National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
There are many hidden treasures at the National Arboretum, and as a veteran myself it was a place that I had to visit. It is a place of remembrance and is wonderfully laid out as a memorial to our fallen comrades.
I was surprised to see just how many memorials there are and just the massive size of the grounds. It is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
We found that it was virtually impossible to get around all of it in just one visit.
I was surprised to see just how many memorials there are and just the massive size of the grounds. It is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
We found that it was virtually impossible to get around all of it in just one visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although the Arboretum is currently undergoing refurbishment it is still open. It is well patronised by veterans and current serving members of all 3 Forces for reflection and remembrance. Open to all who treat the Arboretum with respect. It amazes me that the school children that visit can and do ask some very searching and deep questions and show an understanding that maybe us adults have forgotten how to. Please visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Almost made me cry, everyone should visit, this is real history for today, that brings the grave impact of conflict into a modern day arena, in a way that will leave you existentially changed. You will never be the same after this experience!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We should not celebrate war, but we should never forget. This is an excellent place to remember. Very well kept, good shop and a new extension on the way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Arboretum is one of our hidden treasures, you cannot help but be moved by the tributes to all our fallen comrades, friends and family members. Spanning many conflicts this memorial garden hosts the memories of so many brave and ordinary people - all of whom can be seen as hero's.
Spend some quality time learning, reflecting and remembering casualties who gave their lives that we may live.
Spend some quality time learning, reflecting and remembering casualties who gave their lives that we may live.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorials are added to all the time army navy airforce police etc so many groups of people have not been commemorated but now they are it is a tasteful area to visit calm and dignity for those lost if you have a relative whos died over the past years this is the place for a visit.Or just just maybe to say there but for the grace of god.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After spending a very full morning at the Arboretum, we looked for food and were most impressed. There was a good choice of food, reasonably priced.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National memorial to the fallen of many countries, creeds and faiths is a place to reflect. Constantly being improved and updated, they cater for every visitor and take care to inform and educate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A well presented, informative, and deeply moving memorial.
For those who have been involved in the various conflicts it must fill them with pride and, at the same time be extremely humbling.
For those who have been involved in the various conflicts it must fill them with pride and, at the same time be extremely humbling.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
