National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I have to declare an interest here. I worked at the NMA from before it opened to the public in May 2001 until 2011, setting up the Visitor Centre and administrating the site. It has changed so much over the years but is still a place that gives me a thrill every time I visit. From the largest memorial (the Armed Forces Memorial) to the smallest (one of the pebbles in the SANDS garden recalling a stillborn baby) there is something for everyone to find interesting and to give pause for thought. It's good just to wander where your feet take you or to plan a route to incorporate particular memorials. The Chapel is inspirational, the Special Forces Grove is a tribute to one man's dedication (and beautiful too), and the whole site provides an education whether in history, natural history, geography, art or so many other areas of study. The new Visitor Centre will be open soon and the Armed Forces Memorial should be open again by November but don't wait until then to go. It is a place which will reward many visits through different times of the year. If you don't want it to be too busy when you go it's worth checking the diary on the website to see what's on. And remember to wear appropriate footwear. It's a great place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a unique place , my family were filled with such a sense of pride and gratitude. A peaceful tranquil place far from the hustle and bustle of daily life . Giving each person time to reflect and remember. The facilities are excellent ,easy access to all areas and disabled friendly. Foods good too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a peaceful place, which changes every time you visit. Memorials for an extremely wide range of groups, not just military. Free entry, but small fee to park car.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At the present time there is an extensive programme of what would appear to be reconstruction.
The car park is shingle and does create dust,there is no charge although donations can be given in the shop (Not Obligatory ).
There is no fee to enter,so the car park is left to your conscience.
The site itself is both informative and time consuming,so arrive early.Cafe prices were reasonable.
Ensure you make yourself familiar with their website,as there is a lot of useful information to be had.
The car park is shingle and does create dust,there is no charge although donations can be given in the shop (Not Obligatory ).
There is no fee to enter,so the car park is left to your conscience.
The site itself is both informative and time consuming,so arrive early.Cafe prices were reasonable.
Ensure you make yourself familiar with their website,as there is a lot of useful information to be had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day out for all ages, Very emotional place and thought provoking.
Good restaurant and shop there also.. It's a must for all
Be prepared for a full day there
Good restaurant and shop there also.. It's a must for all
Be prepared for a full day there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We wenyt as a family 2 adults 2 children to the rememberence service last Nov and Christmas carol service which we thoroughly enjoyed for different reasons the memorial day service was very touching and played a fab selection of war songs by a brass band the children of a local school sang .T he carol service was very good played tradional songs for both adults and children outside in the grounds with candles ,onside you can buy refreshments which were to a good standard.You do need to arrive early thou to both events and they are free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a fantastic day at the national memorial so much to see. So much history in the memorials to keep you interested all day. There's a land train to take you around the park.also organised tours for you to follow and all the guides are well up with information about all the different memorials. The grounds plants and trees are all kept beautiful well worth a visit to the historic place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you've never been, go. Very emotional and thought provoking place, especially if there erecting or commemorating a memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As the title says, as a tribute to all those who died, sometimes in horrific circumstances for King/ Queen and country.
A warm welcome at the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café clean and friendly. The grounds and memorials are well laid out and with the help of a map, purchased at the shop I had a tick list of places to see that my family where connected with.
After visiting the stretch of track form the Burma Railway of Death we went into the 'The Far East Prisoners of War' building, it was very moving and when we found a stand of ring fold binders and picked out the one with the initial of an Uncle who died as a POW at the hands of the Japanese I was emotionally shocked when his picture, one I had not seen before and information about him was all there. Fantastic job done by those who have made this information for all to see and to make sure those who died, a long way from home will never be forgotten.
A warm welcome at the visitor centre, shop, toilets and café clean and friendly. The grounds and memorials are well laid out and with the help of a map, purchased at the shop I had a tick list of places to see that my family where connected with.
After visiting the stretch of track form the Burma Railway of Death we went into the 'The Far East Prisoners of War' building, it was very moving and when we found a stand of ring fold binders and picked out the one with the initial of an Uncle who died as a POW at the hands of the Japanese I was emotionally shocked when his picture, one I had not seen before and information about him was all there. Fantastic job done by those who have made this information for all to see and to make sure those who died, a long way from home will never be forgotten.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't give it five stars because that seems crass. It is a memorial after all.
Marvelous memorial and is something to see. The wall of names is just ..well...makes you think.
Place of quiet walks and dignity. Patriots will get it, some it may wash over, but it is a place we all should see. It is not a sad place for a pure visitor, it is gracious. For the affected families I would think, or I hope, it gives great comfort and pride.
Marvelous memorial and is something to see. The wall of names is just ..well...makes you think.
Place of quiet walks and dignity. Patriots will get it, some it may wash over, but it is a place we all should see. It is not a sad place for a pure visitor, it is gracious. For the affected families I would think, or I hope, it gives great comfort and pride.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great day out for young and older generations. Beautiful countryside, lots of activities for children, poignant memorials and celebratory tributes!
Good walking conditions for older visitors. There are land trains for the less mobile visitors and lots of very friendly, well informed staff/volunteers who are only to happy to share their vast knowledge and useful information.
You really need a full day to make the most of it, there are plenty of places to have a picnic and a lovely cafe for snacks and coffee etc.
We didn't give ourselves enough time and missed out on seeing some of the displays. We arrived to late to get to see the replica trenches, will have to visit again.
Very enjoyable day out.
Good walking conditions for older visitors. There are land trains for the less mobile visitors and lots of very friendly, well informed staff/volunteers who are only to happy to share their vast knowledge and useful information.
You really need a full day to make the most of it, there are plenty of places to have a picnic and a lovely cafe for snacks and coffee etc.
We didn't give ourselves enough time and missed out on seeing some of the displays. We arrived to late to get to see the replica trenches, will have to visit again.
Very enjoyable day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting and humbling place to visit. Large open area giving you time and space to walk round and see all the different memorials in peaceful surroundings, allowing time for private reflection. The chapel holds a 2 minute silence at 11 am each day, with some information about the Arboretum. Being updated at present so will definitely go back when finished, to see all the improvements and to see the memorials we didn't get to see, except fleetingly on the land train.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thoroughly enjoyable and informative with memorials situated over an extensive area. We used the Land Train for £5 each which slowly took you around for an hour with commentary given which is an excellent way of seeing a lot plus giving a lot of information that you might not know if walking around. Being updated and improved so the main memorial was out of bounds and is till Nov 2016 but still plenty to see. Staff could not be better in all areas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A huge area with a vast array of special interest memorials and displays, all beautifully kept and presented. An interesting, educational and at times moving experience. Well worth an extended visit if you have the time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The is a very special place to visit to pay respects to the fallen and what they have done for us ... But also serves as a place for young people to learn of the sacrifices of the many service mean and women . It's a tranquil place to sit and take it all in and the chapel is very beautiful. A great place to spend an afternoon reflecting x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff were friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Even though at the moment, the main building is situated in a temporary building the set up is suitable for all. Be prepared to pay for parking, it was only £3.00 yet this is not a place you can get to easily without a car! The grounds and memorials were impressive with seating everywhere to stop and reflect. The only issue I had was the expensive food and drinks. The gift shop sold a bottle of plain water for £1.20 and the cafe sold a bottle of plain water for £1.85, Why?, the two being in the same area. Hot drinks were small, served in paper cups and were expensive for the quality. The milk was fresh but left out on the counter all day. Please consider that you have a captive audience who will require food and/or drinks, please do not make them feel they are being taken advantage of and give them value for money and service.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful tribute and a place to remember the thousand's who gave their all, that we have our freedom in this country today. Beautifully designed gardens of remembrance for every aspect of the two world wars, and the conflicts of today. This is well worth at least a once in a lifetime visit for everyone to remember our fallen countrymen and our allise. "We will remember them".
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived at 9am, had a breakfast buttie and coffee and were ready to go. It was, however, the hottest day of the year and we were prepared. There are a lot of memorials and a lot of walking. On a cooler day, it would have been more pleasant. There is a land train but at a cost. To embrace all, you need to walk, following the guide map. Any war or conflict is an unecessary waste of life and there have been too many in the 20th century.
My saddest feeling was at the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial. I am very anti war (personal reasons) and there is no glory in war. We do/did what we have/had to do. Visit if you care.
Ample parking, easy access from A38.
My saddest feeling was at the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial. I am very anti war (personal reasons) and there is no glory in war. We do/did what we have/had to do. Visit if you care.
Ample parking, easy access from A38.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We ventured south especially to visit this National Memorial and we weren't disappointed. It is a very moving, peaceful and somewhere to reflect on the sorrow that has created the Arboretum. With over 300 monuments you will need a full day to cover it and then you might need an extra day to see what you have missed. Food and drinks are available and reasonably priced. There are small trains that cover some of the acreage and I would suggest that you ride them for a small fee. Our driver Craig was a breath of fresh air and knowledgable, in fact he made our experience and we felt he should be acknowledged for his work. All the volunteers and staff of all sections should be mentioned as they are all a credit to the Arboretum. A very but sad experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went today 17/7/16 had been a few times for the rttw from the first ride but never really got to walk and look around because of being so busy so went today .It really was a moving experience and surprise to see so many people and so many memorials for so many different conflicts and people who served in so many different ways to keep this nation of ours safe . The staff there are really friendly and helpful and all I can say is I bow my head and say thank you for your tomorrow you gave your today .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here on a lovely hot Sunday. Car parking is £3 and it is free to enter. Maps for the various trails can be purchased at £3 or a guidebook for £6 or if you do not want to walk there is a land train which takes you around the main memorials for £5 per adult and lasts for around 40 minutes. We did this and found the tour very informative so that once done we could retrace our steps to see some of the memorials again.
It's an incredibly poignant place, really well thought out and planned with something for all ages.
The main memorial is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen in Autumn 2016
It's an incredibly poignant place, really well thought out and planned with something for all ages.
The main memorial is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen in Autumn 2016
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent!
It was a day of fun!
It had:
. trenches
. Train
. Buggie tours
. Walks
. Dog walks
. Art projects
. Cafe
. Gift shop
. Memorial's (obviously)
. Children's play area
And best of all the people and the vibe!
Thank you!
It was a day of fun!
It had:
. trenches
. Train
. Buggie tours
. Walks
. Dog walks
. Art projects
. Cafe
. Gift shop
. Memorial's (obviously)
. Children's play area
And best of all the people and the vibe!
Thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited as my father had always wanted to visit, he had done his national service in the 1950's and ended up being caught in the maw maw uprising.
We arrived as recommended, about 9.30am, so it was relatively quiet, we parked across the road and were trusted to donate £3 in the visitors centre for the only charge they make, entry is free. We were a little disappointed initially as building work has not finished on the actual visitors centre and the centre piece memorial, these won't be open till November.
We had a drink then commenced to walk round the lovely and well maintained site.
After 3 hours we still had not seen it all and I can only say we were deeply moved at the whole experience. What a truly fitting place it is and when finished will be fantastic.
We left about 2pm and it was very busy in the cafe/visitors centre and around the walkways, so I would advise to arrive early to get the most out of the site.
There were plenty of volunteers on site to help and answer questions which was really good and I thank them for the time they give.
Not everybody's cup of tea, but well worth a visit and I challenge anyone not to be humbled after there visit and thankful for the men and women who gave the utmost sacrifice for this country.
We arrived as recommended, about 9.30am, so it was relatively quiet, we parked across the road and were trusted to donate £3 in the visitors centre for the only charge they make, entry is free. We were a little disappointed initially as building work has not finished on the actual visitors centre and the centre piece memorial, these won't be open till November.
We had a drink then commenced to walk round the lovely and well maintained site.
After 3 hours we still had not seen it all and I can only say we were deeply moved at the whole experience. What a truly fitting place it is and when finished will be fantastic.
We left about 2pm and it was very busy in the cafe/visitors centre and around the walkways, so I would advise to arrive early to get the most out of the site.
There were plenty of volunteers on site to help and answer questions which was really good and I thank them for the time they give.
Not everybody's cup of tea, but well worth a visit and I challenge anyone not to be humbled after there visit and thankful for the men and women who gave the utmost sacrifice for this country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic place to visit and explore with friends. More than just military remembrance and loads to see and do. You could come back several times and still not see it all. A surprise round every corner. Well worth the trip to see it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Straight off I will say - this is one of the most wonderful places in the UK I have ever visited. Such a fitting place of remembrance to people lost across the vast spectrum of life.
The arboretum is laid out over a vast space and is evidently going to be a constant work in progress as it evolves. Although the emphasis to the national memorial is centred on the armed forces there are memorials all different types of organisations and events that impact widely on society.
It was disappointing that on our visit that the main memorial was closed for renovation, but I understand hat there will be no convenient time for these works to be done. Likewise the building work of the main entrance diminishes the initial impression of the place, but I'm sure it'll be impressive when finished. However, none of this diminished the impact the arboretum had. I spent a whole day there & will need to go back as I feel I didn't see enough or spend enough time appreciating the individual memorials.
I would recommend the land train as it allows you to find out about a lot of the memorials and gain a sense of the lay out of the arboretum.
People have commented on various costs for a so-called 'free' venue, but apart from a possible £3 parking charge you are under no obligation to give any more money. If you can afford it I don't think it's unreasonable to make a donation of the suggested £5. It is well worth it. What people must remember is the phrase - NO obligation. You can enjoy this venue free if you so choose.
I would urge anyone with an interest in the military to pay a visit. I know I will be back.
The arboretum is laid out over a vast space and is evidently going to be a constant work in progress as it evolves. Although the emphasis to the national memorial is centred on the armed forces there are memorials all different types of organisations and events that impact widely on society.
It was disappointing that on our visit that the main memorial was closed for renovation, but I understand hat there will be no convenient time for these works to be done. Likewise the building work of the main entrance diminishes the initial impression of the place, but I'm sure it'll be impressive when finished. However, none of this diminished the impact the arboretum had. I spent a whole day there & will need to go back as I feel I didn't see enough or spend enough time appreciating the individual memorials.
I would recommend the land train as it allows you to find out about a lot of the memorials and gain a sense of the lay out of the arboretum.
People have commented on various costs for a so-called 'free' venue, but apart from a possible £3 parking charge you are under no obligation to give any more money. If you can afford it I don't think it's unreasonable to make a donation of the suggested £5. It is well worth it. What people must remember is the phrase - NO obligation. You can enjoy this venue free if you so choose.
I would urge anyone with an interest in the military to pay a visit. I know I will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
