National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
The Arboretum is somewhere you can always find a place for your own thoughts. A wonderful collection of memorials. Well worth a visit (or more).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
OMG what an experience got to be seen to believe so moving well designed well organised vast and emotional glad we've been will go back again at different time off year a must to see !!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living in Alrewas we visit the Arboretum quite a lot and it has been wonderful watching it grow. It is a very peaceful place to visit and very important to support this wonderful space. Our children enjoy it and find learning about the history of our country very interesting and I feel very proud to have such a wonderful place on our doorstep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Arboretum today and it is honestly so much more interesting than you could ever imagine. The shot at dawn memorial was really moving and upsetting. All of the plaques and names in the war are very inspirational. The gift shop is lovely and good value for the money. The staff and guides are very friendly and tell wonderful stories about the soldiers and the times in the war. A must visit. Beautiful day with a lot of mixed emotions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on Armistice's Sunday this year and were overwhelmed by the dignified memorial to all nationalities who have given their lives for this country, sadly the empty walls waiting for future victims of conflict are a chilling reminder of the world in which we live. Better signage would be helpful to those unfamiliar with the area and a warning - I have never seen as many speed cameras they seemed to be every five hundred yards.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Dear All, I thought that visitors to your site might be encouraged to take pictures of this fine Sun Dial dedicated to SAS Soldier Phil Currass who lost his life during the Falklands War 1982. Every time I look at it especially after rain it takes on a different aspect, often magnifying the detail. Hope that this is of interest. Have breakfast in the morning or the splendid lunch before or after your journey to the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on Saturday, hired a buggy for the four of us to be taken around, and had a guide called Jo, she was fantastic, we had an absolutely wonderful, and quite sad at times, day! Jo has an absolute passion for the whole place, and told us lots of anecdotes, and all the facts she knew was amazing, and such a lovely lady,Nashe made our visit. We had lunch, which was in with the price of the buggy tour, it was lovely, and more than I'd envisaged, really moving. Everyone at the arboretum was helpful, and friendly, and the work that goes on, and the thought that has gone into the making of this place is astounding. We will return, as we still haven't seen it all, and we were ther all day, a wonderful place, and we will be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a must visit just to get a sense of the feelings and emotions that people who went through the war's,It is a fitting tribute well maintained and immaculate spread over a lot of acreage so be prepared for a lot of walking or you can get a guided tour on a train or buggies.The food is a decent standard in the cafe the oniy negatives on the day you have to exit through the gift shop which is chaotic and we had to park on the spill over car park and thats a little hike.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must visit. I live next door, and having visited many times I still have not seen all of the memorials. A wonderful place....calm, peaceful and moving. The future investment and development will make this a national treasure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have wanted to visit for a long time as there are regular items on our local BBC news about the NMA. Visiting on a misty November day just after Armistice Day gave an added poignancy as there were lots of poppies and wreaths, often dedicated to individuals. Despite the wet ground it was possible to view the major memorials at close quarters pushing a wheelchair even around the mound which rises so gradually it is hardly noticeable. However, we will definitely need to go back to see it all, without the wheelchair user. The most moving memorials were, in my opinion, to the men shot for cowardice and desertion in WW1, the Basra Wall and the main memorial naming those who died since the end of WW2.
It was very busy when we went and the main car park was full so we had to use the overflow car park which has deep gravel and not suitable for wheelchairs.
The cafe was packed at midday so we decided to wait...by that time there was no hot food left except one variety of soup.
If you want to have detailed information about the monuments the guidebook is over £6. A leaflet with a plan seemed very expensive at £3.50, especially as the key is by number of memorial and not alphabetical.
It was very busy when we went and the main car park was full so we had to use the overflow car park which has deep gravel and not suitable for wheelchairs.
The cafe was packed at midday so we decided to wait...by that time there was no hot food left except one variety of soup.
If you want to have detailed information about the monuments the guidebook is over £6. A leaflet with a plan seemed very expensive at £3.50, especially as the key is by number of memorial and not alphabetical.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I attended the Armistice Day Service this year, which was a moving experience.
Tickets were available free of charge (there is a suggested donation of £5 per person for anyone visiting the Arboretum as well as a £3 parking charge) and allocated to applicants from the website, I am not sure if it was first come, first served or on a lottery basis.
The aboretum is fairly large and many of the memorials are on grassed areas without paths leading to them so, because the weather was so wet when we were there, we did not see as much as we would have liked, the lawns were already getting very churned up and we dd not want to add to the damage being caused. We would have preferred there to be more pathways, which would also help wheelchair users to access more of the memorials.
The Armed Forces Memorial itself is striking, particularly the huge blank wall which sadly we know will eventually become filled with the names of those who die in service to our country.
We were very pleased to see the school groups who were visiting, it should be part of all schools visit plans.
Tickets were available free of charge (there is a suggested donation of £5 per person for anyone visiting the Arboretum as well as a £3 parking charge) and allocated to applicants from the website, I am not sure if it was first come, first served or on a lottery basis.
The aboretum is fairly large and many of the memorials are on grassed areas without paths leading to them so, because the weather was so wet when we were there, we did not see as much as we would have liked, the lawns were already getting very churned up and we dd not want to add to the damage being caused. We would have preferred there to be more pathways, which would also help wheelchair users to access more of the memorials.
The Armed Forces Memorial itself is striking, particularly the huge blank wall which sadly we know will eventually become filled with the names of those who die in service to our country.
We were very pleased to see the school groups who were visiting, it should be part of all schools visit plans.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much to see in 1 day the whole place is very well organised. The staff friendly and helpful i'm going to keep this short as the day could not be improved on. To the few people on here who rated it terrible / poor these people gave there live's for YOUR freedom. God bless them all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Arboretum was designed to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in defence of our country and it's values. In addition to the three Armed Services there are memorials to those who served in the civilian services such as the Fire Brigades, Police, Land Army etc. it is a large site and you need to allow plenty of time for your visit. You may want to use the small train to enable you to see all the places of interest. There is a very good restaurant serving a full range of refreshments at reasonable prices. Most of the staff are volunteers. There is no charge for admission but you should make a donation to the Royal British Legion which maintains the site.each day there is a short service of Remembrance at 11.00am
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Because it was Remembrance Sunday the traffic to the Arboretum was very heavy but the parking was well organised.
After the service, which we attended, we strolled around comfortably despite the large numbers visiting.
We were very impressed with the layout and the staff in attendance were very helpful.
Well worth a visit........it is an outstanding memorial to those who have fought for freedom!!
After the service, which we attended, we strolled around comfortably despite the large numbers visiting.
We were very impressed with the layout and the staff in attendance were very helpful.
Well worth a visit........it is an outstanding memorial to those who have fought for freedom!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been meaning to visit for some time so thought it would be a good idea to go at this time of year. It is a very moving place. Lots of wreaths were around the different memorials.
We will go back in the Summer as so much to see and in lovely grounds. We will make sure we arrive before 11 so there for the introduction talk and silence.
We will go back in the Summer as so much to see and in lovely grounds. We will make sure we arrive before 11 so there for the introduction talk and silence.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To visit it is easy to find and just a voluntary contribution if you feel inclined, it is a very large place so intend to spend a fair amount of time there, there is a cafe come restaurant on site to feed you with plenty of choices, should you also feel the need
There is a buggy that can take you around the site ,so not sure if you have to pre book it and if there is a cost
It is very well kept there and emotional as well when you see what happened in the past
If your around there or going past it then pay a visit
There is a buggy that can take you around the site ,so not sure if you have to pre book it and if there is a cost
It is very well kept there and emotional as well when you see what happened in the past
If your around there or going past it then pay a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We attended the Armistice Day commemoration as we were lucky enough to get tickets. Despite the weather it was a fantastic experience and very well organised.
The NMA itself is a wonderful place, beautifully laid out and hugely sympathetic.
Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to see everything, but the areas we did visit really did justice to the memory of those that have fallen.
Do yourself a favour and make sure you go at some point - it makes you humble and thankful for what we have as a result of those that gave so much
The NMA itself is a wonderful place, beautifully laid out and hugely sympathetic.
Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to see everything, but the areas we did visit really did justice to the memory of those that have fallen.
Do yourself a favour and make sure you go at some point - it makes you humble and thankful for what we have as a result of those that gave so much
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy access and good information on arrival. We were made to feel very welcome by the volunteers who met our coach at the door. I arranged for our NADFAS group to visit and we did the 1 hour Land Train tour of the extensive grounds which has a good and clear comentary. We found the visit inspiring and came away with sobering memories of all those brave people who gave their lives for us. There is an easy to use self service cafe with plenty of seating both inside and out. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is difficult to put into words the best way to describe The NMA as it means different things to different people.
As a veteran of the Falklands Conflict, there is a wonderful memorial that I visit every time, as well as the individual ships ones to pay my respects to the 258 who lost thier lives in the liberation of the islands.
There are, however, many more individual and group memorials that really bring to light the ultimate sacrifice that many have given in the line of whatever duty it was that was their calling.
Perfectly placed in the middle of the country, it is well worth making a weekend of it as you may need plenty of time to really appreciate the venue.
They also do a great Sunday Roast Dinner Carvery!
As a veteran of the Falklands Conflict, there is a wonderful memorial that I visit every time, as well as the individual ships ones to pay my respects to the 258 who lost thier lives in the liberation of the islands.
There are, however, many more individual and group memorials that really bring to light the ultimate sacrifice that many have given in the line of whatever duty it was that was their calling.
Perfectly placed in the middle of the country, it is well worth making a weekend of it as you may need plenty of time to really appreciate the venue.
They also do a great Sunday Roast Dinner Carvery!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Memorial on the 8th and 9th of November. What a memorable weekend. The arboretum is the most amazing, beautiful and thought provoking place. The detail that has gone into the whole project is incredible. The Rememberance service was unforgettable. Beautiful grounds. Lovely gift shop. Good eating facilities. An unmissable experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place we had planned to visit for some time and I was surprised how vast an area the Arboretum covers. The main memorial left me speechless. It is very humbling to look at all the names on the wall and realise the number of servicemen who have given their lives to protecting the lives of others since the Second World War. The gardens are beautifully maintained and there are very many monuments both military and civilian all of which are worthy of note. I was particularly moved by the 'Shot at Dawn' monument to all those who were shot for deserting their post. The river runs alongside the Arboretum and there is a lovely walk along here. They were planting bluebells whilst we visited and we bought and planted some which will form a bluebell wood next year. There is a café which serves very good food and a shop selling memorabilia. The Arboretum is well worth a visit but put aside a few hours as there is a lot to see and it is a large area. The car park is £3 but entrance is free although donations are encouraged.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very memorable visit along with 4,998 other visitors. Service was very emotional for the young as well as the old
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is one of those venues that you must really put onto your list of things to see. This place really is a living memorial with an abundance of both civilian and military monuments. The grounds look spectacular with such an array of different trees and shrubs. Please make the effort to try and visit, you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Its hard to find the words to describe this place. Nothing can prepare you for how breath taking it actually is or how vast it is either. Whether you know some who has served or not this place is definitely worth visiting, I am so glad I did, even though the day was a bit dank it add to the whole ambience. I came away feeling ever so humble.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a amazing place it makes you think of all these people and what they did for us and so much more as well like the place for the still born children .as I have been through this my daughter lost her first baby in a car accident an he was still born it was a very moving place for me .my partner a retired police officer also new work colleagues there on the beat very moving keep it up a lovely place to remember .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
