National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
First visit to this beautiful, peaceful and thought provoking venue. No entry fee but donations are appreciated. Parking £2. Would recommend the land train (£5 Per person) we found the on board commentary really interesting. Sandwiches from the cafe were reasonably priced at around £3.25 and were delicious. Lovely walk around extensive well kept grounds. Work is being carried out to create a new education centre and the Armed Forces memorial wasn't accessible due to work being carried out but we will see this on our next visit and the on going work did not impact on our experience. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. We will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day out here all the volunteers were great all talk s are worth listening to please paint a soldier for the Somme centenary memorial it will look great when it is completed please help them achieve their objectives thanks to all involved for a great visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We often visit the arboretum just for a walk. Today we took the grandchildren (10 and 6). They followed one of the trails that are provided, which was both interesting and educational for them. There were some special activities laid on for the holidays, including painting a soldier, making a den, pond dipping and there is also a play/picnic area. The special trench attraction was very good and informative. Plenty to see and do and good eating areas. We'll be back when the new building has been completed. There is a small charge for the car park but entrance is free, although you are requested to make a donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived in car park. No cash to pay but able to make a donation at the shop. Particularly wanted to take the land train around as i have an injury which is restricting walking but couldn't as I had no cash.. no cash point on site, no cash back facilities. . Poor in this day and age. Told we would have to drive to Alrewas to find a cashpoint.
Today was 1st anniversary of my father passing away and due to family breakdown do not know where his ashes are scattered so as he was in the RAF I felt this would be an appropriate place to spend a day reflecting as he was also based in Lichfield . This became a frustrating day which was totally avoidable had the website said cash was needed.. very disappointed. We couldn't find a cash point and ended up going home after making a 70 mile round trip for not alot.
Today was 1st anniversary of my father passing away and due to family breakdown do not know where his ashes are scattered so as he was in the RAF I felt this would be an appropriate place to spend a day reflecting as he was also based in Lichfield . This became a frustrating day which was totally avoidable had the website said cash was needed.. very disappointed. We couldn't find a cash point and ended up going home after making a 70 mile round trip for not alot.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere I've wanted to visit for a while and I finally got to visit.
We took the land train that had a commentary which was very informative. There is so much to see at this site that I will return for another visit.
We took the land train that had a commentary which was very informative. There is so much to see at this site that I will return for another visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautifully setting for this most solemn of places.
The art is fantastic and it sets the right balance between attraction and respectful
Its well worth a visit
The art is fantastic and it sets the right balance between attraction and respectful
Its well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just come back from the arboretum and it was not our first vist, it is such a peaceful place , Always new monuments to see and not just milatry ones, -stilbith and neonatal death-twin towers-post office-boys/girls brigade just to name a few,
The main monument is undergoing restoration so closed to the public but dont let this put you off as there is still p,enty to see, also check out their website for upcoming events.
plus parking is only £3 all day
The main monument is undergoing restoration so closed to the public but dont let this put you off as there is still p,enty to see, also check out their website for upcoming events.
plus parking is only £3 all day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited now on 3 separate occasions now, with different friends and family member. It is truly amazing. We took the land train and it is the best way to see most things together with running commentary which is so informative. or you can wander at your own leisure. Lovely cafe for a bite and drink and staff and volunteers are all so approachable, knowledgeable and helpful. A good day out somewhere where it means something to everyone. There is even a chapel where you can have some quiet time to reflect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a lovely couple of hours here, peacefull and well kept . Something to interest all ages . Need to allow lots of time to see everything so will be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed a visit with my parents. Had a nice lunch, caught the train to and from the WW1 trench. Visited the Roadpeace wood and the chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The weather was glorious which helped make the visit beautiful. With nephews spending time in RAF & RN & an uncle who was with the Chindits in Burma we saw the memorials to all of them & the ww1 replica of a dugout. Informative & serene. The shop is great as is the cafe. So glad we visited in the 100th anniversary of the Somme.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place, emotional but very thought provoking. If you get the opportunity please visit. You will not be disappointed. All staff extremely helpful, special mention for Craig who drove the small train, very informative and kind. We called in for a visit on our way back from a few days in Whitby and York, a week ago, well worth the journey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent 2 days at the Arboretum and would think that another 2 days would be needed to fully see the memorials on site. There are memorials to all classes and creeds for those who and died in the many conflicts that have taken place throughout the world. The site is about 150 acres and is soon to be extended by another 80 acres. Although it is mostly flat throughout, it would be difficult for less able to walk round the sight. I would suggest hiring motorised scooters or perhaps a VIP buggy if you have a party of 4. We look forward to returning to this well maintained site which has free entry. There are facilities for snacks or a lunch if you wish.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unfortunately we chose a rainy day and were not here long enough.
The site is huge,and we were pleased that we took the £5 train to be able to get a good overview of the site. We unfortunately did not have the weather or time to walk around the site ,but I would recommend every to make sure they spend more time on the site,and see the trenches.
There were loads of volunteers that were very helpful.
The site is huge,and we were pleased that we took the £5 train to be able to get a good overview of the site. We unfortunately did not have the weather or time to walk around the site ,but I would recommend every to make sure they spend more time on the site,and see the trenches.
There were loads of volunteers that were very helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very informative And a moving experience all the youngsters should see this we don't need another war, surely as adults it can be sorted out across the table. Surely we can learn many lessons from history.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have to declare an interest here. I worked at the NMA from before it opened to the public in May 2001 until 2011, setting up the Visitor Centre and administrating the site. It has changed so much over the years but is still a place that gives me a thrill every time I visit. From the largest memorial (the Armed Forces Memorial) to the smallest (one of the pebbles in the SANDS garden recalling a stillborn baby) there is something for everyone to find interesting and to give pause for thought. It's good just to wander where your feet take you or to plan a route to incorporate particular memorials. The Chapel is inspirational, the Special Forces Grove is a tribute to one man's dedication (and beautiful too), and the whole site provides an education whether in history, natural history, geography, art or so many other areas of study. The new Visitor Centre will be open soon and the Armed Forces Memorial should be open again by November but don't wait until then to go. It is a place which will reward many visits through different times of the year. If you don't want it to be too busy when you go it's worth checking the diary on the website to see what's on. And remember to wear appropriate footwear. It's a great place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a unique place , my family were filled with such a sense of pride and gratitude. A peaceful tranquil place far from the hustle and bustle of daily life . Giving each person time to reflect and remember. The facilities are excellent ,easy access to all areas and disabled friendly. Foods good too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a peaceful place, which changes every time you visit. Memorials for an extremely wide range of groups, not just military. Free entry, but small fee to park car.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At the present time there is an extensive programme of what would appear to be reconstruction.
The car park is shingle and does create dust,there is no charge although donations can be given in the shop (Not Obligatory ).
There is no fee to enter,so the car park is left to your conscience.
The site itself is both informative and time consuming,so arrive early.Cafe prices were reasonable.
Ensure you make yourself familiar with their website,as there is a lot of useful information to be had.
The car park is shingle and does create dust,there is no charge although donations can be given in the shop (Not Obligatory ).
There is no fee to enter,so the car park is left to your conscience.
The site itself is both informative and time consuming,so arrive early.Cafe prices were reasonable.
Ensure you make yourself familiar with their website,as there is a lot of useful information to be had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day out for all ages, Very emotional place and thought provoking.
Good restaurant and shop there also.. It's a must for all
Be prepared for a full day there
Good restaurant and shop there also.. It's a must for all
Be prepared for a full day there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We wenyt as a family 2 adults 2 children to the rememberence service last Nov and Christmas carol service which we thoroughly enjoyed for different reasons the memorial day service was very touching and played a fab selection of war songs by a brass band the children of a local school sang .T he carol service was very good played tradional songs for both adults and children outside in the grounds with candles ,onside you can buy refreshments which were to a good standard.You do need to arrive early thou to both events and they are free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a fantastic day at the national memorial so much to see. So much history in the memorials to keep you interested all day. There's a land train to take you around the park.also organised tours for you to follow and all the guides are well up with information about all the different memorials. The grounds plants and trees are all kept beautiful well worth a visit to the historic place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you've never been, go. Very emotional and thought provoking place, especially if there erecting or commemorating a memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As the title says, as a tribute to all those who died, sometimes in horrific circumstances for King/ Queen and country.
A warm welcome at the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café clean and friendly. The grounds and memorials are well laid out and with the help of a map, purchased at the shop I had a tick list of places to see that my family where connected with.
After visiting the stretch of track form the Burma Railway of Death we went into the 'The Far East Prisoners of War' building, it was very moving and when we found a stand of ring fold binders and picked out the one with the initial of an Uncle who died as a POW at the hands of the Japanese I was emotionally shocked when his picture, one I had not seen before and information about him was all there. Fantastic job done by those who have made this information for all to see and to make sure those who died, a long way from home will never be forgotten.
A warm welcome at the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café clean and friendly. The grounds and memorials are well laid out and with the help of a map, purchased at the shop I had a tick list of places to see that my family where connected with.
After visiting the stretch of track form the Burma Railway of Death we went into the 'The Far East Prisoners of War' building, it was very moving and when we found a stand of ring fold binders and picked out the one with the initial of an Uncle who died as a POW at the hands of the Japanese I was emotionally shocked when his picture, one I had not seen before and information about him was all there. Fantastic job done by those who have made this information for all to see and to make sure those who died, a long way from home will never be forgotten.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't give it five stars because that seems crass. It is a memorial after all.
Marvelous memorial and is something to see. The wall of names is just ..well...makes you think.
Place of quiet walks and dignity. Patriots will get it, some it may wash over, but it is a place we all should see. It is not a sad place for a pure visitor, it is gracious. For the affected families I would think, or I hope, it gives great comfort and pride.
Marvelous memorial and is something to see. The wall of names is just ..well...makes you think.
Place of quiet walks and dignity. Patriots will get it, some it may wash over, but it is a place we all should see. It is not a sad place for a pure visitor, it is gracious. For the affected families I would think, or I hope, it gives great comfort and pride.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
