National Memorial Arboretum

4.9/5 based on 11739 reviews
Latest Reviews
A truly emotional experience to be part of the ride to the wall, even the rain can not dampen this great place and well organised event.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This is an awesome place for all ages. The facilities are brilliant and it's grounds and memorials like you've never seen before. The Ride to the Wall, experience and is overwhelming. Look forward to seeing you next year.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
NMA is a place that everyone should try to get too once I can not describe it so I will use the words of the NMA
"The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial."
We isit a couple of times a year it is a place of beauty, humility & Respect. There are stunning monuments to all of our uniformed services not only military. The site covers 150 acres and the volunteers, committee and all at the NMA work so hard to make your visit an experience to remember. Including activities for the younger ones. Opened in 2001 to create a place of joy.where the lives of people would be remembered by living trees that would grow and mature in a world at peace.
Please if you have chance visit and support this unique place. Thanks to all who work so hard to make your visit so special.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to the N.M.A many times and decide to take my partner for a visit who never even knew the memorial existed. And when I suggested for her to accompany me she did not look too keen and was more interested in the fact we were having a couple of nights away to which she loves. As it was such a lovely day, and our travel from Scotland went smoother that anticipated I suggested we go to the N.M.A for a few hours until it closed and therefore we managed to get 3 hours in on the Friday, and then the full day on the Saturday. I love this place and could spend hours and hours reading the many memorials. This memorial is not just for military related personnel, But for all. As I would say it is a memorial to life. And perhaps if everyone could fit a couple of visits in to this place, Then perhaps there would be a lot less bigotry in this county. Luckily we had a whole day and a half all in splendid sunshine. My partner was so amazed and sad in parts as to how informative the Arboretum is and now wishes to return for another visit & overnight . I suppose the downside on this particular visit was the fact due to renovation/ repair works. The main attraction was not accessable,
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This was our second visit as we did not have enough time to walk around all the memorials, and we still haven't seen them all. The memorials are mainly for various wars and Service men, but there are others such as SANDS, for bereaved parents, Police Force memorials, the RNLI, etc., well worth a visit, and when the new visitors centre opens in late October I'm sure it will be an even better experience, there is no charge for entry, a voluntary contribution is invited, and only £3 to park your car. Refreshments are rather pricey. Highly recommended.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful place to reflect on what has past. The number of memorials increases monthly. Beautifully planted, well laid out and very informative. The new visitors centre is nearing completion as is the renovation work on the main memorial which will be completed in November. An incredible place well worth a visit.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been here several times over the last few years. I do feel that the arboretum has become a little too businesslike and has moved away from what it was originally, having said that it is still well worth a visit if you have an interest in military or similar history. It is also a very special place with special meaning to many people
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From a simple idea to a place for contemplation and thought. This site is well worth visiting not only to get some idea of the sacrifices that people over the decades have made but also to experience the tranquility and peace. The new visitors centre is about to open and will add significantly to the experience although it is really all about experiencing the feel and quiet ambience that the site has. It is a very large area and I suspect on a wet day it will be a challenge (we were lucky that the weather stayed dry and sunny during our 4 hour visit).
tripadvisor.co.uk
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4th visit and always impressed by the sheer scale of the arboretum with new memorials each visit,Very poignant. New visitor centre nearing completion. Saw things this visit that hadn't seen or noticed before. Always immaculate and staff and volunteers are very helpful. Didn't go the Church service this time but have done so in the past.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truly peaceful, magnificent, touching place to remember our war dead and others too. We took the shuttle train all around the site and were so impressed, before laying a small memorial wooden cross in remembrance of a family member perished at Gallipoli. So glad we went.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A pleasant, relaxing place to contemplate the folly of war and to remember the sacrifices so many have made over the decades. Recommend starting with the land-train tour which helps you understand the layout and plan any walking. Eating and drinking facilities OK but not cheap. All very thought-provoking and I recommend taking time over your visit.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Memorial Arboretum is a beautiful place, with a tranquillity that is unbelievable. The arboretum holds memorials to many friends, colleagues and those who have passed away. Enjoy the peace and a gentle walk. The Temporary Reception and Cafe area may not be up to the standard of the previous facilities but are better than could well be expected and the staff and volunteers are second to none in their customer service skills. The car parking is a little restricted whilst the building works continue, Disabled parking is close to the reception building, the general parking is now in what used to be the overflow car park.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a very pleasant afternoon here with the family. The place is huge. so many men and women have died for their country and what a lovely way to remember them buy planting thousands of trees in their honour to be remembered for eternity. You could visit this aboreteum as many times as you like and the scene will always be different.Bare trees to budding leaves to golden hues of the autumn. Each season will still take your breath away. With easy paths to follow or the land train for those with difficulties you will be taken through the different areas for the many forces that fought for us. The cafe at the entrance make a nice cup of tea and tasty cakes at a reasonable price. Alterations were underway when we visited but the inconvenience wasn't noticeable. Looking forward to going back soon
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our third visit, parts of the arboretum are under covers with expansion and additions going on at this time. supposed to reopen these parts in time for remembrance weekend in November. Shop and cafe reduced in size whilst work is carried out, most of the staff are volunteers and doing a great job.Lovely serene place, with time to reflect, lump in the throat moments & there are many. If you can make time for the shot at dawn memorial please do, & take a tissue. Makes you realize how lucky most of us are , go visit, pay your respects and donate please.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorials were varied from traditional to very modern. Each set in the gardens / forested areas and accessible on foot or by the road train. Interesting to wander and view but would be really compelling if you had a loved one honoured by one of the memorials.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A visit to the Arboretum should be on all school curriculums. It is very moving and evocative and also highly educational. I am not very mobile so visited in 2 sessions. However I will be returning as I still did not manage to see everything
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place to visit. So much to see and so beautifully set out. Wish we had had longer to see it all. Felt emotional but very peaceful. A very relaxing Sunday afternoon. Will definately go back
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful place especially in summer , we visited as a family with quite a few small children but it's very child' friendly
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Be sure to visit in dry weather as most of the memorials are accessed over large expanses of grass. 2 hours about right to make the most of it and this fits in with the needs of visitors arriving by the Sunday only bus service from Lichfield (812). It only offers 3 journeys in each direction with 2 hours between drop off and pick up. I expect the new visitor centre will be a marked improvement on the current temporary one. Just have to hope staff in the new café clear the tables in a way that currently doesn't happen.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very interesting place, with many moving memorials. I was particularly struck by the Shot at Dawn memorial to those shot for cowardice or desertion during WW1 and by the Burma Railway exhibit. I had not realised that there are also memorials unrelated to conflict, for example a garden dedicated to SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal deaths) which was extremely moving. Much of the work here is undertaken by volunteers, and thanks go to them - their efforts are admirable, making the arboretum free to enter. There are things that could be improved - the land train is a great idea, but it lurches around rather, and is not too comfortable. I'd certainly pay more for a more comfortable ride. Some more signage would be helpful too. Nevertheless a really enriching experience, and I am glad to have visited.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
visited the memorial for a look at the Japanese prisoner of war memorial in memory of a relative which is a fitting tribute. There is much more to see here it the arboretum covers 150 acres+
there is a train which can take you around I would recommend on a first visit it lasts about 45mins and has a commentry
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to visit and spend a couple of hours walking round to pay respects to the different regiments who fought and gave their lives in wars. It was a beautiful day on our visit so very pleasurable to walk round the lovely arboretum. It gets quite busy in the afternoons and there is a very nice cafe which sells snacks and food at reasonable prices. There are buses and buggies available if the weather isn't good or if someone has mobility difficulties. Admission is free but donations are requested to help maintain this very worthwhile and beautiful memorial. It is suitable for all ages and it helps to keep important memories alive and us extremely moving and educational.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was an extremely moving experience for both of us. My wife's Son was a Para in the Falklands and lost his life on mount Longdon in the dying hours of the war. We found his name on the temporary wall of rememberance. The Falklands Memorial is simple and telling, giving a good idea of the open and rugged land they fought for. In the words of one of the Volunteers " The Para Memorial is a superb memorial to the best of the best." For once, children were being kept under control and we could just wonder and marvel at man's inhumanity to man. The Shot at Dawn memorial should be compulsory viewing to all future Commanders.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here again this afternoon. Beautiful sunny afternoon and so much added since we last visited. The children did a trail (£1) and enjoyed it all thoroughly, especially the woodland play area. Very sobering to read the children memorials. Great walks, historical information and a lovely tea room. Lots of events for families. Can't wait to see the leaves change in a few weeks.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful place, very spacious with lots to see. The train ridewasgoodas it enables you to see it all with a commentary telling you about the exhibits.
New facilities are expected in November.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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