National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
A thought provoking experience. It was a beautiful summer day when we visited. We didn't know what to expect as had only seen short clips on television. But we were overcome by the atmosphere of peace and calm. The individual memorial gardens are inspired, some complex and others quite simplistic. The most poignant in our view is The Shot at Dawn memorial. How much wiser we are now. It was the pefect time of year to see the Britsh Legion Poppy Field.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is an amazing place paying tribute to all the services you could ever imagine. Its moving and thought provoking without being over the top to the point where you or the kids are not enjoying it. Its also a really nice walk to go around the perimeter and stop off at the various memorials. I will definitely go again, highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were treated like VIP's from the time we arrived to the time we left many hours later as we had a disabled lady with us, but feel that we would have been treated just the same had she not been there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We attended the Service for the Dedication of the Camp Bastion Cross as my partner lost her son in Afghanistan in 2007 and had the opportunity to look around the memorial gardens. Well worth a visit and helps support the British Legion. Lots of history and a great place to reflect and remember various combats given the anniversary of World War One 1914-18 and recently VE Day celebrations its profile as a national memorial has risen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I hadn't researched this place so was totally surprised at the size of it. We came to make a quick visit to one particular section thinking this was the main attraction.
Fortunately we used the internal train for the hour guided tour rather than just wander aimlessly. This was very informative and worth the £5 each.
Yes there are paper guides but didn't invest in this.
Was surprised by the honesty box for the £3 car park fee and were at first frustrated by no enterance fee but a request for a minimum £5 per person enterance fee as a donation! Clever ploy as gift aided more!
Be warned there's a huge space to walk round and see all the varying memorial areas.
Cafe area was nice with plenty of outside seats and the scones were very tasty.
Our only real problem was finding the carpark enterance which was labeled eventually as overspill, a couple of hundred yards past the main enterance and on opposite side.
Thought we would be maximum of an hour were more like 3 and could have spent longer.
Fortunately we used the internal train for the hour guided tour rather than just wander aimlessly. This was very informative and worth the £5 each.
Yes there are paper guides but didn't invest in this.
Was surprised by the honesty box for the £3 car park fee and were at first frustrated by no enterance fee but a request for a minimum £5 per person enterance fee as a donation! Clever ploy as gift aided more!
Be warned there's a huge space to walk round and see all the varying memorial areas.
Cafe area was nice with plenty of outside seats and the scones were very tasty.
Our only real problem was finding the carpark enterance which was labeled eventually as overspill, a couple of hundred yards past the main enterance and on opposite side.
Thought we would be maximum of an hour were more like 3 and could have spent longer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful place to visit, but I was very disappointed that most of the areas are out of bounds to people with dogs. There is a dog walking route, difficult to follow on the map, but this avoids just about all the points of interest. And taking the "train" is banned too. The carpark is unshaded so on a warm day, today!, one can't leave an animal in a car either. I was pursued and told off for straying from "the route" in order to take a photo of a memorial of significant family interest. Be warned. Of course guide dogs are permitted. Rec time-3hrs +- but only if you are dog free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This visit to the Arboretum made me feel proud and humble, It honours all who paid the ultermate price for freedom and commemerates all the organisations who were involve.A beautiful settings,The tram around the site enabled us to see most of the memorials.We had a super lunch in a private room. The service was friendly.We will certainly re-visit , there is much more for us to see. (We were part of a coach party)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This should have been a peaceful and reflective afternoon. Spoiled by able people boldly parking in the disabled spots and then stalking through ignoring parking fees or even an entry donation.
The park itself is good and well worth seeing, perhaps not two days before a new Memorial was due to open! We had builders and machinery all around us which was off putting.
The park itself is good and well worth seeing, perhaps not two days before a new Memorial was due to open! We had builders and machinery all around us which was off putting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here on a damp Saturday afternoon and we were very impressed by the knowledgeable volunteers who were more than helpful. It is well worth a visit and will fill you with great national pride and gratitude to all the brave people who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A humbling experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here today and found it breathtaking, thought provoking and inspirational. The arboretum is for everyone of all ages and pertinent to every generation. It is welcoming, well designed and provides visitors with the choice of a formal tour, a long walk around the exhibits or just simply quiet contemplation. Seeing ex and currently serving service men and women attending heightened the pride we felt. Visiting at the weekend is very busy as one might expect, however parking facilities are excellent and provision for individuals with disability or limited mobility excellent. It is easy to find with excellent sign posting and a very thoughtful drop off zone for disabled visitors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are not many visitor experiences that leave one totally overwhelmed by what it represents and how other visitors are absorbed during their visit, as the NMA. Children mingled with bemedalled war veterans as they strolled through memorial locations or stood silently before remembrance plaques.
My wife and I visited as part of a forces' veterans' group on Sunday. It meant an early start because it was a two hour drive and we wanted to arrive about 10 am, knowing that we had much to see. We were all from different branches of the forces and, naturally, we wished to include our own memorials during the visit.
Our arrival was greeted pleasantly by yellow-shirted volunteers, who explained the outline of an itinerary. We were all hankering for one of the NMA's famous full English breakfasts. So, passing through reception with free entry, some of us purchased comprehensive guide books before entering the restaurant. None was disappointed by the huge breakfast that could be purchased for about a fiver.
Every day at 11 am, the chapel holds a ten-minute remembrance service with a short recorded narrative by war correspondent Kate Aidie, Last Post and a two-minute silence. This, we attended and fifteen-minute informative lecture followed before we were dispatched to explore the 150 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and memorials.
Our experience was heightened by perfect weather, one would have to dress accordingly, as all memorials are in the open air. There are, however, plenty of places under cover, should it rain but, due to its size, you might find yourself a lengthy walk from shelter.
As an attraction, I give it full marks, providing tea stops, a land train, an immense amount of memorials (the immotive Shot at Dawn should not be missed), secluded gardens and places to contemplate. It takes a while to see everything and will probably prompt a return. We gathered at 4 pm to leave having missed a lot however, the thought is to return soon.
My wife and I visited as part of a forces' veterans' group on Sunday. It meant an early start because it was a two hour drive and we wanted to arrive about 10 am, knowing that we had much to see. We were all from different branches of the forces and, naturally, we wished to include our own memorials during the visit.
Our arrival was greeted pleasantly by yellow-shirted volunteers, who explained the outline of an itinerary. We were all hankering for one of the NMA's famous full English breakfasts. So, passing through reception with free entry, some of us purchased comprehensive guide books before entering the restaurant. None was disappointed by the huge breakfast that could be purchased for about a fiver.
Every day at 11 am, the chapel holds a ten-minute remembrance service with a short recorded narrative by war correspondent Kate Aidie, Last Post and a two-minute silence. This, we attended and fifteen-minute informative lecture followed before we were dispatched to explore the 150 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and memorials.
Our experience was heightened by perfect weather, one would have to dress accordingly, as all memorials are in the open air. There are, however, plenty of places under cover, should it rain but, due to its size, you might find yourself a lengthy walk from shelter.
As an attraction, I give it full marks, providing tea stops, a land train, an immense amount of memorials (the immotive Shot at Dawn should not be missed), secluded gardens and places to contemplate. It takes a while to see everything and will probably prompt a return. We gathered at 4 pm to leave having missed a lot however, the thought is to return soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here for the first time on what was a chilly day, with a cold wind. Still very busy. We took the landtrain round the site for an introduction - recommended for us pensioners!! Then after a very reasonable and good lunch, we walked to other parts of the site that we wanted to see. The "Shot at Dawn" memorial is a must - do make the effort to see this most poignant of memorials. Do spend time looking at the carvings in the Chapel - the humorous representations of the twelve apostles are just brilliant. We did like the way in which indiviudal memories, military memorials, service memorials, and non-combatant memorials all intermingle, recognising the grief and memories of a wide range of people. Excellent guidebook, and helpful volunteers inside the visitor centre. Only criticism - the car parking signage, and the manners of the car parking attendant leaves a lot to be desired, and nearly marred what was otherwise a perfect day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with a friend who has a colleague listed on the forces wall....just one of the 16,000 names listed. Certainly a very moving experience just standing there reading down the many many names of those who paid the ultimate price.
The NMA has such a wide variety of organisations represented, each with their own memorial, along with individual personal dedications too.
I certainly found it a very moving and thought-provoking experience, and intend to go back again when the new Scout Association memorial is in place too.
The NMA has such a wide variety of organisations represented, each with their own memorial, along with individual personal dedications too.
I certainly found it a very moving and thought-provoking experience, and intend to go back again when the new Scout Association memorial is in place too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an excellent place, we spent two days visiting and still didn't manage to see everything there was, we will be going back again.
Free admission, what a bonus that is.
Free admission, what a bonus that is.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I supposed I am prejudice being the founding Chairman of The Royal British Legion's flagship branch The National Memorial Arboretum National Branch. I like to consider myself as a stakeholder in its future promoting the NMA at every opportunity I can. I love to go there whenever I have time, just to sit in the beautiful setting and reflect amongst the memorials. Very peaceful and renewing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Don't get me wrong, the memorials here are very artistic and moving and the grounds are pleasant if you like walking. There are fitting tributes to many fallen soldiers here and the place may be special to relatives of the people commemorated here.
BUT... I'm apprehensive about the feeling of this attraction becoming a bit of a theme park. I first came here in about 2003 when it was a bare field with some trees (as the name arboretum suggests) and a small museum and I thought this would go on to be a wonderful place of remembrance and reflection... fast forward 12 years and where the museum once stood there are shops and cafes selling overpriced generic tourist souvenirs and average food. There is a train/tractor thing going around the place (for £5 a ride of course!) and a ridiculous £3 flat parking fee. There is a the wonderful work of art that is the touching memorial to all members of the armed forces killed since World War 2 but there must be hundreds of memorials here for all sorts of things. I get what they are trying to do but many of these memorials don't make sense without some sort of context. There is a danger that they will just be seen as names on a pretty piece of stone which doesn't seem right.
Also, if you are disabled, you will find most of the site inaccessible anyway as there are only a few footpaths and you might miss out on the memorial that remembers all hamsters, gerbils and other small rodents that have died in service of the armed forces (there probably is one somewhere, there seems to be a memorial for everything else).
Is this a place of remembrance or a money spinning war-memorial themed tourist attraction? Is it something that started out with good intentions but got sucked into the tourist industry? The line is getting increasingly more blurry and, though I'd still recommend a visit so you can decide for yourself, I'm undecided.
BUT... I'm apprehensive about the feeling of this attraction becoming a bit of a theme park. I first came here in about 2003 when it was a bare field with some trees (as the name arboretum suggests) and a small museum and I thought this would go on to be a wonderful place of remembrance and reflection... fast forward 12 years and where the museum once stood there are shops and cafes selling overpriced generic tourist souvenirs and average food. There is a train/tractor thing going around the place (for £5 a ride of course!) and a ridiculous £3 flat parking fee. There is a the wonderful work of art that is the touching memorial to all members of the armed forces killed since World War 2 but there must be hundreds of memorials here for all sorts of things. I get what they are trying to do but many of these memorials don't make sense without some sort of context. There is a danger that they will just be seen as names on a pretty piece of stone which doesn't seem right.
Also, if you are disabled, you will find most of the site inaccessible anyway as there are only a few footpaths and you might miss out on the memorial that remembers all hamsters, gerbils and other small rodents that have died in service of the armed forces (there probably is one somewhere, there seems to be a memorial for everything else).
Is this a place of remembrance or a money spinning war-memorial themed tourist attraction? Is it something that started out with good intentions but got sucked into the tourist industry? The line is getting increasingly more blurry and, though I'd still recommend a visit so you can decide for yourself, I'm undecided.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely peaceful place,has a very calming feel while you're there. Lovely to just stroll around next to the river & through the trees. The café is very relaxing, toilets very clean. Makes you thankful for the men & women who gave their lives for ours.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here for a quick visit. A friend of ours highly eecommended this place for a visit but we thought a place full of tress cannot be that interesting...right ? .... WRONG !
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been a few times know, but I would still go again there are a lot of information to take in, and they are always adding more. The area you walk around is very well maintained, and easy to get around if you need an electric wheelchair you can use one of there's. When you have finished you might like to go to the cafe for a drink or light meal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Definitely a place to visit when in Staffordshire even if just to pay tribute to a loved one, this is not just for the military but other professions and institutes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In my opinion and excellent and fitting place. If you have the tie and are in the area this is a place to visit. Lovely setting and in the best possible environment to pay tribute to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was while ago when we visited, but I remember it was so peaceful there. How it was laid out was extremely moving. I especially loved the wall with the soldiers going through the middle.
But everyone needs to go to see this, you will be overcome by the sheer scale of the place and all its beauty.
But everyone needs to go to see this, you will be overcome by the sheer scale of the place and all its beauty.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went with friends from Scotland to revisit this site. I was surprised how moving I found it. Having had family killed and injured in various conflicts it hits hard when you see the different memorials. I would be deeply saddened if anyone found themselves unmoved by a visit here,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place to visit . The whole experience is amazing and the central wall with the names of servicemen and women who have perished in recent conflicts is mind-blowing - so many have died ! There is a gap in the wall which , at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month ,the sun shines through and highlights one of the stunning sculptures . A must visit if you're in the area - or even worth a further journey . The different sections of the grounds ,which are extensive , are devoted to different sections of the armed forces , civil services , charities and local organisations and there is also an area called " Shot at Dawn" which tells the story of those who were shot for cowardice or desertion, when they had often been suffering from shell shock or post traumatic stress disorder.- so incredibly sad when many of them had volunteered when under age.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant and poignant place. Staff really knowledgeable, chapel visit was emotional, grounds kept in immaculate condition. will visit again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
