National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Never tire of visiting this magnificent monument, a very special place,not going to add a lot more,suffice to say that I can and do recommend a visit, don't think once you've been that's it as there is ALWAYS something new.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arrival on site met by meet & greet staff o/s reception who gave a brief history of site & asked if we were there to see any special Memorial. They polite & informative.
We entered reception & then went to the road train as it was our first visit we thought it best to get an outline of the site.After train tour we went to the Chapel for the 2 minute silence & talk about site history.We enjoyed a very nice lunch in the Pavilion restaurant.
I would recommend the road train trip for anyone with walking problems Or on first visit to site.
Admission to site is by CASH Donation.
We entered reception & then went to the road train as it was our first visit we thought it best to get an outline of the site.After train tour we went to the Chapel for the 2 minute silence & talk about site history.We enjoyed a very nice lunch in the Pavilion restaurant.
I would recommend the road train trip for anyone with walking problems Or on first visit to site.
Admission to site is by CASH Donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice place with exceptionally helpful staff. Long walks surrounded by memorials to services charity organisations individual groups. With stories and poetry which serve to paint the picture of the group or event the memorial has been placed for. There is a land train to help people get around an see the whole memorial. We tried to walk it all but never managed it. However it is definitely a place we will revisit.
BRILLIANT
BRILLIANT
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent the day here with my good mate. We made a point of visiting as many memorials as we could. This is certainly a place showing respect for the many lives lost in protecting this great country we freely live in. A worthy place to visit which starts in the chapel with a short introduction followed by a 2 minute silence. The army of volunteers working here do a fantastic job and are extremely helpful. The grounds are kept in perfect condition and the site is well signposted. It has a cafe on site which serves freshly cooked food at a reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place & although it's sometimes very busy, there's always quiet areas & there are new memorials added nearly every year. It is a lovely place in which to contemplate those who have given their lives for their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the NMA the day before a ceremony which we were taking part in. We found the volunteers very helpful and can't believe there is no entry charge - but there is a donation box. The train ride is well worth it at £5 pp. We will certainly visit it again as there is so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband was a long serving TA member so this was really his trip but I also found it to be brill.
We took the land train first and it was so interesting I managed to stay quiet for whole time 45-60 minutes. We think it not only gives u wonderful information but gives u some idea of bearings. However some things were still a lot nearer than we thought.
We found the statues/memorials we wanted to see next then walked around seeing what ever came next.
It was a lovely traquial place!
All staff were helpful and not pushy to buy maps etc.
We were there 11-3 but could hav spent much longer.
We took the land train first and it was so interesting I managed to stay quiet for whole time 45-60 minutes. We think it not only gives u wonderful information but gives u some idea of bearings. However some things were still a lot nearer than we thought.
We found the statues/memorials we wanted to see next then walked around seeing what ever came next.
It was a lovely traquial place!
All staff were helpful and not pushy to buy maps etc.
We were there 11-3 but could hav spent much longer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's a pity it was forecast to rain heavy, and it started shortly after arrival, and of course being 150 acre open air location, it curtails your visit somewhat.
The main 'Armed Forces Memorial' is closed for almost a year, so you can't get to see that, but there are dozens of memorials to individual regiments, squadrons, naval groups, and employers that lost members of staff (mainly in WWI) and lots of trees planted to honour individual people.
It would have been nice to wander around the entire memorial park, weather permitting.
It is free entry, but £3 car parking.
The main 'Armed Forces Memorial' is closed for almost a year, so you can't get to see that, but there are dozens of memorials to individual regiments, squadrons, naval groups, and employers that lost members of staff (mainly in WWI) and lots of trees planted to honour individual people.
It would have been nice to wander around the entire memorial park, weather permitting.
It is free entry, but £3 car parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my Mum and sister and we had the most wonderful time. Josie and Collette from the shop were very informative about the new building being built and also all the different things to see. Thank you both for helping us to Mae the most of our day. We were able to hire a buggy and a guide called Roger who again was so informative throughout our tour. This suited my Mum perfectly as she cannot walk very far. There are plenty of memorials to see and you will not fail to feel the emotion that this Memorial Arboretum provokes. It's not just about the military but about lots of civilians too and steeped in history and remebrance. we also got to meet Mike who tends to part of the gardens and is fundraising for a new memorial called "Peggy" which is a statue of three spitfires a model of which he has made and put on display. Please donate as this will look fantastic when finished he was truly inspirational. we are already planning our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place everyone should go to to learn about how others have given up so much for us today. There are over 300 memorials to all sorts of organisations not just military If don't feel like walking, there is transport around the site. At present there is a lot of new building going on but it will be finished by November 2016 but it's no problem getting round at present and all the services are there.Be aware hot food is not served until Noon but it's good when you get it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting place to visit. I am in a wheelchair at the moment, and we found it easy to get around. There are little trains that can accomodate wheelchairs too, because the area is quite large . There are disabled toilets too , with easy access to the cafeterias also. The monuments were lovely, in lovely gardens too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A vast complex comprising memorial gardens dedicated to many organisations...not only military ones.
Hundreds of species of trees sensitively planted.A road "train" with the ability to carry wheelchairs.
Good cafes..also picnic areas
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Hundreds of species of trees sensitively planted.A road "train" with the ability to carry wheelchairs.
Good cafes..also picnic areas
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely, thought provoking place that trys to involve children, help them understand their past. The train ride is well worth it. The gardens are always changing with news ones being created
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A vast area with multiple memorials to many campaigns. Enthusiastic knowledgeable guides
A touching tribute to many brave souls both military and civilian. New resturant under construction. Land train ride with commentary worth a go. Mostly flat if you like a walk also.
Free entry with voluntary contribution to royal British Legion who run it.
A touching tribute to many brave souls both military and civilian. New resturant under construction. Land train ride with commentary worth a go. Mostly flat if you like a walk also.
Free entry with voluntary contribution to royal British Legion who run it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having visited on numerous occasions it never fails to impress! Grows and expands which is so nice to see. Free to visit apart from parking so more to spend in the gift shop and cafe and of course to leave a donation! I love it here!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited with my parents and a beautiful sunny day. Easy to find, clearly signed and parking is only £3. The arboretum is very flat which makes it a comfortable stroll, although there are land trains available if required. It is very tranquil, well maintained and a fitting tribute. I would recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Attended as a standard bearer for the unveiling of the Cyprus Stone Memorial in relation to the Cyprus Emergency in the 1950's
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National Memorial Arboretum is honestly a MUST for every person. It has been planned out with care and tenderness - words cannot describe the feeling roused in one when walking around the site
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not too sure what I was expecting - having been very moved by memorials in other parts of the world, and fully appreciating the horrors of war and the sacrifice made by so many, but regrettably the National Memorial Arboretum, although offering an interesting visit, did not really resonate with me.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy to find and parking is very good at £3. There are many volunteers working very hard here and they are all so friendly and very helpful. Sadly the Armed Forces Memorial was closed off to the public for some much needed renovation, so cannot comment, but will return to see it. The arboretum is spread over a very large area so be warned and wear comfortable walking shoes! Also, the WW1 trench is right at the edge of the Site! It is well signposted but the signs could do with indicating how farcyou have to walk! Very hard going in hot or rainy weather. There is a wonderful road train that take you around most of the site and the information on all of the memorials is really good. Finally the food There is of a good standard. A good 4 hours spent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being an Aussie, I was incredibly moved by the thought and dedication that has gone into this place. My wife and I walked the grounds instead of taking one of the guided train tours and I have to recommend this as you get to take in so much more. Almost every single tree that is planted on the site has a memorial plaque by it to commemorate someone that has been lost in conflict. Try and get there before 11am to take part in the daily 2 minute silence in the chapel and be treated to a wonderful insight to the centres history and how it came to be. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few tears upon reading some of the stories as you explore the grounds. It's truly a fantastic place and well done to the volunteers who keep this place going.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took some friends to the Arboretum last week for the first time. What an amazing place. My friend and I attended the 11.00 memorial service in the Chapel. Not a religious service; they play The Last Post followed by 2 minutes silence, then the Reveille. After, one of the volunteers gave a 15 minute talk about the Arboretum. We then went for a 45 minute ride on the land train (£5) which is the ideal way to get your bearings. We then wandered around the memorials, stopping for lunch and later a cup of tea. We will definitely go back, probably time and time again as new memorials are added and definitely when the Armed Forces Memorial is re-opened later this year. Pick your day carefully though, it is all outdoors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fantastic day out! If you are into memorials of any sort, this is the place to go! Over 300 of them in great grounds! I went for a specific reason and found what i was looking for, my fathers name in the Far East Prisoner of War exhibit. Will have to go again when all the building work is done to see the new visitor centre and the Armed Forces memorial which was undergoing restoration work.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was not sure what to expect, described as the UK's Living Centre of Remembrance.
150 acres, with much woodland. featuring individual memorials to military and non military associations. events and organisations.
Once inside, we took the train ride, which is highly recommended, to see the many memorials, and there are also golf style buggies to explore the site, if not I would expect around 3 hours to walk around!
What struck me is the tranquility, and the well designed memorials have been thought out and are symbolic of what they commemorate.
Admission is free, car parking £3, so we spent well in the cafe and shop to support this truly worthwhile place. Friendly staff, many of whom are volunteers
150 acres, with much woodland. featuring individual memorials to military and non military associations. events and organisations.
Once inside, we took the train ride, which is highly recommended, to see the many memorials, and there are also golf style buggies to explore the site, if not I would expect around 3 hours to walk around!
What struck me is the tranquility, and the well designed memorials have been thought out and are symbolic of what they commemorate.
Admission is free, car parking £3, so we spent well in the cafe and shop to support this truly worthwhile place. Friendly staff, many of whom are volunteers
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite there being hundreds of visitors, the 150 acres gave space for everyone, whether in quiet contemplation or in viewing some of the larger monuments. There are not only memorials for military organisations, but also individuals, or other organisations. This is a most moving experience. We've been twice in the past three weeks and spent six hours walking around by ourselves as a couple and then again with friends. All the memorials have been thoughtfully designed, using appropriate trees (oak for merchant seamen, chestnut for police, etc. The 'Shot at Dawn' memorial placed in the eastern part where the sun first rises, so much meaning and symbolism. The little train ride around with commentary give a good first impression overview. Also recommend the 11am two minute silence followed by a 15 minute introductory talk in the chapel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
