National Memorial Arboretum

4.9/5 based on 11455 reviews
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This is a little gem, with so much past history that we may tend to forget about. The dedication on how this place is run and the events that take place is amazing. On a more sombre note, the exhibition on how POW's in WWII were treated is just sobering and your hearts go out to them all. Such an informative place.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My wife and myself visited the site on a very busy Sunday, we found a large car park near the welcome centre. On entering we were greeted by a very polite and enthusiastic member of staff who explained how we could see the whole park and find all the areas of interest to us.
We took a ride on the land train
( To be recommended ) which takes you around the full park with commentary so not to miss anything.
After our ride we set off on foot to spend moor time in the areas that meant something to us.
Even though there is a lot of work going on at the moment 14/2/2016 the park is still a beautiful and peaceful area.
Most of the pathways look to be in good condition and there seems to be plenty of ramp access for disabled visitors.
We had our lunch in a temporary restaurant, the food was hot and tasty and I believe the whole experience will improve when the building work has finished. The plans looked great !
We are looking forward to revisiting the Arboretum in the future when next in the area
We highly recommend a visit.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Can't wait to go back. I understand a lot of work has been done since my visit including the cafe area.
Such a very interesting day anyway. Particularly moved by the memories in the Japanese section.
So very well worth a visit for everyone, including school children.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is brilliant. Everyone should visit it. It is quite sobering, yet without any morbidity. The exhibitions are informative.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a marvellous memorial to our war dead. But also people who worked behind the scenes during the war, including the land army girls. The is also a section for children who have died front cancer and other illnesses.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a buetiful place and wonderful tribute to selfless people
I took my friends for a day and found it fascinating and peaseful I will go back as there is more to dwell upon
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Only had an hour and a half but was impressed by the quality and variety of memorials across wonderful landscapes.

Good luck with the fundraising for an impressive looking visitor centre.

Well worth a visit.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We hadn't heard of this Arboretum and were totally delighted to be introduced to it. Being of a certain age we had a take a train round large parts of the site. The commentary was informative and enjoyable. I cannot praise enough the ideas of the people who created this area and the work of the people who are developing the whole scheme. Also being of a certain age and qualifying for some of categories I myself was very moved at the stories. There were tears in my eyes at the end of this tour. God willing I intend to make more visits to this spot which changes spectacularly with the seasons. Fantastic and emotional.
.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Me & my boyfriend visited here on Valentine's Day, it was such a lovely, peaceful place with such amazing views. It is in a good location because it is right next to the River Trent, which proved for a lovely walk. Would recommend for a peaceful day out!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We visited about 3 weeks ago. Been looking forward to it so much. The main memorial (the big one) was closed but hey ho. Maintenance/refurbishment needs doing. The first thing one has to do, of course, after paying parking charges and an entrance fee disguised as a 'donation' is to pay £2-50p for a totally useless and way out of date site map. The site maps got to be a good 3 or more years out of date. 25% or more of the memorials aren't mentioned on the map at all. Really nice, thought provoking place. But no-where near as good as it's hype makes out. Even the gift shop is full of overpriced cheap tat. Thought I was in Rhyll! The only memorable bit was the pasty I had in the café. That brings me to my worse gripe. The tables in the café were filthy with old food and dirt. The tops of the tables get a wipe (I presume) but any old food and dirt drops between the slats and stays there. This place could be so amazing but a change of management may be worth considering. All in all, a little bit of a disappointment.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have visited the Arboretum several times and it is a very thought provoking place. Not sure if it should be classed as an attraction but a place of tranquil surroundings and a place to honour our fallen heroes.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Just simply breathtaking, quiet a perfect example of what the British do well,if you are ex military then this place is a must see.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this place, tranquil surroundings, meaningful place to visit and just in my doorstep, nice way to spend a day
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another moving visit to the NMA - always moving and you learn something new every time. A must see for all.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have served for over 25 years in the regular army like my father before me and grandfather before him. I first visited in 2014 and have gone back on at east 10 occasions since, discovering something new and special each visit. I have four children aged 5 -14 and they have never once been bored. Moving, serene, peaceful and very beautiful I recommend you visit at least once in your life. I particularly love the stories that you can pick up along the way about the individuals that made this special place so special and especially the sacrifices they made for us. Whether it is historic conflicts and campaigns that interest you r something more modern, there is something there for everyone. easy parking, a fantastic café (currently under construction to improve and develop) and enough space to catch a quiet area if you simply want to relax, the whole site is extremely impressive. Not forgetting the staff who are all volunteers and are very approachable and friendly, they will steer you in the direction you may need to go. I now visit regularly about once a month however the best day to visit without a doubt is the Armed Forces Day celebrations - keep up the amazing work and thank you.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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An extremely well organised and well laid out site, each area has it's own character, it's own story to tell and it is humbling to see the commitment and sacrifices made by our fathers and forefathers "least we forget". It is always cold at the Arboretum but do not let that put you off.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We visited this on a quiet January Friday, it wasn't busy with visitors but we still enjoyed the day. It is very much work in progress but still a lot to see,very good for wheelchairs etc,It is a huge place with numerous memorials covering all conflicts,you cannot fail to be moved by the atrocities that mankind have made on mankind.
The far east p.o.w. museum was very moving and interesting,even though we believe it will be good for children i think very small ones will be bored.the cafe was fine but a little pricey for hot drinks in cardboard cups ,(over £2 for small coffee)then again u don't mind so much as it goes to help run the place.well worth a visit
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We visited the National Memorial Arboretum as we were staying nearby and it is a place that I defy you not to be moved by. The central hill with the names of those who have their lives for us is beautiful but the statues in the centre are so moving, I had tears in my eyes.

Everyone should visit at least once.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having served my country it was so nice to see how well the National memorial Arboretum was maintained. They are just building a new visitors Center that will be ready this year. I think when you walk around it lets you reflect and realise just how much others gave for us. It is a very worth while place to go and also for schools to take children so they never forget our past. It has wonderful cafes and a shop that sells Royal British legion memorabilia. Take a trip remember our fallen and let's all learn from the past so the present can be a better place for our children and their children to live.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Lots to look at - went during a week day and it was lovey and quiet and peaceful. Had Really Helpful staff and nothing was too much trouble. Restaurant serves
Hot drinks / cold food / hot food. Can imagine it would be beautiful in the summer and on a snowy day!!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Definitely worth a visit, it makes a lovely walk with plenty of opportunity to pause and think. The main car park is a little bit of a walk away so check if you're going with anyone who struggles with mobility.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the NMA several times now and always find something different. A remarkable tribute to those who have served and a place that you can visit again and again
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful place to visit for a whole day or just to pop in for coffee. There is something for everyone, trails and clues for children. A road train for those with mobility problems ( and those that like the ride). The 'Shot at Dawn' memorial is visited as part of the schools' GCSE syllabus and moves me to tears every time. The history is amazing. My Dad found a memorial to his boy entrants from over 59 years ago, he cried to read the names, he didn't know it was there.
The scenery and peace is breathtaking a wonderful place to walk everyday, and any day.

There is also a reasonably priced gift shop and restaurant. I pop in there while my car is serviced or MOT'd by Neale at Alrewas motors, another excellent service on my doorstep.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent two half days visiting the Memorial, we could have spent longer if we wanted to. There is more to this than meets the eye and well worth a visit to make you realise that there are memorials for those who were a part of conflict that you wouldn't have though of.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I could spend days at a time here and always find something new on each visit. As an ex-serving soldier of 23 years I'm glad we have a place like this.....
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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