National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
3rd visit but first for a few years . There have been big improvements in the interim. The Landtrain is a great addition, full tour in 45 minutes (£5) and then you can return and cherry pick what you wish to see in more detail .
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Standing and taking in the absorbing memorial. When you have a chance to realize the sacrifices in what people did to give people the freedom that we take for granted. A rewarding and awe inspiring day is guaranteed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having had a quick visit here a couple of years ago for the RMP memorial service when we didn't really see much we finally managed to get back and have a good look round. There are so many memorials dotted about the place its would take forever to describe them all. We planned an overnight stay at the local premier inn so we could see it all. Even if you have no military connection it makes you stop and think. It is a lovely well kept area and if you have problems walking distances you can take the buggy or train ride £5. The main Arboretum is free to enter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We broke our weekend trip to Manchester at the National Memorial Arboretum, a place we had wanted to visit for some time. Our access was somewhat limited by the fact we had our dog with us, but the dog walking route was very enjoyable, and the provision made for 'dog families' is better than many places. The grounds are beautiful, and reading the various memorials and descriptions, especially on a bright sunny wnter's day, makes you think. Helpful and friendly staff made our visit all the better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Surprised by its size. Need to allow a full day to get around. Also need a good dry day because when we went there had been floods stopping the little train rides which covers several miles.
The memorials are excellent and worth a visit. The cafe is a little expensive and many people take their own food. It is very well maintained and a definite visit location.
It is easy to get to and central for most travellers.
The memorials are excellent and worth a visit. The cafe is a little expensive and many people take their own food. It is very well maintained and a definite visit location.
It is easy to get to and central for most travellers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots of Memorials for Army, Navy and Air Force and much more to see and do, I went in November, but will go again in late spring early/ summer ,to see the trees in leaf and the flowers in bloom,
Train ride is worth the cost about and hour around the grounds , then you can walk and see the memorials up close, the service in the Chapel with a two minutes silence is very moving with a short talk on the history on the Arboretum and how it came about, other talks during the day.
Train ride is worth the cost about and hour around the grounds , then you can walk and see the memorials up close, the service in the Chapel with a two minutes silence is very moving with a short talk on the history on the Arboretum and how it came about, other talks during the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As I said not to be missed, it is the one of most interesting places, being ex army,worth the trip. Go and see the NMA.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Arberitum is a must to visit for all ages. It's a very somber but humbling place to go pay your respects to those for have fought and gave their lives for the country. Allocate a full day as it's a vast place to walk around. Entrance is free, but they do like a gift of at least £5, which is nothing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is a wonderful, moving place to visit, offering much for whatever age.
I'll be back again when time permits.
I'll be back again when time permits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second time we have visited the Arboretum. We find it very peaceful but interesting. We managed to see a number of new memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the memorial on my 60th birthday (with my wife) as I felt ready to pay my respects to the lads that didn't return from the South Atlantic in 1982....
What an experience, wasn't sure what I would find or how I would react. The site is so well thought out and with so much symbolism! The staff and volunteers are so knowledgeable and the site so peaceful. I will certainly visit again and again possibly at different times of the year so I can see the site in all its forms. Worth every penny and more!
What an experience, wasn't sure what I would find or how I would react. The site is so well thought out and with so much symbolism! The staff and volunteers are so knowledgeable and the site so peaceful. I will certainly visit again and again possibly at different times of the year so I can see the site in all its forms. Worth every penny and more!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should go here at least once in their lives. It's a beautiful place, but also a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made by generations before us. And you could go multiple times and still not see anything because it's so huge - just make sure you wrap up warm if it's a cold day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit to the Arboretum which was easy to find, signposted well on the A38. £3-00 to park all day, well worth it. The fairly new visitor centre is very impressive and the staff only willing to please. As it was our first time and very cold, we paid to go on the little train that navigates around the 150 acres, including an audio recording, good choice. The site has been reclaimed from an old gravel excavation alongside the river Tame. 40,000 maturing trees and shrubs have now been planted. The hour long tour describes the 300 memorials, statues, wood carvings, stone and metal sculptures in such eloquent detail. We then walked to the armed forces memorial and Basra wall before the cold won. This is a truly remarkable place, a fitting tribute to not only those that served and died in conflict but also to the charities and organisations that now exist because of this. A moving experience that we will remember until we come again but on a warmer day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time we had visited, we went after a recommendation after a relative, the weather wasn't with us but so glad we did. we spent nearly five hours there but still didn't get to see all the memorials and gardens. A truly moving, humbling and emotional afternoon, a lovely tribute to those who have lost their lives. It is definitely worth a visit and we will be back to see what we didn't get to look at.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been on another visit today. The new visitor centre is now open - brilliant. The restaurant is now bigger; there is a new coffee shop; the retail shop also bigger. The sun was shining and we had a lovely stroll. £3 parking fee well worth it. The Autumn/Winter crocus were well in bloom. The volunteers care very welcoming . X
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not living far away we visited this place regularly, but since the new visitor centre has open I find they are pricing themselves out of the market. We always stayed for lunch after a lovely walk round, but now the prices have gone to very expensive and little choice in the menu. I class fish and chips (nothing special) and a coffee at over £10 far too much to pay, and would recommend bringing a picnic if you are there for the day.....such a pity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived from the A38 southbound and followed the signposts to the car park which took us past the main building to a large car park which I turned into only to find the gates closed. The satnav kept warning me that there may be no car parking available which I had thought was in error. I did turn round and found that we was able to park outside the main building. Very confusing.
We entered the main building and asked at reception what we could do. The lady said she was new and from her explanation we decided as the weather was inclement to take the land train which was a good and informative way to see the memorials. However after lunch, which was also very good we tried to visit the exhibition but it hadn't been explained to us that this was a separate ticket for £7:50 linked to the audio guide of the grounds which we had already seen from the train. As there was large queues at the reception we decided not to bother which was disappointing as I wanted to see the first world war paintings.
We did brave the weather (parts of Wales had a tornado that morning) to walk to the first world war trench but though well signposted there is no indication of distance or time to walk there and we wouldn't have started to walk there at that particular time had we known how long the return walk would take in such changeable weather.
I'm sorry if this sounds like I'm being a moaner as we did enjoy our visit and despite the weather but I think car parking arrangements could be clearer as could ticketing options and sign post distances.
We entered the main building and asked at reception what we could do. The lady said she was new and from her explanation we decided as the weather was inclement to take the land train which was a good and informative way to see the memorials. However after lunch, which was also very good we tried to visit the exhibition but it hadn't been explained to us that this was a separate ticket for £7:50 linked to the audio guide of the grounds which we had already seen from the train. As there was large queues at the reception we decided not to bother which was disappointing as I wanted to see the first world war paintings.
We did brave the weather (parts of Wales had a tornado that morning) to walk to the first world war trench but though well signposted there is no indication of distance or time to walk there and we wouldn't have started to walk there at that particular time had we known how long the return walk would take in such changeable weather.
I'm sorry if this sounds like I'm being a moaner as we did enjoy our visit and despite the weather but I think car parking arrangements could be clearer as could ticketing options and sign post distances.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just back from the National Arboretum.. what an emotional, humbling, peaceful, powerful and truly memorable place to visit. I feel a must for everyone ... we must remember all those men and women who have served in our forces to allow us to have the lives we have today. They gave so much for us. Lest We Remember.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First time visiting. Came to look at the trenches, especially as it's remembrance. Looking at amazing sculptures and what they represent. Lots of memorials to look at we didn't manage to see them all. Definitely be visiting again and think I'd take the land train which I believe goes around the whole place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We choose to go to the remembrance service there which was so moving and well presented so worthy of the day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is an amazing place for quiet reflection. The War Memorial is spectacular and certainly makes you think. Free to enter with lots to see and good facilities
The kids will enjoy it Im sure but it is not a park. Nice in the summer with a picnic
No matter how far you travel to get here you will not regret it.
The kids will enjoy it Im sure but it is not a park. Nice in the summer with a picnic
No matter how far you travel to get here you will not regret it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here with a friend for the first time on Remembrance Sunday and what an amazing day to go. Beautiful weather, the countless veterans and many many families all came together to create a magic feeling. The service itself was very moving and I'm looking forward to visiting again soon so that I can explore the many memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I live about 6 miles from the NMA & very often cycle there. It has been amazing to see the construction of the new visitor centre over the last 12 months or so. Now that it is open it is absolutely stunning & beautiful. We would recommend anyone to visit & pay their respects to all of the brave men & women that made the ultimate sacrifice in order that we may live in a free & democratic society.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truly wonderful place to visit. Lots to see plus a really nice gift shop. Plenty of parking, not far from the A38. Will be visiting again next summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have now been to this outstanding "Remembrance" site. It caters for all. The entrance is free, you pay for car parking. Disabled and those that find walking a bind are catered for, with buggies for hire. There is a 'roadtrain' that for a small price takes you around the site, with a commentary on the various trinities. There are tributes to all the services and there's a garden dedicated to unborn babies. This brought a tear, but was so peaceful !
There is a restaurant,coffee shop and gift centre.
If you have a relation friend or acquaintance who served or even still serving, it's worth a visit to pay respects and learn a lot about them.
There is a restaurant,coffee shop and gift centre.
If you have a relation friend or acquaintance who served or even still serving, it's worth a visit to pay respects and learn a lot about them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
