National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
When you think of the national Aboretum you think of memorials but it is much more than that, it a place to hold in wonder and amazement of the size and expanse of the sole site and how well it is looked after, the land scape is wonderful and when the new visitors centre is completed it will offer a new attraction as well, we thought it was just for military but lots of public organisations are remembered and depicted there, but the tranquil settings are superb, either on foot or by the road train the guides, who are all volunteers are very knowledgable ,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The family have visited the National Memorial Arboretum on several occasions and it never fails to leave a lasting, sobering, thought provoking memory and is a fitting tribute to our fallen service personnel and emergency/support services.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took an elderly uncle to the arboretum as he was in the arctic convoys and had recently received a medal from President Gorbachov.
Since, at 92, our uncle is not up for walking long distances, we took a trip on the train around the site. The train trip is well worth the charge, however, it was a great disappointment that many of the displays and memorials couldn't be seen properly because the hedges were too high. Maybe someone from the arboretum should board the train and make a critical journey around the site to see what actually CAN be seen from the train!
Since, at 92, our uncle is not up for walking long distances, we took a trip on the train around the site. The train trip is well worth the charge, however, it was a great disappointment that many of the displays and memorials couldn't be seen properly because the hedges were too high. Maybe someone from the arboretum should board the train and make a critical journey around the site to see what actually CAN be seen from the train!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving place with a peaceful atmosphere. Have been twice and want to go again. One cannot take it all in at once, so much to see and learn.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent at least two hours walking quietly and thoughtfully around this memorial park viewing the many varied monuments and reading many of the tributes to those gone before us. A visit to the cafe and shop topped it off.
We would be keen to visit again once the exciting new development currently under construction is open. There is no charge but as the place is run by many volunteers and by the Royal British Legion charity a good donation is gratefully received. Also don't miss the memorial chapel, this is another place for prayer or quiet contemplation as are many of the quiet corners you can find on site. We also enjoyed our walk down by the River Tame with it's wildlife and serenity.
My only observations are go sooner rather than later as there are so many trees planted so close together, unless they are thinned out, which seems unlikely as they are mostly 'in memorium' the forest will become very dense and the views available now will be lost in a few years. And I do query why non native species have been planted? Eucalyptus don't belong here but maybe because of Empirical connexions?
We would be keen to visit again once the exciting new development currently under construction is open. There is no charge but as the place is run by many volunteers and by the Royal British Legion charity a good donation is gratefully received. Also don't miss the memorial chapel, this is another place for prayer or quiet contemplation as are many of the quiet corners you can find on site. We also enjoyed our walk down by the River Tame with it's wildlife and serenity.
My only observations are go sooner rather than later as there are so many trees planted so close together, unless they are thinned out, which seems unlikely as they are mostly 'in memorium' the forest will become very dense and the views available now will be lost in a few years. And I do query why non native species have been planted? Eucalyptus don't belong here but maybe because of Empirical connexions?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Down the A38 from Derby to Lichfield you'll see a brown sign to the National Memorial Arboretum. I'd never heard of the National Memorial Arboretum before my first visit and talking with friends further up north where I live, neither had they. It's almost as if it doesn't court publicity and, nationally, it isn't given much as far as I can judge. It deserves better as the place in this country where the sacrifices of people who have past served this nation in many ways receive due and respectful recognition.
The memorials are many, including those for men and women from foreign lands who have stood with us in struggles over time. So it saddens me that, beyond the odd news item when a new memorial is dedicated in its large landscape of trees and lawns that it seems ever to be tucked away off the A38 without much recognition for itself as the Nation's prime site for bearing testimony to the many who have served and fought for us.
I must have been to the arboretum at least three times now. It is ever changing as it adds to its number of commemorations, both large and small. It is ever informative of the bravery and dedication of the souls it seeks to remind us of. And it is not just for adults. The young will draw from the place a sense of how we've come to be where we are today. Of personal interest was the memorial to the Bevan Boys, with my family steeped in the mining industry. The bookshop provided their story in a purchased paperback - 'Called Up, Sent Down' - which taught me more than I ever knew, more than my Father ever told me about his working life and the working lives of my two mining Grandfathers underground.
You'll be pleased you visited the National Memorial Arboretum, and visit it time and again as its stories evolve with each new commemoration unveiled. Visiting should be compulsory. The open often windswept lawns and trees of the National Memorial Arboretum stand well with many poignant memorials I've seen in other lands.
The memorials are many, including those for men and women from foreign lands who have stood with us in struggles over time. So it saddens me that, beyond the odd news item when a new memorial is dedicated in its large landscape of trees and lawns that it seems ever to be tucked away off the A38 without much recognition for itself as the Nation's prime site for bearing testimony to the many who have served and fought for us.
I must have been to the arboretum at least three times now. It is ever changing as it adds to its number of commemorations, both large and small. It is ever informative of the bravery and dedication of the souls it seeks to remind us of. And it is not just for adults. The young will draw from the place a sense of how we've come to be where we are today. Of personal interest was the memorial to the Bevan Boys, with my family steeped in the mining industry. The bookshop provided their story in a purchased paperback - 'Called Up, Sent Down' - which taught me more than I ever knew, more than my Father ever told me about his working life and the working lives of my two mining Grandfathers underground.
You'll be pleased you visited the National Memorial Arboretum, and visit it time and again as its stories evolve with each new commemoration unveiled. Visiting should be compulsory. The open often windswept lawns and trees of the National Memorial Arboretum stand well with many poignant memorials I've seen in other lands.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a cold damp November day, which I felt made the day much more poignant. wasn't expecting such a variety of monuments to so many causes, Give another five year when the trees have grown, and the partitions grown it will be a truly reflective environment, Don't want to say I had a good day that's just not right, although it was very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I think everyone should visit the National Memorial Arboretum at least once in their lives and bring along their children. The reality of war and what it does to society is of paramount importance and needs to be conveyed to each new generation. The arboretum itself has a very nice cafe area, a bus/train that takes visitors on a guided tour of the various services areas. There is a hut and piece of the railway from the Burma Railway which I think is particularly poignant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was very moving to walk around. Unfortunately the main memorial is being repaired/refurbished whilst we were there so we could not go up to it. There is a vast array or art/sculptures/plaques and many more honouring the lives of people lost in the service of our country. Some of the visual representations (such as the trees planted to represent loss of life) really makes you think and understand the sheer scale of sacrifice. A thought provoking visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm certain it will be a 5 out of 5 attraction when the rebuilding is complete. Even with the muddy car park and closed Armed Forces Memorial, it was still a worthwhile visit. My own wish, to visit the Far East POW site, was achieved. Thank you to the volunteers who acted as guides and provided the 1200 talk about the FEPOWs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an incredible place - it really makes you think, reflect and get some perspective.
The National Memorial Arboretum oozes calm and tranquility - the memorials are all so very different and so well though through. It is a place that cannot fail to touch your heart and put some of one's more mundane worries into perspective.
We visited on a blustery day over Easter - it was our first visit but will not be our last. We look forward to returning and to seeing the Armed Forces Memorial in the future (it is closed at present).
The National Memorial Arboretum oozes calm and tranquility - the memorials are all so very different and so well though through. It is a place that cannot fail to touch your heart and put some of one's more mundane worries into perspective.
We visited on a blustery day over Easter - it was our first visit but will not be our last. We look forward to returning and to seeing the Armed Forces Memorial in the future (it is closed at present).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today by coach,purposely for my husband to pay his respect to comrades,our thanks to all the volunteers who guided us to specific sites, it's a beautiful site, we will return when building works are completed,and look forward to seeing all the changes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a truly epic undertaking - over 50,000 trees have been planted on this 150 acre site. There are over 300 memorials which have been wonderfully executed. We will be back again as we didn't manage to see everything in one visit. An amazing experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Arrived about 10.30am so that we could go to the chapel for the Remembrance Service ,which is held every day at 11.00am.Very moving and then a volunteer told us how the idea of the arboretum came to be.We then got the land train at 11.30am for a 50 minutes guide to some of the memorials,well worth the £5.cost
After lunch we then walked around and enjoyed the tranquility of this place.Brilliant day,go and see it.
After lunch we then walked around and enjoyed the tranquility of this place.Brilliant day,go and see it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the National Memorial Arboretum on an organised coachtrip. A Remembrance service was held with a Marine bugler, padre and British Legion flagbearers. We then went exploring the numerous memorials on the site commemorating different Military units and events such as the Falklands and 9/11. Many memorials are to units of the British Commonwealth, so it is international in it's scope. I found it an inspiring and moving experience and was very glad I went.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place to visit. Very moving. Cried all the way round!! Would go again. Huge place - had to visit twice to see it all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's astonishing what this place has achived since it started - a real testament to the energy and vision of the founders.
It changes every time we go and remains one of our favourite locations for a peaceful and reflective day out.
It changes every time we go and remains one of our favourite locations for a peaceful and reflective day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Prior to our visit we knew that the new visitor centre was under construction and that the Armed Forces Memorial was closed for renovation so already planned to make further visits in the future. We started with the Act of Remembrance and introductory talk, following this with the Land Train trip with its very helpful commentary. All the staff and volunteers are cheerful, knowledgeable and very helpful and we will certainly be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This huge 150 acres of woodland is a fitting tribute to all those who lost their fight in all wars and conflicts.
The Memorials are simple yet to the point.
Easy to get around, bit tricky for wheelchairs/physical/visually disabled. Can't get so close to all the Memorials as not all on 'pathways'.
Ideally you need more than one day to visit, but you can get a very good idea.
Free to enter, however, there are donation boxes around the entrance.
Prices in the Cafe and Gift Shop seem on par with other attractions such as this.
Will definitely be going back again.
Respect Always, Forgotten Never x
The Memorials are simple yet to the point.
Easy to get around, bit tricky for wheelchairs/physical/visually disabled. Can't get so close to all the Memorials as not all on 'pathways'.
Ideally you need more than one day to visit, but you can get a very good idea.
Free to enter, however, there are donation boxes around the entrance.
Prices in the Cafe and Gift Shop seem on par with other attractions such as this.
Will definitely be going back again.
Respect Always, Forgotten Never x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As we only live less than 5 miles away we visit a lot especially to take the dog trail.
Allow a day to get round the whole site and take the train which points out and explains many of the memorials.
Allow a day to get round the whole site and take the train which points out and explains many of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went not knowing what to expect, and I'm not sure what to make of it even now. I will go back later in the year when the trees are out and in bloom/leaf, the big memorial is not fenced off and the visitors centre is finished. Above that, the Memorials are stately, imaginative and moving, the grounds are beautiful mix of well kept, wild and peaceful. I think we may have gone too early to see it at its best.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been looking to visit here for ages but couldn't find the time. So glad we made it last Friday. The arboretum is a truly memorable place vast open spaces state of the art memorials and lovely helpful staff. Beautiful easy to reach location no steps or stiles a fitting memorial. We will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is our fifth visit but the first for the friend who came with us. Our last visit was in August but there have still been new additions since then and the place had lots of spring bulbs and flowers which looked lovely. They are building a new visitors centre which means another visit once it is open. The Arboretum is a beautiful, often tranquil place full of remembrance and learning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my Gramps who was in the navy to see the memorials. It's a beautiful place. Very tidy and easy to get around with a lovely cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place to visit, well laid out gardens and paths. The memorials to the different services and divisons is a poignient reminder of the sacrifices people made for our liberty. There is a land train that takes you around (additional cost) as it is a very large site. There is a very nice cafe/restraunt. we usually have the carvery. Good value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
