National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Excellent site, recommend booking on Land Train for a tour of site with commentary. Car park a fair distance from site, suggest take elderly to site before parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great fresh food obviously cooked on site - choice of restaurant in marquee or snack in visitor centre.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived knowing virtually nothing about the Arboretum except what we'd seen on news reports. What an experience. The site is massive - 150 acres with over 300 major memorials, not just military but all sorts. We took a buggy tour rather than the train ride as you get a member of staff ( volunteer) who gives you a personal ride round the site. Our guide (Mark) was great fun, knew all sorts of interesting facts and anecdotes about the memorials and we saw things we hadn't expected. The cafe is excellent and the whole site is well tended and obviously respected by everyone who visits. Everyone should come here at least once in their life, but to see it all will take at least two days. The far east prisoner of war museum is a must. Brilliant day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely place to visit, a bit emotional at times.
Beautifully set out credit to the workers.Everyone helpful.
An eye opener as to how many people have actually lost there lives for this country.
Beautifully set out credit to the workers.Everyone helpful.
An eye opener as to how many people have actually lost there lives for this country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here as a group - some people walked around but because of limited mobility, my husband and I took the little train around the site. There is a good commentary and we learnt such a lot. The place is kept beautiful and deserves a full days visit. The eating facilities looked good but we have booked a pub lunch for the group later. Will definitely visit it again - so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really moving Day out.The memorials are many and varied. A more fitting tribute to those that have died in all walks of life could not be found.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a really interesting and moving experience for all the family. The facilities are really good although at the time of our visit they are carrying out extensive refurbishments. The parking is by voluntary contributions and there is a decent walk from the main car park so sensible shoe / trainers for this day out, you do a lot of walking. The Arboretum is well laid out and memorials are growing here by the day so there's lots to see and reflect on. The main walls of remembrance are very moving and don't forget to find the gap where the sun falls through on the 11th Hour of the 11th Day. The best way to see the venue is via the land train which takes you round the Arboretum on a very enlightening commentary ride which takes around an hour cost is £5 for adults but well worth it. The cafe is good and is also reasonably priced we had hot chocolate and cream teas mid afternoon. There is a gift shop and again reasonably priced souvenirs of your visit we bought the Arboretum T shirts at £13. Id like to think you could see it all in one day but to be honest you could spend much longer there. Dont forget to visit the Burma Star exhibition and be at the Naval memorial last thing to get the sun setting on the red memorial glass, the place closes at 17:15 which is a shame because we would have stayed much longer
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Driving home from holiday and noticed National Memorial Arboratum was close by and decided to visit....so pleased we did!!! What am amazing place, no words can describe it. Peaceful, respectful .... so moving! So much to see, wanted to spend time at each memorial...What an amazing place acres and acres of different War Memorials set out in a beautiful location. Lots of ex-soldiers paying their respects all proudly wearing their medals. Old soldiers marching proudly with their flags (colours) fluttering in the wind. So very moving. Even a chapter of bikers also paying their respects. There were little gardens for lots of different things including one very special to me which was the SANDS one dedicated to those of us who have experienced still births.....still just as raw 37 years later. Such a special place. People have left stones...little rocks there with their baby's name on...so poignant....we didn't know and plan to make a stone memorial ourselves and take it sometime next year. When you have had a still born baby, especially all those years ago there wasn't anywhere we could have any memorial...except in our hearts. Such a special and unexpected visit.
One surprising thing was that there wasn't wheelchair access to The Wall and we saw two disappointed wheelchair users unable to get close.
One surprising thing was that there wasn't wheelchair access to The Wall and we saw two disappointed wheelchair users unable to get close.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautifully designed and fitting tribute to the hundreds of people who have contributed to this country's rich history in both war time and peace. Ancient and modern memorials set in admirably laid out parkland. Easy access for all visitors, with good facilities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
They have made excellent alternative arrangements whilst the building is being demolished and rebuilt. Won't finish till autumn 2016. Huge marquee has small shop and coffee shop .. But better after 11 am is the lunch and tea marquee ... Walk through entrance past chapel ( still standing) and down need the little train that can take you around the 150 acres. Food is good ... Freshly prepared and proceeds to the arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place, massive, serene and immaculately kept.
We had a coffee in the Cafe before we started our walk around the Arboretum, there were many elderly veterans around wearing their medals with pride and enjoying a chat with fellow comrades - lovely to see them re-living their memories.
We walked around the Arboretum for over two hours and were amazed at the large number of Memorials, various sizes, shapes and for regiments far and wide as well as UK.
The towering glory is of course the National Memorial, it takes your breath away to see the thousands of names carved into the surrounding walls, the Bronze statues are spectacular..
The area is bounded at the far end by the River Tame which is nice to walk alongside and observe the birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
As we were making our way back to the car park we were alerted to the sound of an aircraft and there coming over low was a magnificent Sptifire! The aircraft carried out six or seven swoops of the site in varying positions including some fast dives and pull-ups, we later learned that the Spitfire had been arranged by the Veterans Association who were holding a get-together on the day, we chose a good day to visit - including the weather!
Parking (£3 al day) is available on site, there is also a large car park just across the road.
Entry to the Arboretum is free but a suggested £5 per person is very reasonable for the experience.
We had a coffee in the Cafe before we started our walk around the Arboretum, there were many elderly veterans around wearing their medals with pride and enjoying a chat with fellow comrades - lovely to see them re-living their memories.
We walked around the Arboretum for over two hours and were amazed at the large number of Memorials, various sizes, shapes and for regiments far and wide as well as UK.
The towering glory is of course the National Memorial, it takes your breath away to see the thousands of names carved into the surrounding walls, the Bronze statues are spectacular..
The area is bounded at the far end by the River Tame which is nice to walk alongside and observe the birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
As we were making our way back to the car park we were alerted to the sound of an aircraft and there coming over low was a magnificent Sptifire! The aircraft carried out six or seven swoops of the site in varying positions including some fast dives and pull-ups, we later learned that the Spitfire had been arranged by the Veterans Association who were holding a get-together on the day, we chose a good day to visit - including the weather!
Parking (£3 al day) is available on site, there is also a large car park just across the road.
Entry to the Arboretum is free but a suggested £5 per person is very reasonable for the experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An emotional and thought provoking visit; have joined NMA branch of Royal British Legion as a result. Will be a regular visitor despite finding public transport a challenge.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Cafe in first temporary marquee, main restaurant though worth walking to. Despite being a marquee ... Well laid out and warm ... Great fresh food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must for every respectful Brit and none respectful, The NMA makes you think how lucky we are for these heroes who fought and gave their lives for our future
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made me feel so proud to be here but at the same time humbled by the sacrifices made by so many. We visited with friends but did not expect what we saw and experienced. To see so many names (including Lee Rigby) signifying all those that had died in the line of duty SINCE 1945 was tear jerking for many of the visitors. The scary thing was how much space is still there for names from on-going conflicts. I hope that no more names appear..
The overall visit is an amazing experience to take in not only with the overall park itself with the hundred plus different memorials, but also the learning experience being in itself an education as to our fragile existence.
The sculptures on show are amazing, the windows that emit sunlight at the 11th hour are beautiful as indeed are the acres of grounds. There is no entrance charge (have to pay for parking though) but they do ask for a voluntary donation. The suggestion is a fiver which many people might not be able to afford and instead tend to leave without donating at all rather than perhaps being embarrassed at the collection point. Just saying is all but overall, a thought provoking, humbling yet wonderful experience.
The overall visit is an amazing experience to take in not only with the overall park itself with the hundred plus different memorials, but also the learning experience being in itself an education as to our fragile existence.
The sculptures on show are amazing, the windows that emit sunlight at the 11th hour are beautiful as indeed are the acres of grounds. There is no entrance charge (have to pay for parking though) but they do ask for a voluntary donation. The suggestion is a fiver which many people might not be able to afford and instead tend to leave without donating at all rather than perhaps being embarrassed at the collection point. Just saying is all but overall, a thought provoking, humbling yet wonderful experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been wanting to visit for some time and took the opportunity whilst staying on a short break about 30 minutes drive away. What a wonderful setting this memorial is in. It is a peaceful setting in which both large and small memorials are sensitively set out.
Because of the vastness of the site it is obviously beneficial to visit in fair weather but having said this there is a land train that takes you around most of the sight for the reasonable price of £5. We spent approximately two and a half hours at the memorial including about half an hour on the land train. Well worth a visit.
Because of the vastness of the site it is obviously beneficial to visit in fair weather but having said this there is a land train that takes you around most of the sight for the reasonable price of £5. We spent approximately two and a half hours at the memorial including about half an hour on the land train. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing place that I am almost at a loss to find the words to describe just how moved I was by it. One thing is for sure, you need more than one visit to do it justice. No entry fee, reliant on donations and volunteers to help run it, this alone should shame our Government. It is a vast, but beautifully landscaped place, with many many tributes covering many conflicts and some not related to conflict such as the very moving garden dedicated to SANDS, the many pebbles decorated and left there in memory of babies who had died made me cry. There is a memorial to 9/11, small and alone but nonetheless extremely powerful, The small town in which I live lost a young man in Afghanistan and we were very able to find his name on the main war memorial and pay our respects. We took the train ride around at a cost of £5 and this took around 45 mins and was very informative and well worth the money, especially if walking any distance is a problem. There were also golf buggies that volunteers were driving some of the more elderly and infirm visitors around in, but the whole area is very accessible both to the fully able and those that need varying degrees of assistance. Refreshments are well priced and excellent quality, Sunday carvery was £7-95 and it was a pleasant surprise not to be ripped off which sadly is often the case when visiting some attractions. All the staff, mostly volunteers, were all, without exception, extremely friendly, knowledgeable and happy. We were lucky that we had such perfect weather for our visit which allowed us to fully explore the grounds. This is somewhere everyone should try and visit and one message on one memorial said it all " Freedom does not come free"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we must not forget those who fell for us a very reflective day out not sad but emotional .The land train very good takes about 1 hour and points out areas of interest that you can go back to ,NO cash machines at the venue cash is needed for donations and train.Lots walking good shoes required and coat on cold day.Well worth visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This our history and should be visited @ least once in your lifetime. These men, women, children and animals are the reason we are all here today. It is a wonderful, uplifting, inspiring place and a visit should be made mandatory in the school curriculum. It is easily accessible for everyone and is very humbling. Well set out with some wonderful views, plenty of seating to enable you to contemplate the view and the stories. Fabulous!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A most wonderful place we visit in rememberance of all our Naval friends through the years. Yesterday we visited to dedicate an Oak tree and bench for HMS Plymouth which served with honour in the Falklands war.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant day out for any age lots to take in and such a peaceful location.
Think that the staff here are full of information if you have any questions about anything. Just a wonderful way of reflecting on things and remembering .
Think that the staff here are full of information if you have any questions about anything. Just a wonderful way of reflecting on things and remembering .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the Memorial after many months of having it on our wish list. Was pleased to find that the car park was free after reading that its was £3.00 to park. On enquiring was told that there was an honesty box for people to make a car park donation. Arrived in time for the 11 o'clock Last Post service in the Chapel when we given in insight into the best way to visit the various memorials. Purchased a guide book which was invaluable. Although being in our late 70's decided that we would walk rather than take the train and found no difficulty in getting around. Planned our tour so that we could be back to the restaurant for a bit of lunch, which was most enjoyable and reasonably priced. Continued our tour after lunch and following the guide book we found our way around. I particularly wanted to visit the memorial of the Regiment in which I served my National Service. I also wanted to find the name of a comrade who was later lost his life on active service. The Wall of Remembrance is impressive and very poignant and after a search found his name.
It is a place that I feel everybody should visit if only to see how so many people sacrificed their lives in order that we can live as we are today.
It is a place that I feel everybody should visit if only to see how so many people sacrificed their lives in order that we can live as we are today.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Arboretum a number of years ago when it first opened, and saw that it was going to be a lovely place as the plants and trees settled in and grew. Visiting again it was interesting to see the way the place has progressed; there are many more monuments and it is a wonderful place to visit. The large monument to the members of the armed forces who have died since the end of WWII is very impressive, but I particularly liked some of the smaller monuments, such as the one to the Land Girls and to the merchants seamen. To someone who has never visited, I would describe it as a park that makes you reflect. A very inspiring place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fantastic place to visit. Such a beautiful and well kept place and very very humbling. Just breathtaking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was surprised, so many memorials to so many people and not just the forces. The police, the fire brigade , SANDS, so many organisations and charities remembered, lots of work going on, lots of walking, but there is a 'train' to take you round the main areas, there is no fee to get in, car park is £3, and they suggest donations of £5 each .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
