National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
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
We have not been to this place since it first opened. It is expanding at a rapid pace and there is more to come with a new building well under construction. Walking around this site makes you think what a previous generation did for us and to be fair present members of the armed forces are still doing. Superb guides couldn't do enough for you. Keep up the high standard
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place of remembrance and quiet contemplation on the horrors of war, man's inhumanity to man and the indomitable spirit to survive. Words cannot do justice so just visit and experience it for yourself.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visite a couple of times as some ex colleagues are commemorated within the arboretum and never fail to be moved by the experience. The grounds are large enough to feel comfortable walking around without feeling crowded.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great dog walking path and some lovely sculptures to see lots of places to sit down and absorb the atmosphere. Right on the river Tame so lots of wildlife to keep your eyes open for.
Hubby wanted to see the SAS contributions, however after wandering round the main displays we ended up asking staff for the location...it was tucked away near the end of the do walking path near the river.
Well set out gardens which is still evolving
Hubby wanted to see the SAS contributions, however after wandering round the main displays we ended up asking staff for the location...it was tucked away near the end of the do walking path near the river.
Well set out gardens which is still evolving
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the National Memorial Arboretum several times. It never fails to touch me. Ever changing, new memorials being added. Too much to take in in a day. Staff friendly and professional. Good restaurant and shop. Free entry, you are asked to make a donation. Car parking charges. Check before you go. In case there is a service or special occasion being remembered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been told a lot of good things about this place and decided to visit. We were not disappointed what an amazing and emotional place. It was very moving seeing all the artefacts from all the various conflicts and the areas of memorial to each conflict including different nationalities who served. Of particular interest is part of Burma railway and the history related to it. There is a train which takes you round for a small charge with very informative commentary. There is no admission charge just a car parking fee which is very reasonable. The gardens are beautiful and extremely well maintained. The restaurant has a good range and staff are helpful. All the staff around the area were helpful and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing memorial. Interesting and emotional. Much much larger than expected. Well run, lovely cafe. The actual memorial is undergoing renovation at the moment (Feb16), but the grounds and other memorials arevstill worth seeing!! Recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lovely visit to National Memorial Arboretum, was nice to walk around and reflect. Is impressive the use of space and sections. Will be good when the new visitor centre is completed later this year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I called in just to see what it was all about, I have no real affinity with the military and war but found this whole thing quite moving. It is a respectful and dignified way of celebrating the lives of so many lost souls .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is brilliant. Everyone should visit it. It is quite sobering, yet without any morbidity. The exhibitions are informative.
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.
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
I took my friends for a day and found it fascinating and peaseful I will go back as there is more to dwell upon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Good luck with the fundraising for an impressive looking visitor centre.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
