We spent about four hours exploring the arboretum and had it not been one of the hottest days of August would probably have spent another couple of hours. As it was I doubt we covered a third of the monuments.

For us, the most moving was the main 'centre piece' Armed Forces Memorial - beautiful and very moving.We were stunned by the numbers of service men and women killed since the Second World War.

All the memorials deserve a visit. However we would also particularly recommend the 'shot at dawn' one (why no officers? Were they said to be 'ill' and other ranks 'cowards'?) and the Polish War Memorial. Others on our list for a future visit are the Far East memorials and the Merchant Sailors.

I very much hope that schools are regular visitors - to reflect on the sacrifice and human cost of conflict.

I should also mention how impressed we were with the friendliness of the very helpful staff and volunteers.

We will return to explore further.

as with anyone ex military,this is a place of utmost importance, it is beautifully laid out, well tended and a credit to the contributors and staff,
the memorials to all arms of the services and civilian organisations are excellent tributes. it will take more than a day to see and appreciated the time and effort of all involved.
well worth the the time taken to viit such a place

It's difficult to put into words what the Arboretum is like. It is a silent place, with many areas to sit or stand and think. We visited to walk our dogs around the perimeter - there are many posts dotted around for tying dog leashes to, so you are free to explore a memorial. I would definitely like to pay a visit alone to spend more time there.
While noting there is a fee for the attraction, it is in the form of a donation.
I would highly recommend a visit, either now or after the expansion.

I took a party of 10 people to the arboretum and they was not disappointed. The welcome and food on offer was very good. It was a delight to see so many tributes paid to all services. The train was well populated and it was lovely to be able to spend quality with those who gave their lives for the cause. I shall come back again and the entrance will be finished. Well done to all.

My husband dropped me off here on his way to a classic motoring event. Although it may seem strange, I was glad to be on my own as I wanted to experience the peace of the place and be alone with my thoughts. It is free to enter but a map is pretty much essential and costs three pounds which is fair I think. They suggest a donation of five pounds per visitor but there is no one breathing down your neck to pay it like at some venues. However, it is definitely worth the cost and all proceeds go towards financing the project. The site is beautifully landscaped. As well as the large memorials there are lots of small personal memorial plaques attached to trees or benches donated in memory of individuals and these were also very moving. The Armed Forces Memorial is stunningly beautiful as is befitting. In addition to the memorials, there is a beautiful riverside walk with information about the wildlife which can be seen there. I saw a stoat run across the path and had a really good close up view of a goldcrest in a yew tree near the 'Shot at Dawn memorial. There were quite a few young people exploring the site while I was there and they were all behaving so respectfully, as were the young children visiting with their parents. The mums and dads were explaining the significance of the memorials and that has got to be a good thing. I probably walked about 3 miles in a bid to visit all the memorials I wanted to see but still didn't manage to see everything I wanted to. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and preferably not sandals. Many of the paths are gravel or wood chippings and I had to keep emptying my shoes! It's also a good idea to take snacks and a drink with you eg a flask, as the site is very large and refreshments are only available at the visitor centre which can be a very long way away when you are ready for a cuppa. There were plenty of beautiful and peaceful places to sit and rest. The staff volunteers are very knowledgeable and helpful. I was slightly worried when I only saw one lot of toilets on the map but there were portable loos dotted about which were also disabled friendly. If you do visit I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

This is a very special place indeed. We visited to see two specific memorials and it was very easy to find what we were looking for. If we had had more time we would have taken the road train around the whole site. The staff and volunteers are all friendly and helpful; the cafe well organised and good value. The centre-piece - the Armed Forces Memorial - is stunning. A wonderful place to spend time in quiet reflection.

We regularly visit when in the area and there is so much to see. So much so, that we have not been able to see every area. In fact, we did not realise just how large an area it covered until we took a guided tour on one of those motorised "trains".
A walk through the Japanese camp is very sobering and worth at least more than one hour of your time.
It is free to enter although there is a small car park charge.
We look forward to our next visit.

It's ok for a walk, a monument in progress. I was missing something in the setup, it seemed a bit hap hazard as setup, no clear line to follow.

This was my second visit; the first being over 10 years ago so lots had changed.
Very majestic in places but discreet in others but everywhere a sense of sadness and loss.
The most moving was the memorial hut to the Far East campaign and the Japanese treatment of those captured. I stood and watched a 6 minute video of 3 men who had survived, well into their 80s at the time of filming. Their bravery, their strength to not give up hope under unimaginable conditions but most strikingly their lack of bitterness. I don't understand that part but I'm hopeful that they were able to find some kind of peace over the years. And ever grateful for what they went through for our sakes.
I understand that the site is undergoing some remodelling which will be excellent when it's completed.
I have visited many commonwealth war graves across the world. If I was to have one criticism it would be that the planting and lawns aren't up to this standard. I think this is an area which should be improved.

I have visited here numerous times since it first opened as I live quite close by. It has been a privilege to see how it has been developed over the years. Regardless of the fact i do not know any of the names on any of the memorials personally i still find it a wonderful way to recognize and respect many o the people who served our country.

Highly emotional, though provoking, and informative. Beautifully presented. Lovely riverside walk in addition to all the walking through the various monuments and memorials. A land train tour is available for those with walking difficulty, as is a golf buggy tour - both on payment of a fee. This site covers 150 acres so take good comfortable walking shoes. Entry is free although there is a suggested donation of £5.

Having seem this on the television we were inspired to make a two hour drive to visit. We were not disappointed, far from it.
The memorials had started from the second world war and covered all the services. Touchingly there was a moving memorial to those who deserted too.
The memorials covered a large area and took us the best part of five hours to cover what we wanted.
Free to enter, car park £3 and donations accepted.

A must for every Briton. Visit this beautiful arboretum and wander in silence among the many peaceful well planted gardens, marvel at the monuments, made from all things such as wood, marble, to Portland Stone. This place really is a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may wander, free, and unhindered to admire the beautifully created memorial's. Select an armed force branch, then a segment from that branch, find it and take in the beauty of it's design, read the appropriate words engraved therin, perhaps shed a tear for someone you knew who paid that terrible price, and say a prayer. If you are not fit enough to walk take the RoadTrain, pay the small price, and as you are driven round listen in silence to the commentary whilst viewing the garden's you pass. So peaceful, so tranquil, so enjoyable. Visit and see if you agree with me.

We were here as part of the VJ Day commemoration, and as such it was a very personal experience.

I would prefer to keep my thoughts private, but it is run and maintained in a remarkable and unique manner.

Surprisingly large, extremely respectful and tasteful memorial to a huge range of services, battalions and individual members of the armed services but also organisations that serve the nation in very different ways eg the RNLI.

A thought provoking place that gives pause for thought.

A very decent cafe, very helpful staff, massive car park - £3 all day. Voluntary contribution based entry.

Visited by coach but plenty of parking. Very interesting and so many varied monuments a lot to take in

. I was looking for my father in laws name on the Killed in Service Memorial and found it very easily , photo taken forzMother in law. Lots of walking, but there is a train also mobility scooters are available (pre book).The chapel is lovely with wood carvings and a nice quiet place to sit and reflect.The restaurant has a good selection of food and drinks and the gift shop was doing a roaring trade. Wonderful place and well worth a return visit as there is so much to see .

As a member of the British Legion Riders Branch, I along with fellow Riders attended the VJ Day at the NMA. It is a fantastic place to visit at any time, but this day was made more poignant as there were also Veterans present. To meet a real life Chinditt was an honour, to think of what he went through at 18 being dropped behind the enemy lines and living the life he did, its a marvel that he and others are still with us. A very moving day. I'm looking forward to the Ride To The Wall (RTTW) now in its 8th yr, on 3rd Oct when around 20,000 bikers and scooterists will meet up and honour our fallen friends.

Wanted to visit this place since it opened. We were not disappointed.
Awesome.
Free entry but £3 to park.
£3 for a map. You do need one its huge.
Great cafe. picnic areas.
The memorials are astounding especially the Royal Artillery one. Easily the best designed garden in the place says a non baised ex Gunnner.
We were there 5hrs and did not see it all.
Staff were all very friendly and helpful.

We will return

We visited on Sunday 16th August and as there was a memorial service for VJ Day several veterans from that conflict, their array of glinting medals worn with pride and supported by their families, were in evidence. This alone was very moving but made more so by the section of the Arboretum which commemorates the war in the East. I found particularly emotional the lynch gate from the cemetery at Changi prison and the sections of old railway built by PoWs. The memorial to those shot at dawn also gives pause for thought and quite reflection.

There is a huge amount of seating around and about; it was much needed... it was good to be able to take a few minutes here and there to view the memorials and take stock. The RAF memorial was beautiful in the summer sun, the Polish memorial was formidable and informative and the Land Army's statue made me smile...

The Arboretum is immaculate and vast; comfortable shoes are definitely the order of the day but when your energy flags there is always the land train or a golf buggy.... even so we were hard pressed to get around all of the Arboretum so will need a second trip here.

I visited with my grandparents and our day at the arboretum was a very enjoyable and informative day. There are many and varied memorials in the huge grounds. The surroundings are very peaceful and laid out. We spent half a day here but to be honest if you want to explore and see all the memorials you would need a whole day. The grounds and memorials are very well looked after and the staff are very helpful and welcoming. There was also a good café located at the arboretum which was very reasonably priced. I would really recommend anyone who has never visited this peaceful place to come and visit.

Wonderful place to visit. Try to get there for the 11am 2 minutes silence in the chapel. The land train to take you round the site is well worth the £5 charge, takes 50 minutes and helps you get your bearings if you want to go and see something in particular.

Excellent tribute to those who gave their lives so that we can live the way we do, I feel privileged to have visited the Arboretum on several occasions and never tire looking at the tributes the wall of memory is very special. Its a most sobering experience and a must see for all.

Th place was fabulous. very interesting and sad at the same time. those lost to wars have been memorialized in a fabulous way. the monuments are extremely well crafted and one can learn alot from the guides. it is free to enter with a £5 fee if you wanted a tour on the mini road train. Great for those with walking problems. after the forst visit i returned 2 weeks later and took a friend,

An extremely interesting place. You have a very happy time but also is a sad and very thought provoking place. The memorials are displayed around a vast area, a lot of walking....wear comfortable shoes and clothes. There is a train that goes around the memorials and also electric scooters available ( do not know if they have to be pre booked or if there is a charge). Royal British Legion now manage the Arboretum.
There is a Chapel that is also good to see.
A restaurant is on site and although I have only had tea and cakes, the hot food looks delicious.

We visited in the school holidays with two children aged 10 and 13. I wasn't sure they would enjoy it but we all had a really good day. It's really quite sobering to see how many people have lost their lives fighting for their country. There was so much to see we didn't have time to fit everything in so will definitely visit again. We had a coffee in the cafe which was nice and reasonably priced but took a picnic for lunch so can't comment on the food. Entrance is free and they charge £3 to park. Overall I would definitely recommend a visit here.