National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I knew nothing about this pace before we went. We went because my husband had read about it. I was completely bowled over by the vastness of it as soon as we went in. It has been respectfully designed and is so well looked after. The care and dedication taken to remember all those who have given for the right to live in a democracy is awe inspiring. I felt truly humbled throughout my visit. We were there for 5 hours and wish we had arrived earlier as we only saw just over half. I will most certainly make the effort to go again when I get the chance. The only charge is £3 for the car park, yet it takes nearly £4000 every day to keep the place open. If you are disabled or find it hard to get around no worries are there are wheelchairs available (including electric ones) or you can get the land train around the site which has a running commentary ( we didn't use it but I over heard someone saying it was good value for the £5 charge).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit to the Arboretum. It is a wonderful place to walk and show respect to those who are listed on the main Armed Forces Memorial. The individual memorials are placed throughout the site so be ready to do a lot of walking. Make sure you buy the guide book, it is full of useful information. If you have mobility problems there is a land train and golf buggies to assist you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is no admission charge to go around the arboretum but you need to pay and display £3.00 in the car park.
We arrived quite late (15:30 and it closes at 17:00) so we only had time to quickly hop on the land train which takes you on a sedate 50 minute tour around the grounds. This was a life-saver as without it, we wouldn't have seen much of the arboretum at all as it's a massive site. The audio commentary on the train tells you exactly where to look and what you are looking at.
The grounds are covered with different memorials to different sections of the forces and the thought that has gone into planting the different types of trees surrounding each one is outstanding. You can get off the train at various points to explore the memorials in more detail.
We then visited the well-stocked gift shop but didn't get time to stop for any refreshments. There were some kiosks outside as well selling ice-cream and drinks. Toilets were fine.
We will probably be back at some point in the future and will pre-plan our visit and what we want to see, as this seems like the best way to do it.
We arrived quite late (15:30 and it closes at 17:00) so we only had time to quickly hop on the land train which takes you on a sedate 50 minute tour around the grounds. This was a life-saver as without it, we wouldn't have seen much of the arboretum at all as it's a massive site. The audio commentary on the train tells you exactly where to look and what you are looking at.
The grounds are covered with different memorials to different sections of the forces and the thought that has gone into planting the different types of trees surrounding each one is outstanding. You can get off the train at various points to explore the memorials in more detail.
We then visited the well-stocked gift shop but didn't get time to stop for any refreshments. There were some kiosks outside as well selling ice-cream and drinks. Toilets were fine.
We will probably be back at some point in the future and will pre-plan our visit and what we want to see, as this seems like the best way to do it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just spent an afternoon followed by a morning in the NMA. This is one of the most extraordinary places we've ever visited in Britain. The warmth of the welcome from the army of yellow shirted volunteers is exceptional and the guides are reservoirs of information and fascinating anecdotes. We loved everything about this place. It gets the tone just right. It is neither triumphalistic nor polemical, just decent and dignified. There is space here for everybody - from the mighty red berets with their winged horse through to the terrified boys shot at dawn for 'cowardice', from the showmen who served in the armed forces, remembered by a gaudy little carousel horse, through to the prisoners of war whose raw memories of their brutal treatment by the Japanese is brought back to life in the replica hut. The soldiers who fought in Greece have their own Hellenic grove and a heartfelt plaque recalling how their contribution was marginalised and the Royal Navy has a wonderful memorial in coloured glass which casts the shadow of a warship on the ground. This holy ground is alive with memory and thankfulness, sorrow and admiration for the sacrifices of so many human beings caught up in the maelstrom of horrible conflicts. We wandered about this huge area of trees and open spaces learning about veterans' societies we never knew existed but all leaving their mark in special ways, through stones, marble, wood and glass. For people like us, who have known a similar loss, the memorial garden to stillborn children was a sanctuary to spend some time together. A lovely Jewish custom of leaving stones on graves is given a new lease of life with the brightly coloured pebbles on the sides of the pathways painted with the names of children who died asleep. The huge and beautiful raised central memorial with the names of over 16,500 members of the armed forces who gave their lives since the Second World War is a magnificent centrepiece and an unforgettable tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Take me, Adam, Hayley, Grandad and two dogs and send us to a place for reflection.
There was a lovely walk just for dogs (and owners) so after 5 mins we (me and Adam) left Hayley and Grandad to continue on that route as we visited the memorials. The main sculpture wall was beautiful, moving and had fantastic views. We also saw the POW exhibition which had me in tears, the information was well written and factual - brutal and cruel. The grounds were immaculate and whole place had a real air of something between happiness, pride and reflection.
Meanwhile Grandad had taken a wrong turn with the dogs and ended up in the cafe with Hayley and the two dogs. The staff didn't get upset, although they had every right to, instead they happily helped them escape to the right path.
The empty marble walls, ready for the stonemasons chisel to carve the names of future war casualties, is an image i will not quickly forget.
There was a lovely walk just for dogs (and owners) so after 5 mins we (me and Adam) left Hayley and Grandad to continue on that route as we visited the memorials. The main sculpture wall was beautiful, moving and had fantastic views. We also saw the POW exhibition which had me in tears, the information was well written and factual - brutal and cruel. The grounds were immaculate and whole place had a real air of something between happiness, pride and reflection.
Meanwhile Grandad had taken a wrong turn with the dogs and ended up in the cafe with Hayley and the two dogs. The staff didn't get upset, although they had every right to, instead they happily helped them escape to the right path.
The empty marble walls, ready for the stonemasons chisel to carve the names of future war casualties, is an image i will not quickly forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Both having served in the Royal Navy, my husband and I were very keen to visit the Arboretum. We were not disappointed. We had been told to buy the Guide book, which is full of useful information and the stories behind the memorials. We knew we couldn't see everything so we had a light lunch in the restaurant and studied the map. Having decided what we wished to see we visited the main war memorial, which was very impressive. Sadly my husband spotted several colleague's names etched into the stone walls. The memorial gives a good vantage point of the area, so we could get our bearings. On this visit we concentrated on the RN and WRNS memorials. The new Naval Memorial is far more impressive than it looks in photographs, particularly as the sun came out, shining through the blue plates giving a shadow of a warship on the ground.
We will try and revisit sometime. Since reading the guidebook thoroughly later, we have identified other areas we should like to see.
For those who find it difficult to walk there is a train which runs regularly around the grounds giving a commentary and plenty of wheelchair access.
This is a memorial which can only get better with time as the trees mature.
We will try and revisit sometime. Since reading the guidebook thoroughly later, we have identified other areas we should like to see.
For those who find it difficult to walk there is a train which runs regularly around the grounds giving a commentary and plenty of wheelchair access.
This is a memorial which can only get better with time as the trees mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first visit since 2010, coincidentally both on the 9th July. Since our last visit there is now a hard standing car park which is a very modest £3 per day. There is no admission fee to pay as most of the staff are volunteers. When you approach the entrance there is a greeter to meet you and give you any advice on where to go. Maps and a colour brochure/guide are available in the reception. We had a good walk around seeing the new memorials that have been set up since our last visit. We also had lunch in the cafeteria which was excellent and quite good value for this type of venue, all proceeds going towards the upkeep. This place should be a required visit for all schoolchildren so they understand what sacrifices have been made by our troops in the past to preserve our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a nice day out, because it was a gloriously sunny day. However, there wasn't a lot of information about the individual memorials which is quite disappointing.
There's a lot more that they could do here, to make it more interesting for people who are perhaps going with not a great deal of information, and a map would be a really nice extra, as it's easy to get lost and difficult to find certain memorials if you were going for something in particular.
The restaurant didn't have a lot of warm vegetarian options as well which was quite disappointing.
There's a lot more that they could do here, to make it more interesting for people who are perhaps going with not a great deal of information, and a map would be a really nice extra, as it's easy to get lost and difficult to find certain memorials if you were going for something in particular.
The restaurant didn't have a lot of warm vegetarian options as well which was quite disappointing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely place to visit. The grounds were beautiful and a lot of thought has been put into the arboretum and the reason behind it. The staff were informative. We popped into the coffee shop for a lovely tea and cake. Beautiful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fabulous place to visit, especially if you have a connection to one of the many memorial gardens here. The grounds are immaculately kept and the static displays situated around the place are moving and interesting in their storytelling. Very moving to see the 1000's of tributes to fallen servicemen and women and also in some of the civilian gardens. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. Admission is free but I am sure after leaving any visitor would wish to make a donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set in really beautiful and tranquil surroundings the memorials are inspirational to young and old alike. and each time we have been more have been added.
We find that riding around the grounds on the little train is a good way to see most of the monuments and to hear the history of each one.
After the ride we then know where to go back to to see any significant memorial we wish to view, in detail.
The restaurant serves a good and varied menu and a small gift shop is there if you want a memento of your visit.
We went on Saturday 5th July and were lucky to be able to join in the annual celebrations organised by the Royal Artillery Association.
Plus the sun shone all day. Wonderful !!!
We find that riding around the grounds on the little train is a good way to see most of the monuments and to hear the history of each one.
After the ride we then know where to go back to to see any significant memorial we wish to view, in detail.
The restaurant serves a good and varied menu and a small gift shop is there if you want a memento of your visit.
We went on Saturday 5th July and were lucky to be able to join in the annual celebrations organised by the Royal Artillery Association.
Plus the sun shone all day. Wonderful !!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to spend time. Not only to reflect but to learn, the memorials here are inspirational. The cafe/restaurant serves great food from fantastic full english breakfast to Sunday Carvery. You just get lost wandering and reading the dedications and end up eating a great meal. Fantastic day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really lovely day out. Very interesting & humbling. Far bigger than expected. You do really need to make it a days visit. We also went on the little train that goes around. I think this was a good idea as you get to see more & you learn about the different monuments.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had never heard of the place, but how amazing was it, such a surprise. Seeing all the names of the people that had lost their lives in all the wars, right up until present day. A very moving place. No entrance fee, but £3 for parking. There is a restaurant although we didn't try it, also a gift shop and toilets.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We didn't know what to expect when we visited here recently but the place is very well planned, the walks are beautiful and the memorials are very moving and poignant.
You can wander freely around the place, in between beautiful wooded areas, paths and the various memorials.
The central monument is extremely moving.
What I can't believe though, is how anyone can mark this as average or below... You're missing the whole point of the place!!!
You can wander freely around the place, in between beautiful wooded areas, paths and the various memorials.
The central monument is extremely moving.
What I can't believe though, is how anyone can mark this as average or below... You're missing the whole point of the place!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the arboretum together with a group of senior British Legion members, and we had a good day, but there are some areas that could be improved. The memorials are very moving - and the whole site, as the trees grow up, can only grow more imposing. As it is mainly staffed by volunteers, coordinating the services must be tricky, but I would suggest not charging for the site map, ensuing that all senior visitors are made aware of the availability of scooters/golf buggies on admission - one or two of our party saw very little as the became aware of the golf buggy services too late. Also perhaps a board near the entrance showing the program of talks for the day, and perhaps a dedicated train for those with blue badges to get them from talk to talk? The food was good, the facilities were spotless, and I'm sure, now we know the ropes, that we will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The whole layout was beautiful with all the memorials given plenty of space. In particular the "shot at dawn" memorial brought tears to our eyes but we wouldn't have missed it for the world. Everybody should go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited Lichfield not realising that the Arboretum was nearby. We were informed about it at our B&B and thought we would go there the next morning. We were only going to stay for a few hours but found so much to see and do that we stayed well into the late afternoon. It was the perfect place to walk around, to think and reflect about our country and about the thousands of people who have given their lives over time to maintain freedom in so many countries of the world as well in our own country. Both of us were moved and affected by the memorials that we saw and by reading the accompanying information. It is beautifully maintained and the staff were extremely helpful whenever we asked for help or explanations of how the arboretum came to be. Definitely a place we will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was one of the most moving experiences I have ever experienced. The place was beautifully laid out and covered all the forces and their lost sons. It is a tranquil place to visit and we could see that many fellow visitors had a direct interest in the site.
It was indeed a most humbling experience in today's mad world.
It was indeed a most humbling experience in today's mad world.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you have any involvement with the military then a visit here is recommended. To see the names of service men and women who gave their lives for the country is quite emotional. In addition there are the disbanded regiments, squadrons and ships, etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A moving place that offer so much, enjoyed by the whole family even two young children who were able to really understand from seeing the tributes more about the history of the Wars.
The grounds were very restful and clearly well loved and maintained.
The grounds were very restful and clearly well loved and maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were lucky enough to visit on Armed Forces Day and there was lots going on. It was great to see all the veterans displaying their medals. The place itself is so well maintained and is a credit to all the staff. Will definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have seen the National Memorial Aboretum grow from a soggy site to the magnificent development it is today. Including the hugely impressive Armed Forces Memorial there are tributes to so many groups from the moving 'Shot At Dawn' to the simple Dinkirk memorial to the Burma Railway tribute. Everyone should go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a great Father day here. My step dad loved it and so did my 9 year old son! My son is a little historian on WW1 and WW2. He got very upset but he cant wait to visit again tomorrow. There are some beautiful memorials to see.
There is a lovely restaurant and gift shop and there is a little train that takes you around the arboretum.
A lovey day out, that everyone should visit
There is a lovely restaurant and gift shop and there is a little train that takes you around the arboretum.
A lovey day out, that everyone should visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful day we had at the National Memorial Arboretum, you really need more than one day to visit this location.We all must be very proud of this place and encourage others to pay a visit, it is essential that we remember all who gave thier lives.
With no entrance fee and car parking only three pounds for all day parking.I would have willingly payed any amount to visit this memorable location, beautifully maintained as well.
With no entrance fee and car parking only three pounds for all day parking.I would have willingly payed any amount to visit this memorable location, beautifully maintained as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
