National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
This is going to be a peculiar review! Firstly let's get the basics out of the way and say that what is there today won't be half as good as it will be in the future when trees etc have developed more. However, it's a fine design and well thought out. But unlike other contributors, I thought the place was totally lacking in atmosphere. It is really just a collection of "remembrances" and however noble that may be, it really has to be done in the best possible way. What does this mean? That's exceptionally difficult to say and a bright sunny day (lacking in moodiness) with hundreds of people meandering about sightseeing totally destroy any feelings that may have been present amongst those who came to remember specific loved ones. Of course it's moving to see - for example - actual names put to raw statistics (like the replicated Basra Wall) especially in those wars which one has lived through but it doesn't do it as well as other memorials. Visit any CWG cemetery to see the beauty of an immaculate site provoking a feeling of loss or visit a Belgian Memorial such as the Ypres Wall or the Canadian Memorial to understand the spine chilling feelings that can be brought out.
Please don't think that I am some cold-hearted pacifist or something similar - I most certainly am not. Nor do I believe that the Arboretum should be missed. I just feel that compared with other places I have seen, it doesn't hit the spot. Worth a visit - Yes! - but other places do it better.
Please don't think that I am some cold-hearted pacifist or something similar - I most certainly am not. Nor do I believe that the Arboretum should be missed. I just feel that compared with other places I have seen, it doesn't hit the spot. Worth a visit - Yes! - but other places do it better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Free entry though car park has a reasonable charge. The 150 acre site is vast & cannot be covered in a day. We rode the Road-Train which lasted 45 minutes and covered a large part of the site with an excellent commentary. A Remembrance Service is held at 11am daily in the lovely chapel. It was a very moving experience and plan to return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out, plenty to see, so many lovely statues and memorials
Good walking shoes needed or take the shuttle train for a small fee
Good walking shoes needed or take the shuttle train for a small fee
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went on a beautiful summers day and spent the day walking and thinking of all the different memorials. Very poignant and moving but well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the first time this week.......... what a moving place. Once in the arboretum the first thing you see is the huge stone circle , on the hill, which is the main focal point. The walls of the circle have hundreds and hundreds of names of those who have fallen, with 2 very poingnant sculptures in the centre.
All aound the rest of the site are many hundreds of memorials to all areas of the forces who have served both in the theatre of war and also those people left at home.It's hard to put into words the feeling the place evokes... it is peaceful even though it got busy.
It was good to be able to chat with some of the veteran soldiers that had visited... if it wasn't for them.....
It only cost £3 to park the car for the whole day. There's a nice little souvenir shop that you pass through to get to the exit. There's a very good cafe, which got extremely busy at lunchtime.
There is a land train which costs £4.50, takes an hour to tour the site, with a running commentary.
Everyone involved with the Arboretum are happy, friendly and approachable, from the 2 lady gardeners who explained a great deal to us, to the cagfe staff and gift shop workers.
If you are interested in our history, and want to know more about the people who lost their lives while making this little island of ours 'Great' Britain, a visit here will not disappoint.
All aound the rest of the site are many hundreds of memorials to all areas of the forces who have served both in the theatre of war and also those people left at home.It's hard to put into words the feeling the place evokes... it is peaceful even though it got busy.
It was good to be able to chat with some of the veteran soldiers that had visited... if it wasn't for them.....
It only cost £3 to park the car for the whole day. There's a nice little souvenir shop that you pass through to get to the exit. There's a very good cafe, which got extremely busy at lunchtime.
There is a land train which costs £4.50, takes an hour to tour the site, with a running commentary.
Everyone involved with the Arboretum are happy, friendly and approachable, from the 2 lady gardeners who explained a great deal to us, to the cagfe staff and gift shop workers.
If you are interested in our history, and want to know more about the people who lost their lives while making this little island of ours 'Great' Britain, a visit here will not disappoint.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Best done on a dry day so many memorials to see, The main one is the most moving for me as it has blank walls waiting for new names to be added. A little train runs about for those not so able. free to go in, pay carpark not to much. Nice little café and gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visit the Memorial every year. I take a seat in a quiet place just to remember all of the armed forces men & women that gave their live's for our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the third time I've visited the National Memorial Arboretum, For most people they will have seen the great circular central memorial, standing on its green mound, and that is the focus of the site, but there are a huge number of monuments and memorials, not only to various military groups but many others as well.
It's very peaceful and thought provoking to walk round with just the occasinal train going by in the distant and the sounds of birds flying about. The goldfinches were very active today. The peace and quiet is one of the great joys of this place
There are so many beautiful memorials that it is difficult to pick out the most thought-provoking. I particularly like a section showing how memorials/graves have changed through the centuries from pre-Roman to modern. The Shot at dawn section with wooden posts commemorating every British soldier shot at dawn during WW1 is especially poignant. The youngest soldier, whose name I saw was just 17, although many plaques say 'age unknown'. You can't help but feel sorry for these young lads, who went off to war not knowing what to expect and ended up being shot by their own side.
There is a 'train' to use to go round but it is preferable, to my mind, to walk. That enables you to go off the main path, through the trees and suddenly come upon the big set-piece memorials or just to be able to read some of the small individual plaques tied to trees. The whole are, but for the central monument, is flat, which makes movement easy.
If I have one moan, it's the fact that not all the Latin inscriptions of some of the regiments etc. are accuaretely translated.
Entry is free and the carparking price of £3 seems a small price to spend. Loos are in short supply apart from in the main building..another minor detail, but important for some.
It's very peaceful and thought provoking to walk round with just the occasinal train going by in the distant and the sounds of birds flying about. The goldfinches were very active today. The peace and quiet is one of the great joys of this place
There are so many beautiful memorials that it is difficult to pick out the most thought-provoking. I particularly like a section showing how memorials/graves have changed through the centuries from pre-Roman to modern. The Shot at dawn section with wooden posts commemorating every British soldier shot at dawn during WW1 is especially poignant. The youngest soldier, whose name I saw was just 17, although many plaques say 'age unknown'. You can't help but feel sorry for these young lads, who went off to war not knowing what to expect and ended up being shot by their own side.
There is a 'train' to use to go round but it is preferable, to my mind, to walk. That enables you to go off the main path, through the trees and suddenly come upon the big set-piece memorials or just to be able to read some of the small individual plaques tied to trees. The whole are, but for the central monument, is flat, which makes movement easy.
If I have one moan, it's the fact that not all the Latin inscriptions of some of the regiments etc. are accuaretely translated.
Entry is free and the carparking price of £3 seems a small price to spend. Loos are in short supply apart from in the main building..another minor detail, but important for some.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An awe inspiring experience. The main memorial is a true epitaph. The many memorials to individual groups are so significant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Most people make their first visit to the NMA I am sure with one main thing in mind, in order to see the National Armed Forces Memorial, a most fitting and appropriate memorial. There are many other moving memorials to all branches of the Armed Forces and in remembrance of many conflicts. We must not forget however that also remembered there are the Civilian Services, encompassed as a whole and remembered in the Civil Defence Garden and also by the Fire & Rescue Service Monument in the neighbouring garden, and by "The Beat" and associated garden, remembering our Police Officers. Members of all of these organisations have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Fire & Rescue Service Monument was created to remember, and pay tribute to firefighters, past, present and future. There are many other memorials dedicated to civilians too numerous to mention which should also not be overlooked. At least a full day is recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving, well worth a visit. Bit shocked at parking fee, but entry is free. Recommend arriving in time for 2 mins silence in chapel at 11 am.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wasnt sure what to expect when i visited the Abouretum. It is free to go in but they would sugest a donation of £5.
it is a large site to wonder around good walking shoes a must if you intend to see it all by walking . there is a land train to take you around most of the site so great for disabled and difficulty in walking .
The monuments are amazing and the stories behind them even more so we had a guide well worth paying for his valuable knowledge
.At 11am in the small church is a remembrance service which is a daily event .
The centre piece Is the armed forces memorial a must to see.
There are over sea's memorials. and others memorials for different organisations ie Bt The postal sevices so not all military .
Its unbelieveable how many people lost their lives through conflict and not all military
A memorial to War Horses i believe is coming soon.
This is such a beautiful sight with its memorials ,flowers, and trees time for peace relction and tranquility its an amazing place for anyone to go and see this is a full day out and i still didn't get to do it justice it also has a river walk which ill have to do next time because i will go again
it is a large site to wonder around good walking shoes a must if you intend to see it all by walking . there is a land train to take you around most of the site so great for disabled and difficulty in walking .
The monuments are amazing and the stories behind them even more so we had a guide well worth paying for his valuable knowledge
.At 11am in the small church is a remembrance service which is a daily event .
The centre piece Is the armed forces memorial a must to see.
There are over sea's memorials. and others memorials for different organisations ie Bt The postal sevices so not all military .
Its unbelieveable how many people lost their lives through conflict and not all military
A memorial to War Horses i believe is coming soon.
This is such a beautiful sight with its memorials ,flowers, and trees time for peace relction and tranquility its an amazing place for anyone to go and see this is a full day out and i still didn't get to do it justice it also has a river walk which ill have to do next time because i will go again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to the Arboretum expecting to see a lot of trees and one huge national memorial to those who have lost their lives in the service of this country. In the event, it was the other way round. I was hardly aware of any trees (though a check on their website reveals that there are around 50,000 maturing trees there!) but many memorials for many different organisations.
The site is huge, and the beauty of this is that the various memorials are well spaced, allowing privacy for reflection at each of the sites. The central Armed Forces Memorial, which stands proud on a small hillock, is stunningly simple...and deeply moving. It bears the names of all those who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action from 1948 onwards - and though this is AFTER the end of the Second World War, the list runs into thousands. The lists are divided by year, and then into the various services, but the names are not in alphabetical order as you might expect. I'm not sure how the order was worked out, but one suggestion was that maybe it was according to the date/time of death. Provision has been made to add more names as time passes, and we can only hope that these panels remain blank for many years to come.
We went on an extremely wet and windy day, which made lingering at the memorial well nigh impossible, but I would love to return one November to see the memorial at its best - it has been designed to allow a shaft of sunlight to fall across the wreath in the centre at precisely 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Every day is remembrance day here, though. A daily service incorporating the Last Post, Silence and Reveille is held each morning at 11a.m., with entrance on a first come, first served basis.
There is no charge for entrance to the Arboretum, but notices at the entrance suggest a donation of £5 per person.
The site is huge, and the beauty of this is that the various memorials are well spaced, allowing privacy for reflection at each of the sites. The central Armed Forces Memorial, which stands proud on a small hillock, is stunningly simple...and deeply moving. It bears the names of all those who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action from 1948 onwards - and though this is AFTER the end of the Second World War, the list runs into thousands. The lists are divided by year, and then into the various services, but the names are not in alphabetical order as you might expect. I'm not sure how the order was worked out, but one suggestion was that maybe it was according to the date/time of death. Provision has been made to add more names as time passes, and we can only hope that these panels remain blank for many years to come.
We went on an extremely wet and windy day, which made lingering at the memorial well nigh impossible, but I would love to return one November to see the memorial at its best - it has been designed to allow a shaft of sunlight to fall across the wreath in the centre at precisely 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Every day is remembrance day here, though. A daily service incorporating the Last Post, Silence and Reveille is held each morning at 11a.m., with entrance on a first come, first served basis.
There is no charge for entrance to the Arboretum, but notices at the entrance suggest a donation of £5 per person.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
went with my partner - we are ex forces and cannot fail to be moved, but forces or not this is well worth a visit. its a big site and walking shoes a must. the monuments are amazing and laid out in a good way. the role call of names and the stories are amazing .
the staff wonderful 0 well worth a visit!
the staff wonderful 0 well worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was supprised at just how large this sight actualy is, so make sure you were comfortable shoes, though there is a train to take you arround the site if you want. You cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer scale and thought that has gone into some of the monuments, nor can you fail to be moved by the role call of names and personal momentos left by loved ones. it brings it home just how many lives have been lost.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and my wife visited here on March 8th 2013. After an early start from the south coast, we dropped our daughter off at Crufts at the NEC and then decided to visit here. I had wanted to visit for a long time and I wasn't disappointed! It was a cold, foggy day and as we got there as they opened we had the place to ourselves.
As I am a Falklands Veteran, I particularly wanted to see the new Falklands memorial. It was very moving and gave me a chance to pay my respects to those unfortunate souls who didn't come home again! The main wall was simply amazing, a huge structure that has all the names of all service personnel that have lost their lives since the second world war and the year in which they perished! What was most poignant was the empty spaces still waiting to be filled with names of future servicemen yet to be killed. The fog gave a very eerie feel to the place. The memorials are spread over a wide expanse, but there are a couple of noddy trains to ferry visitors around the site. Although it is free entry, donations are always welcome and there are some very helpful, informative staff. All in all, a moving experience, but a great place to visit!
As I am a Falklands Veteran, I particularly wanted to see the new Falklands memorial. It was very moving and gave me a chance to pay my respects to those unfortunate souls who didn't come home again! The main wall was simply amazing, a huge structure that has all the names of all service personnel that have lost their lives since the second world war and the year in which they perished! What was most poignant was the empty spaces still waiting to be filled with names of future servicemen yet to be killed. The fog gave a very eerie feel to the place. The memorials are spread over a wide expanse, but there are a couple of noddy trains to ferry visitors around the site. Although it is free entry, donations are always welcome and there are some very helpful, informative staff. All in all, a moving experience, but a great place to visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Arboretum to do some voluntary work and I was greatly impressed by the site. Anyone with any Forces connection couldn't help but be moved by the monuments.
The area is due for expansion from July 2013 until May 2015, but don't let this put you off visiting as they tell me this won't impact on your enjoyment of the site.
150 acres of immature parkland, wet areas and meadows that can only improve as the plants develop. I'll certainly be visiting again soon.
The area is due for expansion from July 2013 until May 2015, but don't let this put you off visiting as they tell me this won't impact on your enjoyment of the site.
150 acres of immature parkland, wet areas and meadows that can only improve as the plants develop. I'll certainly be visiting again soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our forth vist (11th April) on a very cold day, but the welcome was warm.It had been about 2 years since our last trip and we found alot of new monuments and trees.We had a look at our uncles tree and then went for some food. We found the meals were ok but not as good value as it was last time we went. As it was a very cold day we decided to have a trip on the train which tours the site. When we went to get tickets they were £4.50 each. We thought that was alot and the young man selling them must have read our minds and told us abit about the trip.I'm so glad we took his advice.The trip lasts about 60 mins and covers all the site with a audio commentary.Great value. The same young man who sold the tickets was also the train driver. He was great, making sure we were all safe and as warm as possible giving us blanckets to put over our legs.He even offered my wife his coat as she look cold.
The staff and volounters are all great.The arboretum especially the main mounument are a must see for every one but if you have time ,try and see the "shot at dawn" memorial so sad.
The staff and volounters are all great.The arboretum especially the main mounument are a must see for every one but if you have time ,try and see the "shot at dawn" memorial so sad.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My young family had a really enjoyable time at the Arboretum on my birthday (10 April). It is a superb and, often overwhelming place to visit. The main monument is very impressive and oh-so sad, especially where there is space to add on future casualties. Indeed, all of the many monuments are impressive and are set amongst lovely surroundings. I think it is very important to take the children and let them learn the extent of the sacrifices made for them, and all of us.
There is a lovely picnic area near the kiddie's play area, but there are unfortunately no toilets there. You would have to go back to the main entrance which is quite a walk, especially with children and the elderly, etc.
The cafe and shops are also very impressive. Moreover, the staff are enthusiastic, helpful and friendly.
There is free admission but there is a pay-and-display car park, which, considering the fabulous time that we had, i did not mind paying!
There is a lovely picnic area near the kiddie's play area, but there are unfortunately no toilets there. You would have to go back to the main entrance which is quite a walk, especially with children and the elderly, etc.
The cafe and shops are also very impressive. Moreover, the staff are enthusiastic, helpful and friendly.
There is free admission but there is a pay-and-display car park, which, considering the fabulous time that we had, i did not mind paying!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
i was fortunate to be invited to do some charity work at the shot at dawn memorial.the whole site takes your breath away thanks to the sterling work of the staff and volounteers. its very peacefull and i would urge everyone to take an afternoon to walk around and take the whole site in
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had wanted to visit the National Memorial for ages and finally made the journey to Lichfield last weekend. What a fantastic experience. The central monument is outstanding- to wander and read the name of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us since 1945 was truly awe-inspiring. Then just to meander through teh Arboretum was special - at every turn another memorial or monument to stop and stare at. The peace and tranquility was special. If possible I would recommend arriving just before 11:00 and take part in the daily Service of Remembrance in the chapel. Will guarantee a tear in the eye during the service, especially at the playing of the Last Post. The land-train ride is well worth the small fee, especially if the legs are not as they once were! There are acres and acres of ground to cover so any help via the train is welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a powerful memorial to our troops. How can we ever pay the debt we owe to them for our freedom? I was hit by a wave of emotion when I first stepped out of the visitors centre. We spent 6 hours walking around the grounds and we still did not see it all. Well worth a visit. Disabled should not be put off as there are electric scooters for hire to get around the site as well as road trains. Good selection of food and drink. The grounds are immaculate and a credit to the horticultural staff. All the staff in the visitors centre, shop and restaurant were lovely. Plenty of places to sit for a time of reflection and solitude. My Dad as an ex KOYLI would have loved this place. More memorials being added all the time so well worth a return visit. All for free...but please do give a donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on an early Sunday morning shortly after opening at 9am. It was sunny and we had the place practically to ourselves. It was a moving experience especially the memorial to all those fallen since the Second World War, only when one see the walls of names extending into the distance does one realise the extent of the sacrifice. Particularly poignant is the blank wall beyond 2011 awaiting the names that will be inscribed. Our interest was in the RAF memorials and there were a number of intriguing commemorations set in a a silver birch woodland setting. The site will only improve as the trees mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to sell our shade loving plants at a rare plant fair held here on Sunday. It was a lovely day but a bit chilly. I decided to go and look at the large memorial on the hill. It was so moving. It is dedicated to all those killed in wars after 1945. Huge tall limestone walls covered in names from top to bottom. the ages of the people! they were so young. The most moving were the newest names with little bunches of flowers and small drawings from children"To my Daddy".
I ended up in tears. Every schoolchild should go as part of their education.
I ended up in tears. Every schoolchild should go as part of their education.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very beautiful tribute to those who gave their lives so we could be free. I found the most moving experience to those mostly very young men who were 'Shot at Dawn' it is only now that it has been recognised many should not have been shot or treated as deserters. The gardens and monuments are beautifully laid out and well kept. There is no charge for entering but really on donations. The staff are very helpful and will answer any questions. It is a full days experience, where service and ex-service personnel will be moved.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
