National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We stopped here on our way back to Cardiff after visiting Leicester and were on a tight schedule. Spent around 90 minutes here which was by no means long enough. Some of the memorials are superb and moving, each one giving details of what they are for etc. The site itself is enormous and as I said earlier to really walk around and see all the memorials you would need a whole day. We will have to make a return trip at some point
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and i have been going to come for a visit for a couple of years,easy to find car parking 3 pound all day. Take good walking shoes as the whole thing is really quite large BUT so worth a visit! Volunteers very helpfull lots of little projects ongoing mainly ready for 11th of November.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Yet again we come away humbled by the memorials to brave individuals. Wonderful that those left behind have a beautiful place to visit, to remember, grieve and enjoy their memories. It was such a beautiful day today which added to the experience. It is incredibly moving with dedications to stillborn babies, and young children taken far too young and yet you feel somehow comforted.
Just to point out that the main memorial is in fact closed for repair at present and that may be a disappointment as that is so impressive - also the parking for non-disabled is further down the road on the other side, so you may want to drop off any visitors who cannot walk too far. I believe this is a temporary thing as they are building a new visitors centre etc and by November - we were told it will be fabulous!
The staff are a wonderful bunch and all so well informed. Do visit the chapel and listen to the short talk in there - it is very informative and the carvings lovely. Lots of seating in the grounds if you want to take a picnic, but the food on sale is good.
If you have never been before - you do need to allow a good few hours as there is so much to visit, read and talk about - but you wont regret it.
Would totally agree with previous comment - that every school should consider visiting to give the children an idea of what others have given to bring us peace and keep us safe. Also - they will love it I am sure.
As you may gather - just love this place and all it stands for!!
Just to point out that the main memorial is in fact closed for repair at present and that may be a disappointment as that is so impressive - also the parking for non-disabled is further down the road on the other side, so you may want to drop off any visitors who cannot walk too far. I believe this is a temporary thing as they are building a new visitors centre etc and by November - we were told it will be fabulous!
The staff are a wonderful bunch and all so well informed. Do visit the chapel and listen to the short talk in there - it is very informative and the carvings lovely. Lots of seating in the grounds if you want to take a picnic, but the food on sale is good.
If you have never been before - you do need to allow a good few hours as there is so much to visit, read and talk about - but you wont regret it.
Would totally agree with previous comment - that every school should consider visiting to give the children an idea of what others have given to bring us peace and keep us safe. Also - they will love it I am sure.
As you may gather - just love this place and all it stands for!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing place so peaceful. So much to see if your not just gone to see a specific memorial. My dad and me spent over 5 hours going round and just before we left we went to see the Kwai railway this was very emotional has this was real not a stone memorial are plaque. Highly recommend a visit and will revisit myself has so much more to see, The site cost nearly £3 per minute to run to keep it free to enter please donate what you can when you go this needs visitors spread the word.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place , £3 to park ,free entry but they do ask for a donation , train £5 adults £2 children suggest you take a picnic as cafe is expensive for a family , my children enjoyed going in the trenches and a lovely gentle men showed us around and then told us about other things that were going on ,its definitely worth a visit and we will be returning again very soon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the arboretum with a friend as we have both suffered with a loss of a baby. We were there to specifically see the Sands memorial garden.
On arrival we were greeted by a very helpful gentleman who saw us carrying flowers. He assumed we had been before but we informed he we hadn't and why we were visiting. He showed us personally where the Sands garden was.
The garden was beautifully presented and looked after. There were an overwhelming amount of stones dedicated to all the lost children some with dates from 1939 and from all around the world. We spent a long time reading the stones and then sat for a while writing our own.
We casually walked through some of the gardens and back to the cafe for a drink.
Unfortunately we had no cash and all card machines were down! The very helpful gentleman came to our aid and offered to buy us a drink and sandwich! This meant we could stay at the gardens much longer. What an angel!
Choice in the cafe was lovely, we didn't go in the pavilion for larger meals but it was available.
There were some maintenance work going on so some of the war memorials were closed off but the website indicated this before we arrived. Still with all the noise of diggers, it was peaceful.
We are definitely going to return and see more and visit the sands garden.
Definitely worth visiting!
On arrival we were greeted by a very helpful gentleman who saw us carrying flowers. He assumed we had been before but we informed he we hadn't and why we were visiting. He showed us personally where the Sands garden was.
The garden was beautifully presented and looked after. There were an overwhelming amount of stones dedicated to all the lost children some with dates from 1939 and from all around the world. We spent a long time reading the stones and then sat for a while writing our own.
We casually walked through some of the gardens and back to the cafe for a drink.
Unfortunately we had no cash and all card machines were down! The very helpful gentleman came to our aid and offered to buy us a drink and sandwich! This meant we could stay at the gardens much longer. What an angel!
Choice in the cafe was lovely, we didn't go in the pavilion for larger meals but it was available.
There were some maintenance work going on so some of the war memorials were closed off but the website indicated this before we arrived. Still with all the noise of diggers, it was peaceful.
We are definitely going to return and see more and visit the sands garden.
Definitely worth visiting!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a few hours could have stayed all day. About time there was a National Memorial site bringing all the forces together. Made you grateful for everyone's sacrifices. Well worth a visit for everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We keep going back to the arboretum as there is so much to see - we try to go a couple of times a year including " TRTTW " = " The Ride To The Wall " which was started a few years ago A small group of motorcycle riders but had grown to a few thousand people many in motorcycles
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We try to go to a different part each visit come back for a coffee and / or a snack then out walking to see all the commemorating areas.
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All are dedicated to numerous sections of the armed forces - ships - people and places all joined together by wartime activities mostly. Naval and merchant Marine ships - Regiments - Police - Fire Service etc.
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I think it should be compulsory that ALL Schools should visit here.
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We try to go to a different part each visit come back for a coffee and / or a snack then out walking to see all the commemorating areas.
.
All are dedicated to numerous sections of the armed forces - ships - people and places all joined together by wartime activities mostly. Naval and merchant Marine ships - Regiments - Police - Fire Service etc.
.
I think it should be compulsory that ALL Schools should visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Arboretum for the 1st time in several years and were amazed at the changes. Overall, the memorial area is a wonderful experience.
We were disappointed though to be sold an out of date map for £3. Upon asking around, it seems this map has not been updated for some considerable time and one of the memorials we had gone to see was at the far end of the site when it had been previously near the visitor centre. We wasted a lot of time trying to find it. In fairness to the volunteers there though, they tried very hard to take us to the site in question and we did eventually get to see it. Some clearer signage in the gateway to the aite would be good too as when coming in through the gate, there is no obvious entrance as it is hidden behind shrubbery and parked cars.
We were disappointed though to be sold an out of date map for £3. Upon asking around, it seems this map has not been updated for some considerable time and one of the memorials we had gone to see was at the far end of the site when it had been previously near the visitor centre. We wasted a lot of time trying to find it. In fairness to the volunteers there though, they tried very hard to take us to the site in question and we did eventually get to see it. Some clearer signage in the gateway to the aite would be good too as when coming in through the gate, there is no obvious entrance as it is hidden behind shrubbery and parked cars.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well located towards the centre of the country. £3 car park – free to enter. Currently making improvements to the big wall you see on TV, and building a big new visitor centre. However, what’s there now is good. Also good food outlets. We took the ‘Land Train’ guided tour with commentary (£5 each) lasting 50 minutes – what a revelation – the big wall you see on TV is only a tiny part of this, and there were scores of subsidiary memorials each with particular trees planted (hence ‘arboretum’). We learnt that we knew nothing about this place until we went and discovered it for ourselves. A wonderful, meaningful, and patriotic day out. And what a pleasure to respect those that gave so much for us and our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Words are inadequate to describe the honour we have to visit this National Memorial Arboretum set in woodland for all to attend and pay our respects. Few places on earth demand our attention,this is one. Our country owes, we owe so much to those who have given their lives to defend and protect us. We need to pay homage to the fallen. This memorial reminds all of the sacrifices made by so many for our freedom and our lives.
Put this on your must visit list,you will never forget, never again be complacent regarding the loss of humanity in conflict and the futility of war.
The government's of the world share the shame for making this memorial necessary.
I for one will remember them.
Put this on your must visit list,you will never forget, never again be complacent regarding the loss of humanity in conflict and the futility of war.
The government's of the world share the shame for making this memorial necessary.
I for one will remember them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting place, my normandy veteran father loved it.My parents both needed help with walking, wheelchairs and trains readily available, very good disabled access, gift shop very good too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here to pass an hour and was still here 2.5 hours later, we only left as they were closing! Our 2 boys loved it, great family day out as well as a serene place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Firstly I would like to say I know that there was alot of work going on in aurgust when I visited. But the fact that if you don't have cash you can't buy lunch or anything from the shop is a bit bad. All I would say was take CASH you'll need it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The size and extent of the memorials at the site, are awe inspiring, and the number of people commemorated is vast. Sadly the National memorial and the visitor centre were both closed for major building work on my visit so I will be returning next year! When you are there buy the book on the history of the arboretum, it is truly fascinating (Growing Remembrance).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an interesting place - not at all just about military remembrance, the National Memorial Arboretum has over 300 memorials dotted around their grounds, and all with fascinating back stories. They make clever use of plant species and planting for memorials remembering specific overseas events (ie: Far East memorials). Equally you can find some beautiful sculptures and abstract images. Or to put it another way, there is constant visual stimulus around you. Parking is easy (they ask for £3) and entrance is free. The team are hugely welcoming and will help orientate you or indeed find a specific memorial. Equally the land train (about 55 mins, departing every 30 mins) is a great way to get around the site and learn about a large number of memorials. £5 per person. Nice tea room and gift shop, although a bit cramped given the throughput of visitors. I can see why a bigger visitors centre is being built! The main Armed Forces Memorial is currently closed for refurbishment which was a shame, but did not detract from what was an extremely pleasant and welcoming visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Sadly part of this was closed off for refurbishment / adding new features, but we still didnt manage to see all in the day. Entry is free with donations greatfully received, and we did the train tour (£5 each) to see around and get a feel of the site before walking ourselves. There are 150 acres in total to get around... The weather was good which made a big difference. If you havent been to see this location, make a point of doing so. It is so peaceful and tranquil.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a truly thought provoking place. So very moving.
Beautifully kept memorials. Need more than a day to visit them all.
Some very sad memorials such as "Shot at Dawn"
Lucky to experience the trenches.
Go and paint a solider to help remember the British men lost in the Somme.
Beautifully kept memorials. Need more than a day to visit them all.
Some very sad memorials such as "Shot at Dawn"
Lucky to experience the trenches.
Go and paint a solider to help remember the British men lost in the Somme.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the National Memorial Arboretum and really enjoyed the visit.
Although we don't have any direct connection to the armed forces we still found the experience quite moving and in the process learned a lot about all the different conflicts and various services.
As well as military memorials there are other memorials to different organisations, individuals and civilian services.
The site is huge and we took advantage of the land train which gives visitors a good idea of the site layout and the memorials on view. Afterwards we walked to some of the memorials so we could read the inscriptions and learn more.
Whilst there we had a snack in the cafe housed in a marquee and for a reasonable cost enjoyed soup and sandwiches.
For anyone planning a visit make sure you allow plenty of time (4 hours at least) and if you want to visit a particular memorial try doing a bit of research first, this will save time later. At the time of our visit the main memorial was closed for essential maintenance, this was a little disappointing but didn't spoil our visit.
Although we don't have any direct connection to the armed forces we still found the experience quite moving and in the process learned a lot about all the different conflicts and various services.
As well as military memorials there are other memorials to different organisations, individuals and civilian services.
The site is huge and we took advantage of the land train which gives visitors a good idea of the site layout and the memorials on view. Afterwards we walked to some of the memorials so we could read the inscriptions and learn more.
Whilst there we had a snack in the cafe housed in a marquee and for a reasonable cost enjoyed soup and sandwiches.
For anyone planning a visit make sure you allow plenty of time (4 hours at least) and if you want to visit a particular memorial try doing a bit of research first, this will save time later. At the time of our visit the main memorial was closed for essential maintenance, this was a little disappointing but didn't spoil our visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out, easily found with plenty of parking. The site covers about 140 acres scattered with memorials, some are attached to trees in memory of a family member. It is a peaceful place to reflect and makes you realise how futile war is - there are no winners. It is worth taking the land train which takes about 3/4 hour with the excellent commentary. We had a sandwich in the cafe, not cheap but made with lovely bread and filling. There is a restaurant in the marquee if you fancy something more substantial. If you want a whole day there, I suggest taking a picnic so you don't have to trail back to get food. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Don't forget to visit the small gardens also. Well worth a return visit as it is impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter suggested this as a visit enroute to Drayton Manor Park. It's free entry and very geared up for children with lots of activities for them. It's emotional & peaceful but more than that it's a living memorial.
I did shed a tear at the childrens memorial but it was lovely that the children's play area was at its centre. We had snacks in the cafe, painted wooden soldiers, visited the World War One trench and some personally important memorials to those who fought in the wars. We took a trip on the train going around the park (£5 each) but good value as it gives a commentary on all the memorials. All in all a good visit and I would recommend it to families.
I did shed a tear at the childrens memorial but it was lovely that the children's play area was at its centre. We had snacks in the cafe, painted wooden soldiers, visited the World War One trench and some personally important memorials to those who fought in the wars. We took a trip on the train going around the park (£5 each) but good value as it gives a commentary on all the memorials. All in all a good visit and I would recommend it to families.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit but will not be my last.
Good location, easily found and plenty of parking.
The grounds are having quite a lot of work done but it does seem a constant work in progress. However, despite this, the place is still such a wonder to visit, learn and reflect.
We started to walk around but decided that we would miss too much so decided to go on a guided tour which is on an oversized golf buggy. Really glad we did. Our guide was so knowledgable and passionate.
Left the Memorial feeling very thoughtful, grateful and humbled.
Good location, easily found and plenty of parking.
The grounds are having quite a lot of work done but it does seem a constant work in progress. However, despite this, the place is still such a wonder to visit, learn and reflect.
We started to walk around but decided that we would miss too much so decided to go on a guided tour which is on an oversized golf buggy. Really glad we did. Our guide was so knowledgable and passionate.
Left the Memorial feeling very thoughtful, grateful and humbled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This aberutum is the largest in the uk.it is undergoing huge refurbishment in the form of a brand new visitors centre and the largest memorial is closed at the moment due to a refurb ready for rememberance weekend so this was a little disappointing.however the other memorials are haunting and set in acres of woodlands .lovely walks next to the river are a delight and a series of exhibitions including a mock up of a ww1 trench bring home the reality of war, the " shot at dawn " tribute is particulary moving.
There are large marquees serving hot lunches snacks and drinks a hot cavery will cost you £7.95 so reasonable.a coffee shop serves drinks and an afternoon tea which looked very nice.
A gift shop is on site as well.admission is free as the aberetum is run on donations i believe the car park is £3.00 for the day.there are ample wc facilities and disabled facilities are spread throughout the site.picnic areas are scatterd round the site as well as benches to rest your weary feet.
We toured the site first via the little train service which has a commentry on board this was £5.00 per person well worth it.a buggy and a personal guide are also available i do not know the cost of that service, maps are available too at cost of £3.00 , not worth it in my opinion.a childrens area is on site in the form of pond dipping and woodcraft and painting sesssions.
Staff were friendly and informative
A nice day out, relaxing, sobering,informative and and feet aching
There are large marquees serving hot lunches snacks and drinks a hot cavery will cost you £7.95 so reasonable.a coffee shop serves drinks and an afternoon tea which looked very nice.
A gift shop is on site as well.admission is free as the aberetum is run on donations i believe the car park is £3.00 for the day.there are ample wc facilities and disabled facilities are spread throughout the site.picnic areas are scatterd round the site as well as benches to rest your weary feet.
We toured the site first via the little train service which has a commentry on board this was £5.00 per person well worth it.a buggy and a personal guide are also available i do not know the cost of that service, maps are available too at cost of £3.00 , not worth it in my opinion.a childrens area is on site in the form of pond dipping and woodcraft and painting sesssions.
Staff were friendly and informative
A nice day out, relaxing, sobering,informative and and feet aching
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A peaceful wonderful relaxing place to visit. The snacks can be a little expensive but that aside the activities for children and the learning experience is very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Immensely emotional and peaceful place.
Will definitely return. Lots of nice walks to do - easy to spend most of a day there.
Will definitely return. Lots of nice walks to do - easy to spend most of a day there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
