National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
One of the few free places to visit. Really very lovely setting for a fabulous way of remembering and honouring those who gave their lives for our freedom. The guide book is really worth it at just £6.50 as there is free entry for the whole day. They are still adding to the site and it will be expanding further. An absolute must if you have any interest in the wars and the services. There are guided tours and just so much to do. If you are not interested in the afore-mentioned then it is a large open space and allows a good walk to get some fresh air whilst exploring. Wonderful restaurant and gift shop with some very interesting poppy themed items.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Sister and I returned to the Arboretum in early September approximately one year on from our first visit. There were a lot more Memorials that had been consecrated in just under a year and obviously more were in the making. We understand that there is also work in progress to extend the facilities there for Conferences and School "classroom" visits. We found this a peaceful place to be even though there were many visitors throughout the day, both Families and coach parties. Congratulations must be passed on to ALL the Volunteers that work so hard on the grounds and also those who are ready with a helping hand and welcoming stance as you go around. It is well worth a visit but sturdy footwear is a must and possibly a Brolly in case of inclement weather; but do not be put off if you are not very mobile as there is a small tractor train that will take you on a tour of the grounds and wheelchairs are welcome and can be used on all the pathways.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The main structure is mesmerising and moving, but the actual arboretum itself is lacking in a coherency that is so desperately needed as many of the trees are still very young. The large expanse it covers is awkward, this is only natural given the thin-ness of the trees, however I did notice a good few different variety of trees actually dying, a bleak reality that perhaps it is not being maintained as assiduously as it should be. The sentiment will always pull in the crowds here and rightly so, but as an experience with all aspects taken into account - not the best.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum as a family on a beautiful sunny day in September. The Arboretum is very easy to locate with good signposting off the main A38.
This place is vast and certainly a day is not long enough to see and appreciate everything so as this was our first visit we decided to pick our own “must see” memorials – the map which can be bought for £3 is very clear and we found it essential in finding our way around. Even though the car parks were full and it was obvious the place was very busy it never seemed overcrowded and a sense of serenity prevailed. We spent about five hours exploring the pathways and hidden corners but we only really scratched the surface. On our list to see was the Royal Artillery Garden, The RAF Association Memorial Garden, Durham Light Infantry, Shot at Dawn, Parachute Regiment, Far East POW Building and associated memorials and of course the National Armed Forces Memorial. Each and every memorial is special in its own way as a reminder of the sacrifices of others. The fairly newly unveiled Naval Service Memorial was a spectacular sight in the early evening sunlight with a beautiful narrative explaining the design. The site is dominated by the most impressive National Armed Forces Memorial which we left to the very end of our visit and it was, at a time of the day when the crowds had dispersed, a place of peace and quiet reflection.
The Arboretum is beautifully kept and immaculately clean and we saw several volunteers tending the grounds, painting benches etc. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and the shop has some interesting items for sale.
This is a truly special place to visit and it is hard not to be moved by the sight of so many memorials in dedication to and remembrance of lives lost. Everyone should take time out of their busy lives to spend a day here. A must visit.
This place is vast and certainly a day is not long enough to see and appreciate everything so as this was our first visit we decided to pick our own “must see” memorials – the map which can be bought for £3 is very clear and we found it essential in finding our way around. Even though the car parks were full and it was obvious the place was very busy it never seemed overcrowded and a sense of serenity prevailed. We spent about five hours exploring the pathways and hidden corners but we only really scratched the surface. On our list to see was the Royal Artillery Garden, The RAF Association Memorial Garden, Durham Light Infantry, Shot at Dawn, Parachute Regiment, Far East POW Building and associated memorials and of course the National Armed Forces Memorial. Each and every memorial is special in its own way as a reminder of the sacrifices of others. The fairly newly unveiled Naval Service Memorial was a spectacular sight in the early evening sunlight with a beautiful narrative explaining the design. The site is dominated by the most impressive National Armed Forces Memorial which we left to the very end of our visit and it was, at a time of the day when the crowds had dispersed, a place of peace and quiet reflection.
The Arboretum is beautifully kept and immaculately clean and we saw several volunteers tending the grounds, painting benches etc. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and the shop has some interesting items for sale.
This is a truly special place to visit and it is hard not to be moved by the sight of so many memorials in dedication to and remembrance of lives lost. Everyone should take time out of their busy lives to spend a day here. A must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very moving and beautiful place. Everyone should visit at least once. Beautifully laid out, stunning views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is so beautifully laid out including so many memorials for a massive range of people who gave their lives to help make life better for us. Its so peaceful and well thought out. There are buggies and the Land Train to take you around if you are not able to cover the huge acreage of the arboretum. There are also two restaurants/cafes and a gift shop. we are so glad we went. There is no entrance charge although there are donation boxes around. There is a small charge for the land train and buggies but well worth it. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for use of the less abled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great and necessary tribute to all those who gave so much for our freedom, very sad at times but also inspiring. I think it is beautifully presented and tended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A thoroughly enjoyable day at a well constructed and well thought out venue. Before visiting I had done no research and had assumed that this was purely a military memorial site. I was completely wrong; although there were, of course, memorials to the armed services and, to my delight, the Merchant Navy, there were many others. Anne Frank, Shot at Dawn, Neo-natal deaths to name but a few. Whilst this was a thought-provoking experience it was by no means gllomy. No entry fee, £3 for all day parking, very reasonably priced food, (light snacks up to a two-course Sunday Roast), this is a great day out for very little expenditure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
visited the Arboretum in September after passing it for years on the way to Birmingham to visit relatives. My wife and her family have supported the Arboretum but I have never been. It is a beautiful and moving experience. Everyone should go to be reminded of the sacrifice that all our service men and women made. Every branch of every service is represented and that in itself makes you think. Finally the café is fab and does a cracking roast at a very reasonable price!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and myself went to the Arboretum while we were having a break in Burton upon Trent, the staff were very friendly and helpful, we took the land train around the site which was very informative, it's one of the most beautiful places we have visited if you are ever in the area a visit is a must
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place for people to come and pay their respects the gardens are superbly maintained in between the manorial gardens its a full day walking eround visiting each garden a credit to the hard working staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we visited here on the 10th of September and I'm glad we did, it's not only a memorial to war dead but theres so much more, and a lot of thought has gone into the gardens and what trees are planted. I would say if your interested in this sort of thing you won't be dissapionted.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
spent most of the day here but really need two days to cover it all. very moving and so well laid out. plenty of pit stops and helpful volunteers
well worth a visit
well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The layout of the memorials and statues has been well spaced and thought out and appears accessible to all. Obviously a great deal of thought has gone into the entire grounds and it is immaculately presented both horticulturaly and in the variety of tributes to various regiments and campaigns. There is a serenity about the place despite there being many visitors on the day we attended.There is a restaurant as well as coffee tent and a well stocked shop. Entry is free other than a £3 parking charge, although on the day we attended the main car park was full and they did not appear to be charging for the nearby overflow car park. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place that remembers the fallen, both military and civilian. The main memorial is stunning and has an atmosphere that I cannot describe. The sculptures are amazing and seeing all the names recorded on the walls was so humbling. We took the guided train ride at £5 each and it was worth it for the commentary. The gardens, plaques and memorials all tell stories of pride and sacrifice. The cafés are ok, with average food and prices, and the gift shop has some interesting books. The volunteers and staff are very good and we will return in the future as the site will change and develop over the years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On the 6th June 2014 I organised a event of some Veterans including my self to visit the Arboretum to pay our respects to those who fought in that terrible 1914-18 war; It is a very emotional
experience and a place that everyone should visit, it is vast with many attractions including
area's should you require food, I highly recommend the place; If you require accommodation
there is Ibis hotel nearby and at very reasonable price's; it is a must see
experience and a place that everyone should visit, it is vast with many attractions including
area's should you require food, I highly recommend the place; If you require accommodation
there is Ibis hotel nearby and at very reasonable price's; it is a must see
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well being from the south it made a change to visit a memorial outside London and the location chosen to centralise this beautiful memorial site and it's lay out are a testament to the foresight of all those involved past and present.the whole memorial site is both poignant and educational and the staff on site are very enthusiastic to help and inform and the whole site is accessible to able and disabled alike even to the poin of mobility scooters on site to rent at a exceptional low rate
Tho make sure you pre book if you need one and remember to cancel if you don't !! Someone will be grateful
The N M A isn't intended to be a place of sorrow and you leave the site with a reflective and thought provoking view that other memorials don't do it was also good to see school trips on site
And I'm sure children will take away their own ideas a of what the NMA mean
We visited with eress reason to visit a particular memorial and were superbly assisted by the staff to do so and the morning 2minute silence service with addition short talk was again very
Much part of what the whole day was to us
This is an ever evolving living memorial that offers everyone the chance to visit and reflect at their own time and pace
We would certainly return for a further vist
Tho make sure you pre book if you need one and remember to cancel if you don't !! Someone will be grateful
The N M A isn't intended to be a place of sorrow and you leave the site with a reflective and thought provoking view that other memorials don't do it was also good to see school trips on site
And I'm sure children will take away their own ideas a of what the NMA mean
We visited with eress reason to visit a particular memorial and were superbly assisted by the staff to do so and the morning 2minute silence service with addition short talk was again very
Much part of what the whole day was to us
This is an ever evolving living memorial that offers everyone the chance to visit and reflect at their own time and pace
We would certainly return for a further vist
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Should be on everyone's itinerary at least once in a lifetime. A peaceful and thought-provoking place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the 3rd time we have been to the National Memorial Arboretum and it continues to improve with every visit. The layout is an haven of peace and quiet. There is something there for everyone and all ages. Just to see the 16000 names on the memorial wall is spellbinding. The short service in the Chapel at 11.00 am everyday is very moving and is something not to be missed. I would recommend the Arboretum as a must visit at least once in a lifetime experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a lovely sunny day so I think we saw it at its best ,some of the trees are beginning to turn for Autumn .Everything is so well planned and organised .It is so large you don't feel crowded in the grounds so it feels very peaceful and gives you time to contemplate and it was an emotional experience .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real must for those with family, or those who have served their country, we visited on a beautiful September day,with clear blue skies. Knowing someone on the memorial or seeing a family name is a very emotional experience so be prepared. As it is free, please remember to take some money for a donation (£5 is suggested) the "land train ride" also a £5 is worth it to get an idea of the scale. Then I suggest you go for a cup of tea and then walk around around slowly taking in the atmosphere. We were there for 5 hours and it passed very quickly,we will certainly be going back and I highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have just visited the Arboretum today and have been deeply touched by the whole experience.
We stopped off on route home and obtained an escorted golf buggy trip.
David a lovely retired teacher is there each Sunday and gave us an excellent and informative tour of the grounds and memorials, explaining in detail what they represented.
Thank you so very much David, it was a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the tour.
We stopped off on route home and obtained an escorted golf buggy trip.
David a lovely retired teacher is there each Sunday and gave us an excellent and informative tour of the grounds and memorials, explaining in detail what they represented.
Thank you so very much David, it was a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the tour.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a stunning place to visit, well laid out grounds with beautiful trees and amazing memorials. The freedom to just walk the grounds without being kept to paths is refreshing. The memorials are thought provoking and quite emotional. Take the land train to get a feel for where you want to walk. The riverbank is peaceful as are many of the memorial areas. The memorials are not all military ones. Well worth a repeat visit in another season. The volunteers are friendly and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum was incredible - the grounds and memorials all well kept. I would recommend you take the road train, particularly if, like us, your legs won't tolerate miles of walking. We found the whole experience quite emotional and recommend you visit to pay your respects to those people who have sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was not quite sure what to expect when we arrived. The entry is free and parking is a meager £3 for the day. The visitor centre is very good as is the cafe and neither are over priced.
We thought the place it's self was stunning everywhere was spotless as befits a National memorial, and the monuments were well spaced out. We arrived at lunch time and left when it closed, and there was still a whole section we didn't see. If you go get there early and take your time, as there is so much to see. I went with my wife in June and am going again tomorrow with my sister. An excellent day out.
A must see for me was the Shot At Dawn memorial and I was not disappointed.
We thought the place it's self was stunning everywhere was spotless as befits a National memorial, and the monuments were well spaced out. We arrived at lunch time and left when it closed, and there was still a whole section we didn't see. If you go get there early and take your time, as there is so much to see. I went with my wife in June and am going again tomorrow with my sister. An excellent day out.
A must see for me was the Shot At Dawn memorial and I was not disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
