National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I am a regular visitor to the NMA and I must say I am NEVER disappointed. Every visit reveals something that I have missed on previous visits. This is partly due to the fact that they are always seeking to improve and add new memorials.
The facilities at the NMA are excellent. Food served in the restaurants/cafe is always hot and fresh and the staff are friendly and extremely efficient.
I recommend this place to young and old alike. Perfect for families too. A perfect day out which will inspire the young to reflect themselves on how lucky they are to have the freedom they enjoy so much today.
Lest we forget.
The facilities at the NMA are excellent. Food served in the restaurants/cafe is always hot and fresh and the staff are friendly and extremely efficient.
I recommend this place to young and old alike. Perfect for families too. A perfect day out which will inspire the young to reflect themselves on how lucky they are to have the freedom they enjoy so much today.
Lest we forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What is Ride To The Wall.
For people who don't know, this is a gathering of veterans and others who care to pay their respects,
To the fallen, who gave their all, without whom, we would all have regrets,
Once a year, we gather on mass, to remember those who gave their all,
To bow our heads and shed a tear , United together and standing tall,
Bikers in leathers, brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers, family as one,
To remember all, no matter who, they did their job till it was done,
With pride and honour, we come from far and near,
All dressed up, medals, badges, but not afraid to shed a tear,
Because no D.N.A. Is needed to know that we are related,
Joined together, a family whose pride is inflated,
By having the honour,to be there, on that special day,
Nothing will stop us, distance, weather, come what may,
Although a sad day, it is also a celebration of true friendship,
A bond that only veterans and caring people understand, and will never let slip,
That Wall , names , carved in stone, for all to see,
Is the reason, why, and what makes you and me.
A quick insight to a poor review,taking away the meaning of the day, yes it was wet and muddy but nobody can control that,my 5th year at NMA with RTTW and come rain or shine I will definitely be visiting again
For people who don't know, this is a gathering of veterans and others who care to pay their respects,
To the fallen, who gave their all, without whom, we would all have regrets,
Once a year, we gather on mass, to remember those who gave their all,
To bow our heads and shed a tear , United together and standing tall,
Bikers in leathers, brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers, family as one,
To remember all, no matter who, they did their job till it was done,
With pride and honour, we come from far and near,
All dressed up, medals, badges, but not afraid to shed a tear,
Because no D.N.A. Is needed to know that we are related,
Joined together, a family whose pride is inflated,
By having the honour,to be there, on that special day,
Nothing will stop us, distance, weather, come what may,
Although a sad day, it is also a celebration of true friendship,
A bond that only veterans and caring people understand, and will never let slip,
That Wall , names , carved in stone, for all to see,
Is the reason, why, and what makes you and me.
A quick insight to a poor review,taking away the meaning of the day, yes it was wet and muddy but nobody can control that,my 5th year at NMA with RTTW and come rain or shine I will definitely be visiting again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truly moving and sombre annual visit to pay respect to all the service personnel no longer with us, Always Remembered Never forgotten R.I.P
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The weather was inclement, due to ongoing work, which is due to be finished later this month, "The Wall" was out of bounds, a seat was as rare as rocking horse droppings however, on this auspicious occasion people flocked in their thousands to remember the fallen, such a feeling of camaraderie and respect I have never felt before, the NMA staff and volunteers worked hard to ensure that arrangements were carried out to the letter and the day was a huge success, I can safely say that a good time was had by all!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing day playing tribute to the fallen.
Excellent organisation. The committee, volunteers and staff did a great job.
Very moving service and musical entertainment despite the rain.
I would recommend this yearly event for anyone.
Excellent organisation. The committee, volunteers and staff did a great job.
Very moving service and musical entertainment despite the rain.
I would recommend this yearly event for anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first experiance of RTTW and all I can say is wow so many bikers paying there respects,very emotional, as for the arboretum what a stunning place for reflection and remembrance. I just really can not get how some people can complain about the weather ( nolimitstraveler77) we live in England it's what we expect it rained and yes the grass did get wet and no they can't supply seating for over 7000 people. It was a day of remberance, you should enjoy it for what it was. Credit to the RTTW organisation and the national arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended with 7k like minded individuals to pay our respects, despite bad weather the grounds were immaculate on arrival, a real credit to all the friendly staff. Hopefully the footfall damage will be restored swiftly for all to enjoy these superb grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visted The NMA for the past 3 years now and was disappointed that i was not well to join in this year .
Please dont be disheartend by the weather or let a rainy day put you off.
Dont miss what truely lays there guys and girls that went through more than rainy days they suffered the cold wet damp snow and then their death. How can we the people complain and moan about a rainy day knowing what these guys gave to us our life our days our tomorrows.
These guys never went home to shower or dry out or go back to their families they fought for each and everyone of us and i hope and pray they dont have a trip advisor in heaven because they would annoyed reading negative comments . Yes it gets packed out by visitors on one of the biggest events of the year . Yes we may queue we may not get served but hey ho the emotion and the feeling of those memorials are immence and feeling so strong . Just let it be a learning curve go more prepared take a packed lunch and a flask if you do visit on a rainy day cause lets face it us the good old human race run for cover when it rains so therefore there will be queues , but remember our soldier angels never ran from weather conditions they fought for our lives . Its a must see and i highly reccomend everyone should visit . Has for organisation its second to none and remember these guys give they free time up they aint on any payrole . Well done RTTW and each and everyone of their organisers and everyone who took part in showing their respect xx
Please dont be disheartend by the weather or let a rainy day put you off.
Dont miss what truely lays there guys and girls that went through more than rainy days they suffered the cold wet damp snow and then their death. How can we the people complain and moan about a rainy day knowing what these guys gave to us our life our days our tomorrows.
These guys never went home to shower or dry out or go back to their families they fought for each and everyone of us and i hope and pray they dont have a trip advisor in heaven because they would annoyed reading negative comments . Yes it gets packed out by visitors on one of the biggest events of the year . Yes we may queue we may not get served but hey ho the emotion and the feeling of those memorials are immence and feeling so strong . Just let it be a learning curve go more prepared take a packed lunch and a flask if you do visit on a rainy day cause lets face it us the good old human race run for cover when it rains so therefore there will be queues , but remember our soldier angels never ran from weather conditions they fought for our lives . Its a must see and i highly reccomend everyone should visit . Has for organisation its second to none and remember these guys give they free time up they aint on any payrole . Well done RTTW and each and everyone of their organisers and everyone who took part in showing their respect xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my second visit to the NMA as part of the annual RTTW, very emotional place to visit, yes it gets busy, yes the grass gets messy when its been raining all day, but people don't go there to eat burgers and hotdogs, they go there to say thank you to our armed forces for making the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation and freedom. as for all the names that are engraved on that wall, I wouldn't call them an " attraction" as some others have done, that's just disrespectful to those who gave there lives in defence of our nation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place where everyone should visit, wheather serving in the forces, ex military or just a civvie.
I visited a a part of the RTTW (Ride To The Wall) this Saturday
The weather was atrocious but that did not deter over 5000 bikes some with pillion plus so many others who arrived on the Park and Ride service that was put on specially for the day.
The organisation by the RTTW committe and NMA was superb
We were there to remember the fallen and we did so with the utmost respect.
I visited a a part of the RTTW (Ride To The Wall) this Saturday
The weather was atrocious but that did not deter over 5000 bikes some with pillion plus so many others who arrived on the Park and Ride service that was put on specially for the day.
The organisation by the RTTW committe and NMA was superb
We were there to remember the fallen and we did so with the utmost respect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first year for RTTW even held here..
The day was absolutely amazing, the people who organise it deserve a medal.. Outstanding work guys.
The place is huge, far exceeded my expectations, the memorials are fascinating, so much thought has gone into each and every one..
Shame it rained on the day, but like someone said, each raindrop was a tear for a fallen loved one.. Definitely going to visit next summer and spend a more leisurely day in the sun..
Vixy 😊
The day was absolutely amazing, the people who organise it deserve a medal.. Outstanding work guys.
The place is huge, far exceeded my expectations, the memorials are fascinating, so much thought has gone into each and every one..
Shame it rained on the day, but like someone said, each raindrop was a tear for a fallen loved one.. Definitely going to visit next summer and spend a more leisurely day in the sun..
Vixy 😊
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended the NMA as part of the RTTW 01/10/2016, Weather was dismal, but the event was beyond belief. Well organised given the weather, parking was marshalled to a T .... grounds were a bit muddy but what do you expect from 15000 + visitors on a day where the rain was continuous. I would highly recommend this venue to any age group
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited as part of the Ride To The Wall biker event. From the time we arrived to when we left the place was packed but there was additional seating, additional catering, additional toilet facilities, additional parking facilities and plenty of volunteers on hand to provide advice and assistance. The queues were long, but were compensated for by the addition of free entertainment throughout the day including Gary Glaysher, The Queens Band, Abigail Carter-Simpson and more. None of these were at any extra cost... In fact, the entire day was offered free.... Even the entry donation was optional.. It was a rainy day and the grass had turned into a muddy mess, so I took the liberty of stepping six feet to one side and enjoyed a pleasant stroll through some of the incredible 330 memorials without issue. The wall itself was cordoned off with no explanation so we didn't even see the main attraction. Oh, sorry I forgot, The Arboretum staff had painstakingly reconstructed the memorial with every single name from it, so that people could see the names of their loved ones despite the essential maintenance to preserve the upkeep of the original. How thoughtful! On the whole I'd say it was very poorly organised, with only five or six hundred extra volunteers giving their time and services to ensure the day went smoothly. That said, it was probably the best day anyone could wish for. I couldn't find fault anywhere and will return as often as I can.
Now, if someone can tell me where to complain about the rain......
Now, if someone can tell me where to complain about the rain......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With the greatest respect to Nolimitstraveler I really think you missed the point of RTTW and dare I say the NMA itself. You state you visited as part of the RTTW day surely then you realised what you were joining and that it was bound to be busy. Unless you just happened to choose that day in which case asking anyone or looking up the details would have clearly shown that it was the 9th annual event, the great reverence with which it is held and did you not attend the very moving service???
Its been very well know that it's undergoing a huge refurbishment and I find it a beautiful place of peace and thought provoking at any time. Silly as it may sound the RTTW is perhaps more poignant than a quiet summers day.
To anyone else please visit this place even whilst the wall has been off limits there are over 300 memorials all with stories, beautiful landscapes river walks etc.
RTTW is a unique day and if you do visit along with 10k bikers please really take in why they are there and the respect with which it's held
Its been very well know that it's undergoing a huge refurbishment and I find it a beautiful place of peace and thought provoking at any time. Silly as it may sound the RTTW is perhaps more poignant than a quiet summers day.
To anyone else please visit this place even whilst the wall has been off limits there are over 300 memorials all with stories, beautiful landscapes river walks etc.
RTTW is a unique day and if you do visit along with 10k bikers please really take in why they are there and the respect with which it's held
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We rode to the Wall as part of the Ride To The Wall where every year bikers gather to pay tribute to the fallen. in the region of 6700 bikes,this is the most humbling day in our year, fantastic place to visit. take a packed lunch or eat in the returant, its a big place you can spend aLL DAY THERE so much to see and a new visitors centre opening end of Oct 16, Plus a children's interactive section. I intend going back during the Summer months to have a good look around and my wife is a photographer ( was not with me on this visit ) so she will have a field day. Oh this was my fourth visit and still have not seen it all plus there were new memorials added since my last visit.....Sad yes, humbling yes, morbid definitely no, in my view is also a place to have fun and be happy otherwise why did the fallen give their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Absolutely amazing day, I rode with friends and joined the meeting point at Leicester forest East. The ride to the Arboretum was fantastic. The parking was very efficiently managed, incredible how so many bikes were parked so quickly. Yes the weather was atrocious, but that did not detract one bit. As expected in a site with much grass and thousands of people, there was a little mud,but not much.
The welcome was outstanding and the organisation superb.
The memorials themselves were incredibly moving, we knew the wall was closed as this was publicised. The entertainment was great. I did not stay for the service unfortunately.
My only comment would be the price of the catering, rather excessive but not untypical. Pack up next year.
This was my first visit, I'll be back every year.
The welcome was outstanding and the organisation superb.
The memorials themselves were incredibly moving, we knew the wall was closed as this was publicised. The entertainment was great. I did not stay for the service unfortunately.
My only comment would be the price of the catering, rather excessive but not untypical. Pack up next year.
This was my first visit, I'll be back every year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to show our respect to the fallen we did not go expecting it to be something of a attraction if anyone wants a attraction then they can try Blackpool
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited again this year as we took park in the RTTW event. The marshalls directing traffic where fantastic and helpful. Lots of food stalls and drinks, a few queues, but that's what you expect with about 10,000 people attending. The wall was shut due to having some work being carried out and the main entrance and cafe. All this information was on the NMA website and again on the RTTW main site. All the names on the wall where carefully put on to a makeshift wall for all to see. This did not ruin the experience. There is lots to see and do and it is for all ages. People meeting old friends and making new friends. It was a raining day, but this did not dampen the spirits of the bikers and other visitors. We will be attending again next year. Beautiful place to gather your thoughts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We last attended the NMA with RTTW in October 2012. It was an amazing day. The grounds are immaculate, the whole site is just beautifully kept and despite the arrival of over 10,000 people on motorbikes the staff were exceptionally helpful and accommodating. We will definitely be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic 9th visit to the NMA with fellow waller to remember all those who can no longer ride with us. Yes it was raining, yes the grass was wet and muddy, yes there were 1000's of Bikers in attendance, yes there is not enough seating for those who attend on the 1st Saturday in October. But the NMA when first built had no way of knowing in advance just how many Bikers would turn up on this annual pilgrimage. The NMA staff are fantastic it's a very moving emotional day. As for the wall it's being renovated and will be open in November.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on Oct 1st as part of Ride To The Wall. What an awsome experience again. Sorry if it rained on you but hey at least we are alive and can go home to a warm bath! Fantastic place and very humbling.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I attended the Ride to the wall 2016. The control and organisation to allow 6500+ motorcycles etc with the bikers and passengers was amazing. the Arboretum was clean and tidy with time to reflect and remember those that this facility is for. The whole experience was a reminder of how lucky I am to live in a country that values free speech, with a freedom of expression. The day was wet and raining something that can not be controlled and to be honest if it did not rain then the trees the grass and the facility would be the worse for not having it. The people I meet where there to remember old friends and family this was enabled through the shear area and amazing memorials set out in such a manner as to allow each memorial to be viewed in a peaceful manner reflective.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my seventh "Ride To The Wall" and as always it was a truly humbling experience. Thousands of people gathered together on the same day each year for a common purpose: to remember those who gave everything in the service of their country and to raise money for the upkeep of the NMA - over £500,000 since the inception of this event in 2008.
Unfortunately on this occasion we were unable to climb the steps to the Armed Forces Memorial itself as it's currently in the throes of maintenance work but we knew that as we'd been told a year ago that this would be the case. However there are plenty of other memorials on site, and the lone piper, the Service of Remembrance and the last Post are always guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat.
Well done all those bikers who braved the elements to take part in a truly awe-inspiring occasion. They will have got home at the end of the day cold and wet with muddy boots but aware of the part they'd played in the day. If only the young soldiers who were dug dug into the trenches at Ypres and Verdun could have returned home cold and wet and with muddy boots. Sadly they never got the opportunity.
Unfortunately on this occasion we were unable to climb the steps to the Armed Forces Memorial itself as it's currently in the throes of maintenance work but we knew that as we'd been told a year ago that this would be the case. However there are plenty of other memorials on site, and the lone piper, the Service of Remembrance and the last Post are always guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat.
Well done all those bikers who braved the elements to take part in a truly awe-inspiring occasion. They will have got home at the end of the day cold and wet with muddy boots but aware of the part they'd played in the day. If only the young soldiers who were dug dug into the trenches at Ypres and Verdun could have returned home cold and wet and with muddy boots. Sadly they never got the opportunity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
They have no concept of RTTW , its purpose or its aims. I attend every year with them. This year was wet all day. We all got soaked. Most of us attended on motorbikes. The reason we all attended was worth any discomfort and hardship we faced. This is by far the biggest event and the largest single donation this wonderful place receives. RTTW in itself is a special event in its own right to a special place. RTTW introduced me to the NMA but I go several other times a year. I will be attending 3 more events this year. Those that could be bothered would have known the wall was shut for renovation. Would have known the new visitor center does not open until the end of October. Should have worked out that with over 7000 bikes and over 10000 people attending it was going to be packed. We went to remember those service men who gave their all did not return and honor the families who's loss is so great. So there was no where to sit and it was muddy. Shame you missed the point.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited as part of the Ride to the Wall for the last 5 years.
Yes the main wall was closed, but this had been well publicised.
Yes it rained, but no one can help the weather, we are lucky we can go home to dry clothes unlike those we go to remember.
Yes there are queues. When you visit on the busiest day of the year there will always be queues.
So I say to 'nolimittraveller77' maybe next year you should stay home.
RTTW is not about no rain, no queues or whether the main wall is open. It's about showing our respect and remembering those who lost their lives so we can live free.
For me it is a beautiful place and one I will return to every year.
The saddest part is knowing that the empty panels will once also be full of names.
Yes the main wall was closed, but this had been well publicised.
Yes it rained, but no one can help the weather, we are lucky we can go home to dry clothes unlike those we go to remember.
Yes there are queues. When you visit on the busiest day of the year there will always be queues.
So I say to 'nolimittraveller77' maybe next year you should stay home.
RTTW is not about no rain, no queues or whether the main wall is open. It's about showing our respect and remembering those who lost their lives so we can live free.
For me it is a beautiful place and one I will return to every year.
The saddest part is knowing that the empty panels will once also be full of names.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
