National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We thought it was very good and well worth the visit. The staff, who appeared to be volunteers, were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It opens your eyes to the suffering of some, to preserve our freedom which we often take for granted.
Source: google.com
I visited here on a freezing cold December day and it was glorious. Its a lovely walk around the various memorials and the main memorial at the top of the steps brings a tear to the eye. You can easily loose a couple of hours walking around, it's just so peaceful and serene. After the end of a very chilly few hours i warmed up in their little restaurant. Wonderful home made soup and cake with a drink for £7, no complaints from me on the food. Theres no fee to get in so please either make a donation or buy something in the restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time recently - as we live in Lichfield its on our doorstep, but have only just got around to visiting. A unique experience, and has great significance for many people as a way of remembering those who served their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on the 100th anniversary of the D day landings with my elderly father who was keen to come. It was an incredibly moving experience but one which I can thoroughly recommend. This is a vast place and really requires a whole day if not more to take in. My father and I only covered a portion of it, so I will have to return next year to see the rest. Sensible shoes are a must due to the acreage and it can be a bit soggy in places. It is beautifully kept and the groundstaff are very helpful and knowledgeable about the memorials. Highly recommended and will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Please visit the arboretum for a moving, spectacular beautiful place. Would reccomend a visit for anyone, old or young.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wasn't really sure what to expect - probably more (or larger) trees, and probably fewer memorials. However that doesn't mean this wasn't a worthwhile visit. I hesitate to write 'enjoy' because the subject matter, for me, isn't something to celebrate.
Rather, respect to those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free country (and freely write our views on Trip Advisor).
Practicalities: there is a charge for car parking. It isn't expensive. It is primarily aimed for humans so if you being your dog expect that you will have to tether him/her if you want to get close to the memorials. Personally it was nice to be able to walk around without having to risk stepping in a dog turd though I realise the NMA have got a achieve the right balance.
Rather, respect to those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free country (and freely write our views on Trip Advisor).
Practicalities: there is a charge for car parking. It isn't expensive. It is primarily aimed for humans so if you being your dog expect that you will have to tether him/her if you want to get close to the memorials. Personally it was nice to be able to walk around without having to risk stepping in a dog turd though I realise the NMA have got a achieve the right balance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful memorial, and a must for a visit. The whole place is slowly maturing as the trees and gardens grow. Be prepared to be deeply saddened when you see the walls with thousands of names engraved. It bring home the futility and uselessness of war. We have made a point of visiting every year since it opened.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A long promised trip to the Arboretum. It was definitely a walking boots and waterproofs day and it was quite thought provoking to read the memorials - it makes you realise the wide range of professions and backgrounds who gave their life in public service.
Practical bits - we visited on Friday 5 December and it was very quiet. The site is just off the A38 and only signed at the relevant exit.
Car parking is £3 and entry to the venue is free.
Guide book £6 and was well worth the money.
A dinner and coffee was £10 each and was fine.
We spend 4 hours on site, but could have easily spent a full day.
We went to the 11am short service in the church and observed 2 minutes silence. The guides appear to be all volunteers and were excellent.The guides comments and suggestions added to our day, so its worth a listen.
We then started to explore the site, and headed of the police area as a particular interest. Some of the exhibits were more like modern art and very impressive, some more traditional.
The far east area and in particular Burma Star association memorial was tucked away and easily missed but well worth to the visit - the visitors centre was excellent, shared knowledge and dispelled myths about the Bridge over the River Kwai - it wasn't event that river!
We used the restaurant for a coffee stop and lunch and both were fine. Only word of warning - a couple of parts of the restaurant were in a draft as access to the arboretum is through adjacent sliding patio doors.
The place needs to generate and attract serious funding to survive, so dig deep
Practical bits - we visited on Friday 5 December and it was very quiet. The site is just off the A38 and only signed at the relevant exit.
Car parking is £3 and entry to the venue is free.
Guide book £6 and was well worth the money.
A dinner and coffee was £10 each and was fine.
We spend 4 hours on site, but could have easily spent a full day.
We went to the 11am short service in the church and observed 2 minutes silence. The guides appear to be all volunteers and were excellent.The guides comments and suggestions added to our day, so its worth a listen.
We then started to explore the site, and headed of the police area as a particular interest. Some of the exhibits were more like modern art and very impressive, some more traditional.
The far east area and in particular Burma Star association memorial was tucked away and easily missed but well worth to the visit - the visitors centre was excellent, shared knowledge and dispelled myths about the Bridge over the River Kwai - it wasn't event that river!
We used the restaurant for a coffee stop and lunch and both were fine. Only word of warning - a couple of parts of the restaurant were in a draft as access to the arboretum is through adjacent sliding patio doors.
The place needs to generate and attract serious funding to survive, so dig deep
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a former long serving member of the RAF, I am saddened to see names of friends, colleagues and people I've known engraved on the wall. But saddened as I am, I am also immensely proud to have known them and proud too of their contribution.
The National Memorial Arboretum is steeped in history. A history, I want my children to remember.
I always find it a humbling place to visit.
The National Memorial Arboretum is steeped in history. A history, I want my children to remember.
I always find it a humbling place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you got some free family time then I suggest you go there with your kids to give them a history lesson,honestly saying I got really emotional at one stage just walking along and looking at the memorial and what great people did for our country,even tho it was a memorial to me it felt like they where still with us,swear it could touch your heart just to imagine what these heroes legends did.... RIP GLADIATORS.... U R THE ONES.... Guys take your family kids youngsters and other members to share this experience .... Honestly even tho we wasn't around back then you'd feel as tho you was and that's just a BEAUTIFUL feeling on it's own never mind anything els,great place to have a stroll round too....
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN X
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN X
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited this wonderful place over two days. I went for remembrance Sunday, but also went the day before as I wanted to take some photos with less people around. The arboretum is wonderful. Beautiful memorials, well-kept gardens, friendly informative staff. The first day, Saturday was cold with torrential rain. I decided to take the train tour. The driver was great. He supplied me with a blanket and was clearly passionate about his job, stopping to tell me interesting things. He even offered to wait so I could photograph "shot at dawn" as it's off the beaten track, a little.There is lots to see and I spent two lovely days there. Remembrance Sunday was very poignant. Last Post and then more upbeat music later on. I am planning to take my elderly Mother here. She will love it and they have the option of a mobility car to take you round in for the less able. I would gladly have paid an entry fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visit the arboretum along with guests who come to stay. Very moving especially the armed forces memorial, but well worth the walk around the grounds to see all the other forces, including fire and police
We have been with civilians and soldiers
A place for quiet, peace and rememberance
We have been with civilians and soldiers
A place for quiet, peace and rememberance
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living near to the NMA ,it's convenient to visit .
I love the tranquility and feeling of history here.
As my father died in WW2 I love the respect shown to all our heroes.
When I have visitors its a great place to take them, it is well appreciated by both my male and female friends and they ,like me ,leave with a desire to return
I love the tranquility and feeling of history here.
As my father died in WW2 I love the respect shown to all our heroes.
When I have visitors its a great place to take them, it is well appreciated by both my male and female friends and they ,like me ,leave with a desire to return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Totally amazing place to have a walk. Look at all the memorials from the First World War until present. Good to remember those who served for this country. Over 300 memorials to see. Free entry you just pay around £3 for the car park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is our national centre for remembrance. It's not all about the military as many think it is. It's a place for all to visit - to remember and to think. it's truly wonderful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were not sure what to expect, but were very impressed by this Memorial. In fact this is not one memorial, but hundreds of all design, both traditional and modern. Some memorials refer to individuals, others represent regiments, armies and the many organisations who all played their part when the nation end needed them.
We were very moved throughout our visit. However, one unexpected area was that dedicated to the memory of unborn children.
Visiting on a grey day in December, with bare trees was an experience. However, as many of the memorials are on grassed areas, we would recommend going after dry weather.
We were very moved throughout our visit. However, one unexpected area was that dedicated to the memory of unborn children.
Visiting on a grey day in December, with bare trees was an experience. However, as many of the memorials are on grassed areas, we would recommend going after dry weather.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thought provoking trip to The National Arboretum. Lots to cover as it is spread out over a big area. A very respectful memorial to the victims of war. Well worth a visit but wrap up warm as it is very open.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a very cold and foggy day which set the tone for what this quiet place is there to remind us of.
We will return in future during each season as the arboretum will clearly reflect the changing seasons and moods
We will return in future during each season as the arboretum will clearly reflect the changing seasons and moods
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Don't try to visit for just a couple of hours. This one needs a full day!! Absolutely awesome.
Very helpful staff. Electric wheelchairs if you need one, are only £5 for the full day, and if you need help with walking they are essential. The whole experience was absolutely mind blowing, and we are already planning a return visit.
Very helpful staff. Electric wheelchairs if you need one, are only £5 for the full day, and if you need help with walking they are essential. The whole experience was absolutely mind blowing, and we are already planning a return visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The scale and the vastness of the memorials was awesome. Information set out in informative and interesting displays. Free entry which encourages donations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Helpful, cheerful staff.
Clean facilities with good disabled person access.
Beautifully well kept grounds. If a little water-logged in parts.
Extraordinary monuments....so very many.
Clean facilities with good disabled person access.
Beautifully well kept grounds. If a little water-logged in parts.
Extraordinary monuments....so very many.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good, clean and efficient in the layout. Volunteer staff are very helpful. Road train, mobility scooters and buggies available to cover the many acres of ground. The memorials for various services that have had members lost in conflicts are well kept and well documented.The services are second to none. A must for ex service personal and families who have lost relatives. It is a days visit and very informative leaving one with saddened thoughts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not only will this place be great in 100 years when the trees are all grown but it has a number of gardens/memorials. From babies with SIDS to boys shot at dawn. The big walls are all for the services. I guess it makes you reflect on the joy of life and the pointlessness of death. So I choose joy and pleasure in those that are and those asleep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice visit apart from the weather. Many memorials commemorating people who have died in all wars since the First World War to present day. Both large and small memorials set in hundreds of acres of land. Too many to see on a cold day but will go back. Very good restaurant serving a variety of food hot and cold. Nice gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here a number of times and I find it surprising how moved I am by each visit. We made a family visit on 11th November to take part in the memorial service. We left our poppies at the "Shot at Dawn" memorial. It is very sobering to see representation of how many people have given their lives for us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
