National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Beautiful and thought provoking site with lots of information. We went there specifically to look at RN/QARNNS and RAMC memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a memorable visit. Beautiful & Peaceful we all really enjoyed the day. A day isn't long enough to fit everything in. So we will be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I visited the arboureteum yesterday it is well worth going so much to see and photograph .we were at 11am for the service in the chapel followed by a very informative talk about the history .the volunteers are also very friendly and helpful .the resturant excellent .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Full of history and very moving so much to see, we spent over five hours exploring and came away having discovered much that we didn't know.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The central memorial space is impressive and well executed. Great expanses of Portland Stone with beautifully carved script and a few strong bronze statues. Clever use of light and sonorous echoes as one walks around. It really helps one begin to understand the enormity of loss in conflict.
However, the rest of the arboretum seems to me to lack any coherent structure with a bewildering assortment of memorials dotted about in a fairly haphazard parkland setting. A plethora of park benches everywhere adds to a sense of being in a municipal park rather than a memorial arboretum.
I was particularly saddened to see a collection of war memorials, presumably taken from buildings now demolished or "regenerated" put up on a fence to the side of the restaurant with a load of mobility scooters in front of them.
Its great that the arboretum has been created and I think the centre piece is excellent and moving. I think the rest of the site needs a re-think, with a little more thought given to overall structure and coherence.
I hope that the problems, as I see them, are a result of this still being quite a new site and that all will be resolved over time. After all, there seems no end to people dying in wars, so this is going to be a long term project.
However, the rest of the arboretum seems to me to lack any coherent structure with a bewildering assortment of memorials dotted about in a fairly haphazard parkland setting. A plethora of park benches everywhere adds to a sense of being in a municipal park rather than a memorial arboretum.
I was particularly saddened to see a collection of war memorials, presumably taken from buildings now demolished or "regenerated" put up on a fence to the side of the restaurant with a load of mobility scooters in front of them.
Its great that the arboretum has been created and I think the centre piece is excellent and moving. I think the rest of the site needs a re-think, with a little more thought given to overall structure and coherence.
I hope that the problems, as I see them, are a result of this still being quite a new site and that all will be resolved over time. After all, there seems no end to people dying in wars, so this is going to be a long term project.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went not really knowing what to expect but what a remarkable place. The memorial monuments to many different people are set out in beautiful landscaped grounds. We took the road train ride so that we could see as much as possible and the £5 charge was well worth it as we learnt far more than if we had wandered round on our own although there is plenty of friendly staff who will put you on the right track if you're looking for any particular monument.
The main monument in the centre was particularly thought provoking, to see all those names of people who have been killed and then see the blank spaces yet to be filled makes you realise just how many lives have been lost.
There is so much to see it is hard to do it all in one day so I hope to go back soon.
The food in the cafe was lovely and reasonably priced. The gift shop has plenty of momentos to help you remember a wonderful day out.
The main monument in the centre was particularly thought provoking, to see all those names of people who have been killed and then see the blank spaces yet to be filled makes you realise just how many lives have been lost.
There is so much to see it is hard to do it all in one day so I hope to go back soon.
The food in the cafe was lovely and reasonably priced. The gift shop has plenty of momentos to help you remember a wonderful day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As most do, we arrived by car. It was well signposted and the car park was reasonably priced, £3 all day. No admission charge but suggested donation £5 per head.
It is a lovely place to be, and a fitting location for the many and varied memorials.
We took the road-train ride to get an overview. Cost £5 per person for about 3/4 hours.
We also visited the post 1945 memorial, the biggest of the memorials.
So many names, and the list still continues.
A chance to reflect on the true cost of war, in human terms.
It is a lovely place to be, and a fitting location for the many and varied memorials.
We took the road-train ride to get an overview. Cost £5 per person for about 3/4 hours.
We also visited the post 1945 memorial, the biggest of the memorials.
So many names, and the list still continues.
A chance to reflect on the true cost of war, in human terms.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is a good place to visit to pay tribute to the men and women that have given their lives in defence of our country. There are memorial monuments to many different individual units, and it's worth picking up a copy of the guide book to get full details of all of them. The only problem is that it is now impossible to get to the NMA by public transport except for on a Sunday.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
And I mean everyone, as it not only remembers those lost in conflict, but other innocent lives lost, 9/11, still births, everyone is remembered in a unique special way. The whole experience was more than I could have imagined. The staff were all very helpful, cheery and welcoming nothing was to much trouble. Food lovely and reasonable in cafe, shop very well stocked for all ages.
Can recommend the land train, although at £5 each thought it was expensive but so glad we did as we saw and learnt so much more than you would on foot, worth every penny! We jumped off at the shot at Dawn(very moving) approx 1/2 way round and walked back.
Just a wonderful day out, such a tranquil,beatuifully kept, peaceful place, highly recommended, hope to visit again. Thank you! :)
Can recommend the land train, although at £5 each thought it was expensive but so glad we did as we saw and learnt so much more than you would on foot, worth every penny! We jumped off at the shot at Dawn(very moving) approx 1/2 way round and walked back.
Just a wonderful day out, such a tranquil,beatuifully kept, peaceful place, highly recommended, hope to visit again. Thank you! :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Yesterday we went with two friends to above attraction out fourth visit their first.the Arboretum is a wonderful site to wonder round, very tranquil but has a very serious but interesting side.i must vist for everyone just so we rember the past and all the sacrifices made.beautiful kept but really needs more than one day to get round.they have a land train you can go round on and you can pay more for a buggy tour.£ 3.00 car parking but no entrance fee but rely on donations a very worthy cause.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our third visit to this ever changing, very special place and it won't be our last.
It can be emotional and moving but that is what it is-The National Memorial Arboretm
It can be emotional and moving but that is what it is-The National Memorial Arboretm
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been here twice now and found new parts of it each time. Really enjoyed exploring and walking along the river, learning about a lot of British history that I didn't know previously. A though provoking place but with the sun shining and kids playing - a happy one as well, I didn't find it at all sombre. Well worth a visit. Cakes in the coffee shop are good too...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely atmosphere of friendliness. The food is always very tasty. Worth a visit. When I last went there was a parade day for the 1st world war memorial. It is a wonderful place to visit and the restaurant staff are always pleasant and helpful even when they are under pressure of serving a couple of hundred people with hot food. Well done.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really nice place to go and pay ones respect to the dead. The grounds are so well looked after. It's a pity the welcome is not so good. I presume that the people are all volunteers and so therefor do it for free non the less they could try to be a little not pleasant when arriving. One lady at a desk was looking down either to her phone or an Ipod and paying no attention to people entering the main entrance. The train could be more photographic friendly by that I mean you cannot take photos because you have a plastic window in front of your lens .Also you are all squashed up on it. Having said this it does cost a lot of money to run. I think it would be better to have something's modernised i.e.the train and charge an entrance fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must visit if you are ever in the area, and well worth a dedicated visit. It does not in anyway glorify conflicts, but simply remembers anyone who has served our country in every day life, like the fire brigade, police ,ambulance service and the armed services.
The whole place makes you proud to be British and part of the commonwealth, individual monuments telling their own stories.
The road train ride is a great way to see the whole site, with a simple yet informative commentary played throughout, then a trip up to the main services monument a must do, the massive walls covered in names helps you appreciate their sacrifice.
The cafe/restaurant was very good and reasonably priced, and the gift shop well stocked with various souvenirs, bearing in mind most areas are staffed by volunteers the organisation and professionalism was excellent.
A calm and serene place that I hopefully will visit again.
The whole place makes you proud to be British and part of the commonwealth, individual monuments telling their own stories.
The road train ride is a great way to see the whole site, with a simple yet informative commentary played throughout, then a trip up to the main services monument a must do, the massive walls covered in names helps you appreciate their sacrifice.
The cafe/restaurant was very good and reasonably priced, and the gift shop well stocked with various souvenirs, bearing in mind most areas are staffed by volunteers the organisation and professionalism was excellent.
A calm and serene place that I hopefully will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited last week, and what a joy. The peace and quiet is wonderful, as is the 600 monuments. Allow a lot of time as the site is massive and only visit when it is fine. There is a train to take you round the site, (£5) I fully recomment this. look at the Middle east section, including the burma railway.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to NMA with my father. We both served in the Army so thought we would spend some time in remembrance and also enjoy the location.
Although it is a place of remembrance it is also a peaceful and enjoyable walk where you can take time to enjoy the surroundings.
There are volunteers at most of the area's to discuss the history of the NMA and the memorials. They are all helpful and happy.
As an ex-serviceman this place is essential in that we need somewhere to go and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. No matter of service, Corps or regiment. As a human being it is a poignant place. A humbling place. Powerful and peaceful.
Although it is a place of remembrance it is also a peaceful and enjoyable walk where you can take time to enjoy the surroundings.
There are volunteers at most of the area's to discuss the history of the NMA and the memorials. They are all helpful and happy.
As an ex-serviceman this place is essential in that we need somewhere to go and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. No matter of service, Corps or regiment. As a human being it is a poignant place. A humbling place. Powerful and peaceful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very warming place to go. It poured down with rain the day we were there. That did not distract in any way, although we did get wet. We jumped on the train for the 50 minute ride through the 170 acres and the commentary was both informative and precise. We then walked up to the main monument in perfect sunshine and the warmth it portrays is goose-pimply. We were given a talk about the site by a guy named Roger. This took place in the wooden chapel and is well worth the time taken. The entry is free apart from a small charge to park your car. We bought other things such as keepsakes but there is no pressure to purchase anything more. The food hall is reasonable and serves fairly decent food. A visit we would not have missed and we will probably visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On the negative side, Whoever thought that using small pebbles laid deep for the overflow car park that the elderly and disabled have to walk through was sensible - got it wrong. The toilets in the cafe had the hand dryers above the grille radiators meaning that there was always water dripping into them. The self service cafe is poorly laid out, lines of self service coffee machines do not improve customer flow especially when you have to jockey for position in a queue and someone is stood beside trying to get a coffee.
Bit disappointed that the grass around the memorials in the Naval Wood was so long that it took ages to find what I went for.
On the plus side, the staff are efficient and friendly and the majority of the memorials are easy to find and well maintained.
Bit disappointed that the grass around the memorials in the Naval Wood was so long that it took ages to find what I went for.
On the plus side, the staff are efficient and friendly and the majority of the memorials are easy to find and well maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would hope that everyone, at some time, would visit this fantastic attraction. Our group visited yesterday and I cant find words to say how wonderful it was. The train ride enabled us to see the far flung memorials.. The only pity is that you can't alight and then rejoin another train but this is quite understandable as the train is so very popular (next time for me is a buggy ride). Couldn't get into the chaple for the two minutes silence 'cos it was too ful but visited afterwards and it's so interesting. The whole site puts into perspective the sacrifices many peoples and nations made to overcome adversity and struggles of Great Britain. I wanted to visit the Shot at Dawn memorial but it's a fairly long walk and it was so hot so I didn't make it. Everyone says it's moving so that's where I'm going first on my next visit. The service and the food in the resturant was excellent. What an incredable place to visit. I really do urge everyone to go for a super day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great and unique place where many war memorials are exhibited. Tea shop (marquee) and cafe available. Food prices reasonable. Full meals and snacks served. Peaceful and beautiful location. many wars represented. All services represented. I would allow at least 3 hours for visit. Much of the walking around is on paths, however there is a tree walk which, if it has rained might be a bit muddy. Accessible for much of the site for buggies and wheelchairs. large car park with overflow just down the road (you need to pay at the main desk if parking on the overflow as no ticket machines are there).
Interesting information available in front of each memorial. There is a guide book available (approx £3.00)
Interesting information available in front of each memorial. There is a guide book available (approx £3.00)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful experience our group enjoyed today from the last post and two minutes silence, right through the whole day. A 'must' ride on the train takes you around the site on a 50 minute tour accompanied by a very comprehensive commentar, hi lighting the majority of the memorials, sometimes with appropriate music.. Prior to this, 10 minutes spent with the map, deciding which monuments have meaning for you and orientatating yourself before starting off to find them. Just discovering the various monuments in between is a delight - names and events you remember from childhood come alive as you walk around the arboretum or just sit quietly in the oak wood and appreciate being surrounded by recent history. This is not a morbid place, but is full of life, telling the story of our great country, it's struggles and it's allies who rallied around to help in time of conflict and shows the huge variety of people and occupations who added their contribution and continue to do so.
The one remarkable fact that I brought away with me from today is that everything on the site has a symbolic reason to be there. The 12 Douglas pines supporting the chapel roof represent the Apostles, the angle of the rock at the WRAC memorial is ground to the exact angle that the guns were fired at and the symbolism goes on throughout the site.......a wonderful experience!
The pre-booked group lunch was excellent too!
The one remarkable fact that I brought away with me from today is that everything on the site has a symbolic reason to be there. The 12 Douglas pines supporting the chapel roof represent the Apostles, the angle of the rock at the WRAC memorial is ground to the exact angle that the guns were fired at and the symbolism goes on throughout the site.......a wonderful experience!
The pre-booked group lunch was excellent too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting place to visit. Hadn't realised there was such a diversity of memorials. I'd assumed it was all military. Certainly worth buying a guide book to get info and to decide where you want to visit. Shot at Dawn is particularly poignant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The national memorial arboretum stands in what was a quarry site and the land is rented on a peppercorn rate for 999 years. The site is vast so a land train is available to ensure you can see the whole site, a note of caution once you get off the train you cannot get back on so you have to make your own way back. The number of memorials to all armed forces and contributors to our national security is amazing. The main memorial showing all the names of those killed in service since 1945 is well positioned and stands raised as a centre piece. The guide may seem expensive at £6.50 but is very comprehensive and can save a lot of time if looking for specific memorials. There are plenty areas for refreshments and a number of areas to sit and reflect. This memorial survives on contributions so please give generously when you are there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice and quiet gardens all very well kept, nice tea room and cakes available also.
Good place to get away and walk around for a couple of hours in a peaceful setting, monuments to the fallen are very interesting to look at.
Good place to get away and walk around for a couple of hours in a peaceful setting, monuments to the fallen are very interesting to look at.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
