National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
To my shame I wasn't properly aware of the huge scale of this national memorial, the UK's centre of remembrance, even though it is only a one hour drive from where I live. It's a credit to those who designed and built it.
It is a memorial to the Military, the Civil Services (Police, Fire & Rescue Service, Ambulance), Charities, Local organisations and Overseas organisations. For details visit http://www.thenma.org.uk/
Although the day of our visit was grim, due to wet and cold weather, it was also very uplifting in one way, but extremely sad in another when you see the thousands upon thousands of names, of those who gave their lives, inscribed on various memorials. Equally moving was seeing the vast amounts of blank space waiting for the names of the future. And to think that all those names are of people who have died SINCE WW2.
The 150 acre site is a fitting tribute. It is also very enlightening.
It is a memorial to the Military, the Civil Services (Police, Fire & Rescue Service, Ambulance), Charities, Local organisations and Overseas organisations. For details visit http://www.thenma.org.uk/
Although the day of our visit was grim, due to wet and cold weather, it was also very uplifting in one way, but extremely sad in another when you see the thousands upon thousands of names, of those who gave their lives, inscribed on various memorials. Equally moving was seeing the vast amounts of blank space waiting for the names of the future. And to think that all those names are of people who have died SINCE WW2.
The 150 acre site is a fitting tribute. It is also very enlightening.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
the arboretum evoked different emotions and feelings within the group of seniors I took there on 20th Sept. It is a large area and many enjoyed and appreciated the 60 minute train ride and commentary. Some found the names of family and were obviously touched by that.
We had been there two and a half hours and were preparing to leave when we were told our coach had broken down - it took two hours to rectify! The arboretum staff were magnificent and I want to give them a huge thank you for supporting us in a difficult and worrying situation.
We had been there two and a half hours and were preparing to leave when we were told our coach had broken down - it took two hours to rectify! The arboretum staff were magnificent and I want to give them a huge thank you for supporting us in a difficult and worrying situation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Sadly it was very cold when we visited but I imagine on a warm day this will be a breathtaking attraction. Beautiful gardens with touching memorials. A fine tribute to our war dead old and new.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We picked up a leaflet about the arboretum and were keen to visit -we were surprised that it was free. However on arrival it becomes clear that everything is charged for - from parking to an out of date map of the memorials. This is accompanied by frequent 'donation' points. We're used to the war cemeteries where everything is immaculate, evocative and free.
The NMA should be amazing and some parts are. The pegasus memorial, the polar bear and the RNLI garden were particular favourites. It's a constant work in progress. It's great that anyone can pay for a memorial, but how many more badminton partners can the place take? These very personal memorials felt less significant and detracted from the experience for us. This should be a place for contributions of national significance.
This place is clearly expensive to run -just charge an entrance fee and stop the constant begging for cash.
The NMA should be amazing and some parts are. The pegasus memorial, the polar bear and the RNLI garden were particular favourites. It's a constant work in progress. It's great that anyone can pay for a memorial, but how many more badminton partners can the place take? These very personal memorials felt less significant and detracted from the experience for us. This should be a place for contributions of national significance.
This place is clearly expensive to run -just charge an entrance fee and stop the constant begging for cash.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Atmospheric, well ordered and hugely impressive the NMA is a 'must visit'. Suggest arrive at 1000, coffee at the vistor centre ( buy 1130 train tickets) and then 2 min silence followed by 10 min intro talk in chapel then catch 1130 land train to get your bearings. Lunch at 1230 then walk round areas as required tea at 1500 then last minute visits. Areas to see are Far East area, armed forces memorial, shot at dawn and polish memorial should not be missed. A fantastic full day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been wanting to visit the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA)for a while and as we were staying nearby for a wedding we thought we would make a breif visit for an hour or two before having to leave to attend a wedding. A bit of a mistake as we soon found out that you need at least a whole day in order to really get the maximum for your visit. However, we were able to get a feel for the place. it is absolutely amazing. There is so much to see and learn. I wasn't expecting so many memorials, I had previously thought that it would be a military memorial. I have been to many war graves in France, Belgium, America and Germany and they are totally different to the NMA. Take a visit, you'll be very surprised!. Also, the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here to primarily see the fire service memorial which we did but there is so much more to see and do here. Very emotional.
The wall with all the names of the fallen since the Second World War is a most impressive centrepiece and make you realise the sacrifice made by many and also by the blank spaces the sad realisation that many more names will sadly have to be added to this wall.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
The wall with all the names of the fallen since the Second World War is a most impressive centrepiece and make you realise the sacrifice made by many and also by the blank spaces the sad realisation that many more names will sadly have to be added to this wall.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Atmospheric,Church Service was a moving experience.
Catering facilities were very good.Well worth a visit particularly
for ex servicemen and women.
Catering facilities were very good.Well worth a visit particularly
for ex servicemen and women.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here many many times, and every time I see something different, you notice the differences from season to season, and each time I find it a peacefully emotional, place of beauty to visit.
beautiful setting for a packed lunch, or tasty food from the café
Train with commentary included very informative.
A fantastic place for photographs
Thankyou to all those who work and volunteer there
beautiful setting for a packed lunch, or tasty food from the café
Train with commentary included very informative.
A fantastic place for photographs
Thankyou to all those who work and volunteer there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
what an amazing place. This was our 2nd visit and we still have not covered the whole area. Plenty of places to sit and take in the atmosphere. Nice cafe too with outside seating if the weather is good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living relatively close to the Arboretum, we are regular visitors.
Set in acres of National Forest, there is always something to see whatever the season. From individual trees dedicated to an individual's life to the enormous centre-piece of the wall containing the names of those killed in active service since the end of WW2, it makes you realise the sacrifice that has been made in the name of this country by generations of brave souls.
I feel privileged to have this wonderful national attraction on my doorstep.
Set in acres of National Forest, there is always something to see whatever the season. From individual trees dedicated to an individual's life to the enormous centre-piece of the wall containing the names of those killed in active service since the end of WW2, it makes you realise the sacrifice that has been made in the name of this country by generations of brave souls.
I feel privileged to have this wonderful national attraction on my doorstep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a trip to remember fallen comrades and was an emotional and sad occasion but in a wonderful setting maintained superbly mainly by volunteer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is really worth visiting although expect to feel a little sad and overwhelmed by the sheer number of memorials and dedications which reminds you of so much suffering and tragedy.
The place itself is impressive, it's also free entry which is a surprise - and £3 to park.
It's best to walk round to fully appreciate and see everything although there is the 'land train' for those who need it. I was particularly pleased to see the museum and memorials to the far eastern prisoners of war as this is a part of the 2nd world war that so many people seem to know little about - there's even a part of the 'death railway' on display - this was so touching.
A worthwhile day.
The place itself is impressive, it's also free entry which is a surprise - and £3 to park.
It's best to walk round to fully appreciate and see everything although there is the 'land train' for those who need it. I was particularly pleased to see the museum and memorials to the far eastern prisoners of war as this is a part of the 2nd world war that so many people seem to know little about - there's even a part of the 'death railway' on display - this was so touching.
A worthwhile day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We called in to have a picnic & to break a long journey having wanted to see the Arboretum for some years. It was very user friendly with good facilities & interesting guides. As the years progress it will become more & more impressive as the trees mature. The memorials remind us of just how much we continue to reap what others have sewn. It was a very moving experience. We shall certainly call again when passing that way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went the national arboretum in alrewas Staffordshire and what an amazing and very sad place it is to visit also very interesting as well there is plenty to see as well all the names on the great wall of all persons we have lost in the wars from all round the world there is plenty to see in lovely surroudings places to eat gift shops staff are helpful so go and visit and see for your selves
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited yesterday with my parents and Aunty . It's a wonderful place of remembrance . A wreath laid by the wall made us all emotional . It was for a 21year old soldier killed last year in Afghan : it was from his three week old daughter he never met !!!
The whole area is worth a visit (using the train makes it easier) as every part of the arboretum is amazing and a real credit to everyone who works there .
The whole area is worth a visit (using the train makes it easier) as every part of the arboretum is amazing and a real credit to everyone who works there .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A pleasant stroll through the wooded areas and a time to reflect on the wars and the young men and women who have given their lives for their country. Interesting memorials to wars in Burma and the far east.
Less impressed with some of the individual memorials without any evidence of serving their country but my overall impression was very interesting and well worth a visit.
Less impressed with some of the individual memorials without any evidence of serving their country but my overall impression was very interesting and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have only limited connections to forces but found time to make a short visit to this excellent and well thought out memorial to all servicemen lost since 1946. The staff there are so helpful with explanations of the main memorial and how the rest of the site is laid out. The one link we had was to the sinking of the Royal Oak in 1939. The member of staff on the main memorial took the time to radio back and located a memorial in he Royal Navy area, which we found thanks to excellent instruction. Nothing seemed too much trouble. We'll go back for sure as we didn't have enough time to do all we wanted and over the years as the trees grow it will feel like a different place, even visiting in different seasons as we live less than 20 miles away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
what a beautiful place. husband wasn't in the best frame of mind for this visit so we didn't stay as long as I would have liked. Wide open space with personal and national monuments dotted all around.
There is a train for the less fit. I will definitely visit here again but be a bit more organised
There is a train for the less fit. I will definitely visit here again but be a bit more organised
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Third visit here and it keeps growing and evolving .A lovely place to spend an hour or a day to remember and reflect .Nice resturant and tea shop
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fantastic day, this is a place everyone should go visit whether you are a Forces Family or not. Volunteers are very helpful, guide books are fab, there is so much to see and lots to take in, need to make several trips to take it all in. Very touching.
There is no charge for entry to the Arboretum, a small fee for the car park. Donations are voluntary but when you see the work required to keep the Arboretum to the very high standard very few people will walk out without having put their hands in their pockets and left a Donation.
There is no charge for entry to the Arboretum, a small fee for the car park. Donations are voluntary but when you see the work required to keep the Arboretum to the very high standard very few people will walk out without having put their hands in their pockets and left a Donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the August 2013 “Walk to the Wall”, a 10km guided walk around the grounds culminating in a climb to the Armed Forces Memorial that dominates the site. Elsewhere the woods and meadows are dotted with a wide array of memorials large and small – often for quite obscure organizations that have hitherto been overlooked. The “Wall” refers to the panels on the main Memorial where the post-WW2 dead of all services are named, year by year. Ominously (but probably prudently) there is plenty of wall space remaining for decades to come. The Arboretum holds many events each year, or you can just visit (free entry, £3 parking) when it’s quiet for the moving atmosphere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful place. It's the best and most respectful way to have a memorial for our fallen comrades.
Visit here and have a life changing experience. It's awe inspiring.
Visit here and have a life changing experience. It's awe inspiring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely day out. Beautiful on a sunny day. Great photos and very moving. The only problems I found were: the entrance backs up on busy days and if there was maps there we weren't able to see them, in the gardens themselves we had no idea where the main memorials were and we missed seeing a few such as the basra wall and the shot at dawn garden.
You have to get a buggy up to the main arboretum if you have a pushchair or a wheelchair as there are only stairs up (a lot). I wonder if im the only person that wondered whyit was built like that.
The food in the cafe is, as we expected, expensive - £6.95 for meal of the day. I understand though that its free to get in (as it should be) and its fine to charge more for food I suppose.
You have to get a buggy up to the main arboretum if you have a pushchair or a wheelchair as there are only stairs up (a lot). I wonder if im the only person that wondered whyit was built like that.
The food in the cafe is, as we expected, expensive - £6.95 for meal of the day. I understand though that its free to get in (as it should be) and its fine to charge more for food I suppose.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful experience, would love to go again but it is a long way to travel. The volunteer helpers were so attentive
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
