National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Here you will find memorials, gardens and statues to various military units and other related organisations, all set in a vast area of parkland.
The highlight is the FEPOW (Far East Prisoner of War) Building dedicated to those who fought and suffered captivity, slave labour, starvation and brutality under the Japanese in World War 11.
The highlight is the FEPOW (Far East Prisoner of War) Building dedicated to those who fought and suffered captivity, slave labour, starvation and brutality under the Japanese in World War 11.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful place to visit. A very humbling experience seeing the memorials to those who fought and died for peace.
Beautifully laid out and looked after.
Beautifully laid out and looked after.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there in a group of friends 2 thirds ex military and we all want to return as there is so much to see
It's well worth attending the service in the morning and the book was very helpful on our way around
Would be great to picnic but the food in the cafe is so good I would buy from there to picnic with
It's well worth attending the service in the morning and the book was very helpful on our way around
Would be great to picnic but the food in the cafe is so good I would buy from there to picnic with
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My friends and I have been coming here for the past 6 years, it's a beautiful peaceful and tranquil place, we are veterans but it doesn't matter if you have served or not.
We make a weekend of it by staying in Litchfield a lovely city.
My only disappointment when going is not seeing many children.
We make a weekend of it by staying in Litchfield a lovely city.
My only disappointment when going is not seeing many children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must visit when in the area.
A fantastic tribute to everyone who has sacrificed their life for our beloved country.
My visit was to remember fallen colleagues.
Be prepared to be emotionally moved.
A fantastic tribute to everyone who has sacrificed their life for our beloved country.
My visit was to remember fallen colleagues.
Be prepared to be emotionally moved.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As it was such a lovely day we decided to pay a long overdue visit the National Memorial Arboretum. its well advertised on the A38 and there are large car parks available and a disabled car park right next to the entrance. admission is free but there is a £5 donation suggestion made to help with the expansion and upkeep of the site which is well worth it. there is a large café area and the price of food is very reasonable. the whole site it huge and the monuments are very impressive and work is continually being carried out to improve and expand the site. There is a 'Land train' which tours the site every half hour at a cost of £5 per person which is well worth the money and gives an overall commentary on the site and pinpoints various area you can get to once the tour is over. the whole site has a very serene feel to it and I would imagine it is just as impressive in the summer with all the lovely flowers around as in the autumn with the trees changing their colours. beautiful place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This Memorial Arboretum is a place of peace and tranquility. Immaculate gardens dedicated to regiments of the armed forces and those who have fallen in the service of their country in the 20th century. The knowledgeable volunteer wardens are friendly and helpful and hold interesting talks throughout the day. The church service just before 11am is particularly moving. The Japanese Camp section explicitly explains the suffering and cruelty inflicted on POW's which are really beyond belief. A truly enjoyable day tinged with sad overtone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Truly an awe inspiring location. A fitting tribute to those who died in wars defending/serving their country.
Words don't do it justice.
Words don't do it justice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It really brings it home to you how many men and women gave their lives for our Country, the memorials are a fitting tribute to them all.
We have visited twice now and hope to visit again in the future.
The land train is needed I know, but thought it was rather out of keeping, looking more a seaside attraction!
We have visited twice now and hope to visit again in the future.
The land train is needed I know, but thought it was rather out of keeping, looking more a seaside attraction!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
