National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
As you walk towards the visitor centre having parked(£3 for the day) you can see some of the larger memorials. A volunteer approaches and immediately tells you location of the toilets(attention to detail:)), amongst other things. You can walk, buggy or take a train tour, but you have to get there early doors. We were there for hours and probably only covered about 30% of the whole complex. You dont need to agree with the politicians to come here, you just need compassion and respect for our armed forces. It took 90 minutes from Manchester,using Man City fans personal road to wembley(M6 toll), so i urge everybody to go and pay your respects. You wont regret it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can not put into words your feelings for this place but it will leave it's mark on you. This is one place we should all visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is well worth a visit wether your a pacifist or patriotic.
I brings home futility of war and also gives you an element of pride in the sacrifice these people gave for us all.
I unexpectedly spent the best part of a day here bring comfortable footwear
it's a big place!
Stone masons were putting more names on the wall there and the size of the blank wall ready for more names to be chiselled out is a little unnerving. Well worth a visit educational and left me feeling humble seeing the numbers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. A nice shop and a reasonably priced restaurant too.
I brings home futility of war and also gives you an element of pride in the sacrifice these people gave for us all.
I unexpectedly spent the best part of a day here bring comfortable footwear
it's a big place!
Stone masons were putting more names on the wall there and the size of the blank wall ready for more names to be chiselled out is a little unnerving. Well worth a visit educational and left me feeling humble seeing the numbers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. A nice shop and a reasonably priced restaurant too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to the NMA a few times as my Regiment has a memorial garden their.
I visited last weekend a glorious sunny day.
It has grown since the last time I visited in June 14.
The place itself is thought provoking and in a lovely tranquil setting with new memorials appearing on a regular basis.
What lets it down is the entrance and the restaurant in particular, all the tables were full by 1 o'clock, no trays, not enough staff, no one clearing tables. long queue for food and long wait for service.
I know that there is a plan to improve the entrance etc but when is it going to begin? It spoils the whole visit to a place if one aspect of it and an important one the restaurant is abysmal.
I visited last weekend a glorious sunny day.
It has grown since the last time I visited in June 14.
The place itself is thought provoking and in a lovely tranquil setting with new memorials appearing on a regular basis.
What lets it down is the entrance and the restaurant in particular, all the tables were full by 1 o'clock, no trays, not enough staff, no one clearing tables. long queue for food and long wait for service.
I know that there is a plan to improve the entrance etc but when is it going to begin? It spoils the whole visit to a place if one aspect of it and an important one the restaurant is abysmal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was better than I could have imagined, such a moving but informative place. Lots of open space. The voluneers had lots of information. Well worth a visit - every one should go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I enjoyed my first visit to the NMA but was disappointed with the restaurant and entrance to the site. The restaurant was very chaotic and I felt could have done with a manager in charge organising clearing of tables, having structures in place for the vast number of people with hot food trying to find seating. The seating and tables outside were in adequate and very tired looking.
I was also disappointed to note that no Union flags were flying on the memorial. I was constantly comparing the NMA with memorials in the USA or the war graves in Normandy and Belgium where the sites are pristine and so well looked after.
Having said that I was moved by the memorial and would return again but perhaps in a few years time when the trees and shrubs would be a little more established.
I was also disappointed to note that no Union flags were flying on the memorial. I was constantly comparing the NMA with memorials in the USA or the war graves in Normandy and Belgium where the sites are pristine and so well looked after.
Having said that I was moved by the memorial and would return again but perhaps in a few years time when the trees and shrubs would be a little more established.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there with the local Royal Naval Association.
Didn't know what to expect but was surprised at the scale of the place.
If you have any military background or relations or any link at all to the forces you must go and see this place. Downside is the cost of things like a map (£3.00 for a sheet of paper) and the gift shop stock. If they reduced the cost of goods then more would buy and they would make more profit. (Supermarket style).
Overall it was a very good day out and made you really think.
Didn't know what to expect but was surprised at the scale of the place.
If you have any military background or relations or any link at all to the forces you must go and see this place. Downside is the cost of things like a map (£3.00 for a sheet of paper) and the gift shop stock. If they reduced the cost of goods then more would buy and they would make more profit. (Supermarket style).
Overall it was a very good day out and made you really think.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the arboretum on 25th October and had an amazing day. I would recommend that you dedicate a whole day for a relaxing wander around this beautiful place. Thought provoking and peaceful . Look forward to visiting again very soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I didn't like that it was so busy for what should be a tranquil place of reflection. Very commercialized at the entrance. I thought a map of the place at £3 was steep having just paid £3 to park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit and a fine monument to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.It is worth a visit all year round
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
No entry fee although parking is £3 all day. Friendly and helpful volunteers meet and greet and hand out simple leaflets. There is so much to see that it is difficult to take it all in on a first visit. And a £3 map is an essential purchase if you want to find something specific.
The cafe serves tasty sandwiches and cakes at reasonable, not rip-off, prices as well as hot meals.
Visiting this wonderful arboretum was sobering and moving as well as inspiring. I wish I could be around to visit in 0 to 30 years when the trees have grown and the site has matured and bedded in. A must-visit for every school child, if only to dwell on the number of names on the memorial to those who have lost their lives since the end of the Second World War
The cafe serves tasty sandwiches and cakes at reasonable, not rip-off, prices as well as hot meals.
Visiting this wonderful arboretum was sobering and moving as well as inspiring. I wish I could be around to visit in 0 to 30 years when the trees have grown and the site has matured and bedded in. A must-visit for every school child, if only to dwell on the number of names on the memorial to those who have lost their lives since the end of the Second World War
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we went there for nIva for all the soldiers killed in northern Ireland in the last 50 years, this place is very immotional to visit even the most hardened person will shed a tear or two while visiting, a very informative staff are there to help you, also food available there is very good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Large site with a lot to see, very fitting tributes to our troops who gave so much. Buy a map at £3 or you could go round in circles.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very humbling place for reflection and enjoyment, the vast array of monuments is breathtaking, and the tree and plant displays are quite amazing... Well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving and beautiful place for reflection and remembrance, I am a coach driver and ended up here with my work, I never expected this place to be so inspiring and moving, well worth a visit and next time I will bring my wife and make it a day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
2nd visit to the Arboretum to show my daughter and partner the main monument. Very moving. You can spend ours at this venue and even if not into military memorabilia ect I am sure you would find this very interesting. The volunteers are very informative and helpful. We only had one hour unfortunately
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the few free places to visit. Really very lovely setting for a fabulous way of remembering and honouring those who gave their lives for our freedom. The guide book is really worth it at just £6.50 as there is free entry for the whole day. They are still adding to the site and it will be expanding further. An absolute must if you have any interest in the wars and the services. There are guided tours and just so much to do. If you are not interested in the afore-mentioned then it is a large open space and allows a good walk to get some fresh air whilst exploring. Wonderful restaurant and gift shop with some very interesting poppy themed items.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Sister and I returned to the Arboretum in early September approximately one year on from our first visit. There were a lot more Memorials that had been consecrated in just under a year and obviously more were in the making. We understand that there is also work in progress to extend the facilities there for Conferences and School "classroom" visits. We found this a peaceful place to be even though there were many visitors throughout the day, both Families and coach parties. Congratulations must be passed on to ALL the Volunteers that work so hard on the grounds and also those who are ready with a helping hand and welcoming stance as you go around. It is well worth a visit but sturdy footwear is a must and possibly a Brolly in case of inclement weather; but do not be put off if you are not very mobile as there is a small tractor train that will take you on a tour of the grounds and wheelchairs are welcome and can be used on all the pathways.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The main structure is mesmerising and moving, but the actual arboretum itself is lacking in a coherency that is so desperately needed as many of the trees are still very young. The large expanse it covers is awkward, this is only natural given the thin-ness of the trees, however I did notice a good few different variety of trees actually dying, a bleak reality that perhaps it is not being maintained as assiduously as it should be. The sentiment will always pull in the crowds here and rightly so, but as an experience with all aspects taken into account - not the best.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum as a family on a beautiful sunny day in September. The Arboretum is very easy to locate with good signposting off the main A38.
This place is vast and certainly a day is not long enough to see and appreciate everything so as this was our first visit we decided to pick our own “must see” memorials – the map which can be bought for £3 is very clear and we found it essential in finding our way around. Even though the car parks were full and it was obvious the place was very busy it never seemed overcrowded and a sense of serenity prevailed. We spent about five hours exploring the pathways and hidden corners but we only really scratched the surface. On our list to see was the Royal Artillery Garden, The RAF Association Memorial Garden, Durham Light Infantry, Shot at Dawn, Parachute Regiment, Far East POW Building and associated memorials and of course the National Armed Forces Memorial. Each and every memorial is special in its own way as a reminder of the sacrifices of others. The fairly newly unveiled Naval Service Memorial was a spectacular sight in the early evening sunlight with a beautiful narrative explaining the design. The site is dominated by the most impressive National Armed Forces Memorial which we left to the very end of our visit and it was, at a time of the day when the crowds had dispersed, a place of peace and quiet reflection.
The Arboretum is beautifully kept and immaculately clean and we saw several volunteers tending the grounds, painting benches etc. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and the shop has some interesting items for sale.
This is a truly special place to visit and it is hard not to be moved by the sight of so many memorials in dedication to and remembrance of lives lost. Everyone should take time out of their busy lives to spend a day here. A must visit.
This place is vast and certainly a day is not long enough to see and appreciate everything so as this was our first visit we decided to pick our own “must see” memorials – the map which can be bought for £3 is very clear and we found it essential in finding our way around. Even though the car parks were full and it was obvious the place was very busy it never seemed overcrowded and a sense of serenity prevailed. We spent about five hours exploring the pathways and hidden corners but we only really scratched the surface. On our list to see was the Royal Artillery Garden, The RAF Association Memorial Garden, Durham Light Infantry, Shot at Dawn, Parachute Regiment, Far East POW Building and associated memorials and of course the National Armed Forces Memorial. Each and every memorial is special in its own way as a reminder of the sacrifices of others. The fairly newly unveiled Naval Service Memorial was a spectacular sight in the early evening sunlight with a beautiful narrative explaining the design. The site is dominated by the most impressive National Armed Forces Memorial which we left to the very end of our visit and it was, at a time of the day when the crowds had dispersed, a place of peace and quiet reflection.
The Arboretum is beautifully kept and immaculately clean and we saw several volunteers tending the grounds, painting benches etc. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and the shop has some interesting items for sale.
This is a truly special place to visit and it is hard not to be moved by the sight of so many memorials in dedication to and remembrance of lives lost. Everyone should take time out of their busy lives to spend a day here. A must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very moving and beautiful place. Everyone should visit at least once. Beautifully laid out, stunning views.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is so beautifully laid out including so many memorials for a massive range of people who gave their lives to help make life better for us. Its so peaceful and well thought out. There are buggies and the Land Train to take you around if you are not able to cover the huge acreage of the arboretum. There are also two restaurants/cafes and a gift shop. we are so glad we went. There is no entrance charge although there are donation boxes around. There is a small charge for the land train and buggies but well worth it. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for use of the less abled.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great and necessary tribute to all those who gave so much for our freedom, very sad at times but also inspiring. I think it is beautifully presented and tended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A thoroughly enjoyable day at a well constructed and well thought out venue. Before visiting I had done no research and had assumed that this was purely a military memorial site. I was completely wrong; although there were, of course, memorials to the armed services and, to my delight, the Merchant Navy, there were many others. Anne Frank, Shot at Dawn, Neo-natal deaths to name but a few. Whilst this was a thought-provoking experience it was by no means gllomy. No entry fee, £3 for all day parking, very reasonably priced food, (light snacks up to a two-course Sunday Roast), this is a great day out for very little expenditure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
visited the Arboretum in September after passing it for years on the way to Birmingham to visit relatives. My wife and her family have supported the Arboretum but I have never been. It is a beautiful and moving experience. Everyone should go to be reminded of the sacrifice that all our service men and women made. Every branch of every service is represented and that in itself makes you think. Finally the café is fab and does a cracking roast at a very reasonable price!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
