National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Well being from the south it made a change to visit a memorial outside London and the location chosen to centralise this beautiful memorial site and it's lay out are a testament to the foresight of all those involved past and present.the whole memorial site is both poignant and educational and the staff on site are very enthusiastic to help and inform and the whole site is accessible to able and disabled alike even to the poin of mobility scooters on site to rent at a exceptional low rate
Tho make sure you pre book if you need one and remember to cancel if you don't !! Someone will be grateful
The N M A isn't intended to be a place of sorrow and you leave the site with a reflective and thought provoking view that other memorials don't do it was also good to see school trips on site
And I'm sure children will take away their own ideas a of what the NMA mean
We visited with eress reason to visit a particular memorial and were superbly assisted by the staff to do so and the morning 2minute silence service with addition short talk was again very
Much part of what the whole day was to us
This is an ever evolving living memorial that offers everyone the chance to visit and reflect at their own time and pace
We would certainly return for a further vist
Tho make sure you pre book if you need one and remember to cancel if you don't !! Someone will be grateful
The N M A isn't intended to be a place of sorrow and you leave the site with a reflective and thought provoking view that other memorials don't do it was also good to see school trips on site
And I'm sure children will take away their own ideas a of what the NMA mean
We visited with eress reason to visit a particular memorial and were superbly assisted by the staff to do so and the morning 2minute silence service with addition short talk was again very
Much part of what the whole day was to us
This is an ever evolving living memorial that offers everyone the chance to visit and reflect at their own time and pace
We would certainly return for a further vist
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Should be on everyone's itinerary at least once in a lifetime. A peaceful and thought-provoking place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the 3rd time we have been to the National Memorial Arboretum and it continues to improve with every visit. The layout is an haven of peace and quiet. There is something there for everyone and all ages. Just to see the 16000 names on the memorial wall is spellbinding. The short service in the Chapel at 11.00 am everyday is very moving and is something not to be missed. I would recommend the Arboretum as a must visit at least once in a lifetime experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a lovely sunny day so I think we saw it at its best ,some of the trees are beginning to turn for Autumn .Everything is so well planned and organised .It is so large you don't feel crowded in the grounds so it feels very peaceful and gives you time to contemplate and it was an emotional experience .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real must for those with family, or those who have served their country, we visited on a beautiful September day,with clear blue skies. Knowing someone on the memorial or seeing a family name is a very emotional experience so be prepared. As it is free, please remember to take some money for a donation (£5 is suggested) the "land train ride" also a £5 is worth it to get an idea of the scale. Then I suggest you go for a cup of tea and then walk around around slowly taking in the atmosphere. We were there for 5 hours and it passed very quickly,we will certainly be going back and I highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have just visited the Arboretum today and have been deeply touched by the whole experience.
We stopped off on route home and obtained an escorted golf buggy trip.
David a lovely retired teacher is there each Sunday and gave us an excellent and informative tour of the grounds and memorials, explaining in detail what they represented.
Thank you so very much David, it was a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the tour.
We stopped off on route home and obtained an escorted golf buggy trip.
David a lovely retired teacher is there each Sunday and gave us an excellent and informative tour of the grounds and memorials, explaining in detail what they represented.
Thank you so very much David, it was a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the tour.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a stunning place to visit, well laid out grounds with beautiful trees and amazing memorials. The freedom to just walk the grounds without being kept to paths is refreshing. The memorials are thought provoking and quite emotional. Take the land train to get a feel for where you want to walk. The riverbank is peaceful as are many of the memorial areas. The memorials are not all military ones. Well worth a repeat visit in another season. The volunteers are friendly and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum was incredible - the grounds and memorials all well kept. I would recommend you take the road train, particularly if, like us, your legs won't tolerate miles of walking. We found the whole experience quite emotional and recommend you visit to pay your respects to those people who have sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was not quite sure what to expect when we arrived. The entry is free and parking is a meager £3 for the day. The visitor centre is very good as is the cafe and neither are over priced.
We thought the place it's self was stunning everywhere was spotless as befits a National memorial, and the monuments were well spaced out. We arrived at lunch time and left when it closed, and there was still a whole section we didn't see. If you go get there early and take your time, as there is so much to see. I went with my wife in June and am going again tomorrow with my sister. An excellent day out.
A must see for me was the Shot At Dawn memorial and I was not disappointed.
We thought the place it's self was stunning everywhere was spotless as befits a National memorial, and the monuments were well spaced out. We arrived at lunch time and left when it closed, and there was still a whole section we didn't see. If you go get there early and take your time, as there is so much to see. I went with my wife in June and am going again tomorrow with my sister. An excellent day out.
A must see for me was the Shot At Dawn memorial and I was not disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a Sunday,weather was great which was a bonus,Arboretum was easily accessed from the A50,on arrival there was plenty of car parking spaces and the price to park all day was very reasonable.
Entry is free to the Arboretum,access is via the the restaurant/shop area.
On arrival we had breakfast at the restaurant,the food was good and reasonably priced.
As for the site,it is superb,large,well laid out and a fitting memorial to the many who have given so much,we had a full day there wandering around,there is a lot to see and it is well worth a visit,there are areas where you can picnic and we took advantage of this.
Entry is free to the Arboretum,access is via the the restaurant/shop area.
On arrival we had breakfast at the restaurant,the food was good and reasonably priced.
As for the site,it is superb,large,well laid out and a fitting memorial to the many who have given so much,we had a full day there wandering around,there is a lot to see and it is well worth a visit,there are areas where you can picnic and we took advantage of this.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went early in the day on my way to a conference and had 3 hours to spare. I could have spent the whole day. It is vast. I only scratched the surface. I did the 1 hour 'train' tour which is good but you need to be on foot as well to go off the roads. Our driver kept saying 'over there is' but you really could not see what he was referring to. They are adding to it all the time. I went in November just after 11 November commemorations and there were poppies and crosses wherever, it was typical November weather and a bit gloomy, but talking to one of the very helpful staff he said the best time is in the spring when the flowers and trees are just out.
There is a very good restaurant/cafe on site and the inevitable gift shop. I can't wait to back with more time to spend.
You pay for the car park but the rest is free unless you chose to go on the train.
I will certainly go back - it is a very humbling experience.
There is a very good restaurant/cafe on site and the inevitable gift shop. I can't wait to back with more time to spend.
You pay for the car park but the rest is free unless you chose to go on the train.
I will certainly go back - it is a very humbling experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is a one off and not to be missed. Each time we visit there is something new. The variety is amazing and because it is a living thing, it changes with time in addition to the new monuments. It is a very moving place and can be quite solemn in places but it should be on everyone's list tovisit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Its the place British people should go to .every one must know some one commemorated here.
any one can go ,there are wheelchairs /motor wheel chairs & a tour transporter for the movement of people that cant walk te most emotional place i have been, i drive coaches for a living & i was sent here as a job but i will be coming back to spend more time here
any one can go ,there are wheelchairs /motor wheel chairs & a tour transporter for the movement of people that cant walk te most emotional place i have been, i drive coaches for a living & i was sent here as a job but i will be coming back to spend more time here
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a very pleasant Sunday afternoon we decided to return to the NMA as we live very near. It is about 2 years since we last visited and the trees have matured and many more memorials added. Although the NMA is a place for reflection and contemplation on man's madness it is a beautiful well visited place by all ages.On Sunday there was a military band and a corps of drums which provided a time of entertainment too. For anyone who has never visited I recommend that they make an effort to go as soon as possible. I hope I'm still around in another twenty years to see the trees mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this is a dramatic and ever growing park full of dedications and remembrances for all the services who gave their lives for us
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I think Everyone should visit our National Memorial Arboretum especially school outings so the generations will never forget what the heroes of ours & allied nations gave their lives for
The gardens are a beautiful place to remember the sacrifices made by all of our armed forces & our friends,
It is a massive area and will take all day to wander to see all the individual memorials to different Countries, Regiments, Squadrons etc. A road train is available to the less mobile at a small price,
Carparking is a reasonable price, Entry is Free but donations are very welcome, Good quality food available and a shop to buy your gifts, Well worth a visit.
The gardens are a beautiful place to remember the sacrifices made by all of our armed forces & our friends,
It is a massive area and will take all day to wander to see all the individual memorials to different Countries, Regiments, Squadrons etc. A road train is available to the less mobile at a small price,
Carparking is a reasonable price, Entry is Free but donations are very welcome, Good quality food available and a shop to buy your gifts, Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wanted to visit since it was opened. It is so worth the visit, we went with our friends both guys being ex servicemen. We found names of people we knew on the main memorial & I found memorial plaques for the regiment one of my uncles was with in WW1 & one for the naval division another was with in WW2 both lost thier lives, I was able to place poppy crosses for them. The thought that went into this place is very good & work is still being done. I do advise getting there early as there is so much to see. It is not a place to rush. The memorial to the shot at dawn men was very moving. The staff are friendly & very helpful one man told me exactly where I could find the regiment I was looking for even down to the tree thier plaque is on. I will go agin as we missed so much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made a visit to this memorial at the weekend be prepared to do a lot of walking it's set in 15 achres of parkland with the river Trent running beside it.
It would be worth purchasing the guide map to know where everything is there is facilities for guided tours in powered buggies or a powerl driven road train for the less able bodied.There is a shop and cafe area which we ordered a Sunday carvery and crumble for a reasonable 9.50 each.
All services are remembered here from 20 th century conflicts onwards
The memorials don't convey any real glory in war but to me at leasts shows how futile they are.
Take a look at the 1300 trees planted representing each merchant ship lost during WW2 and you start to grasp the loss of life suffered . The centre piece of coarse is the arboretum listing soldiers lost in conflicts to the present day (stonemasons were writing more names on it while we were there) . It was almost as sad to see the blank wall ready for names of future casualties of wars.
I would whole heartedly recommend this place you can't help but be moved by the sheer numbers of memorials set aside walking shoes and at least half a day it's surprising who time goes there
It would be worth purchasing the guide map to know where everything is there is facilities for guided tours in powered buggies or a powerl driven road train for the less able bodied.There is a shop and cafe area which we ordered a Sunday carvery and crumble for a reasonable 9.50 each.
All services are remembered here from 20 th century conflicts onwards
The memorials don't convey any real glory in war but to me at leasts shows how futile they are.
Take a look at the 1300 trees planted representing each merchant ship lost during WW2 and you start to grasp the loss of life suffered . The centre piece of coarse is the arboretum listing soldiers lost in conflicts to the present day (stonemasons were writing more names on it while we were there) . It was almost as sad to see the blank wall ready for names of future casualties of wars.
I would whole heartedly recommend this place you can't help but be moved by the sheer numbers of memorials set aside walking shoes and at least half a day it's surprising who time goes there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should go here. It makes you think about how lucky we are to have so many young people who are willing to lay down their lives for this wonderful country. A peaceful place, amongst stunning trees where you can have some quiet contemplation or a delicious lunch and listen to the Band. A place to think about others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National memorial at the arboretum give you a feeling of being on hallowed ground no matter what your religion.or indeed complete lack of one. The gardens are peaceful,the memorial is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our and our allied armed forces. Entry is free {£3.00} carparking. To see everything a whole day is needed it is a big place. For those who have difficulty in walking long distances,or those who just want a ride a road train service is available for a modest fee. The catering is of a high standard not only for the quality of the food but the impeccable hygiene too. In my opinion it is a privilege to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this place a while ago with my husband who used to be in the RAF and I wanted to see the memorial place where my friend's son was killed in action whilst in Afghanistan (along with the dog).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Decided to follow instructions on website and use public transport to get there from Lichfield. Left bus at Alrewas and followed driver's instructions to cross A38 and follow signs. That was memorable but we survived although the '15 minute' walk took about 30 minutes along a busy road with no pavement and an uneven grass verge. Some others on the bus took 40 minutes. At weekends, buses go to entrance of Arboretum and would not recommend midweek travel.
Once there it is most impressive with a great range of memorials of all sizes and we certainly learned a lot about individuals and groups in recent history. With a splendid main memorial dominating the site, it is a pity that the few permanent buildings look like large neglected garden sheds in need of upkeep with what amounts to a souvenir stall alongside selling tawdry overpriced tat, totally out of keeping with the rest of the site.
Once there it is most impressive with a great range of memorials of all sizes and we certainly learned a lot about individuals and groups in recent history. With a splendid main memorial dominating the site, it is a pity that the few permanent buildings look like large neglected garden sheds in need of upkeep with what amounts to a souvenir stall alongside selling tawdry overpriced tat, totally out of keeping with the rest of the site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Whether you have any connection with the armed services or not, this is the most peaceful,beautiful well thought out living memorial. Since one of our party is not too mobile, we chose to have the VIP package which includes a guided tour with a senior guide aboard a six seater buggy. It is yours for the day and they will take you around any areas that are special to you. It also includes a two course lunch in the private dining room.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and so very happy to impart his enthusiasm and knowledge to us ( the guides are volunteers) we went to the chapel where a two minute silence is held every day of the year. Then a short talk on how the arboretum came into existence. Then touring around with a leisurely break for lunch. A full day from 10.30 til after 4. This cost just £20 each. Our guide,Paul, made it all so interesting and his descriptions of how each memorial had been designed to be significant to the memory of those it represented was just fascinating. I urge everyone to visit this place young or old. It is completely free to go in. £3 to park your car that is all, although a donation is most definitely warranted. The money we spent for our private tour though was definitely money well spent. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and the lunch was absolutely delicious.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and so very happy to impart his enthusiasm and knowledge to us ( the guides are volunteers) we went to the chapel where a two minute silence is held every day of the year. Then a short talk on how the arboretum came into existence. Then touring around with a leisurely break for lunch. A full day from 10.30 til after 4. This cost just £20 each. Our guide,Paul, made it all so interesting and his descriptions of how each memorial had been designed to be significant to the memory of those it represented was just fascinating. I urge everyone to visit this place young or old. It is completely free to go in. £3 to park your car that is all, although a donation is most definitely warranted. The money we spent for our private tour though was definitely money well spent. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and the lunch was absolutely delicious.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well laid out over large site but good location services and a nice train around the site for identifying areas worthy of further exploration.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited this venue with my veteran husband and young family. It is a very beautiful, peaceful and thought provoking place. We were all there for different reasons - my husband wanted to see the memorials (and recognised a name of one or two comrades), I am interested in history and also like the landscaping, my 5 yr old daughter enjoyed 'tree spotting' with her book and had a chat with some WW1 soldiers, and my 2 yr old enjoyed just being pushed around in his buggy and a bit or a run around later on. We completed the self-led family trail, which is now proudly stuck inside my daughter's holiday diary. We had a meal in the restaurant , where the food was good. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, for example. If I lived more locally, I would come here more often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
