National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Somewhere that I was keen to visit - and staying a few nights in nearby Leicestershire, I couldn't resist the opportunity to call in. Spent some 3 hours walking the grounds - may have stayed longer had it not started to rain.
Was able to see the memorial to the Somerset Light Infantry, in which my late father served during World War 11.
Was able to see the memorial to the Somerset Light Infantry, in which my late father served during World War 11.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unfortunately our poignant visit was somewhat spoiled by rude and pushy staff. My husband and I were insulted at the entrance by the elderly tour operator who said we may be considered "stuck up", when we simply said we didn't need a train tour!
The Memorial itself is an extensive, thoughtful and appropriate tribute. However there is a pushy sales approach and negative attitude from some, although not all, the staff.
Obviously I am aware the National Memorial Arboretum is reliant on charitable donations. However, what should be a calm and respectful atmosphere is at risk of becoming a commercialised theme park, with staff who have no regard for customer service.
As an earlier reviewer say, do visit but take your wallet!
The Memorial itself is an extensive, thoughtful and appropriate tribute. However there is a pushy sales approach and negative attitude from some, although not all, the staff.
Obviously I am aware the National Memorial Arboretum is reliant on charitable donations. However, what should be a calm and respectful atmosphere is at risk of becoming a commercialised theme park, with staff who have no regard for customer service.
As an earlier reviewer say, do visit but take your wallet!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The new building is fantastic. The new shop is spacious and well stocked with plenty of interesting ideas. There is now plenty of space to eat and the food is great. Outdoors, it's good to see lots of new memorials. The Armed Forces memorial wall is very moving. Parking is £3, bikes, motorbikes and coaches free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really interesting place, with a lot to take in. Somewhere that's makes you think
Source: google.com
What an amazing place, so much to see, very humbling. Peaceful gorgeous grounds full of history and rememberence. Highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely place to visit. The site is very well maintained and improvements are always been carried out.
Definitely worth a visit to provoke thoughts and gratitude of all the hero's who have died trying to protect us.
Definitely worth a visit to provoke thoughts and gratitude of all the hero's who have died trying to protect us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A thought provoking, most interesting visit in beautifully landscaped grounds. one day is not enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum has always been in out list if places to visit. On the day we went it was not to busy so we were able to walk around and view the Arboretum without feeling rushed.
The staff of which the majority are volunteers are friendly and helpful and will assist you with any request.
The Arboretum is impressive and humbling as it brings home to you as a person the cost of human life in conflicts since WW2.
It is a place that everyone should visit once.
The staff of which the majority are volunteers are friendly and helpful and will assist you with any request.
The Arboretum is impressive and humbling as it brings home to you as a person the cost of human life in conflicts since WW2.
It is a place that everyone should visit once.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place of peace and interest, the layout can be covered by sitting in the train and receiving a very interesting commentary from the driver, they will answer questions too. Felt very close to family who are no longer with us
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful, calming and evolving . The aboretum is a lovely place. Every time we go it changes and strikes a chord.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A most enjoyable day out for any age. Loads to do and see. If you know anyone in the forces or just want to learn more this is the place to come. Food wise you can have a full meal or just a cup of tea and a cake or even take along your own picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a family we love the Arboretum , my father likes to pay his respects to his army bodies named on the armed forces memorial .The grounds are beautiful and vast , there are so many memorials to visit ,all are touching and diverse in their design .Good for all the family and as a bonus the cafe is good !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful day's visit. Plenty of interesting things to do and see with every effort made for those who are perhaps unable to walk the considerable distance round the whole site. We took the visitors train which helped us to decide where to walk to later in the day.
The memorials were inspirational and the separate building and exhibition for the War in the Far East was excellent. I was able to trace a relative from the records here which I was delighted with. The Chapel was worth a visit as was the restaurant!
The memorials were inspirational and the separate building and exhibition for the War in the Far East was excellent. I was able to trace a relative from the records here which I was delighted with. The Chapel was worth a visit as was the restaurant!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visit here regularly.. Its beautiful in all seasons. Paths are regular and disabled access is good.. centre has motorised buggies to enable you to get everywhere. Land train also accommodates wheelchairs and carries blankets. Beautiful stillbirth and neonatal death (SANDS) memorial and children's wood emotive. Have a children's trail as well as an adult guidebook... also great place to walk along the river and meander amongst the woodland. Cafe good... best cheese scones on the planet... and disabled toilet facilities good too. Well worth a visit for children to ensure that we don't forget..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Recently visited with friends. Their first time, our 10th - always inspires.
It is 9 years since we first visited the Memorial and it is great to see how the Memorial continues to be developed.
Each time we visit with a different group of friends and see/learn something new.
This time we wanted to also visit the Korean War and Asian conflict areas.
We will continue to visit as it is very impressive, inspires and always gets us thinking and thanking.
It is 9 years since we first visited the Memorial and it is great to see how the Memorial continues to be developed.
Each time we visit with a different group of friends and see/learn something new.
This time we wanted to also visit the Korean War and Asian conflict areas.
We will continue to visit as it is very impressive, inspires and always gets us thinking and thanking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place. We had no idea of the variety of memorials positioned in the Arboretum. We found all the staff to be extremely helpful - in particular Paul, who presented the introduction to the Act of Remembrance, and Gary, who did our guided walk. Both were extremely knowledgeable. We had Gary to ourselves and he tailored the walk-round to our particular interests. We found his knowledge and presentation to be first class. Following the guided walk, we revisited several of the memorials on our own.
We spent 5 hours at the Arboretum, having breaks for both coffee and lunch. Although the weather was not the best; foggy and cold, the grounds were beautifully maintained and even in winter, it looked amazing. Well done to all the gardeners (we were told that there are only 5 full-time staff) and their volunteer helpers.
There is so much see that we will need to return to see the Arboretum and memorials again. We feel that this is a place to visit at various times of the year to give you the opportunity to see the trees and plants in a different time of the year.
One comment would be that the signage directing you to the Arboretum was not seen until we were very close, however the authorities are working on upgrading the Brown Signage.
We spent 5 hours at the Arboretum, having breaks for both coffee and lunch. Although the weather was not the best; foggy and cold, the grounds were beautifully maintained and even in winter, it looked amazing. Well done to all the gardeners (we were told that there are only 5 full-time staff) and their volunteer helpers.
There is so much see that we will need to return to see the Arboretum and memorials again. We feel that this is a place to visit at various times of the year to give you the opportunity to see the trees and plants in a different time of the year.
One comment would be that the signage directing you to the Arboretum was not seen until we were very close, however the authorities are working on upgrading the Brown Signage.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
first ever visit to this amazing place, I was totally taken aback by the size of the whole area, such fantastic memorials and all the staff were absolutely brilliant and extremely knowledgeable which added to the experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely modern facility with acres of space & walks. A fitting tribute to heroes of war & those that fought for us & in the name of freedom & peace. Beautiful landscaped gardens & well kept. Not great for young children with little to do, there is a small park for them. Worth a visit to reflect on some history & show respects
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on New Year's Day as this was one a very few places open. With 2 buggies, the majority of the main paths are all tarmaced and easy to use. The central memorial with the names from 1948 was very moving and the volunteer who pointed out the Falklands conflict fallen also directed us to the main Falklands memorial. The whole place makes you think a bit more about the nature of war and its impact on people. Thank You
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the memorial after passing a sign. Was beautiful, so peaceful. Thought it would be very formal, but not at all. Beautiful grounds, with memorials for everyone in a great variety of jobs, and organizations, i had never considered.Although sad, it was a fitting tribute to all. There was a lovely cafe and information centre as well. It was a very cold day, and we did not see some of it, and will be returning when the weather warmer !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a humbling experience to visit the site. I was able to pay respect at the RUC garden and remember members of my family who had fallen in the Great War. Tranquil and respectful I hope I can return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Piece of history, loads of monuments. Good place for Reflection.
Source: google.com
Combined remembrance with a lovely place to wander. Central Memorial is lovely. Has a great little cafe for lunch or just for coffee. Well worth a visit...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is a must for anyone with who has lost a family member or friend in the services
Source: google.com
A special place, very well thought through. Highly recommend the buggy tour.
Source: google.com
