National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
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
A poster has entered this under terrible "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 and there were no free seats to rest and the queues were so long you'd have to stand and wait for ages just to get a drink. It was a rainy day and the grass had turned into a muddy mess with hardly anywhere clean to walk. The wall itself was cordoned off with no explanation so we didn't even see the main attraction. Poorly organised on the whole and just seemed not quite ready for visitors".
The point they are missing, we are there for the people who cant sit down on a free seat, cant wait for ages for a drink, couldnt find anywhere clean to walk, were sent to war with no explanation, didnt come back alive.
i would like to express my sincere apologies to the sad excuse for a human being that maybe the rain was too wet.
The point they are missing, we are there for the people who cant sit down on a free seat, cant wait for ages for a drink, couldnt find anywhere clean to walk, were sent to war with no explanation, didnt come back alive.
i would like to express my sincere apologies to the sad excuse for a human being that maybe the rain was too wet.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We joined many thousands of other bikers on 1st October 2016 to pay our respects and honour the lost souls who gave their all in the service of this great country of ours.
The weather was not kind but the memorials are more important than a few rain spots.
It was a privilege to share this occasion with so many like-minded people. Yes it was wet, yes it was a bit muddy there and yes there were queues but we wouldn't have missed it whatever!
This memorial should be on everyone's list of places to visit.
Jen & Pete. Cornwall.
The weather was not kind but the memorials are more important than a few rain spots.
It was a privilege to share this occasion with so many like-minded people. Yes it was wet, yes it was a bit muddy there and yes there were queues but we wouldn't have missed it whatever!
This memorial should be on everyone's list of places to visit.
Jen & Pete. Cornwall.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ride to the wall 2016 at the National Memorial Arboretum, was excellent, apart from the rain which the organisers could do nothing about. People who have left bad ratings for this event below ought to remember what this day is about!! All the organisers do this event are volunteers and so are all the marshals and everyone else who attends also do it voluntary raising thousands of pounds towards the upkeep of this special place. I myself and thousands of other bikers rode hundreds of miles in bad weather just to show that we do remember our fallen and we will do everything we can to keep this majestic place going. To the people who left a bad rating... shame on you!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A day like no other at a place like no other. Superb coming together of the biking community to show respect for those who are no longer with us. The NMA hosts a wonderful gathering of individuals and groups who come together in collective rememberence in a beautiful and melancholy location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited this venue for an annual charity event, and what a great place to visit, although it rained we had a great emotional day but could not visit every memorial to all the various groups (not all military) and are now planning another visit to see those we missed.
There are some modernisation work ongoing but this was explained by the staff and did not detract from the many other parts of the venue
There are some modernisation work ongoing but this was explained by the staff and did not detract from the many other parts of the venue
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place and lovely to see the dedication of the RTTW marshals and organisers and bikers . I have visited previously also and was very impressed.Its really important work that is being carried out by everyone on site. Will definitely be back next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Each year we attend the arboretum as part of the Ride To The Wall (RTTW). Thousands of bikers ride from far and wide to attend a service for our fallen heros. I cannot put into words how well organised this event is! It's ran to precision timing from the marshalls organising the bikes, to the arboretum staff, everyone is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We attend with a disabled rider every year and it's great to know that you can reserve either a mobility scooter or a wheelchair in advance meaning that the venue can genuinely be enjoyed by everyone.
The gardens and memorials are extremely well maintained and are a genuine pleasure to behold in any kind of weather. We've attended in glorious sunshine and torrential rain and no matter what the weather it's a truly humbling experience. Everyone should take the time to visit the arboretum at some point in their life. We love the comradery of the RTTW where thousands of bikers all get together to raise money and give thanks to those who have fought for their country. It's an incredibly busy day and we love every minute. If you prefer peace and no crowds then the memorial is open every other day of the year too and RTTW may not be the best day for you to attend. The RTTW is on the first Saturday in October every year and we are looking forward to attending for many more years to come. A huge well done to every single person who makes the memorial as amazing as it is.
The gardens and memorials are extremely well maintained and are a genuine pleasure to behold in any kind of weather. We've attended in glorious sunshine and torrential rain and no matter what the weather it's a truly humbling experience. Everyone should take the time to visit the arboretum at some point in their life. We love the comradery of the RTTW where thousands of bikers all get together to raise money and give thanks to those who have fought for their country. It's an incredibly busy day and we love every minute. If you prefer peace and no crowds then the memorial is open every other day of the year too and RTTW may not be the best day for you to attend. The RTTW is on the first Saturday in October every year and we are looking forward to attending for many more years to come. A huge well done to every single person who makes the memorial as amazing as it is.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to remember our fallen. Attended with the Ride To The Wall and was a volunteer in the car park. Despite the rain it was a day to remember and will be back next year at the Armed Forces Day and RTTW. Well worth a visit any day of the year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out for all the family. It rained non stop while we were there for the service but the staff were brilliant and never lost there smiles even tough that were rushed off there feed. A place well worth visiting to pay respects to our fallen and to teach out little ones what they gave there lives for
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just visited NMA as part of Ride To The Wall for our 4th year! Despite the awful weather this year it was still an amazing experience. Every time we visit there are more monuments that have been created to honour various groups that have served their country. The place is kept incredibly tidy and well maintained too. There are improvements being carried out at the moment but these have been well publicised so everyone visiting should be aware of such temporary works. There was a huge catering marquis set up while the main cafe is being renovated, which served reasonably priced drinks, snacks and yummy cakes. I am looking forward to visiting again in a few weeks when the renovations have been completed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went along to the NMA with the Ride To The Wall, in order to pay my respects to the fallen. I have a number of friends with their names etched onto the Wall.
The day started off with dry and warm weather, but soon deteriorated into a very wet day. This did not dampen the spirits of the thousands of bikers there though. The service was excellent, the grounds were as always, in great keeping, despite the weather. I really must pay this wonderful place a visit on a regular day, as there's so much to see with over 300 memorials.
The staff and volunteers with the RTTW were brilliant, looking after everyone and not a bad word had. This annual event gets bigger each year and even the miserable weather will not stop the crowds. This was my 5th year attending the RTTW and I expect to be coming for many more years. If you like bikes, aim for the 1st Saturday of October each year. If not, I'd advise you to come some other time.
It's heaven on earth.
The day started off with dry and warm weather, but soon deteriorated into a very wet day. This did not dampen the spirits of the thousands of bikers there though. The service was excellent, the grounds were as always, in great keeping, despite the weather. I really must pay this wonderful place a visit on a regular day, as there's so much to see with over 300 memorials.
The staff and volunteers with the RTTW were brilliant, looking after everyone and not a bad word had. This annual event gets bigger each year and even the miserable weather will not stop the crowds. This was my 5th year attending the RTTW and I expect to be coming for many more years. If you like bikes, aim for the 1st Saturday of October each year. If not, I'd advise you to come some other time.
It's heaven on earth.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 2nd RTTW, wet this time but still an awesome, moving event. Anyone that doesn't get a lump in throat during this must be inhuman. Well organised considering numbers that attend and raises money to help keep the memorial open.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First rttw and visit what a humbling experience.Very well organised event to show respect to fallen service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can live free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here before and was absolutely blown away by this most beautiful place. I took in all the memorials and my heart broke.
I returned this month by doing the Ride To The Wall, I have no words again I was blown away, yes it rained but it made me appreciate the feeling of rain on my person. The whole event was outstanding. I would like to thank everyone involved on the event and especially to the nma for allowing all those bikes to be riden round the ground. Each and everyone there I'm sure truly appreciates this honour. Once again thank you to everyone involved for a day in my life I will never forget.
I would highly recommend a visit here words can not express what it all means. The grounds are tidy and well kept, the staff at nma are very helpful and nothing is to much trouble for them.
I returned this month by doing the Ride To The Wall, I have no words again I was blown away, yes it rained but it made me appreciate the feeling of rain on my person. The whole event was outstanding. I would like to thank everyone involved on the event and especially to the nma for allowing all those bikes to be riden round the ground. Each and everyone there I'm sure truly appreciates this honour. Once again thank you to everyone involved for a day in my life I will never forget.
I would highly recommend a visit here words can not express what it all means. The grounds are tidy and well kept, the staff at nma are very helpful and nothing is to much trouble for them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My type of visit was business.
The business of remembering the fallen, some recent some not.
To pay homage and respect to those names I worked with, and all others engraved on that Wall in history never to be forgotten.
The queue for coffee took a while, enough time to chat to those strangers around me who gathered at that place for the same reasons I did.
It rained bad at times and soaking wet I slipped up more than once, the grass park rammed with every machine brand built.
Complain?? Of what I ask? There can be no gripe. The yellow high vis jacket crew, male and female, who worked as volunteers, unpaid, as wet as I were in no way indifferent to my state. They had after all stood there far longer than I getting wet.
Shame on those who feel the need to whine about anything from that day. You were probably there for different reasons than anyone else.
I went to stand alongside a brother, and sister hood that you probably would never ever understand.
Super job the entire Ride To The a Wall Crew.
Bless you all.
The business of remembering the fallen, some recent some not.
To pay homage and respect to those names I worked with, and all others engraved on that Wall in history never to be forgotten.
The queue for coffee took a while, enough time to chat to those strangers around me who gathered at that place for the same reasons I did.
It rained bad at times and soaking wet I slipped up more than once, the grass park rammed with every machine brand built.
Complain?? Of what I ask? There can be no gripe. The yellow high vis jacket crew, male and female, who worked as volunteers, unpaid, as wet as I were in no way indifferent to my state. They had after all stood there far longer than I getting wet.
Shame on those who feel the need to whine about anything from that day. You were probably there for different reasons than anyone else.
I went to stand alongside a brother, and sister hood that you probably would never ever understand.
Super job the entire Ride To The a Wall Crew.
Bless you all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite the poor weather we once again visited the NMA for the 2016 Ride To The Wall. It's the biggest event of the year for the place.
Originally designed for a much smaller number of visitors it has had to commission its current building works to expand its facilities. Coupled with this the need to close The Wall for maintenance has led to some less than complimentary comments on the NMA.
Listen ye not to them.
It's a wonderful place for reflection, wonder and education. Considering my comments about expansion it's an excellent reflection on the staff that they managed to perform well on a day of reduced facilities (which are well advertised) with around 10% of their annual projected footfall arriving on one day.
I shall be back again next year.... And the year after. ......
Originally designed for a much smaller number of visitors it has had to commission its current building works to expand its facilities. Coupled with this the need to close The Wall for maintenance has led to some less than complimentary comments on the NMA.
Listen ye not to them.
It's a wonderful place for reflection, wonder and education. Considering my comments about expansion it's an excellent reflection on the staff that they managed to perform well on a day of reduced facilities (which are well advertised) with around 10% of their annual projected footfall arriving on one day.
I shall be back again next year.... And the year after. ......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on our way home from a weekend away, spending about 2-3 hours here but really you need longer as the grounds are extensive and there are so many different memorials that it would be good to spend a little time walking around a bit more and reading some of the dedications.
It is free to get into which is incredible so we didn't begrudge paying for parking or for the land train which is an ideal way to get a flavour of the place. If you want to take good photos, though, you're better off walking back to the memorials to do it.
The WW1 trench recreation was interesting and the "Shot at Dawn" area which commemorates the soldiers executed for "deserting" was very moving. I was particularly moved by the statue of the 17-year-old boy in the centre of it as he was the same age as our son.
There's also a good cafe there and a gift shop and there are mobility scooters available to hire for people with walking difficulties.
All in all, it's a good day out and we're going to visit again next year with family.
It is free to get into which is incredible so we didn't begrudge paying for parking or for the land train which is an ideal way to get a flavour of the place. If you want to take good photos, though, you're better off walking back to the memorials to do it.
The WW1 trench recreation was interesting and the "Shot at Dawn" area which commemorates the soldiers executed for "deserting" was very moving. I was particularly moved by the statue of the 17-year-old boy in the centre of it as he was the same age as our son.
There's also a good cafe there and a gift shop and there are mobility scooters available to hire for people with walking difficulties.
All in all, it's a good day out and we're going to visit again next year with family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited this place for the 2nd time the rttw 2016 was very good , despite the rain it was well organised and all people were friendly and helpful, marshalls were excellent and all facilities were good, despite there being 1000s of people . Well done to all ,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time & was so impressed. Didn't realise it wasn't just for the Armed Services but for all. Spent just under 5hrs here & only covered a third of it. Felt very moved by it especially the wood of rememberance for service persons deceased children & also the SANDS area...The trip on the land train is worth it & gives a commentary as you go around..All in all very good & having volunteers dotted around is good & they are all very helpful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have reviewed the NMA before but feel I need to update my review. I have visited twice this year. Earlier in the year I visited specifically to see the World War 1 memorial, this is a replica of the Trenches in the environment of how our brave men fought and died for our freedom and country, it was a truly moving experience. On the walk to the trench memorial we also passed through the Special Forces Walk which again showed the fortitude of our soldiers and I learnt so much about these brave soldiers. In October was my second visit where I attended the Ride To The Wall event which happens every year and is now in its ninth year. To date it has raised over half a million pounds towards the NMA, it is an event where bikers attend to show their respect for all our fallen heroes. They travel from all over Europe to attend a event to raise money and there are meeting points from all over to ride in procession for a common cause. Once there, there is an atmosphere of unity like have never known. My husband has been on each ride for the last 7 years and myself and my daughter have attended for the last two years. We wouldn't miss it for the world and has become a family event. It is open to all including car drivers, of which I travelled by. This year the heavens opened and everyone was absolutely soaked to the skin but I can honestly say it was as enjoyable this year as any other despite the weather. Such a moving experience, there was a Service conducted including a minutes silence and there are marches and music etc. Well done to NMA and all their volunteers and also the RTTW committee and all their volunteers and marshalls too. A big thank you to the police for organising the traffic and logistics.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
