National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We have just had our second visit to the NMA spending Friday 13th (shock horror!), and Saturday 14th visiting, paying respects to fallen comrades and attending the unveiling of the Falkland Islanders Resistance grove in the Allied Special Forces section. Stunning.
Our first visit was last September, so it was great to see the trees in leaf, and the monuments, memorials and gardens in the spring sunshine.
I personally would pay £10 to park all day, and would have no problem paying for admission, then I may have licence to pick holes (if I could find any). Especially if I tripped over a dog lead!
It's free to enter, the upkeep maintained by generosity. It's not a mausoleum but a place to celebrate, commemorate and reflect. Plus, contrary to popular belief, although operated by the Royal British Legion only about 60% of the memorials are relating to the military.
Go with an open mind, enjoy, reflect. We love the place and will continue to support the national treasure that it is.
Our first visit was last September, so it was great to see the trees in leaf, and the monuments, memorials and gardens in the spring sunshine.
I personally would pay £10 to park all day, and would have no problem paying for admission, then I may have licence to pick holes (if I could find any). Especially if I tripped over a dog lead!
It's free to enter, the upkeep maintained by generosity. It's not a mausoleum but a place to celebrate, commemorate and reflect. Plus, contrary to popular belief, although operated by the Royal British Legion only about 60% of the memorials are relating to the military.
Go with an open mind, enjoy, reflect. We love the place and will continue to support the national treasure that it is.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first visit - as others have said - everyone should go. So much to see, that we didn't have time to see all of it. I will be back! Inspirational, uplifting and peaceful - makes you feel very thankful for the sacrifices others have made on our behalf over the decades and centuries....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum is very well set out but seems to celebrate WW2 and onwards with not much on WW1, or at least we didn't find it, although there is a tasteful tribute to those Shot at Dawn in that war. A good if expensive restaurant and gift shop and a group of volunteers who were keen to help and advise. The grounds a massive and beautifully kept and the place is still growing. A visit is highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Peacefull and very moving we stayed all day the train was very usefull, the shop had lots of memorabilia at good prices lots to do and see, do not miss the Japanese prisoner of war museum about the building of the railway.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the Arboretum while spending a few days in Stafford. Didn't know what to expect but was overwhelmed with the whole experience. I can't do it justice in this review, what I will say is that if you have the opportunity, go there. I would even say make the opportunity to visit, you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today was my second visit to the arboretum, it's amazing so emotional and makes you proud it's a must visit for everyone, my family has two service man who have memorials there and your able to place a poppy cross at the memorial for your family member, my fave place is the royal artillery gardens it gorgeous and the shot at dawn is so haunting being out in the woods, beautiful and a truly inspiration place and will go back and visit at remembrance time
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is such an inspirational place. So peaceful & uplifting at the same time. The memorials are moving. The land train is a must as the site cover 150 acres. The land train stops at almost every memorial with a brief description of why it is being commemorated. It is a truly phenomenal place that everyone should visit and say thank you that they gave their lives for our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to the Arboretum on a lovely warm day. It was very busy, though sad to note that the vast majority of visitors were in the 50+ category.
No charge for entry, suggested donation of £5.
The site is huge and well maintained. The gardens are beautiful, and the lawns immaculate. There are all sorts of memorials to all branches of the military.
No charge for entry, suggested donation of £5.
The site is huge and well maintained. The gardens are beautiful, and the lawns immaculate. There are all sorts of memorials to all branches of the military.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place! on our way back to the North we suddenly realised we were fairly close and it was "D-Day". Very busy that day,with services (one at the Normandy Memorial we attended). The volunteers were wonderful, helpful, friendly and interested in your individual stories. There were some emotiional high spots for us (I won't describe because it will spoil the experience for others). Beautiful landscaped area very well maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my second visit to the memorial the first time was the day of the ride to the wall which in itself was a fantastic day but packed with people. This time it was quiet and the weather was kind to us, we started with taking the road train around the site which passes all the main memorials and gives you a chance to get your bearings and then pick where you want to go and visit. The café is reasonably priced and the food is very good. Overall it is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely memorial setting,had tears in my eyes,having a Father who served in Korea,and a daughter in the Vet Corp now, who has seen active service in Afghanistan ,it meant a lot to me,will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NMA is absolutely brilliant. I would highly recommend a visit there soon.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Went with a friend just because we were passing.What a place very serene and humbling . I was quite taken back by the memorials and the beautiful kept grounds .What a fitting tribute for the many service men and women. Will certainly go again as it was impossible to take everything in.Good to take a break in the coffee shop to. All in all well worth a visit .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I did not know this was here until my new father in law took me. The place is beautifully set out. It has a memorial for almost any event in modern history. Lots to see & admire & most of all reflect on those who sacrificed to save our way of life. I will return at least once a year now I know its here
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time with friends, will be back before long, so much to see and so many heart wrenching memorials and stories.. was brought to tears by several of the tributes to the service men and women.. fabulous coffee shop selling homemade cakes and with full menu options too!! You must visit this place once in your life time even if you have no military interest!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went for the day, breathtaking and contemplative . Truly magnificent. Especially the Burma memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited last week on a damp overcast day, but the welcome we had from the staff made up for this. The facilities were excellant - spotlessly clean - great food. We spent over 5 hours wondering through the grounds stopping at the memorials and taking in the setting. We saved the main National Memorial until last and would recommed doing this when you visit. It was so moving especially seeing the names listed for 2013 and knowing that there would be more for 2014. We have decided that we will visit again, but leave it for a few years to see how it grows and develops.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Mary's friend Sheila had met Mary at Birmingham rail station and drove her to the Arboretum about 28 miles on the A38 towards Litchfield .The car park is £3.00.all day parking . The entrance you are greeted by a very nice man and he tells you bits and pieces and gives you a leaflet, Through the doors there is a packed shop of trinkets and gifts. cards sweets Pussar's rum £29.99 a small bottle, magnets and key rings all sorts of poppy things cups mugs trays etc . a good café selling drinks cakes sandwiches we had a chicken and pickle which cost £3.25 and a piece of chocolate cake £2.50 and a latte coffee £2.20 next time we will bring a packed lunch there are plenty of places to sit down and have a drink in the café .Clean toilets and disabled toilet. It was very chilly so we took the train £5.00 each to get around the 150 acres there is a running commentary on every monument memorial that we past we should have sat inside of the train we sat outside and because there had been heavy rain all week some of the grass was flooded marshy and lots of midges good idea to spray insect protection before you come ,the tour takes 50 minutes if you get off you can't get on again it was very interesting some of the statues are breath taking and gives you a lasting memory after we came back we walked to some nearby memorials to take photograph's would definitely come back on a more warmer day and take a slow walk round as the tour does not take all round the river where the Wren's garden is and we missed that so next time you would need a full day to see it all. We bought crosses with poppy on and laid them at the Falklands Memorial.it was a memorably day out taking time to reflect well done the British legion . Donations are greatly received.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit, and so interesting. It's lovely to see a variety of memorial themes as well as the military focus.
It's definitely a place we will be revisiting again and again, just so we can see it develop over time (with new memorials, and the growing gardens, plants and trees). Also it's so large, we couldn't possibly see it all in one day. I would recommend the land train for first time visitors, as it gives you a tour for a fee (about £5 for adults, £2 for children).
With it being my first visit there, I was a little unprepared money wise (I'm not the most organised person and don't carry much change). But as this place is charity run don't expect any cashpoints or cash back services, and so make sure you have cash on you to pay for parking (£3) and possibly for some other little shops and services offered inside. Cards are accepted at some parts though, like the main gift shop.
I was a little disappointed when I noticed a car parking fee. I don't mind paying a fee, especially when it's bound to go towards a good cause, but I assumed a visit here was 'free' giving me one less reason to bring cash.
Having said the above, I still wouldn't want to give the Arboretum any lower than the 5 star rating though, as it's such a beautiful place. Very moving.
It's definitely a place we will be revisiting again and again, just so we can see it develop over time (with new memorials, and the growing gardens, plants and trees). Also it's so large, we couldn't possibly see it all in one day. I would recommend the land train for first time visitors, as it gives you a tour for a fee (about £5 for adults, £2 for children).
With it being my first visit there, I was a little unprepared money wise (I'm not the most organised person and don't carry much change). But as this place is charity run don't expect any cashpoints or cash back services, and so make sure you have cash on you to pay for parking (£3) and possibly for some other little shops and services offered inside. Cards are accepted at some parts though, like the main gift shop.
I was a little disappointed when I noticed a car parking fee. I don't mind paying a fee, especially when it's bound to go towards a good cause, but I assumed a visit here was 'free' giving me one less reason to bring cash.
Having said the above, I still wouldn't want to give the Arboretum any lower than the 5 star rating though, as it's such a beautiful place. Very moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving, tributes to those who have fought fir their country. Lots to see, and places to spend time to reflect. A credit to the British Legion
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to walk and reflect on life. I've taken the dog a few occasions on the official dog waling route. Great when the weather is dry and the sun is out. Also has nice cafe which sells excellent food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The arboretum is stunning and a fitting memorial to all. This place should be visited by everyone it really makes you appreciate the sacrifice given by so many. The main memorial to the dead since the last world war is chilling especially the blank sections which are frightening when you see how quickly we are still adding to the fallen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Place to visit to honour those fallen during war and to those who are interested in history.
There are various areas to see, which represent different parts of the world during different wars.
There are eating places and retail areas too.
Educational facilities too!
There are various areas to see, which represent different parts of the world during different wars.
There are eating places and retail areas too.
Educational facilities too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The national memorial is a credit to the country, the armed forces memorial in particular is very moving indeed. If you can get a tour with a guide as they tell you so much about the statues and the time it took to carve the names of fallen soldiers into the stone. The place has a special surprise if you visit on 11 Nov at 11:11hrs. Very well thought out place with memorial for so many worthy causes. Not a dry eye in the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing and fantastic experience it was to spend a few hours here. The main Armed Forces Memorial is a tremendous and inspiring piece of work. The many other memorials are each beautiful and informative in their own right. The whole site is a moving and thought-provoking place. A single day is not long enough - we will be back, no doubt many more times, as the number of memorials continues to grow. It is a place everyone should visit, to remind them of the past.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
