National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I was recently at the NMA for the unveiling of the Gulf War Memorial. The location of the great place does much to protect the solemness of many unveiling and annual pilgrimages. The site is ever growing and the plans to revitalise the visitors centre are well underway. The Armed Forces centrepiece is undergoing significant work to assist with drainage, something that has plagued the site since its opening. There are memorials to just about anything you can think off, and with site expansion, individuals and groups can site their own memorials, although exact siting and costs would need to be worked out with the NMA. Well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great walks with attentive staff. Thought provoking walking around seeing all those names.
Only down side was the Restaurant however was overpriced for what was on offer.
Only down side was the Restaurant however was overpriced for what was on offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very silent place, it is defienitely worth seeing. Beautiful place full of trees (predominantly oaks). You can use the train for visitation with voiced tour. I only recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had clearly misunderstood what this is about. Thought it would be akin to War Grave sites we have visited elsewhere but surprised to find areas for groups such as Still born babies and road traffic accident victims. Don't have a problem with this , just not what we expected and now wonder what direction this will go in. On the day we met some great volunteers and the cafe provided hot drinks and nice food on a miserable day. After heavy rain quite large parts of the site were under water and access to several memorials not possible. Thankfully we had not gone to see a particular memorial but in the days of websites etc. I thought it would be possible to update the front page to mention this in the same way it currently tells you that the Forces Memorial is closed as other people might have been disappointed. Will return in a few years as the site matures.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited for the arboretum to see my grandads name. There was a big construction taking place but that did not detract from it. On of the most moving memorials was shot at dawn. The menorials are very thoughtfully done and carefully placed to add to the thought provoking moments that you get when you walk around. It is definatly worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went today, very peaceful and time for reflection. we will be visiting again. The guides were very helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The national arboretum what can one say,being just a stones throw from the busy A38
The place is so peaceful.The grounds have been laid out so beautifully and the volunteers are so helpful.Just to,sit and relax or to walk around and take in that people laid down there lives for us and there countries.All donations are put back into the arboretum.A must visit place for one and all.
Many thanks to all that made this such a wonderful place to visit
The place is so peaceful.The grounds have been laid out so beautifully and the volunteers are so helpful.Just to,sit and relax or to walk around and take in that people laid down there lives for us and there countries.All donations are put back into the arboretum.A must visit place for one and all.
Many thanks to all that made this such a wonderful place to visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited for the arboretum to see my grandads name. There was a big construction taking place but that did not detract from it. On of the most moving memorials was shot at dawn. The menorials are very thoughtfully done and carefully placed to add to the thought provoking moments that you get when you walk around. It is definatly worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With over 300 memorials in 150 acres, there was plenty to see. The main memorial was closed for refurbishment but that only gives us a good reason to return. A whole range of emotions are induced humour, awe, poignancy, joy.
Taking the train ride is a good way of establishing an overview and a map is very helpful. The staff are very friendly and the food in the café is wholesome and good value.
Taking the train ride is a good way of establishing an overview and a map is very helpful. The staff are very friendly and the food in the café is wholesome and good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took my 13 year old on a very rainy Saturday, and, even though there was a main part of it closed for refurbishment, it still didn't dampen the day. Staff were welcoming, informative and helpful. There is plenty to see and in 4 hours, we didn't get to see it all, so we will be going back - perhaps when it's a bit warmer! The Japanese POW hut was particularly thought provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took my 13 year old on a very rainy Saturday, and, even though there was a main part of it closed for refurbishment, it still didn't dampen the day. Staff were welcoming, informative and helpful. There is plenty to see and in 4 hours, we didn't get to see it all, so we will be going back - perhaps when it's a bit warmer! The Japanese POW hut was particularly thought provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit. What a place! Even though there are major developments taking place on site and the armed forces memorial was not accessible, we had an amazing afternoon and we will definitely visit again. It has been so well designed and having the land train with a running commentary, golf buggies to aid getting around and well made paths for buggies or wheelchairs it is accessible to all. There is also a dog walk. The chapel carvings of the apostles are amazing - it's a lovely quiet place for reflection, too. It is lovely that visitors are asked for a donation rather than being 'charged' on entry and all the profits from the cafe and gift shop go back into the project. Everything is reasonably priced with prices to suit all pockets. The photo is of the SANDS garden.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been to the NMA about 8 times and every time we find something new or another memorial has been put in place. The whole area is staffed mostly by volunteers and they all do a great job. Will keep going every year with the Ride To The Wall, to pay respects and meet some old friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was the first ever visit with the purpose of attending the unveiling of the memorial remembering the 1991 Gulf War.
An extensive area of land with every imaginable memorial to those that have fallen & survived while serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Unfortunately the Arboretum main building was closed due to building works but most of the services available were installed in semi-permanent soft skinned enclosures.
Wandering the Arboretum made for an informative morning. One did notice the absence of subtle signage to guide the visitor, something that most venues of this nature have. And if you want a map then a simple one that is free should be offered not just the no option £3 glossy map. Unfortunately there was a lack of green jacketed helpers around the grounds to assist in directions if you were 'sans' map.
Being situated in a flat area of land with no shelter it would not be recommended to visit in cold, windy or wet weather.
An extensive area of land with every imaginable memorial to those that have fallen & survived while serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Unfortunately the Arboretum main building was closed due to building works but most of the services available were installed in semi-permanent soft skinned enclosures.
Wandering the Arboretum made for an informative morning. One did notice the absence of subtle signage to guide the visitor, something that most venues of this nature have. And if you want a map then a simple one that is free should be offered not just the no option £3 glossy map. Unfortunately there was a lack of green jacketed helpers around the grounds to assist in directions if you were 'sans' map.
Being situated in a flat area of land with no shelter it would not be recommended to visit in cold, windy or wet weather.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit and it coincided with the dedication of a memorial for the Gulf War. This meant that it was very busy, with many veterans. In a way that added to the poignancy, because we could see that what might be a name on a plaque to us meant so much more, as a comrade, to them. While our services look after us, we should always support a place like this. We found the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial incredibly moving too.
Aside from the meaning of it all, it is a very pleasant space to walk around. Very well kept and, once the new facilities are opened, it will be an even more fitting memorial to our fallen. I wish there were six stars......
Aside from the meaning of it all, it is a very pleasant space to walk around. Very well kept and, once the new facilities are opened, it will be an even more fitting memorial to our fallen. I wish there were six stars......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fascinating place to walk around. You can learn so much from looking at the different memorials and reading the information about them. As a memorial arboretum it is, of course slightly sad - a place for quiet reflection rather than a fun day out, but I would definitely recommend everyone to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have not been to this place since it first opened. It is expanding at a rapid pace and there is more to come with a new building well under construction. Walking around this site makes you think what a previous generation did for us and to be fair present members of the armed forces are still doing. Superb guides couldn't do enough for you. Keep up the high standard
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place of remembrance and quiet contemplation on the horrors of war, man's inhumanity to man and the indomitable spirit to survive. Words cannot do justice so just visit and experience it for yourself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visite a couple of times as some ex colleagues are commemorated within the arboretum and never fail to be moved by the experience. The grounds are large enough to feel comfortable walking around without feeling crowded.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great dog walking path and some lovely sculptures to see lots of places to sit down and absorb the atmosphere. Right on the river Tame so lots of wildlife to keep your eyes open for.
Hubby wanted to see the SAS contributions, however after wandering round the main displays we ended up asking staff for the location...it was tucked away near the end of the do walking path near the river.
Well set out gardens which is still evolving
Hubby wanted to see the SAS contributions, however after wandering round the main displays we ended up asking staff for the location...it was tucked away near the end of the do walking path near the river.
Well set out gardens which is still evolving
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the National Memorial Arboretum several times. It never fails to touch me. Ever changing, new memorials being added. Too much to take in in a day. Staff friendly and professional. Good restaurant and shop. Free entry, you are asked to make a donation. Car parking charges. Check before you go. In case there is a service or special occasion being remembered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been told a lot of good things about this place and decided to visit. We were not disappointed what an amazing and emotional place. It was very moving seeing all the artefacts from all the various conflicts and the areas of memorial to each conflict including different nationalities who served. Of particular interest is part of Burma railway and the history related to it. There is a train which takes you round for a small charge with very informative commentary. There is no admission charge just a car parking fee which is very reasonable. The gardens are beautiful and extremely well maintained. The restaurant has a good range and staff are helpful. All the staff around the area were helpful and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing memorial. Interesting and emotional. Much much larger than expected. Well run, lovely cafe. The actual memorial is undergoing renovation at the moment (Feb16), but the grounds and other memorials arevstill worth seeing!! Recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lovely visit to National Memorial Arboretum, was nice to walk around and reflect. Is impressive the use of space and sections. Will be good when the new visitor centre is completed later this year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I called in just to see what it was all about, I have no real affinity with the military and war but found this whole thing quite moving. It is a respectful and dignified way of celebrating the lives of so many lost souls .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
