National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Absolutely wonderful place. Stunning memorials of which there are dozens dotted around the entire site, varying in size and detail but all very moving. Plenty of benches to sit and take it all in, sheltered areas for picnics or to escape the rain with wooden carved animals and information boards inside. The main memorial is stunning and the way it has been designed to allow the light through on 11/11 is breathtaking. Free entry but a donation is suggested, cafe is lovely and quite reasonably priced, great gift shop, maps and tours available, extremely helpful and friendly staff. All in all a lovely and very humbling visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very lovely place to go for a walk with added history. It was clean and well maintained. Will be returning in the summer for a longer day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Why we chose to go on such a cold day is beyond me. The place is amazing and extremely moving. There is a special atmostphere there, hard to describe really. Perhaps one is just aware of what the area represents. We spent about 3/4 of an hour there but became too cold to continue. However once the warmer weather comes we'll go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Try to go in dry weather, with sun better still. Overcast, in the rain, and with a cold wind, the National Memorial Arobretum would be a bleak place. When we visited in December, arriving at the 9am opening time, we were kitted out for freezing weather, which was a good job! We had booked an electric scooter for me, as well as a golf-cart (for eight people) guided tour. Excellent reception staff gave a large scooter, because, well, I am large. But I saw someone huge going round on one. The golf-cart tour, the first of the day at 10.30am, just had the two of us on it. It was excellent, and the driver very friendly, informative and responsive to questions. The arboretum is enormous and the tour gave us a good idea of the layout of almost the entire site. We had already had an excellent breakfast in the smart cafeteria. My wife went off on foot to the particular memorials she wanted to see (plan ahead, the online information is thorough!), and I scooted off to the ones I wanted to see. We then regrouped for a really enjoyable lunch. The Sunday roasts looked great. By this time the cafeteria was pretty full.. We had to leave by two pm, but had managed to spend three hours sightseeing, and two hours eating good food. It is a very moving place to visit. The poignant blank walls on the main elevated memorial, for deaths yet to come, giving especial cause for sad thought. The guidebook is well-worth purchasing, and the memorials are impressive in their variability.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With two teenage children its often difficult to get them to see the merit of a good walk, so we often like to take a walk that has a purpose, something to look at or find, this place fit the bill perfectly. There is lots of memorials to see, some interesting, some sculpturally beautiful, some thought provoking and others extremely moving. I doubt that we saw half of the site as despite it being a nic day there was a bitter wind. We left having enjoyed our visit knowing that with more to see we would have an excuse to return again, probably in the summer. No complaints from the teens either !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the arboretum last week while in the area for my birthday. We had a lovely morning out taking in all of the fantastic monuments. It is truly an beautiful place. We are looking forward to re-visit during the summer. We had a nice coffee in the cafe to warm us up from being out in the cold.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an amazing place, very thought provoking and well worth a visit. We spent hours there and apparently still missed a chunk of it, my advise, get a map!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been recommended to us by friends we finally decided to visit, and what a truly amazing place. You can not fail to be moved by the fantastic monuments to the people that gave their lives in world conflicts, They are still building monuments and when finished and the grounds mature it will be awesome. We will be visiting again in the summes to see the place in full colour.
There is a £3.00 charge for parking, but that is for the day,and it will need that to see everything. there is a recommended donation of £5.00 for the entry, but it is not enforced, it would be money well spent for the views. We had tea and scones in the cafe, they were excellent and good value, Looking fotward to the summrt visit.
There is a £3.00 charge for parking, but that is for the day,and it will need that to see everything. there is a recommended donation of £5.00 for the entry, but it is not enforced, it would be money well spent for the views. We had tea and scones in the cafe, they were excellent and good value, Looking fotward to the summrt visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On holiday in Church Broughton we came to visit. The sky was clear and blue, albeit cold, being January.
The staff (mostly volunteers) are dedicated to ensure you benefit everything you wish from your visit.
All the Forces are remembered and each monument is different and fitting, some are truly beautiful. There are free maps and people on hand if you wish to go to just particular monuments.
The cafeteria serves lovely food, well made and presented and reasonably priced. There is also a lovely gift shop with some very nice themed gifts to choose from.
The big monument which appears on tv quite bit is built so that you can whisper and still be heard. From 1945 all names of military personnel are inscribed on the walls by year and by Army/Navy/Airforce. Two sculptures are in the centre, each described by a very cold but lovely lady as to their significance.
There are two slits in the semi-circle walls and on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sun shines through them on to a large central sculptured wreath of poppies.
Well worth a visit. No entry fee but they do suggest £5 per person.
The staff (mostly volunteers) are dedicated to ensure you benefit everything you wish from your visit.
All the Forces are remembered and each monument is different and fitting, some are truly beautiful. There are free maps and people on hand if you wish to go to just particular monuments.
The cafeteria serves lovely food, well made and presented and reasonably priced. There is also a lovely gift shop with some very nice themed gifts to choose from.
The big monument which appears on tv quite bit is built so that you can whisper and still be heard. From 1945 all names of military personnel are inscribed on the walls by year and by Army/Navy/Airforce. Two sculptures are in the centre, each described by a very cold but lovely lady as to their significance.
There are two slits in the semi-circle walls and on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sun shines through them on to a large central sculptured wreath of poppies.
Well worth a visit. No entry fee but they do suggest £5 per person.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had a misconception regarding this memorial believing it to be a site recognising the sacrifices made by those defending the United Kingdom and its values. It seems to be a general place of remembrance for people from all back grounds not necessarily from conflict. The Armed Forces Memorial was very touching as was the monument to the Polish. Compared to Commonwealth War Cemeteries I have seen in Europe the overall feel of this site is something done on the cheap and in a haphazard layout. Visiting on an extremely cold sunny day in January I have not see the trees at their best but I had expected the Arboretum to have a more mature feel but presumably as this is reclaimed land the land is poor and trees take longer to become established.
I expected the site to be free and was surprised that a charge was made to park. As soon as you hit reception you meet with a wall of ways to relieve you of money including £5.00 voluntary donation, £3 site map which detracts from the solemnity of this attraction. I think money generation could be delivered in a more subtle way. When I eventually discovered the way the memorial is funded I was happy to part with my cash!
The cafe was OK if a little amateur. The 2 soups advertised had run out and the staff not aware. We were offered "to order" alternative but had visions of something out of a packet so declined the offer and settled for cake and tea. Despite saying lunch is available until 3.30 the appearance was that they had closed shop earlier.
I am not sure I would recommend this place as an attraction particularly if travelling a distance.
I expected the site to be free and was surprised that a charge was made to park. As soon as you hit reception you meet with a wall of ways to relieve you of money including £5.00 voluntary donation, £3 site map which detracts from the solemnity of this attraction. I think money generation could be delivered in a more subtle way. When I eventually discovered the way the memorial is funded I was happy to part with my cash!
The cafe was OK if a little amateur. The 2 soups advertised had run out and the staff not aware. We were offered "to order" alternative but had visions of something out of a packet so declined the offer and settled for cake and tea. Despite saying lunch is available until 3.30 the appearance was that they had closed shop earlier.
I am not sure I would recommend this place as an attraction particularly if travelling a distance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here just to see this magnificent monument, and what a truly amazing monument it is.
This is an enormous site, which needs a day to experience and pay your respects. Everyone is remembered here including Veterinary Doctors and The Land Army. Today has made us realize that our Forces and any other connected deserve all the respect.
Everyone has to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, if you haven't then do. We will be coming back in the summer, and support this charity.
This is an enormous site, which needs a day to experience and pay your respects. Everyone is remembered here including Veterinary Doctors and The Land Army. Today has made us realize that our Forces and any other connected deserve all the respect.
Everyone has to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, if you haven't then do. We will be coming back in the summer, and support this charity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the arboretum a few times usually while waiting for kids at a nearby outdoor centre. It is a lovely peaceful place to think and remember. Will improve in time as gardens mature. Lovely café and you can buy small selection of plants too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting for a stroll, lot of monuments for sometimes forgotten conflicts. I would think it would benefit from a good rethink in setup as the way you walk is not very logical, it does not flow.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even though it was a very cold day when we visited, we enjoyed every minute we were there. We were greeted on arrival by a very helpful volunteer, who gave us all the information we needed about the site. We walked to the main memorial and then took a buggy ride round most of the site. Stuart our driver/guide was brilliant. The charge of £5 per person was well worth it, we learnt so much. Had a lovely snack in the cafe, very tasty and reasonable. Wonderful day out, will be back when it's warmer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautifully maintained, serene and very moving. We visited on a freezing but sunny day and it was a heart wrenching visit but one I am glad I made. The grounds and memorials are kept immaculate by the staff. Lovely café too which was welcome after walking around in the cold weather. We will be back when it is warmer for a longer visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first visit, but will definitely be going back.
The site is easily accessible and well laid out. It beautiful and thought provoking, and you can spend as little or as much time as you want/ need to there.
There is a charge for car parking but no entrance fee, though you can leave a donation . There are remembrance items to buy and you can take flowers if you wish.
The site is easily accessible and well laid out. It beautiful and thought provoking, and you can spend as little or as much time as you want/ need to there.
There is a charge for car parking but no entrance fee, though you can leave a donation . There are remembrance items to buy and you can take flowers if you wish.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
