National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
My wife and myself visited for the first time having heard positive comments from friends who had been. We did not know quite what to expect, however we were impressed by the size and scope of the organisations and individual's represented. By providing a national focal point and the landscape of the site together with its central England position I am sure an ever increasing number people will come to see this national memorial arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't quite know what to expect but I found this visit the most thought provoking and memorable part of my holiday. After visiting the memorials and gardens I found my feelings had changed from regret to a sense of appreciation. If you haven't been put it in your diary.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Needed to buy a map and have a very good idea what to see. We started just wandering - up to the memory wall then over to the Falklands memorial. By then it was lunch time so we went for some food and drink, I bought the map, and planned what else we wanted to see. My wish was to find out more about my uncle who was buried in Rangoon cemetery. Helpful staff directed me to the area commemorating the war in Japan. The information on the POWs was deeply moving, but did confirm my uncle was not amongst them. I eventually found the monument to the Chindits in a lonely forgotten corner very appropriate for a forgotten operation and it confirmed my uncle was a Chindit. A lot of walking but some superb monuments make sure you visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The gardens are fairly new so many of the trees are still fairly small but the area is well laid out with various sections. A large section (and probably the most elaborate) is the one dedicated to the Air Force. Other sections include the St John's Ambulance and the French Resistance. The highlight are the memorial walls with so many names inscribed - very moving.
There is ample car parking, a cafe and toilets as well as a shop.
An area for improvement would be to provide better signage to the different areas as trying to find a particular area can involve a lot of walking without signs.
There is ample car parking, a cafe and toilets as well as a shop.
An area for improvement would be to provide better signage to the different areas as trying to find a particular area can involve a lot of walking without signs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit as the last time we were there we bought a book after reading we realised we had missed so much.
This time we took the train round and as there was a commentary we learnt even more.
It is amazing the amount of thought that has gone into the planning and building and it is immaculately kept.
The only sad thing is the memorial wall has so many spaces lets hope they are never needed.
This time we took the train round and as there was a commentary we learnt even more.
It is amazing the amount of thought that has gone into the planning and building and it is immaculately kept.
The only sad thing is the memorial wall has so many spaces lets hope they are never needed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my grandma and grandad have a tree planted here in memory of them and we went to visit it. it had grown loads and was a lovely day and peaceful there. we had a walk round and looked at lots of the memorials which are breathtaking and stunning in design. a nice afternoon out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the second time I have been to the arboretum and what a lovely day it was too. I took a party of elderly people and they had a wonderful time there. They went on the train at a cost of £4.50 which was worth it due to the really hot day. £3 to park your car there all day. The admission is free but they ask for a donation. If you like anything to do with the military or the like you wont go far wrong with visiting this wonderful attraction. Every conflict seems to have been honoured in some form and I could go on for hours. I really enjoyed this and I found the memorial for HMS HOOD which was sunk by the Bismark in the second world war. I will go back there again and I urge people to go and have a look round. You wont be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is a must visit for every body it makes you think about all the young men and women who stand up and fight for our country the central monument with all the names that have died since world war two, does make you stop and think about all the conflict there has been around the world in the last 70 years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fabulous day out,didn't know what to expect but wasn't disapionted.The morning started with a short service,last post,reveille and a welcome speech in the lovely chapel.We then went on a guided tour( on foot) the guide was excellent and this is a must as you learn lots of interesting facts of the varying parts of the Arboretum.We where part of a group booking our lunch was in a private room, the food was very good as was the service.Next onto the land tour nearly an hour on a train around many memorials,areas of natural beauty,the river and lots more,didn't want it to finish.There is plenty to see and be a part of,you can't do it justice in one day (especially when it is sunny!) The gift shop is like most other attractions shop,but like the restaurant,the charity shop and car park the monies go back to the Arboretum therefore didn't mind so much about the cost of the goods as its free to enter.Overall a humbling day out and we urge you to see for yourself ,makes you proud that for one day you where a part of it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were fortunate to be visiting the Arboretum on Armed Forces Day and my hubby being ex Army was delighted he was able to take part in a parade.The highlight of our day was being able to Shake hands with Seargent Johnson Beharry VC something we will probably never have an oppourtunity to do again.The Arboretum is a very special place to reflect on those who lost their lives fighting for their country it is a true Memorial and should be a must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was so overwhelming.There were so many ex servicemen displaying there medals and also in uniforms it brought a tear to the eye.It is well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA has developed tremendously over the past decade, and a beautiful Saturday in early July gave thousands an opportunity to enjoy a unique visitor experience. If present in the morning, the 1100hrs service, last post and reveille, followed by a welcome talk, in the chapel, is highly recommended. The restaurant is self service and usually busy; the food is of a high standard and not extortionately priced.
The land train, a 50 minute journey with good recorded commentary, round the entire 150 acre site is also recommended, at a cost of £4.50 per adult. The day of our visit was also the Royal Artillery day, with many veterans and their families on the site, plus a military band and many service personnel, and cadets; this enhanced the overall experience.
Unlike other reviewers, I felt under no pressure to make further contributions to the running costs of the NMA; my £3 parking charge, land train fare and profits on my lunch and refreshments more than covered the £6 anticipated contribution.
The £3 map of the site is certainly overpriced, and is disappointing. The memorials are not listed in any particular order, and it is not at all easy to use.
Overall the NMA is an excellent place to visit, and is highly recommended.
The land train, a 50 minute journey with good recorded commentary, round the entire 150 acre site is also recommended, at a cost of £4.50 per adult. The day of our visit was also the Royal Artillery day, with many veterans and their families on the site, plus a military band and many service personnel, and cadets; this enhanced the overall experience.
Unlike other reviewers, I felt under no pressure to make further contributions to the running costs of the NMA; my £3 parking charge, land train fare and profits on my lunch and refreshments more than covered the £6 anticipated contribution.
The £3 map of the site is certainly overpriced, and is disappointing. The memorials are not listed in any particular order, and it is not at all easy to use.
Overall the NMA is an excellent place to visit, and is highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is an inspirational place that is rightly becoming the centre of commemoration in this country. During a visit you are very likely to bump into serving personnel and veterans. The staff are very good indeed. There is a road train to give an idea of the main areas of the NMA, and there are golf buggies for those with access difficulties. EPV (scooters) are allowed on the site, but not into the café. Many of the memorials are across grass without paths, so wheelchairs or EPVs will have to cope. Suggested highlights
Armed Forces Memorial
Shot at Dawn memorial
Parachute Regiment Memorial
Merchant Navy Wood
Wild Flower meadow
Polish services memorial
WRNS memorial
Parking charge is £3 but entrance is free and is the main income to keep the place looking pristine. Café is now struggling with the numbers, so for a nicer experience go down the slope to the Big Bear and the first marquee is a tea room - quiet and lovely and most of what the main café offers.
Complete must for all and parents should take their kids at some stage before they leave home.
Armed Forces Memorial
Shot at Dawn memorial
Parachute Regiment Memorial
Merchant Navy Wood
Wild Flower meadow
Polish services memorial
WRNS memorial
Parking charge is £3 but entrance is free and is the main income to keep the place looking pristine. Café is now struggling with the numbers, so for a nicer experience go down the slope to the Big Bear and the first marquee is a tea room - quiet and lovely and most of what the main café offers.
Complete must for all and parents should take their kids at some stage before they leave home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on 3rd July 2013 with Nettleham & District Probus Club members and guests. My wife and I first walked up to the imposing monument atop a large mound to those servicemen who have fallen since 1945. We could not help but be struck by the huge number of names listed by the year of death. Sadly only one year has gone by with no additions to the list. Even more sad were the blank panels waiting to be filled with the names of those yet to die in service of Queen and Country.
From this monument we commenced a long walk among the other memorials tracking down the one of most interest to myself - namely the police 'Beat' memorial - a long avenue of trees on either side of a wide area of grass - each tree with an adjoining inscription relating to the police forces of the nation or individuals now passed on who gave service during their lifetimes. There is space to mention only a few of the impressive memorials we saw - The Parachute Regiment, The Railway Industry, Prisoners of War, and the Wrens.
Conferring at the cafe with colleagues I discovered that we had seen only a small proportion of the arboretum. We shall surely need to make further visits to do justice to this place, especially as we learn that it may well be extended in a few years time.
From this monument we commenced a long walk among the other memorials tracking down the one of most interest to myself - namely the police 'Beat' memorial - a long avenue of trees on either side of a wide area of grass - each tree with an adjoining inscription relating to the police forces of the nation or individuals now passed on who gave service during their lifetimes. There is space to mention only a few of the impressive memorials we saw - The Parachute Regiment, The Railway Industry, Prisoners of War, and the Wrens.
Conferring at the cafe with colleagues I discovered that we had seen only a small proportion of the arboretum. We shall surely need to make further visits to do justice to this place, especially as we learn that it may well be extended in a few years time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On 22nd.June, Armed Forces and Veterans Day, we paid our 5th. visit to the N.M.A.
It is easy to get to, as it is clearly signposted from the A38.There is a car parking fee of £3 for all day, but no entry charge.
Although it is a Memorial Arboretum, it is by no means a depressing place.It is light and airy, covering some 150+ acres,with many hundreds of native trees planted over the past 13 or so years, each one dedicated to a lost loved one, not necessarily a member of HM armed forces. The individual Memorials,dedicated to our armed forces past and present are an inspiration.
The one that always stops us in our tracks is the Shot at Dawn.
Tracks are good, making it suitable for wheelchair users; there are also some scooters available for loan/hire. The grass, however, can get boggy after heavy rain.
The small chapel, which holds a brief remembrance service with a 2 minute silence every day at 11 O'clock is an excellent area for reflection before a walk around the arboretum.
The Memorial Wall is a very humbling and moving place.
The names of all our armed forces who have died as a result of conflict since the end of WW11, some 16,000, are cut into the stone walls.They appear to be endless, and are still being added to .
If the sun is shining on Nov.11th,at 11 o'clock it shines directly through a gap left in the wall and beams a ray of light directly at the base of the middle figure of a statue depicting a dead body being uplifted by his comrades, a woman(with wedding ring) and child as his wife and child, and an old couple as his mother and father-symbolic of the families left to grieve.
Birds are prolific, adding to the feeling of well-being at the N.M.A.
Any worries we have are always left behind for the day when we visit The National Arboretum.
It is easy to get to, as it is clearly signposted from the A38.There is a car parking fee of £3 for all day, but no entry charge.
Although it is a Memorial Arboretum, it is by no means a depressing place.It is light and airy, covering some 150+ acres,with many hundreds of native trees planted over the past 13 or so years, each one dedicated to a lost loved one, not necessarily a member of HM armed forces. The individual Memorials,dedicated to our armed forces past and present are an inspiration.
The one that always stops us in our tracks is the Shot at Dawn.
Tracks are good, making it suitable for wheelchair users; there are also some scooters available for loan/hire. The grass, however, can get boggy after heavy rain.
The small chapel, which holds a brief remembrance service with a 2 minute silence every day at 11 O'clock is an excellent area for reflection before a walk around the arboretum.
The Memorial Wall is a very humbling and moving place.
The names of all our armed forces who have died as a result of conflict since the end of WW11, some 16,000, are cut into the stone walls.They appear to be endless, and are still being added to .
If the sun is shining on Nov.11th,at 11 o'clock it shines directly through a gap left in the wall and beams a ray of light directly at the base of the middle figure of a statue depicting a dead body being uplifted by his comrades, a woman(with wedding ring) and child as his wife and child, and an old couple as his mother and father-symbolic of the families left to grieve.
Birds are prolific, adding to the feeling of well-being at the N.M.A.
Any worries we have are always left behind for the day when we visit The National Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we were visiting for my dad to find an old war friend who's name was on the memorial wall. what a place, so interesting, not only about war but all serving members who have fought or served their country. they still add names each year to the wall. a lot of walking around as the place is vast, but well worth it. make sure you make a day of it, you will need a day to see everything. good cafe for snacks and meals. the arboretum is run by volunteers, there is no charge for entry but you pay for parking only 2.00 for the day. the down side, there is a land train that takes you around if you wish, but note this costs 4.50 per person and is contracted, nothing to do with the arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited mid week and arrived early so it was nice and quiet. However first negative the parking, it says on their website that there was a maximum charge of £3. But this was the only charge! Only wanted to spend an hour or so having a nice walk round so £3 to park was a bit steep, especially as the car park wasn't that big. Second negative is, what i can only describe as vultures waiting to pounce when you enter the reception area. Yes its free to get in but we do like a donation. Boxes with 'suggested' donation of £5 were dotted around the place and it did feel you were forced into donating which i know most people would do voluntarily but the pressure to do so was not pleasant.
The arboretum itself was lovely, huge and moving. (Hence the 4 star review that the attraction itself was very good) I really like the naval tributes and the information on the events such as the sinking of the Neptune etc. I do agree that disabled people would find it difficult to access a lot of the site and as this is a war memorial that may be visited by soldiers with a loss of limbs it does seem a bit off.
Overall ok to visit once, it was a good experience but there is a bit of a bad feeling of not being welcome unless you donate generously. A free day out for two in the fresh air turns into a £13 guilt trip.
The arboretum itself was lovely, huge and moving. (Hence the 4 star review that the attraction itself was very good) I really like the naval tributes and the information on the events such as the sinking of the Neptune etc. I do agree that disabled people would find it difficult to access a lot of the site and as this is a war memorial that may be visited by soldiers with a loss of limbs it does seem a bit off.
Overall ok to visit once, it was a good experience but there is a bit of a bad feeling of not being welcome unless you donate generously. A free day out for two in the fresh air turns into a £13 guilt trip.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum on Armed Forces Day, and found it an uplifting experience. It's matured on many levels since our last visit 5 years ago, and this is a lovely place to walk, contemplate, remember, or just have a nice day out. In no way does it celebrate war, but does commemorate those to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Covers a huge area, beautifully landscaped and humbling in it's content. We used the land-train which tours the whole area slowly with an interesting commentary, ideal way to get an overall impression of this vast site before walking around the individual memorials.
Toilets are spotlessly clean, a restaurant as well as smaller stands serving drinks and snacks.
The whole place has a peaceful atmosphere and the staff are helpful and friendly.
You need more than one visit to see everything.
Toilets are spotlessly clean, a restaurant as well as smaller stands serving drinks and snacks.
The whole place has a peaceful atmosphere and the staff are helpful and friendly.
You need more than one visit to see everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been several times,and always find more to look at,3,min silence everyday @11'0clock,in the Chappell.its amazing what they have done there,it's worth going for sure
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I could write an essay,i could write a whole list of positives but how can you judge a place of memorial to the brave. A location with no fee but donations are welcome to keep the grounds as immaculate as they are.A visit to the NMA is simply inspiring and puts life's little niggles into perspective. Walk around the grounds, read the plaques and appreciate the brave fallen soldiers that gave you the freedom to do so.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should visit this wonderful, inspirational place. Allow lots of time - it's huge.
Very thought-provoking.
Very thought-provoking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Booked a VIP visit to The Arboretum for my in-laws' 80th birthday present as my Father in law was a Captain in the Scots Guards. What a fantastic day! We had a chauffeured golf buggy for the whole day driven by our enthusiastic and informative guide, Roger Field. The buggy was a life saver as 80 year old legs would perhaps not have been up to exploring 150 acres! It was a tad breezy so the ladies were also supplied with fleeces - very thoughtful.
We started the day with a brief memorial service and observed the daily two minute silence in the chapel which was followed by a brief guide to the place. Then we were off to see the huge amount of beautiful, impressive and poignant memorials throughout the acres and acres of greenery. There's so many impressive structures and I was touched by the thought that went behind the symbolism of many of these. Having the guide for the day really made it for us.
The VIP tour includes lunch in the cafeteria with waitress service. They appeared to want to fill us up with stodgy and personally I would have preferred some lighter options - roast beef on a summers day isn't my bag although the rest of my party chose it!
If you haven't been then it's worth the effort.
We started the day with a brief memorial service and observed the daily two minute silence in the chapel which was followed by a brief guide to the place. Then we were off to see the huge amount of beautiful, impressive and poignant memorials throughout the acres and acres of greenery. There's so many impressive structures and I was touched by the thought that went behind the symbolism of many of these. Having the guide for the day really made it for us.
The VIP tour includes lunch in the cafeteria with waitress service. They appeared to want to fill us up with stodgy and personally I would have preferred some lighter options - roast beef on a summers day isn't my bag although the rest of my party chose it!
If you haven't been then it's worth the effort.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wanted to visit to see "the wall" since I saw it on TV when it opened in 2007. So whilst in Staffs for a visit to an NT place we decided to call in on our way back home. Arriving at 3.30pm I realised that this place was a bit bigger than I originally thought.
The excellent large car park started it off, and then the extrance to the visitor centre made us realise. We found out that there was no charge, and then an assistant approached and asked if we'd come to look for anything in particular. I mentioned "the wall" and he pointed it out in the distance. He mentioned the layout of the 150 acre site (which actually opened in 2001) and all of the other memorials dedicated to different areas of the armed forces.
We went straight to the wall, and very impressive it is, from the clearly displayed panels detailing each armed forces personnel's name to the two magnificently carved statues on either side. It was very moving to see odd photos and notes left by people for their lost family members.
We managed a quick walk over the immaculately tended grounds looking at some of the independant memorials, and a quick look around the chapel.
There is an excellent restaurant, good clean toilets and a gift shop plus a brief display about the arboretum. As requested we made a generous donation to the upkeep of the place.
This attraction caught us unawares. It is vast, brilliantly laid out, so clean and tidy and above all very moving and peaceful. More people should be aware of it and the opportunity it presents for all of us to pay our respects to our armed forces personnel who have passed away in service since 1945.
We will be back with a full half day at least to take it all in. I would suggest a fine day to be able to cover the area in comfort.
The excellent large car park started it off, and then the extrance to the visitor centre made us realise. We found out that there was no charge, and then an assistant approached and asked if we'd come to look for anything in particular. I mentioned "the wall" and he pointed it out in the distance. He mentioned the layout of the 150 acre site (which actually opened in 2001) and all of the other memorials dedicated to different areas of the armed forces.
We went straight to the wall, and very impressive it is, from the clearly displayed panels detailing each armed forces personnel's name to the two magnificently carved statues on either side. It was very moving to see odd photos and notes left by people for their lost family members.
We managed a quick walk over the immaculately tended grounds looking at some of the independant memorials, and a quick look around the chapel.
There is an excellent restaurant, good clean toilets and a gift shop plus a brief display about the arboretum. As requested we made a generous donation to the upkeep of the place.
This attraction caught us unawares. It is vast, brilliantly laid out, so clean and tidy and above all very moving and peaceful. More people should be aware of it and the opportunity it presents for all of us to pay our respects to our armed forces personnel who have passed away in service since 1945.
We will be back with a full half day at least to take it all in. I would suggest a fine day to be able to cover the area in comfort.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first time to the memorial and I must say it was well worth the visit. It probably helped that it was a lovely sunny day as well. The memorial is well signposted just off the A38. It is free entry to the memorial itself although there is a £3.00 parking charge for the day which is okay as all the money goes towards the upkeep of the memorial. The park covers a huge area, I spent around 4 hours walking around but I believe you could spend a lot more time there as there is just so much to see.. I would highly recommend buying either a map (£3.00) or a guide book (£6.50) to help you navigate around the park. I thought I could get away without buying either but as soon as I realised just how vast an area it covers I went back and bought the guide book, which I think offers better value for money as it has a map in it and also covers in detail each of the various monuments. The 'shot at dawn' memorial is particularly poignant..
Go there.. You will not be disappointed.. I will certainly visit again..
Go there.. You will not be disappointed.. I will certainly visit again..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
