National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
One of the most moving & thought provoking days out. Such beautiful surroundings. Many more trees planted since my last visit & autumn colours were stunning. A place to go to celebrate peace & those who gave so much for it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As we were more or less passing we decided to call at the Memorial Arboretum, having seen it on various news programmes.
It is clearly becoming a special place with that aura that the best of memorials have. Having been to the centre and looked at the lists of names of people who have died since WWII, we walked across the lawns to various other areas.
I was surprised to find, for example that one tree might be in memory of a regiment while the one next to it was for one fallen soldier. However, this became a rather appealing feature.
There are represented men and women from all aspects of all the wars and one gets a feeling of the all-embracing nature of conflict and how many contributions had to be made and how many died making their contribution.
There is a newness, an air of work in progress at present and I think it will well repay another visit in 5 or 10 years when the arboretum aspect has grown
It is wonderful that there is now a central memorial for us in this country.
It is clearly becoming a special place with that aura that the best of memorials have. Having been to the centre and looked at the lists of names of people who have died since WWII, we walked across the lawns to various other areas.
I was surprised to find, for example that one tree might be in memory of a regiment while the one next to it was for one fallen soldier. However, this became a rather appealing feature.
There are represented men and women from all aspects of all the wars and one gets a feeling of the all-embracing nature of conflict and how many contributions had to be made and how many died making their contribution.
There is a newness, an air of work in progress at present and I think it will well repay another visit in 5 or 10 years when the arboretum aspect has grown
It is wonderful that there is now a central memorial for us in this country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should visit here once in their life. I cannot put into words how your visit will 'touch' your heart. Spent four hours here, including lunch in the café. Acres of accessible woodland and memorials. Memories of your visit will stay with you for ever.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went on a visit, with retired colleagues, on 17th October. I really didn't know what to expect. Seeing the word " arboretum " I thought it would be just trees and plants. How I was delighted to see such wonderful gardens within very tasteful tree plantings. We arrived in time to go to the chapel for the 11 o'clock service, where last post was sounded and a two minutes silence was observed. This was followed by a talk by one of the very knowledgeable volunteer about the concept and designing of the site.
We then walked around, there was a land train available, but we chose to walk. It was so peaceful and beautiful. It was not all military, so many of the gardens were also dedicated to voluntary organisations.
The monument at the top of the hill was so moving. To think the names carved on the walls were of all those killed in conflict since WW2.
There were lots of people visiting. There were many soldiers who had a short service at the monument and groups of school children. The children were really interested and wrote lots of notes, obviously to take back to school to discuss what they had seen.
We only managed to cover half the site and so will definitely be going back.
There is an excellent café serving from cups of tea to well cooked hot meals. Very fairly priced.
We spent 5 hours there and everyone enjoyed the experience.
We then walked around, there was a land train available, but we chose to walk. It was so peaceful and beautiful. It was not all military, so many of the gardens were also dedicated to voluntary organisations.
The monument at the top of the hill was so moving. To think the names carved on the walls were of all those killed in conflict since WW2.
There were lots of people visiting. There were many soldiers who had a short service at the monument and groups of school children. The children were really interested and wrote lots of notes, obviously to take back to school to discuss what they had seen.
We only managed to cover half the site and so will definitely be going back.
There is an excellent café serving from cups of tea to well cooked hot meals. Very fairly priced.
We spent 5 hours there and everyone enjoyed the experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Called to spend a couple of hours at this memorial but stayed 4 hours and still did not see more than half the site. Many moving and original memorials with tributes to the Japanese prisoners of war especially poignant. Shot at dawn and the main display should give all British citizens reasons to be grateful for those we should remember more often. Must see .very helpful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a truly wonderful place, dedicated to so many brave and inspiring people. We didn't get to see all of it as we were with an older person who couldn't walk too far. We did the train tour which gives you a very good account of just some of the wonderful monuments in the Arboretum. We had a very pleasant lunch there and will certainly be going back to see the rest of it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very well, thought out visitors attraction. The trip on the train is worthwhile as it gives a great deal of information on the reasoning behind the plantings. It is a large area and we were unable to get around it all in one day but it provokes much thought and emotions.
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.
It will be very beautiful in a few years when all the trees have grown larger.
The only suggestion I would have would be that it would be beneficial to be allowed to get on and off the train at various spots because it is a long walk back to some areas if you want to visit them in detail. A bit like the London Sightseeing buses?
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.
It will be very beautiful in a few years when all the trees have grown larger.
The only suggestion I would have would be that it would be beneficial to be allowed to get on and off the train at various spots because it is a long walk back to some areas if you want to visit them in detail. A bit like the London Sightseeing buses?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On Saturday 5th. October I and my Wife had the privilege of attending this magnificent memorial to those who had fallen in service to our Country since WW2. Some 20,000 bikers from all over the Country attended the Memorial service .A very moving occasion indeed.
The facilities at the site were first class with food available.
It is a very large site with memorials set up throughout the land honouring the various Services and Regiments . The Memorial Wall is a must see ,reminding us of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The site is set in beautiful surroundings .Owing to the scale , a complete tour of the Memorial could prove difficult for those less than able.
An excellent venue for quiet contemplation.
NB An annual Countrywide `Ride in` for motorcyclists is organised by RTTW (Ride To The Wall) .Held on the first Saturday in October.
The facilities at the site were first class with food available.
It is a very large site with memorials set up throughout the land honouring the various Services and Regiments . The Memorial Wall is a must see ,reminding us of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The site is set in beautiful surroundings .Owing to the scale , a complete tour of the Memorial could prove difficult for those less than able.
An excellent venue for quiet contemplation.
NB An annual Countrywide `Ride in` for motorcyclists is organised by RTTW (Ride To The Wall) .Held on the first Saturday in October.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit.
It’s a place that certainly makes you realise just how lucky you are to live here in the UK and the many people that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Pay the £5 fee to go on the ground tour, it’s a massive place and takes a while to walk around.
Free to get in but donations are welcome, massive respect to all our armed forces.
It’s a place that certainly makes you realise just how lucky you are to live here in the UK and the many people that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Pay the £5 fee to go on the ground tour, it’s a massive place and takes a while to walk around.
Free to get in but donations are welcome, massive respect to all our armed forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited again on 16th September They are continually adding to the site which is a credit to them. It is as a veteran a very moving experience. The weather was awful but did not deter us as we spent some time there
The memorials are superb. The Roll of Honour showing the names of all our service colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice is very humbling. To see the names of members of your regiment no longer here hits home
I strongly recommend everyone, any age visits the Arboretum. We owe a great deal to our superb armed forces
The memorials are superb. The Roll of Honour showing the names of all our service colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice is very humbling. To see the names of members of your regiment no longer here hits home
I strongly recommend everyone, any age visits the Arboretum. We owe a great deal to our superb armed forces
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to the National Memorial Arboretum three times now and find something new each time. It is beautifully laid out and very well organised. and extremely moving - especially the national memorial itself at the centre of things. On two occasions I have been there for the 11 o'clock 'service' in the chapel which is well worth experiencing - the chapel itself has some wonderful carvings and superb needlework, Staff are very pleasant and helpful and refreshment facilities are very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were not expecting somewhere as interesting and inspiring, yet peaceful and emotionally charged. The site is beautifully planned, and there are so many memorials and tributes, that we will most probably return for another visit. The feeling of National pride is overwhelming, as is our gratitude to the service personnel that have given their lives, and to all the service personnel past and present that continue to serve to make our country a safer place to live. God bless them all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with a group of like minded friends in September and was very impressed with the whole area, we spent quite a bit of time in the area devoted to 'Op Banner' and were humbled by the experiance. I was unaware that it is not only military memorials but that of other charities etc but it brings everone together in remembrance. One tip if looking for a particular tree in remembrance of a military individual ask at the main desk on the way in to get the rough area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful and inspiring place. Really interesting, moving and peaceful all at the same time.
Would thoroughly recommend a visit.
Would thoroughly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As ex-service personnel we found our visit here literally moved us to tears. When you see the rows and rows of names of service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice it is truly humbling. The arboretum is nicely laid out with plenty of room to find a private space for reflection. It is our opinion that all school children should visit here as part of their education to ensure they are made aware of the sacrifices made by others so that they can live in freedom.
For the less mobile there is a land train to take them around the grounds for a fee, there is also a nice cafe and exhibitions in the main building. There is a chapel with regular services that people are free to join.
Lest we Forget.
For the less mobile there is a land train to take them around the grounds for a fee, there is also a nice cafe and exhibitions in the main building. There is a chapel with regular services that people are free to join.
Lest we Forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment you see the wall and all the names of the fallen who died doing there job you feel humble. I served myself but never in conflict and I still choked to see the names of all these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The moaners and scroungers the lazy and scum of the earth should be made to read the names of every one of these brave people who gave them the freedom they now have. God bless the fallen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful place has been created for the nation to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
It was a moving experience and a lot of thought has gone into the planning and development of the site which is an ongoing process.
The charge for car park is only £3 which is excellent value as there is no charge to get in and it relies on donations to keep it going. The restaurant also ploughs it's profit back to the Arboretum running costs.
You will need several hours to walk around and see everything but there is a land train which is great for those not able to get around so easily. Comfortable walking footwear is a must.
A humbling experience.
It was a moving experience and a lot of thought has gone into the planning and development of the site which is an ongoing process.
The charge for car park is only £3 which is excellent value as there is no charge to get in and it relies on donations to keep it going. The restaurant also ploughs it's profit back to the Arboretum running costs.
You will need several hours to walk around and see everything but there is a land train which is great for those not able to get around so easily. Comfortable walking footwear is a must.
A humbling experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving place, take time to walk around and reflect on the people who are commemorated here. If you have loved ones perhaps you could acknowledge them with a tree or something else.
It is difficult to encourage donations. The current method seems to have lots of different methods - parking, train rides, in my view an expensive cafeteria, and collection bins. There may be others I have missed. For me, I would prefer a simpler method. Maybe design a questionnaire and ask the visitors.
It is difficult to encourage donations. The current method seems to have lots of different methods - parking, train rides, in my view an expensive cafeteria, and collection bins. There may be others I have missed. For me, I would prefer a simpler method. Maybe design a questionnaire and ask the visitors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a stunning place to visit,the whole area is beautifully set out and maintained. The memorials are stunning and so much thought and care has gone into the design of the entire site. The staff are polite and helpful, the cafe and shop are well worth a visit.
Entry is free, a small charge for parking is all that is asked.
We all found the experience very emotional and humbling, everyone should pay a visit, young or old. We should never forget the sacrifice made on our behalf.
This project is a work in progress and I will definitely be visiting again.
Entry is free, a small charge for parking is all that is asked.
We all found the experience very emotional and humbling, everyone should pay a visit, young or old. We should never forget the sacrifice made on our behalf.
This project is a work in progress and I will definitely be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I don't live very far away, and visit maybe once every two months.
It is such a beautiful setting and a very humbling and inspiring experience. It is free of charge, you just pay for the parking.
It relies on donations. The voluntary staff are so friendly and well informed. You could wander around for hours or just do a section at a time.
It is such a beautiful setting and a very humbling and inspiring experience. It is free of charge, you just pay for the parking.
It relies on donations. The voluntary staff are so friendly and well informed. You could wander around for hours or just do a section at a time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing experience and wonderful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A big huge thank you to the ladies at reception who kindly looked after my helmet while I strolled around the gardens.
I had read some previous reviews so I wasn't sure what to expect. They have very good options for those who are mobility impaired, so don't be put off by previous comments . I read a previous review about frequent requests for donations. This is not true. There are a few donation boxes located at the entrance but there is no pressure to donate.
A big huge thank you to the ladies at reception who kindly looked after my helmet while I strolled around the gardens.
I had read some previous reviews so I wasn't sure what to expect. They have very good options for those who are mobility impaired, so don't be put off by previous comments . I read a previous review about frequent requests for donations. This is not true. There are a few donation boxes located at the entrance but there is no pressure to donate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very calm atmosphere, moving visit, definitely visiting again. The cafeteria leaves a bit to be desired, but the whole site is beautifully maintained.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was both an emotional and fascinating place to visit. Could take hours to wander through the settings and see all the memorials. Great tribute to all our war heroes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful place to visit for a day - restaurant on site with coffee shop. We were lucky with the weather, had no idea there were so many memorials in so many shapes and forms. A must for all oldies to visit .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful, well planned place this is. It's so quiet even though it's always been busy when we have been. The monuments and dedication plaques are both emotional and fascinating structures. The whole place takes hours to complete and really don't think it could all be seen in one day. The restaurant has some nice food but rather pricey so take your own food and drink as there are picnic tables outside the restaurant. You will not be disappointed with a visit to here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
