National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I took along my elderly mother as we had been wanting to visit for sometime. There is a large carpark for which there is a charge, visitor centre, restaurant as well as the Memorial Gardens. The area is still being developed, which I guess will be permanently ongoing. The area is large and it takes a wee while to walk around, both on the well marked paths and grassy areas. It is quite exposed so it is adviseable to wrap up well on cold days. I specifically went along to see the memorials for The Falklands War and the WRNS. I would definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was amazed to learn the size of the arboretum and to realise the growing number of memorials that are there. It is beautifully kept. The two minute remembrance is kept every day in the chapel and the arboretum has every kind of native tree except one, the bog willow. Every month except January a little train runs round the main parts and there are buggy rides also available. The cafe is large and well-staffed as is the shop. I was very struck with the smiling friendly faces that greeted us from the moment we arrived. It is free but do donate to keep it thriving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A winter's day walk in the sunshine through the parkland and memorials was both interesting and spiritual. There were quite a few families walking and looking at the wide variety of memorials but there was plenty of space for personal reflection on the extraordinary sacrifice so many have made for their country.
The setting on the riverside has some lovely views and areas of the woodland are beginning to grow and in summer must be quite leafy and green - in winter the bare trees add to the atmosphere an there are long views towards memorials. The grounds are immaculate and being nearly all level with paved paths are well suited to elderly visitors. It will be good to see the landscape mature.
Some monuments are thought provoking in design while others are not so good with poor scale and choice of materials that are not going to weather through the years.
Daily short service in chapel is well attended and modern interior is serene.
The small visitor train works well for folk who have problems walking.
The coffee shop and gift shop are good with tasty home baking.
Good idea not to charge entrance fee but ask for donations.
The setting on the riverside has some lovely views and areas of the woodland are beginning to grow and in summer must be quite leafy and green - in winter the bare trees add to the atmosphere an there are long views towards memorials. The grounds are immaculate and being nearly all level with paved paths are well suited to elderly visitors. It will be good to see the landscape mature.
Some monuments are thought provoking in design while others are not so good with poor scale and choice of materials that are not going to weather through the years.
Daily short service in chapel is well attended and modern interior is serene.
The small visitor train works well for folk who have problems walking.
The coffee shop and gift shop are good with tasty home baking.
Good idea not to charge entrance fee but ask for donations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with my new born for a walk and was surprised that it was free to get in as most attractions now you have to pay but this place lives off donations.
The paths are flat so it is very wheelchair/pushchair friendly, even to the bigger attractions. There is doo much to see and it's very surreal to see all the sculptures. I can imagine it's a perfect day out in the summer with a picnic on a beautiful day. We had a coffee in the cafe which was a little over priced at just over £3 a cup but you can't complain when it's free to get in. You do have to pay car park fees as well but it is very much worth it.
The paths are flat so it is very wheelchair/pushchair friendly, even to the bigger attractions. There is doo much to see and it's very surreal to see all the sculptures. I can imagine it's a perfect day out in the summer with a picnic on a beautiful day. We had a coffee in the cafe which was a little over priced at just over £3 a cup but you can't complain when it's free to get in. You do have to pay car park fees as well but it is very much worth it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful, tranquil place. Visiting friends in Birmingham who offered us the chance of a visit, and I didn't really know what to expect. Be prepared to be touched and moved - for me it was totally unexpected. The sculpture at the main wall of remembrance is like nothing I have ever seen and so shocking - it really brought home to me what it meant to be a soldier in a situation of war. This is not your average memorial garden - it has been very deeply thought out and planned. Others here have already excellently described the lovely grounds (yes, take your walking shoes) and I think best to accept you won't be able to see it all in one visit at the outset and plan if there are things you want to see first, or just wander around. Definitely worth visiting again, many times even. Not to be rushed. Delicious home made mushroom soup in the restaurant, and The lovely little charity shop at the end raising funsds for the Arboretum is a must, ecologically sound and Upcycled goods - I got some of my Christmas presents here! Don't miss it, no entrance fee, but most people respect that a good healthy donation is not only justified, but also just.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today's visit was more to do with the shop and restaurant than for touring the whole site, but it is the sort of place where you feel good doing all sorts of different things, and being so convenient to access from the main road network makes it ideal to just drop in. We do not mind the £3 car park fee for what for us was only an hour (it will last all day), we also do not mind donating whilst we are here, it is such a good cause. We picked up some nice items for presents and had a good (small) meal midday. Our last visit was the full works of all the areas which are so interesting, and we will do that again soon, but for now this was a different, but still very enjoyable visit. I would reco0mmend this site to everyone, it does your heart good to remember and contribute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently visited this fantastic place to remember all of our service personnel and civilians that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. It is such a moving place, and the messages on the trees and posts are are really moving. Visit the "shot at dawn" memorial and take your tissues! The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and will assist to locate anything that you have an interest in. Fantastic day out. Thank you to all the staff and to the Royal British Legion. I will be going back on a warmer day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We go often, we are both Medics from the 60`s, My husband RAMC and I QARANC. Ian is disabled now, and needs a motorise scooter to get around the site. He loves the freedom and atmosphere, I hardly see him, as he prefers to be with his own thoughts. He always spend time at the site of the shot at dawn.
All our family have been, and equally impressed, my 14 year old Granddaghter, has been to see war graves in the Far East and on the Continent, and is equally moved with the National Arboretum.
Thank you for taking care of my hisband, it gives me break
I went back today for Ian`s 70th birthday, the carvery, was cold at 12md, the veg was not well cooked, I had to leave it as it was not very appetising
I went with a Coach Party from Grantham, lovely talk by Jean, love the new land train.
The afternoon tea, was very good, nothing was too much trouble for the 2 girls,.
I will be back Sunday with husband for VE Day.
All our family have been, and equally impressed, my 14 year old Granddaghter, has been to see war graves in the Far East and on the Continent, and is equally moved with the National Arboretum.
Thank you for taking care of my hisband, it gives me break
I went back today for Ian`s 70th birthday, the carvery, was cold at 12md, the veg was not well cooked, I had to leave it as it was not very appetising
I went with a Coach Party from Grantham, lovely talk by Jean, love the new land train.
The afternoon tea, was very good, nothing was too much trouble for the 2 girls,.
I will be back Sunday with husband for VE Day.
Source: google.com
A place of peace and for the Remembrance of all those people who have fallen in the service of their country, both civilians and military.
Source: google.com
A really interesting place to visit with lots of greenery, nature and history to appreciate. There are memorials to those who have died in conflicts from the 20th century onwards, themed around different geographies, groups of people etc. There are loads of benches, great if its a nice day and you want to take a picnic. It's such a big site I'd imagine that even when there are a lot of people there it wouldn't feel that busy. Admission is free although a donation is suggested. We found accessibility to be mixed - while its great that they offer wheelchairs and mobility scooters (the latter for £5 hire) which meant we could access a lot more of the site that would otherwise be the case - but unfortunately a lot of the memorials are situated on grass with no paths to them, which meant they couldn't be accessed.
Source: google.com
This place is fantastic. All the memorials are immaculate as well as beautiful. I found the 'Shot at dawn' memorial deeply moving as one of my relatives is one them. I intend to return here during the summer, as it should be a spectacular sight with the trees in full foliage and the flowers in bloom.
Source: google.com
Well worth a visit
Source: google.com
A Lovely Day out. I went expecting it to be a small place but it is huge. There's so many things eto go round and explore, loads of monuments around the grounds. Well worth going on a nice day, take a picnic and spend the day there. Good exercise and a really good day out with lots of information in the remembrance gardens.
Source: google.com
absolutely amazing a humbling experience .
Source: google.com
A wonderful place
Source: google.com
On 16th September2014 I called into site on way home from Lake District,but too late to visit.I obtained info as there was a RBL event on.I said the signs from Lichfield were non existant-I came from M6(J14) Stafford across to Lichfield and up to Alrewas.This was to avoid Birmingham,accident and delays in that area,and is a more scenic route.The only sign on that route was on the A38 North,came off-and nothing!?.I spent 3/4 hour round Alrewas,and it was not until I thought of heading home to Bedfordshire ,through Tamworth(late tea!?),M42/M6?M1- that I saw the signs on the A513 Tamworth road.The man on the door said they were aware of lack of brown and white signage.I guess my route was unconventional,and I suppose there are signs on the M6,directing you.I do not know whose responsibility it is for the signage,yet to find out!?.I will however be visiting,now I have found you,in the very near future!.What I saw is very well laid out.Mother and I are former RAF,DR.
Source: google.com
We thought it was very good and well worth the visit. The staff, who appeared to be volunteers, were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It opens your eyes to the suffering of some, to preserve our freedom which we often take for granted.
Source: google.com
I visited here on a freezing cold December day and it was glorious. Its a lovely walk around the various memorials and the main memorial at the top of the steps brings a tear to the eye. You can easily loose a couple of hours walking around, it's just so peaceful and serene. After the end of a very chilly few hours i warmed up in their little restaurant. Wonderful home made soup and cake with a drink for £7, no complaints from me on the food. Theres no fee to get in so please either make a donation or buy something in the restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time recently - as we live in Lichfield its on our doorstep, but have only just got around to visiting. A unique experience, and has great significance for many people as a way of remembering those who served their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on the 100th anniversary of the D day landings with my elderly father who was keen to come. It was an incredibly moving experience but one which I can thoroughly recommend. This is a vast place and really requires a whole day if not more to take in. My father and I only covered a portion of it, so I will have to return next year to see the rest. Sensible shoes are a must due to the acreage and it can be a bit soggy in places. It is beautifully kept and the groundstaff are very helpful and knowledgeable about the memorials. Highly recommended and will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Please visit the arboretum for a moving, spectacular beautiful place. Would reccomend a visit for anyone, old or young.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wasn't really sure what to expect - probably more (or larger) trees, and probably fewer memorials. However that doesn't mean this wasn't a worthwhile visit. I hesitate to write 'enjoy' because the subject matter, for me, isn't something to celebrate.
Rather, respect to those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free country (and freely write our views on Trip Advisor).
Practicalities: there is a charge for car parking. It isn't expensive. It is primarily aimed for humans so if you being your dog expect that you will have to tether him/her if you want to get close to the memorials. Personally it was nice to be able to walk around without having to risk stepping in a dog turd though I realise the NMA have got a achieve the right balance.
Rather, respect to those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free country (and freely write our views on Trip Advisor).
Practicalities: there is a charge for car parking. It isn't expensive. It is primarily aimed for humans so if you being your dog expect that you will have to tether him/her if you want to get close to the memorials. Personally it was nice to be able to walk around without having to risk stepping in a dog turd though I realise the NMA have got a achieve the right balance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful memorial, and a must for a visit. The whole place is slowly maturing as the trees and gardens grow. Be prepared to be deeply saddened when you see the walls with thousands of names engraved. It bring home the futility and uselessness of war. We have made a point of visiting every year since it opened.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A long promised trip to the Arboretum. It was definitely a walking boots and waterproofs day and it was quite thought provoking to read the memorials - it makes you realise the wide range of professions and backgrounds who gave their life in public service.
Practical bits - we visited on Friday 5 December and it was very quiet. The site is just off the A38 and only signed at the relevant exit.
Car parking is £3 and entry to the venue is free.
Guide book £6 and was well worth the money.
A dinner and coffee was £10 each and was fine.
We spend 4 hours on site, but could have easily spent a full day.
We went to the 11am short service in the church and observed 2 minutes silence. The guides appear to be all volunteers and were excellent.The guides comments and suggestions added to our day, so its worth a listen.
We then started to explore the site, and headed of the police area as a particular interest. Some of the exhibits were more like modern art and very impressive, some more traditional.
The far east area and in particular Burma Star association memorial was tucked away and easily missed but well worth to the visit - the visitors centre was excellent, shared knowledge and dispelled myths about the Bridge over the River Kwai - it wasn't event that river!
We used the restaurant for a coffee stop and lunch and both were fine. Only word of warning - a couple of parts of the restaurant were in a draft as access to the arboretum is through adjacent sliding patio doors.
The place needs to generate and attract serious funding to survive, so dig deep
Practical bits - we visited on Friday 5 December and it was very quiet. The site is just off the A38 and only signed at the relevant exit.
Car parking is £3 and entry to the venue is free.
Guide book £6 and was well worth the money.
A dinner and coffee was £10 each and was fine.
We spend 4 hours on site, but could have easily spent a full day.
We went to the 11am short service in the church and observed 2 minutes silence. The guides appear to be all volunteers and were excellent.The guides comments and suggestions added to our day, so its worth a listen.
We then started to explore the site, and headed of the police area as a particular interest. Some of the exhibits were more like modern art and very impressive, some more traditional.
The far east area and in particular Burma Star association memorial was tucked away and easily missed but well worth to the visit - the visitors centre was excellent, shared knowledge and dispelled myths about the Bridge over the River Kwai - it wasn't event that river!
We used the restaurant for a coffee stop and lunch and both were fine. Only word of warning - a couple of parts of the restaurant were in a draft as access to the arboretum is through adjacent sliding patio doors.
The place needs to generate and attract serious funding to survive, so dig deep
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a former long serving member of the RAF, I am saddened to see names of friends, colleagues and people I've known engraved on the wall. But saddened as I am, I am also immensely proud to have known them and proud too of their contribution.
The National Memorial Arboretum is steeped in history. A history, I want my children to remember.
I always find it a humbling place to visit.
The National Memorial Arboretum is steeped in history. A history, I want my children to remember.
I always find it a humbling place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
