National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
this place is unique. its interesting, thought provoking, visually stunning and emotionally humbling. A beautiful tribute to fallen warriors and heroes.
well worthy of a visit by anyone who realises what sacrifice these people made for us.
well worthy of a visit by anyone who realises what sacrifice these people made for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went as part of the 9th rttw and was truly impressed by the level of organisation and professionalism of the volunteers who run this annual trip of remembrance.
It's a beautiful place to visit and thought provoking experience.
Unfortunately the main wall was still having work done on it and the new visitors centre was similarly not quite ready for the public but this will soon change as they are only a few weeks away from completion.
Will be going again next year (first saturday in october I believe) and would recommend all bikers do the same!
It's a beautiful place to visit and thought provoking experience.
Unfortunately the main wall was still having work done on it and the new visitors centre was similarly not quite ready for the public but this will soon change as they are only a few weeks away from completion.
Will be going again next year (first saturday in october I believe) and would recommend all bikers do the same!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I attended for the annual Ride to the Wall biker event. This is a very popular, scrupulously well organised and run event which is supported by a great many volunteer marshals. These wonderful people give their free time to ensure that the thousands of bikers attending RTTW are safely guided onto (and later off) the site and are able to park their bikes with as little trouble as possible. Despite the great numbers of people attending, the arboretum itself remains a peaceful and inspiring place which is entirely due to the respect shown by the visitors. There were many concession stands but, although the queues were long, there was little sign of impatience. New facilities (a wonderful visitor centre) are being built but building takes time and it was still unfinished for the 2016 event. I look forward to my next visit when I can walk inside it and see what the contribution by the RTTW organisation has helped to achieve. The Armed Forces Memorial was also closed for necessary work. Details of the work being carried out onsite and areas which would be off limits was made available in advance so avoiding disappointment. I will definitely be returning for RTTW as long as I am able and also plan to visit again at a time when the NMA is a little less crowded.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Once again a fantastic and moving day for the 9th RTTW. Must say the staff at the NMA did a fantastic job especially considering the rain, everything ran like clock work
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing event with a focus - remembering and recognising the fallen. To the person who had a 'disappointing visit' maybe you should have visited on another occasion, maybe you should have read the web site information explaining why there is building work going on, how it's been funded. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but you are so far removed from the truth of the day. Volunteers worked mighty hard under extreme conditions to make the day a success, it was very well organised, and my motto is - don't complain unless you've volunteered!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
"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.
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,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
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
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).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
