out and are symbolic of what they commemorate.
Admission is free, car parking £3, so we spent well in the cafe and shop to support this truly worthwhile place. Friendly staff, many of whom are volunteers
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite there being hundreds of visitors, the 150 acres gave space for everyone, whether in quiet contemplation or in viewing some of the larger monuments. There are not only memorials for military organisations, but also individuals, or other organisations. This is a most moving experience. We've been twice in the past three weeks and spent six hours walking around by ourselves as a couple and then again with friends. All the memorials have been thoughtfully designed, using appropriate trees (oak for merchant seamen, chestnut for police, etc. The 'Shot at Dawn' memorial placed in the eastern part where the sun first rises, so much meaning and symbolism. The little train ride around with commentary give a good first impression overview. Also recommend the 11am two minute silence followed by a 15 minute introductory talk in the chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Superb.it is a huge place with lots to see . Easy to get to , parking was easy, hospitality was excellent, food was good in the pavilion. I would recommend a visit if this is your fortepiano.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At time of visit the main Armed Forces Memorial was currently inaccessible due to essential maintenance work and there building a big new visitor center but that just gives me reason to return to this huge park full of memorials, statues and things to see and reflect on that our service men gave there lives for our freedom. This place is huge, there is even a land train taking people around. you could spend all day here to see and take everything in, but a good few hours then you get a good feel of the place, we was only planning on a short stop on route up north! There is defiantly a lot of walking involved. The car park was £3 a short walk away from the main entrance to the ground which was free to enter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was not sure what to expect but as we both enjoy gardening and military interest, we were not disappointed. This is a vast expanse of garden, trees and memorials to so many charities as well as melitary history. We could not believe that we had spent 4 hours just wandering and contemplating. The walk goes along the river to a Somme trench. This was truly a memorable visit - it was free but a nominal fee for car parking. It is worth getting at least a map or a guide book.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with my husband while passing through the area, what a lovely day we had, very moving and can only get better as time goes on with all the plans for the future. Main memorial under refurbishment when we visited which was a shame but apparently work will be completed for the Autumn this year, and after all these improvements are vital. Land train a nice way around to get your bearings and also very informative, chatted to several members of staff and volunteers all really friendly and able to answer any questions. I would urge anyone to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place, it gives time to reflect, feel proud tinged with a little sadness. This is a must see place. Plenty for kids to do as well train rides and buggy rides all informative. This place is magnificent and has, a feeling of reverence about it. The staff a lot who are volunteers, are lovely and enjoy imparting their knowledge. It's FREE !!!!!! But please if you can spend as much as you can afford as it's run on donations only. Just stunning!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped here on our way back to Cardiff after visiting Leicester and were on a tight schedule. Spent around 90 minutes here which was by no means long enough. Some of the memorials are superb and moving, each one giving details of what they are for etc. The site itself is enormous and as I said earlier to really walk around and see all the memorials you would need a whole day. We will have to make a return trip at some point
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and i have been going to come for a visit for a couple of years,easy to find car parking 3 pound all day. Take good walking shoes as the whole thing is really quite large BUT so worth a visit! Volunteers very helpfull lots of little projects ongoing mainly ready for 11th of November.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Yet again we come away humbled by the memorials to brave individuals. Wonderful that those left behind have a beautiful place to visit, to remember, grieve and enjoy their memories. It was such a beautiful day today which added to the experience. It is incredibly moving with dedications to stillborn babies, and young children taken far too young and yet you feel somehow comforted.
Just to point out that the main memorial is in fact closed for repair at present and that may be a disappointment as that is so impressive - also the parking for non-disabled is further down the road on the other side, so you may want to drop off any visitors who cannot walk too far. I believe this is a temporary thing as they are building a new visitors centre etc and by November - we were told it will be fabulous!
The staff are a wonderful bunch and all so well informed. Do visit the chapel and listen to the short talk in there - it is very informative and the carvings lovely. Lots of seating in the grounds if you want to take a picnic, but the food on sale is good.
If you have never been before - you do need to allow a good few hours as there is so much to visit, read and talk about - but you wont regret it.
Would totally agree with previous comment - that every school should consider visiting to give the children an idea of what others have given to bring us peace and keep us safe. Also - they will love it I am sure.
As you may gather - just love this place and all it stands for!!
Just to point out that the main memorial is in fact closed for repair at present and that may be a disappointment as that is so impressive - also the parking for non-disabled is further down the road on the other side, so you may want to drop off any visitors who cannot walk too far. I believe this is a temporary thing as they are building a new visitors centre etc and by November - we were told it will be fabulous!
The staff are a wonderful bunch and all so well informed. Do visit the chapel and listen to the short talk in there - it is very informative and the carvings lovely. Lots of seating in the grounds if you want to take a picnic, but the food on sale is good.
If you have never been before - you do need to allow a good few hours as there is so much to visit, read and talk about - but you wont regret it.
Would totally agree with previous comment - that every school should consider visiting to give the children an idea of what others have given to bring us peace and keep us safe. Also - they will love it I am sure.
As you may gather - just love this place and all it stands for!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing place so peaceful. So much to see if your not just gone to see a specific memorial. My dad and me spent over 5 hours going round and just before we left we went to see the Kwai railway this was very emotional has this was real not a stone memorial are plaque. Highly recommend a visit and will revisit myself has so much more to see, The site cost nearly £3 per minute to run to keep it free to enter please donate what you can when you go this needs visitors spread the word.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place , £3 to park ,free entry but they do ask for a donation , train £5 adults £2 children suggest you take a picnic as cafe is expensive for a family , my children enjoyed going in the trenches and a lovely gentle men showed us around and then told us about other things that were going on ,its definitely worth a visit and we will be returning again very soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the arboretum with a friend as we have both suffered with a loss of a baby. We were there to specifically see the Sands memorial garden.
On arrival we were greeted by a very helpful gentleman who saw us carrying flowers. He assumed we had been before but we informed he we hadn't and why we were visiting. He showed us personally where the Sands garden was.
The garden was beautifully presented and looked after. There were an overwhelming amount of stones dedicated to all the lost children some with dates from 1939 and from all around the world. We spent a long time reading the stones and then sat for a while writing our own.
We casually walked through some of the gardens and back to the cafe for a drink.
Unfortunately we had no cash and all card machines were down! The very helpful gentleman came to our aid and offered to buy us a drink and sandwich! This meant we could stay at the gardens much longer. What an angel!
Choice in the cafe was lovely, we didn't go in the pavilion for larger meals but it was available.
There were some maintenance work going on so some of the war memorials were closed off but the website indicated this before we arrived. Still with all the noise of diggers, it was peaceful.
We are definitely going to return and see more and visit the sands garden.
Definitely worth visiting!
On arrival we were greeted by a very helpful gentleman who saw us carrying flowers. He assumed we had been before but we informed he we hadn't and why we were visiting. He showed us personally where the Sands garden was.
The garden was beautifully presented and looked after. There were an overwhelming amount of stones dedicated to all the lost children some with dates from 1939 and from all around the world. We spent a long time reading the stones and then sat for a while writing our own.
We casually walked through some of the gardens and back to the cafe for a drink.
Unfortunately we had no cash and all card machines were down! The very helpful gentleman came to our aid and offered to buy us a drink and sandwich! This meant we could stay at the gardens much longer. What an angel!
Choice in the cafe was lovely, we didn't go in the pavilion for larger meals but it was available.
There were some maintenance work going on so some of the war memorials were closed off but the website indicated this before we arrived. Still with all the noise of diggers, it was peaceful.
We are definitely going to return and see more and visit the sands garden.
Definitely worth visiting!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a few hours could have stayed all day. About time there was a National Memorial site bringing all the forces together. Made you grateful for everyone's sacrifices. Well worth a visit for everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We keep going back to the arboretum as there is so much to see - we try to go a couple of times a year including " TRTTW " = " The Ride To The Wall " which was started a few years ago A small group of motorcycle riders but had grown to a few thousand people many in motorcycles
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We try to go to a different part each visit come back for a coffee and / or a snack then out walking to see all the commemorating areas.
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All are dedicated to numerous sections of the armed forces - ships - people and places all joined together by wartime activities mostly. Naval and merchant Marine ships - Regiments - Police - Fire Service etc.
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I think it should be compulsory that ALL Schools should visit here.
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We try to go to a different part each visit come back for a coffee and / or a snack then out walking to see all the commemorating areas.
.
All are dedicated to numerous sections of the armed forces - ships - people and places all joined together by wartime activities mostly. Naval and merchant Marine ships - Regiments - Police - Fire Service etc.
.
I think it should be compulsory that ALL Schools should visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Arboretum for the 1st time in several years and were amazed at the changes. Overall, the memorial area is a wonderful experience.
We were disappointed though to be sold an out of date map for £3. Upon asking around, it seems this map has not been updated for some considerable time and one of the memorials we had gone to see was at the far end of the site when it had been previously near the visitor centre. We wasted a lot of time trying to find it. In fairness to the volunteers there though, they tried very hard to take us to the site in question and we did eventually get to see it. Some clearer signage in the gateway to the aite would be good too as when coming in through the gate, there is no obvious entrance as it is hidden behind shrubbery and parked cars.
We were disappointed though to be sold an out of date map for £3. Upon asking around, it seems this map has not been updated for some considerable time and one of the memorials we had gone to see was at the far end of the site when it had been previously near the visitor centre. We wasted a lot of time trying to find it. In fairness to the volunteers there though, they tried very hard to take us to the site in question and we did eventually get to see it. Some clearer signage in the gateway to the aite would be good too as when coming in through the gate, there is no obvious entrance as it is hidden behind shrubbery and parked cars.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well located towards the centre of the country. £3 car park – free to enter. Currently making improvements to the big wall you see on TV, and building a big new visitor centre. However, what’s there now is good. Also good food outlets. We took the ‘Land Train’ guided tour with commentary (£5 each) lasting 50 minutes – what a revelation – the big wall you see on TV is only a tiny part of this, and there were scores of subsidiary memorials each with particular trees planted (hence ‘arboretum’). We learnt that we knew nothing about this place until we went and discovered it for ourselves. A wonderful, meaningful, and patriotic day out. And what a pleasure to respect those that gave so much for us and our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
