National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Words are inadequate to describe the honour we have to visit this National Memorial Arboretum set in woodland for all to attend and pay our respects. Few places on earth demand our attention,this is one. Our country owes, we owe so much to those who have given their lives to defend and protect us. We need to pay homage to the fallen. This memorial reminds all of the sacrifices made by so many for our freedom and our lives.
Put this on your must visit list,you will never forget, never again be complacent regarding the loss of humanity in conflict and the futility of war.
The government's of the world share the shame for making this memorial necessary.
I for one will remember them.
Put this on your must visit list,you will never forget, never again be complacent regarding the loss of humanity in conflict and the futility of war.
The government's of the world share the shame for making this memorial necessary.
I for one will remember them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting place, my normandy veteran father loved it.My parents both needed help with walking, wheelchairs and trains readily available, very good disabled access, gift shop very good too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here to pass an hour and was still here 2.5 hours later, we only left as they were closing! Our 2 boys loved it, great family day out as well as a serene place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Firstly I would like to say I know that there was alot of work going on in aurgust when I visited. But the fact that if you don't have cash you can't buy lunch or anything from the shop is a bit bad. All I would say was take CASH you'll need it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The size and extent of the memorials at the site, are awe inspiring, and the number of people commemorated is vast. Sadly the National memorial and the visitor centre were both closed for major building work on my visit so I will be returning next year! When you are there buy the book on the history of the arboretum, it is truly fascinating (Growing Remembrance).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an interesting place - not at all just about military remembrance, the National Memorial Arboretum has over 300 memorials dotted around their grounds, and all with fascinating back stories. They make clever use of plant species and planting for memorials remembering specific overseas events (ie: Far East memorials). Equally you can find some beautiful sculptures and abstract images. Or to put it another way, there is constant visual stimulus around you. Parking is easy (they ask for £3) and entrance is free. The team are hugely welcoming and will help orientate you or indeed find a specific memorial. Equally the land train (about 55 mins, departing every 30 mins) is a great way to get around the site and learn about a large number of memorials. £5 per person. Nice tea room and gift shop, although a bit cramped given the throughput of visitors. I can see why a bigger visitors centre is being built! The main Armed Forces Memorial is currently closed for refurbishment which was a shame, but did not detract from what was an extremely pleasant and welcoming visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Sadly part of this was closed off for refurbishment / adding new features, but we still didnt manage to see all in the day. Entry is free with donations greatfully received, and we did the train tour (£5 each) to see around and get a feel of the site before walking ourselves. There are 150 acres in total to get around... The weather was good which made a big difference. If you havent been to see this location, make a point of doing so. It is so peaceful and tranquil.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a truly thought provoking place. So very moving.
Beautifully kept memorials. Need more than a day to visit them all.
Some very sad memorials such as "Shot at Dawn"
Lucky to experience the trenches.
Go and paint a solider to help remember the British men lost in the Somme.
Beautifully kept memorials. Need more than a day to visit them all.
Some very sad memorials such as "Shot at Dawn"
Lucky to experience the trenches.
Go and paint a solider to help remember the British men lost in the Somme.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the National Memorial Arboretum and really enjoyed the visit.
Although we don't have any direct connection to the armed forces we still found the experience quite moving and in the process learned a lot about all the different conflicts and various services.
As well as military memorials there are other memorials to different organisations, individuals and civilian services.
The site is huge and we took advantage of the land train which gives visitors a good idea of the site layout and the memorials on view. Afterwards we walked to some of the memorials so we could read the inscriptions and learn more.
Whilst there we had a snack in the cafe housed in a marquee and for a reasonable cost enjoyed soup and sandwiches.
For anyone planning a visit make sure you allow plenty of time (4 hours at least) and if you want to visit a particular memorial try doing a bit of research first, this will save time later. At the time of our visit the main memorial was closed for essential maintenance, this was a little disappointing but didn't spoil our visit.
Although we don't have any direct connection to the armed forces we still found the experience quite moving and in the process learned a lot about all the different conflicts and various services.
As well as military memorials there are other memorials to different organisations, individuals and civilian services.
The site is huge and we took advantage of the land train which gives visitors a good idea of the site layout and the memorials on view. Afterwards we walked to some of the memorials so we could read the inscriptions and learn more.
Whilst there we had a snack in the cafe housed in a marquee and for a reasonable cost enjoyed soup and sandwiches.
For anyone planning a visit make sure you allow plenty of time (4 hours at least) and if you want to visit a particular memorial try doing a bit of research first, this will save time later. At the time of our visit the main memorial was closed for essential maintenance, this was a little disappointing but didn't spoil our visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out, easily found with plenty of parking. The site covers about 140 acres scattered with memorials, some are attached to trees in memory of a family member. It is a peaceful place to reflect and makes you realise how futile war is - there are no winners. It is worth taking the land train which takes about 3/4 hour with the excellent commentary. We had a sandwich in the cafe, not cheap but made with lovely bread and filling. There is a restaurant in the marquee if you fancy something more substantial. If you want a whole day there, I suggest taking a picnic so you don't have to trail back to get food. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Don't forget to visit the small gardens also. Well worth a return visit as it is impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter suggested this as a visit enroute to Drayton Manor Park. It's free entry and very geared up for children with lots of activities for them. It's emotional & peaceful but more than that it's a living memorial.
I did shed a tear at the childrens memorial but it was lovely that the children's play area was at its centre. We had snacks in the cafe, painted wooden soldiers, visited the World War One trench and some personally important memorials to those who fought in the wars. We took a trip on the train going around the park (£5 each) but good value as it gives a commentary on all the memorials. All in all a good visit and I would recommend it to families.
I did shed a tear at the childrens memorial but it was lovely that the children's play area was at its centre. We had snacks in the cafe, painted wooden soldiers, visited the World War One trench and some personally important memorials to those who fought in the wars. We took a trip on the train going around the park (£5 each) but good value as it gives a commentary on all the memorials. All in all a good visit and I would recommend it to families.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit but will not be my last.
Good location, easily found and plenty of parking.
The grounds are having quite a lot of work done but it does seem a constant work in progress. However, despite this, the place is still such a wonder to visit, learn and reflect.
We started to walk around but decided that we would miss too much so decided to go on a guided tour which is on an oversized golf buggy. Really glad we did. Our guide was so knowledgable and passionate.
Left the Memorial feeling very thoughtful, grateful and humbled.
Good location, easily found and plenty of parking.
The grounds are having quite a lot of work done but it does seem a constant work in progress. However, despite this, the place is still such a wonder to visit, learn and reflect.
We started to walk around but decided that we would miss too much so decided to go on a guided tour which is on an oversized golf buggy. Really glad we did. Our guide was so knowledgable and passionate.
Left the Memorial feeling very thoughtful, grateful and humbled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This aberutum is the largest in the uk.it is undergoing huge refurbishment in the form of a brand new visitors centre and the largest memorial is closed at the moment due to a refurb ready for rememberance weekend so this was a little disappointing.however the other memorials are haunting and set in acres of woodlands .lovely walks next to the river are a delight and a series of exhibitions including a mock up of a ww1 trench bring home the reality of war, the " shot at dawn " tribute is particulary moving.
There are large marquees serving hot lunches snacks and drinks a hot cavery will cost you £7.95 so reasonable.a coffee shop serves drinks and an afternoon tea which looked very nice.
A gift shop is on site as well.admission is free as the aberetum is run on donations i believe the car park is £3.00 for the day.there are ample wc facilities and disabled facilities are spread throughout the site.picnic areas are scatterd round the site as well as benches to rest your weary feet.
We toured the site first via the little train service which has a commentry on board this was £5.00 per person well worth it.a buggy and a personal guide are also available i do not know the cost of that service, maps are available too at cost of £3.00 , not worth it in my opinion.a childrens area is on site in the form of pond dipping and woodcraft and painting sesssions.
Staff were friendly and informative
A nice day out, relaxing, sobering,informative and and feet aching
There are large marquees serving hot lunches snacks and drinks a hot cavery will cost you £7.95 so reasonable.a coffee shop serves drinks and an afternoon tea which looked very nice.
A gift shop is on site as well.admission is free as the aberetum is run on donations i believe the car park is £3.00 for the day.there are ample wc facilities and disabled facilities are spread throughout the site.picnic areas are scatterd round the site as well as benches to rest your weary feet.
We toured the site first via the little train service which has a commentry on board this was £5.00 per person well worth it.a buggy and a personal guide are also available i do not know the cost of that service, maps are available too at cost of £3.00 , not worth it in my opinion.a childrens area is on site in the form of pond dipping and woodcraft and painting sesssions.
Staff were friendly and informative
A nice day out, relaxing, sobering,informative and and feet aching
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A peaceful wonderful relaxing place to visit. The snacks can be a little expensive but that aside the activities for children and the learning experience is very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Immensely emotional and peaceful place.
Will definitely return. Lots of nice walks to do - easy to spend most of a day there.
Will definitely return. Lots of nice walks to do - easy to spend most of a day there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fabulous day out. You will need walking shoes, camera, hats etc. You can't take mobility scooters into the visitors centre bout the will provide you with a wheelchair and help if you need it. We were greeted at the entrance by a lovely young lady called Caroline. She told us all we needed to know and we then booked on a buggy trip round the very large area so as to see as much as possible. There are so many monuments and plaque's to see. We went on our buggy ride and it just so happened to be Caroline again. She explained so much we wouldn't have know if we had tried to cover it with my husband walking and me on my scooter. We saw all the military area's and civilian area's too. Finding out stories from Caroline that added to the day. Well worth the £10 for the buggy trip. We then went into to visitors centre for a well needed cuppa! There is sandwiches and cakes in there too as well as the loo! Out side there is a large pavilion which serves hot food. I also saw lots of people had their own picnics there were benches near the visitors centre. We will definitely be going again as there are things I would love my Sons and my Daughter and their families to share with us. We stayed the night before in a Travelodge which was spotless too. We saw more places near than we stayed Premier Inn's & Travelodge's too so look around. If you went on a rainy day you will need good rain wear and boots. I think that's all I can think of for now. Except to say a massive thank you to Caroline you made our day and we have been talking about it ever since. xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic day, with other ex-forces coming to remember and salute fallen
Very helpful & Professional staff and beautiful scenery.
Very helpful & Professional staff and beautiful scenery.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been once before about 10 years ago. It seemed a lot better organised then. Greeting in the confined space of the temporary building was not terribly helpful. Seemed to be lots of helpers but not many interested in trying to make our visit enjoyable.
My wife & I are elderly and not too good walking long distances. We did not want to use the train because we felt the that it was better for the children to walk around.
Would be helpful if there were distances on the signs. ie to Somme Trench. Also some signs at strategic points to indicate a group of memorials. We were desperately seeking to find the memorial to the Girl Guides and the Trefoil Group associated with them. We could NOT find them and could not get any help from volunteers.
The grandchildren enjoyed the visit and felt they had learned a lot, but they could have been helped a lot more with a little better planning by the staff.
My wife & I are elderly and not too good walking long distances. We did not want to use the train because we felt the that it was better for the children to walk around.
Would be helpful if there were distances on the signs. ie to Somme Trench. Also some signs at strategic points to indicate a group of memorials. We were desperately seeking to find the memorial to the Girl Guides and the Trefoil Group associated with them. We could NOT find them and could not get any help from volunteers.
The grandchildren enjoyed the visit and felt they had learned a lot, but they could have been helped a lot more with a little better planning by the staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Finally got round to visiting here after many years. Very impressed. Plenty of memorials as you would obviously expect but there is something extra for everyone. The WW1 trench is excellent, really gets your mind thinking how bad it must have been. Everything covered from Northern Ireland to The Falklands and also remembering those who have fought alongside the British in Africa and many other battles. The building containing the Japanese prisoner of war stories was hard to take in. I had a few tears in my eyes. Overall very nice to walk round, a few play areas for younger kids to keep them happy too. Free to enter but they ask for a donation of £5 each. To be honest its the least i could give. Far too many have given far more than that.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is about more than remembrance of those who have served in a military setting and celebrates those who have gone in the living legacy that are trees. But this venue also provides a place to celebrate the living and their milestones (as milestone events like anniversaries and the like all testify).
There are memorials, statues and themed places (such as 'shot at dawn') which inform, challenge and educate.
It's a place for the whole family and there are many things to do - including Pokemon and geocaching - and the special events often have musical and other attractions on offer too.
There is an act of remembrance in the chapel every day (be there by 10:30 if you want to be part) and the cafe and shop are reasonably priced too.
Just off the A38 access is easy and the parking (which needs to be paid for) is plentiful. But the place itself is free and the new building and the Armed Force's Memorial provide much to be valued and reflected upon.
A place I constantly return to when the opportunity arises as it is an ever-changing canvas as nature and the seasons conspire together.
A must visit place.
There are memorials, statues and themed places (such as 'shot at dawn') which inform, challenge and educate.
It's a place for the whole family and there are many things to do - including Pokemon and geocaching - and the special events often have musical and other attractions on offer too.
There is an act of remembrance in the chapel every day (be there by 10:30 if you want to be part) and the cafe and shop are reasonably priced too.
Just off the A38 access is easy and the parking (which needs to be paid for) is plentiful. But the place itself is free and the new building and the Armed Force's Memorial provide much to be valued and reflected upon.
A place I constantly return to when the opportunity arises as it is an ever-changing canvas as nature and the seasons conspire together.
A must visit place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an excellent day at the Arboretum last week. Didn't know what to expect. A bit disappointed that the main memorial was under renovation but still OK. The church service closed the doors at 10.55 and left many people outside. So if you want to get into the two minutes silence get there early. Lots to see and lots of symbolism about the memorials which I found really inspiriting. The 'Shot at Dawn' was really sad. Excellent Trip!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had not not realised the size of this place until we arrived, allow yourself plenty of time if visiting here. Currently building work/improvements are being carried out which we were told will be completed by November 2016. That aside I can imagine this to be a very peaceful place that gives time for reflection. A perfect area to pay respects to the many that have fallen.
This is free to visit but does need donations to keep it operating.
This is free to visit but does need donations to keep it operating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting for the whole family. Enough to see for a day out. Restaurant is developing and improving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The idea of the Arboretum is deeply meaningful. To take the time to remember those who have passed before us, particularly those who have made it possible for us to live our own lives in freedom and security, is definitely something worth anyone's time.
When we visited, there was significant construction taking place in the entry plaza, and when this is finished, access will, no doubt, be much easier and signage better. I visited with my frail mother, and we had difficulty locating the place to wait for our buggy tour. The tour, which is not expensive, was very informative, and led by a volunteer who knew many interesting stories about the various gardens and groves.
Thank you to all the volunteers who manage the gardens and facilities, I look forward to returning with my whole family on our next visit to England.
When we visited, there was significant construction taking place in the entry plaza, and when this is finished, access will, no doubt, be much easier and signage better. I visited with my frail mother, and we had difficulty locating the place to wait for our buggy tour. The tour, which is not expensive, was very informative, and led by a volunteer who knew many interesting stories about the various gardens and groves.
Thank you to all the volunteers who manage the gardens and facilities, I look forward to returning with my whole family on our next visit to England.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a number of years since our last visit and the grounds are more established with an increasing number of memorials present. The grounds are level but there is a shuttle service within the site should the need arise. Major building work is currently taking place and there is a temporary entrance building
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
