National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Wow what a special place. Very respectful and at the same time relaxed. So many memorials to see. A lovely restaurant and souvenir shop both very reasonable. A must visit place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my second visit to the NMA - last time there was so much I couldn't get to see.
Again, a moving and thought-provoking visit (the "Shot At Dawn" memorial is one I missed last time and I was so glad to have seen it this time).
Immaculately maintained with many spots to just sit quietly and take in the surroundings BUT just one gripe. The designated dog-walking areas are a disgrace, befouled on both paths and surrounding grassed areas to the extent that admiring the surroundings is impossible while picking one's way through the mess!
Before I post a review I always read those already posted. It staggers me to read complaints about paying for parking. £3 charge for a site which has free entry is unacceptable? Where have these people been? The irony is often that people see no difficulty in paying high prices for other garden visits - where the "free parking" is factored into the cost - but gripe about a (very reasonable) charge here.
Rant over - my breakfast in the café was delicious and so was the afternoon cake!
Again, a moving and thought-provoking visit (the "Shot At Dawn" memorial is one I missed last time and I was so glad to have seen it this time).
Immaculately maintained with many spots to just sit quietly and take in the surroundings BUT just one gripe. The designated dog-walking areas are a disgrace, befouled on both paths and surrounding grassed areas to the extent that admiring the surroundings is impossible while picking one's way through the mess!
Before I post a review I always read those already posted. It staggers me to read complaints about paying for parking. £3 charge for a site which has free entry is unacceptable? Where have these people been? The irony is often that people see no difficulty in paying high prices for other garden visits - where the "free parking" is factored into the cost - but gripe about a (very reasonable) charge here.
Rant over - my breakfast in the café was delicious and so was the afternoon cake!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I took my elderly father as he was a Royal Marine during WW2. We took our own wheelchair as we left it too late to book one of theirs. We arrived just in time for the Last Post etc in the chapel, which we found very moving. We went to the Naval area and looked around the memorial dotted around the place. We weren't sure about the new glass memorial, but we all decided that it grew on us when the sun shone. The "main" memorial listing the names of service men and women killed since WW2 was thought provoking and reinforced the feeling of thanks we owe to so many. I've never seen a more moving memorial than the one with a soldier led on the ground with a female "medic" caring for him.
Food in the cafe was fine and reasonably priced. The price of a small ice cream from a stall however was excessive. I'm pretty certain that it was a franchised stall.
My father saw what he wanted to and there is much more to see and we will return one day.
Food in the cafe was fine and reasonably priced. The price of a small ice cream from a stall however was excessive. I'm pretty certain that it was a franchised stall.
My father saw what he wanted to and there is much more to see and we will return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another visit to the National Arboretum, this time for a RAF memorial,but for a change in sunshine.
It may not be classed as an attraction but it should be a must for the thoughtful amongst us, whilst it has a substantial amount of memorials and sculptures each with a garden for each one. Many are for well known incidents but many are for little known happenings in our history. A must.....the gardens are acres and acres of lush grass,trees,memorials. A well appointed restaurant serving snacks and full meals in the grounds ...... Which is free to enter just pay for the parking...or a bus ......no pressure to buy anything and of course can take your own food and drink to consume on one of 100rds of benches.... Well worth going....
It may not be classed as an attraction but it should be a must for the thoughtful amongst us, whilst it has a substantial amount of memorials and sculptures each with a garden for each one. Many are for well known incidents but many are for little known happenings in our history. A must.....the gardens are acres and acres of lush grass,trees,memorials. A well appointed restaurant serving snacks and full meals in the grounds ...... Which is free to enter just pay for the parking...or a bus ......no pressure to buy anything and of course can take your own food and drink to consume on one of 100rds of benches.... Well worth going....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Though mostly smaller monuments dotted around the site, you can't help be moved at the sacrifice of so many. A large, very impressive, centre monument for those lost after the Second World War is the highlight of the arboretum. Positives, friendly staff/volunteers, pleasant walks and moving monuments. Negatives, this is by no means a free museum. Entrance is free but you pay for car parking, £3,(even disabled visitors) and if you want to do the tour train it's £5.00 per adult (my mother is disabled and we thought this would be the least tiring way of seeing the site). While I don't begrudge paying towards running costs/upkeep I would prefer costs to be highlighted more on the website (only car parking charges advertised). Restaurant, though food was tasty, was very over priced. After spending £15.00 for train tour and £25.00 for lunch (it stated all proceeds go direct to the arboretum in the restaurant) I didn't feel I could justify leaving a donation. Would recommend but be aware all these extras add up.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Should be compolsory for us all to visit, living as we do because of the sacrifaces others have made. It is free so take some time out to go and pay your respects. A must is to go to the Burma Railway exhibition area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With 150 well laid out acres with 400+ memorials ( of which only circa 40% are "military") the land train ride is a must to get a feel for the extent/layout of a moving/remarkable place after which you can "select" where you want to go back to. A visit to the chapel for the daily minute of remembrance silence and introductory talk is also a must .Restaurant and shopping facilities are also excellent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is perhaps best to say that it is a unique experience to visit this place and leave it for people to discover. A neighbour had said that they visited when it was first opened and again more recently. I could see why it is a place to return to as the trees are all going to be maturing for years and although we were there for four and a half hours we saw under a half of the site. The staff on reception were very helpful so we made the most of our time. The experience of the 11am silence in the chapel set the scene. The land-train was well worth the £5 fare for the long ride and commentary. Refreshments were good and there were tables for picnics and places to walk dogs by the river. While we appreciate that it is a memorial site we felt that if there could possibly be toilets at the far end it would benefit a lot of people. (The toilets in the centre were full and not very well ventilated.) You really need to buy a map or a guide book to find your way round and appreciate the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed a lovely morning here, wandering slowly through the various memorials. A beautiful place but full of poignant memorials which you have time/space to contemplate in peace. We walked for a good few miles around, just taking our time to look around. Having seen the train going around I think I'd recommend that, if you're fit and able to walk, it's better to just meander around at your own pace. We ate in the tea rooms which was great value for money. Highly recommend this for young/old alike, and have a look on the website first to see what events are on so you can time your visit to get the best experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just had our second visit to the NMA spending Friday 13th (shock horror!), and Saturday 14th visiting, paying respects to fallen comrades and attending the unveiling of the Falkland Islanders Resistance grove in the Allied Special Forces section. Stunning.
Our first visit was last September, so it was great to see the trees in leaf, and the monuments, memorials and gardens in the spring sunshine.
I personally would pay £10 to park all day, and would have no problem paying for admission, then I may have licence to pick holes (if I could find any). Especially if I tripped over a dog lead!
It's free to enter, the upkeep maintained by generosity. It's not a mausoleum but a place to celebrate, commemorate and reflect. Plus, contrary to popular belief, although operated by the Royal British Legion only about 60% of the memorials are relating to the military.
Go with an open mind, enjoy, reflect. We love the place and will continue to support the national treasure that it is.
Our first visit was last September, so it was great to see the trees in leaf, and the monuments, memorials and gardens in the spring sunshine.
I personally would pay £10 to park all day, and would have no problem paying for admission, then I may have licence to pick holes (if I could find any). Especially if I tripped over a dog lead!
It's free to enter, the upkeep maintained by generosity. It's not a mausoleum but a place to celebrate, commemorate and reflect. Plus, contrary to popular belief, although operated by the Royal British Legion only about 60% of the memorials are relating to the military.
Go with an open mind, enjoy, reflect. We love the place and will continue to support the national treasure that it is.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first visit - as others have said - everyone should go. So much to see, that we didn't have time to see all of it. I will be back! Inspirational, uplifting and peaceful - makes you feel very thankful for the sacrifices others have made on our behalf over the decades and centuries....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is very well set out but seems to celebrate WW2 and onwards with not much on WW1, or at least we didn't find it, although there is a tasteful tribute to those Shot at Dawn in that war. A good if expensive restaurant and gift shop and a group of volunteers who were keen to help and advise. The grounds a massive and beautifully kept and the place is still growing. A visit is highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Peacefull and very moving we stayed all day the train was very usefull, the shop had lots of memorabilia at good prices lots to do and see, do not miss the Japanese prisoner of war museum about the building of the railway.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the Arboretum while spending a few days in Stafford. Didn't know what to expect but was overwhelmed with the whole experience. I can't do it justice in this review, what I will say is that if you have the opportunity, go there. I would even say make the opportunity to visit, you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today was my second visit to the arboretum, it's amazing so emotional and makes you proud it's a must visit for everyone, my family has two service man who have memorials there and your able to place a poppy cross at the memorial for your family member, my fave place is the royal artillery gardens it gorgeous and the shot at dawn is so haunting being out in the woods, beautiful and a truly inspiration place and will go back and visit at remembrance time
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is such an inspirational place. So peaceful & uplifting at the same time. The memorials are moving. The land train is a must as the site cover 150 acres. The land train stops at almost every memorial with a brief description of why it is being commemorated. It is a truly phenomenal place that everyone should visit and say thank you that they gave their lives for our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to the Arboretum on a lovely warm day. It was very busy, though sad to note that the vast majority of visitors were in the 50+ category.
No charge for entry, suggested donation of £5.
The site is huge and well maintained. The gardens are beautiful, and the lawns immaculate. There are all sorts of memorials to all branches of the military.
No charge for entry, suggested donation of £5.
The site is huge and well maintained. The gardens are beautiful, and the lawns immaculate. There are all sorts of memorials to all branches of the military.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place! on our way back to the North we suddenly realised we were fairly close and it was "D-Day". Very busy that day,with services (one at the Normandy Memorial we attended). The volunteers were wonderful, helpful, friendly and interested in your individual stories. There were some emotiional high spots for us (I won't describe because it will spoil the experience for others). Beautiful landscaped area very well maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my second visit to the memorial the first time was the day of the ride to the wall which in itself was a fantastic day but packed with people. This time it was quiet and the weather was kind to us, we started with taking the road train around the site which passes all the main memorials and gives you a chance to get your bearings and then pick where you want to go and visit. The café is reasonably priced and the food is very good. Overall it is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely memorial setting,had tears in my eyes,having a Father who served in Korea,and a daughter in the Vet Corp now, who has seen active service in Afghanistan ,it meant a lot to me,will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is absolutely brilliant. I would highly recommend a visit there soon.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Went with a friend just because we were passing.What a place very serene and humbling . I was quite taken back by the memorials and the beautiful kept grounds .What a fitting tribute for the many service men and women. Will certainly go again as it was impossible to take everything in.Good to take a break in the coffee shop to. All in all well worth a visit .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I did not know this was here until my new father in law took me. The place is beautifully set out. It has a memorial for almost any event in modern history. Lots to see & admire & most of all reflect on those who sacrificed to save our way of life. I will return at least once a year now I know its here
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time with friends, will be back before long, so much to see and so many heart wrenching memorials and stories.. was brought to tears by several of the tributes to the service men and women.. fabulous coffee shop selling homemade cakes and with full menu options too!! You must visit this place once in your life time even if you have no military interest!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went for the day, breathtaking and contemplative . Truly magnificent. Especially the Burma memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
