National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We arrived at 0930 in the morning and were still there at 1700 and still didn't see it all. The armed forces memorial was still shut for refurbishment but there was plenty more to see but I understand that it will be open again for this years remembrance day. The exhibition for the FEPOWs is as moving as those I've visited at Sachenhausen and Bergen-Belson and highlights the atrocities handed out to fellow human beings by so called human beings. What is really nice is that everybody and not just military are remembered here, there are areas for still birth babes and those killed in RTCs and if you look hard there are individual trees dedicated to individuals. One that sticks in my mind was one to a mother who died whilst shielding her son from a V2 bomb towards the end of WW2 and incredible act of selfless bravery. In all an excellent day out for all the family very poignant and moving.
As an aside we walked for over 5 miles so I would suggest suitable footwear as some of the paths I would think could become muddy.
As an aside we walked for over 5 miles so I would suggest suitable footwear as some of the paths I would think could become muddy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We last visited when it was all very new and the trees were young. So it was lovely to see how the trees had matured. Lots of new memorials to see too, such as the Christmas truce and the last post. The last post memorial really moved me. Beautifully done, so simple in its meaning, but such an impact!
We were there for the talk at it too, and this was really interesting.
We also enjoyed the walk along the river to the bunker. Nice to see the young soldiers walking around too.
We will be back to have a look at the main memorial when it's open again. But loved the display of the wooden soldiers in the grass, fantastic.
Only thing i wasn't sure about was what is in the exhibition bit you pay for as nothing really up to tell you and the staff explanation wasn't clear either or the website, although I appreciate its all very new still and being done. I think we will do that bit next time we visit.
We were there for the talk at it too, and this was really interesting.
We also enjoyed the walk along the river to the bunker. Nice to see the young soldiers walking around too.
We will be back to have a look at the main memorial when it's open again. But loved the display of the wooden soldiers in the grass, fantastic.
Only thing i wasn't sure about was what is in the exhibition bit you pay for as nothing really up to tell you and the staff explanation wasn't clear either or the website, although I appreciate its all very new still and being done. I think we will do that bit next time we visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well designed massive area for all the different memorials in one place!
Separate coffe shop next to the chapel, which hold a daily service with 2mins silence at 11am every day of the year! In the main building there is a cafeteria serving warm food as well as sanwhiches and snacks, at reasonable prices. All profit goes to the charity to help maintain the project.
Many interesting memorials from all conflicts around the world.
The information centre for the Far East war gave an in depth insight to the suffering that these men had to endure during there captivity. Very Emotional viewing.
The recently added "Shot at Dawn" memorial is another thought provoking image.
There is a land train which takes you around the whole site as is a very large area to see everything. Some beautiful trees, which when matured will make a wonderful peacefull setting for people to remember and pay their respects.
Separate coffe shop next to the chapel, which hold a daily service with 2mins silence at 11am every day of the year! In the main building there is a cafeteria serving warm food as well as sanwhiches and snacks, at reasonable prices. All profit goes to the charity to help maintain the project.
Many interesting memorials from all conflicts around the world.
The information centre for the Far East war gave an in depth insight to the suffering that these men had to endure during there captivity. Very Emotional viewing.
The recently added "Shot at Dawn" memorial is another thought provoking image.
There is a land train which takes you around the whole site as is a very large area to see everything. Some beautiful trees, which when matured will make a wonderful peacefull setting for people to remember and pay their respects.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been 6 times and it gets more established each time. It is a stunning place to visit. One criticism is this time is the first time we have not taken a packed lunch and what a mistake. I know it runs on donations but the food there costs a small fortune. £4.50 for a role and £3.00-£4.50 for a sandwich. Instead of going for small volume with large profit they should go for large volume with smaller profit which would make it a more affordable day out. But don't let that stop you going, just take a picnic. Wallers keep walling.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have often driven past here and wondered what it was like, so this time we decided to take the time to stop a while and see.
What a wonderful tribute to those we have lost. You can see it evolving into a national treasure as it's already a masterpiece of Memorium and tranquility
Took two 15 year old teenage boys who I thought would be bored, but even they were taken by the feeling of history and tranquility that the memorial plaques and statues evoke.
Small £3 car parking charge and reasonable food drink in the new visitor centre.
Excellent Children's play park on site and dog walking routes so all can enjoy the tranquility of the Arboretum.
What a wonderful tribute to those we have lost. You can see it evolving into a national treasure as it's already a masterpiece of Memorium and tranquility
Took two 15 year old teenage boys who I thought would be bored, but even they were taken by the feeling of history and tranquility that the memorial plaques and statues evoke.
Small £3 car parking charge and reasonable food drink in the new visitor centre.
Excellent Children's play park on site and dog walking routes so all can enjoy the tranquility of the Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is my 4th visit to the NMA and it never disappoints. There's just so much to see, you'll need a full day, even then you may miss something. No matter how busy it appears to be when you arrive and park on the car park, there's many opportunities to be alone when visiting the many memorials.
This is my first visit since the opening of the new visitor centre. What a great job they have done. A big airy space to dine.
We opted for a roast beef dinner on arrival, it was midday after all. It was delicious and reasonably priced too.
This is well worth a family visit and you're supporting a worthy cause.
I will return soon and the armed forces memorial should be completed in its restoration, looking magnificent as ever, if not better.
This is my first visit since the opening of the new visitor centre. What a great job they have done. A big airy space to dine.
We opted for a roast beef dinner on arrival, it was midday after all. It was delicious and reasonably priced too.
This is well worth a family visit and you're supporting a worthy cause.
I will return soon and the armed forces memorial should be completed in its restoration, looking magnificent as ever, if not better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A drizzly day, grey and overcast but just amazing. So peaceful and lovely, could spend all day there and still not see everything. A truly fitting place to honour those who died for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been before but not for sometime.The parking has got better. There is now an amazing visitors centre. You can get everything you can dream of with a poppy on it. There are two places to eat. We did eat but did have a hot drink. Not bad prices. Sadly the main memorial is closed but we did get to see all the others. Nice day out and good to see young soldiers there looking around to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Following the rive,the aboretum is a beautiful place to visit. A lovely memorial to those we have lost but also scenic, peaceful and just lovely to walk around. You can't help be touched by the memorial plaques and statues and the small plaques on the trees will make you weep, but it's a fitting place to remember our heros. Cafe and shop are also worth a visit. Entrance is by donation. Parking small charge
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see the new centre that opened last week and must say that it looked excellent. Had a walk round the site and it is so calming and peaceful. The staff are so helpful and informative. We love going and find memorials we never saw before
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have cycled here with friends as well as bringing my family for a day out. Whilst the purpose of the venue is to make one reflect, the setting is so beautiful and interesting that one always leaves feeling good. The place is staffed by volunteers and I was particularly impressed by a lady called Sue who spent a lot of time explaining about the battle of the Somme and other things (I think she cycles all the way from Whittington). The food is very good as are the dining facilities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a cold October day just after the new Visitor Centre had opened. The approach road is not what you might expect - but the arboretum is very interesting and moving. Overall the site is quite young and many of the trees are not established but you can feel the care and attention being put into this set of memorials.
The land train is highly recommended- gives you a very good feel for the whole site and many of the most iconic memorials. On a cold day wrap up warm!
Excellent refreshment area and shop.
Well worth the visit
The land train is highly recommended- gives you a very good feel for the whole site and many of the most iconic memorials. On a cold day wrap up warm!
Excellent refreshment area and shop.
Well worth the visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a place-- it brought tears to our eyes, a wonderful place, it made me think how lucky I am, we took the train ride to get an idea of the size of the place, £5.oo each worth every penny, the car parking £3.00 it all goes on the upkeep, we had a lovely day, sad in places but I would not have missed this visit for any thing, if you don't do anything else please go and look at this most extraordinary place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place, an oasis of calm and reflection. We took the little train which gives an excellent overview of the whole area and an idea of where things are. We went back to the Far East Memorial and a couple of others that we particularly wanted to visit. A lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely place - so much more than just a collection of memorials. Each piece has a story.
We went along for a twilight walk around the arboretum - accompanied by a guide and lanterns which were included in the cost.
The guide was interesting when questioned but I did feel that he was not particularly comfortable with the role and there was probably more that could have been said.
I have no objection to the parking charge or to a suggested contribution (the twilight walk did have a cost but I felt that this was reasonable)
What I did find slightly off putting was the cost of a very (if I could underline the word very I would!) small sandwich in the cafe - £4.50.
Two cups of tea and a small piece of cake came to over £6. This was not a pot of tea, it was two cups with two tea bags.
I appreciate that a proportion of profit goes to the upkeep of the arboretum. However, this seems to be profiteering.
We went along for a twilight walk around the arboretum - accompanied by a guide and lanterns which were included in the cost.
The guide was interesting when questioned but I did feel that he was not particularly comfortable with the role and there was probably more that could have been said.
I have no objection to the parking charge or to a suggested contribution (the twilight walk did have a cost but I felt that this was reasonable)
What I did find slightly off putting was the cost of a very (if I could underline the word very I would!) small sandwich in the cafe - £4.50.
Two cups of tea and a small piece of cake came to over £6. This was not a pot of tea, it was two cups with two tea bags.
I appreciate that a proportion of profit goes to the upkeep of the arboretum. However, this seems to be profiteering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere we have wanted to go for a long time and eventually made it. Well set out and a ticket for the land train have us a rough idea of where things were before setting out on foot. Lots to see and the Somme 100 recreation of a WW1 French is worth the visit with actors playing soldiers making it more interesting.
Unfortunately the monument from Basra is under construction or repair ready for November 11 so we couldn't get close but still worth the trip and will definetly return as it is constantly expanding.
Unfortunately the monument from Basra is under construction or repair ready for November 11 so we couldn't get close but still worth the trip and will definetly return as it is constantly expanding.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today to experience the new visitors centre. The aboretum remains free to visit but we paid £7.50 to visit the new exhibition which really is worth a visit. There are so many moving examples of memorials and interactive spaces to sit and reflect. Particularly lliked the current WW1 art exhibition.
We paid £2.00 each to take the land train which takes a tour of the extensive site you can get off at two points but we went the whole way around, their is a commentary which explains the memorials that you pass.
After the tour we walked back to the shot at dawn memorial which is so moving. We also spent some time in the trench installation which is very atmospheric.
The site takes a couple of hours to walk around and the trees atvthis time of year are beautiful. The staff and army of volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable. Dont miss the chapel which is full of beautiful carved pillars.
We paid £2.00 each to take the land train which takes a tour of the extensive site you can get off at two points but we went the whole way around, their is a commentary which explains the memorials that you pass.
After the tour we walked back to the shot at dawn memorial which is so moving. We also spent some time in the trench installation which is very atmospheric.
The site takes a couple of hours to walk around and the trees atvthis time of year are beautiful. The staff and army of volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable. Dont miss the chapel which is full of beautiful carved pillars.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit, and it was still a great experience. The venue is spread over a large area, superheated into various forces and nationalities that supported us in our times of need. It is being improved upon all the time, and has a lot of interesting memorials and information about those brave souls that have fought and died on our behalf. It is well worth a visit, and an educational day out for those learning about the various wars in our history. It is also free, however, a small suggested donation is advertised, and to be honest is worth it to support this attraction. There is a shop and cafe on site, and plenty of places to eat your own picnic, as you will spend several hours here if you want to explore it in its entirety.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free to visit the memorials. Fantastic new exhibition centre now open. Adds a lot of background to the memorials. Costs £7.50 but well worth it. Great on a sunny day. Lots of walking, but little train can be caught to take you around if you prefers. £5.00
Pic nic area for all and small play/climbing area for children. Minimum age 6 years old but not really a visit for young children.
Pic nic area for all and small play/climbing area for children. Minimum age 6 years old but not really a visit for young children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful spot that stirs proud feelings of gratitude and pride. Well managed, clean and easily accessible to all abilities and ages. Strong instructional programme too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Charming little place, very clean and tidy, staff are very friendly and food and service is very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Close to Litchfield, car parking close to entrance wheel chair friendly, from the very start the history and exhibits give you an insite of our past history, for the disabled there is a train ride around the extensive grounds leading to the main memorial.
Not a place to go on a wet and windy day.
There is a restaurant on site and gift shop. Enjoy.
Not a place to go on a wet and windy day.
There is a restaurant on site and gift shop. Enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My family had alot to do with the start of the project when it first started as my mother in law helped getting people involved and over the years has grown into a very informative place. Also a place to think about all the people that have lost their lives to help all of us. A very peaceful and humbling place. Well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The most amazing memorial in the UK . State of the art and beautiful to see names engraved of who gave their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The combination of stunning nature and deeply evocative memorials makes this a profoundly moving and very carefully thought through experience. The opportunities to participate and experience are excellent and the riverside walk time to reflect. A must see to remind us all that others "gave their today for our tomorrow"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
