National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
We knew that this would be more a thought provoking visit, and so it was.
The memorials are beautifully set out, and there are so many, that it makes sense to think of making a number of visits if at all possible, rather than try to see everything on a single visit.
With the advice of one of the staff, we headed for the memorials to those who became prisoners of war in the far east. While there was much on display that we knew about previously, we learned a great deal - especially about the ingenuity and creativity of the prisoners in overcoming extraordinary privations.
Understandably, the displays deal with history. However the text did explain that this element of Japanese history is not taught to their children at school. The inclusion of this text opens up a whole new area of debate. Had I never been to Japan, the display and the text would have confirmed my understanding of Japanese people, based on childhood readings and Hollywood films. But I know from experience that the culture in Japan is far from this now. When we visited there, the people were very welcoming and generous, going out of their way to express kindness to visitors with whom no words could be shared (in the absence of any common language).
I can only hope that, at some time in the future, the National Memorial Museum works towards a culture of learning from the past, and reconciliation to build a better world together.
The Memorial is testimony to the fact that we cannot afford anything else.
With staffing relying on many volunteers, they were very knowledgeable and sensitive to the wide range of needs of those visiting.
The memorials are beautifully set out, and there are so many, that it makes sense to think of making a number of visits if at all possible, rather than try to see everything on a single visit.
With the advice of one of the staff, we headed for the memorials to those who became prisoners of war in the far east. While there was much on display that we knew about previously, we learned a great deal - especially about the ingenuity and creativity of the prisoners in overcoming extraordinary privations.
Understandably, the displays deal with history. However the text did explain that this element of Japanese history is not taught to their children at school. The inclusion of this text opens up a whole new area of debate. Had I never been to Japan, the display and the text would have confirmed my understanding of Japanese people, based on childhood readings and Hollywood films. But I know from experience that the culture in Japan is far from this now. When we visited there, the people were very welcoming and generous, going out of their way to express kindness to visitors with whom no words could be shared (in the absence of any common language).
I can only hope that, at some time in the future, the National Memorial Museum works towards a culture of learning from the past, and reconciliation to build a better world together.
The Memorial is testimony to the fact that we cannot afford anything else.
With staffing relying on many volunteers, they were very knowledgeable and sensitive to the wide range of needs of those visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very Poinent Place to vist makes you think, with different areas for the different areas and groups that have been fought. Places to sit and reflect on lost relatives and ask the reason why and have all thes deaths benefited society to day?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A warm day so this was quite tiring for 2 geriatrics. It doesn't have the same feel as some of the WW cemeteries in France, probably just as well as this place attracts day trippers who arrive for a picnic or just a day out. We found it quite moving of course and very well cared for too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a favourite place to visit for a few hours on a sunday afternoon. You have to pay for parking but it is only a couple of pounds but entry to the site itself is free. The arboretum is a wonderful, uplifting place to visit. Set out on a large site adjacent to a river it is covered with large scale memorials commissioned by a wide variety of organisations but also lots and lots of small memorials to specific individuals provided by family members. What I love about this place is that no matter how many people are there and how busy it is, it is always peaceful and tranquil. Lots of 'old soldiers' and thier families go and they all dress up and wear their medals and there is a lovely peaceful, respectful atmosphere. During the summer months a musician plays moving melodies on a trumpet that echos across the site in a way that is moving and evocative.
The centre piece, set on a large hill, is the Armed Forces Memorial which is engraved with the names of every service man or woman killed in action since the second world war. There are thousands of names inscribed but probably the most moving part in some ways is the blank walls waiting for new names. Again this is a lovely, peaceful spot but quite raw in many ways as names are still being added of those killed in action in Afghanistan.
There is a small chapel on the site where people can come and go at will and sit and contemplate. There is a large cafe area which serves hot meals and a selection of cakes and pastries at a reasonable price.
For those with mobility issues wheelchairs are provided on request (just ask at the entrance) and there is also a road-train which transports people around the site on a guided tour (small charge).
It might sound like a sad place to visit but I think that because of the setting - with the lovely trees and natural beauty of the site - it is actually a very peaceful and tranquil place to go and remains a firm family favourite.
The centre piece, set on a large hill, is the Armed Forces Memorial which is engraved with the names of every service man or woman killed in action since the second world war. There are thousands of names inscribed but probably the most moving part in some ways is the blank walls waiting for new names. Again this is a lovely, peaceful spot but quite raw in many ways as names are still being added of those killed in action in Afghanistan.
There is a small chapel on the site where people can come and go at will and sit and contemplate. There is a large cafe area which serves hot meals and a selection of cakes and pastries at a reasonable price.
For those with mobility issues wheelchairs are provided on request (just ask at the entrance) and there is also a road-train which transports people around the site on a guided tour (small charge).
It might sound like a sad place to visit but I think that because of the setting - with the lovely trees and natural beauty of the site - it is actually a very peaceful and tranquil place to go and remains a firm family favourite.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visted with my daughter last Sunday and was overwelmed by the Memorial Wall and the Shot At Dawn memorial. I was moved to tears by the memorial wall, not just by the names that are already carved, but by the empty space waiting for more names.
I will treasure the photographs that I took.
One small criticism is that the toilets that are located around the site are dreadfull and smell. Either take them away, or build a proper toilet facility.
I will treasure the photographs that I took.
One small criticism is that the toilets that are located around the site are dreadfull and smell. Either take them away, or build a proper toilet facility.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with a french friend as we had watched a programme about it the night before. Really interesting and sad at the same time. She was able to find a section about people from her part of france that had fought in the war
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting and makes you think! Enjoyed the whole experience and on our visit there was an event going on for veterans which was certainly very interesting to watch. Hard to watch young soldiers paying their respects to friends they had lost - heartbreaking but heartwarming
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just spent a pleasant day at the NMA it really is worth a visit, be prepared for some walking!!! There is a restaurant and a tea room for refreshments and plenty of outdoor seating if you want to take a picnic. Although the car park was full it was so serene and very thought evoking there were a lot of tear filled eyes. Car parking is charged but is very reasonable at only £3 for the whole day there is no additional entrance fee but donations can be left this is run by The British Legion who depend wholly on charitable donations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is plenty to see but the arboretum retains an air of peacefulness & solitude. The central point is of course the memorial wall and it is very humbling & moving to see so many names of members of the forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. The sculptures are equally magnificent and with good weather the landscaping is stunning. The Arboretum continually evolves and there is something new to see at each visit. Well done to those who support and give their time to work here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very good and moving although was very wet before we went and because a lot of things were on grass we couldnt get to them. Definitely worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There isnt a lot you can say about this place except that everyone should visit it.
It is tasteful, moving and a wonderful place where people can go to pay their respects to our fallen heros. The main memorial, with the needle statue, really hits home how many brave women and men have died fighting for our freedom. When reading the names of the lads lost in Afganistan I was overcome with emotion- there are too many names engraved into the stone.
There are memorials for every regiment, every section of the armed forces, of the police and emergency services and it would take you a couple of days to look around them all. The Arboretum is donation only, you can buy crosses and poppies to place at any memorial which we did.
Overall- just visit this place.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning- we will remember them"
It is tasteful, moving and a wonderful place where people can go to pay their respects to our fallen heros. The main memorial, with the needle statue, really hits home how many brave women and men have died fighting for our freedom. When reading the names of the lads lost in Afganistan I was overcome with emotion- there are too many names engraved into the stone.
There are memorials for every regiment, every section of the armed forces, of the police and emergency services and it would take you a couple of days to look around them all. The Arboretum is donation only, you can buy crosses and poppies to place at any memorial which we did.
Overall- just visit this place.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning- we will remember them"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this place!! Great to walk around and mooch around then stubbing work!
U only pay for parking but there are donation boxes! If you ask me they should charge!
You could spend a few hours even a day just looking around!
U only pay for parking but there are donation boxes! If you ask me they should charge!
You could spend a few hours even a day just looking around!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A place to go to realise and remember the sacrifice made by the Armed Forces, I believe everyone should try and visit this amazing venue
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a truly amazing place. Was a cloudy foggy day when we went and it made us feel most humble.
There is an amazing amount of information to read and take in and I would say everyone who has a heart should visit
There is an amazing amount of information to read and take in and I would say everyone who has a heart should visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a brilliant ,fascinating,enjoyable day.This is a wonderful way to remember and appreciate those who gave their lives.Facilities such as food were good,as was amenities such as shops,walkways,toilets.We walked all around the site apprciating the many designs of the memorials to all the services.We surely will return .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The national memorial arboratum is such a mooving experience, very tranquil place to remember so many unsung heroes who have given so much for our nation, well worth a visit to show your respect to our armed services.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set on a lovely spacious open site, this was an enjoyable and moving visit. So many stunning memorials and so beautifully set amongst gardens and parkland. It was wonderful to see all the visitors being so respectful in this special place, and it was moving to see the name of a young soldier from our village on the wall of rememberance. There is a lovely little chapel, and an interesting area with history of gravestones which we found 'stangely' interesting! We felt somehow connected to the other visitors, and it certainly puts things into perspective. A very worthwhile experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely walk get a map to follow its worth the £3.00 We went went on a lovely sunny day so made the day all the nicer will take a few hours to get round if you stop and look and read the numberous memorials that have been placed here. there toilets and gift shop and also a cafe through didnt use it so cant comment on it. It is well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this was our second visit, we took our mum & dad, first visit was in winter, not reccomended, this is a fine weather venue really.
The restaurant is good and everything is reasonably priced, the 1100 church service every day is a must.
we went round on the land train, excellent, with commentry,and jump on/jump off facility.
the main armed forces monument is incredible, the sobering bit is seeing the empty walls waiting for names.
everyone should visit this wonderfull memorial.
The restaurant is good and everything is reasonably priced, the 1100 church service every day is a must.
we went round on the land train, excellent, with commentry,and jump on/jump off facility.
the main armed forces monument is incredible, the sobering bit is seeing the empty walls waiting for names.
everyone should visit this wonderfull memorial.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this place. I don't live far away so have been a few times. It's is very interesting, well kept, very thought provoking, beautifully landscaped, peaceful etc
Most unexpectedly it is a great place for the whole family to visit.
Guaranteed to lift anybody's spirits, put things into perspective and completely switch of and relax.
Most unexpectedly it is a great place for the whole family to visit.
Guaranteed to lift anybody's spirits, put things into perspective and completely switch of and relax.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went twice, once on Mothers day and another for a performance. Wonderful venue. It will be even more beautiful with each passing year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Would have liked a map with my donation, but thought £3 was too much. It wasn't until we started to walk round that we realised that actually, a map might have been a good idea. The place is HUGE! We spent around 3 hours here walking round, and didn't do a fraction of it. It's a lovely, peaceful place, very humbling, and certainly somewhere we'll return to for a full day.
Every child in the country should come here - it should be on the curriculum - as it really is that memorable and meaningful.
Every child in the country should come here - it should be on the curriculum - as it really is that memorable and meaningful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is beautiful laid out and a fabulous tribute to all those who have served for their country. Place of great peace and tranquility. Would love to go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I thought I was just going to an arboretum! What an amazing surprise and what a wonderful memorial site. It's a place everyone should visit to realise the impact of war on us all. It was an eyeopener and a place I have since recommended to many other people. I will certainly visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This beautifully designed and layed out memorial site is an extrodinary day out. Both poynient and thought provoking it is a wonderful place to visit now and a fitting tribute to those who gave their time and their lives for the good of their countries. Its the diminishing space on that wall that will actually break your heart. Visit, you'll know what I mean. But visit anyway, it will be one of the best things you ever do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
