National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Having visited Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC I wanted to pay my respects to my UK comrades and the National Memorial Arboretum allowed me to do just that, in my own time, at my on pace.
As soon as we arrived a volunteer guided us to a map of the park and explained the layout and told us of all the facilities and events. From the moment we arrived we were impressed.
Parking from 1st of April is £3 and although entry is free for all they do have donation boxes allowing you to help the Arboretum fulfil its plans of providing the best facility in the UK.
I went with a purpose, to pay my respects and remember those colleagues who lost their lives in the Falklands war. This memorial was our first point of call, but certainly not our last. We walked the whole site spending time at each memorial that was on our map and were very impressed at the imagination the creators of the memorials as well as paying respect to those who died.
I can't possibly suggest what the best memorials are, they all have meaning. Shot at Dawn is very thought provoking and has made me want to find out more about the soldiers who were killed and the reasons why.
The site is extremely well planned and once the trees have had chance to mature, the plants have grown and the new buildings planned for the future are built, the site will have the potential to be a world leading Arboretum
Luckily we went on a day in April that the weather had turned and it was a very pleasant day. If it's cold on a day you go remember to wrap up warm as you can be in large open spaces for a long time. There are catering facilities and as all staff on the site they are very friendly.
As soon as we arrived a volunteer guided us to a map of the park and explained the layout and told us of all the facilities and events. From the moment we arrived we were impressed.
Parking from 1st of April is £3 and although entry is free for all they do have donation boxes allowing you to help the Arboretum fulfil its plans of providing the best facility in the UK.
I went with a purpose, to pay my respects and remember those colleagues who lost their lives in the Falklands war. This memorial was our first point of call, but certainly not our last. We walked the whole site spending time at each memorial that was on our map and were very impressed at the imagination the creators of the memorials as well as paying respect to those who died.
I can't possibly suggest what the best memorials are, they all have meaning. Shot at Dawn is very thought provoking and has made me want to find out more about the soldiers who were killed and the reasons why.
The site is extremely well planned and once the trees have had chance to mature, the plants have grown and the new buildings planned for the future are built, the site will have the potential to be a world leading Arboretum
Luckily we went on a day in April that the weather had turned and it was a very pleasant day. If it's cold on a day you go remember to wrap up warm as you can be in large open spaces for a long time. There are catering facilities and as all staff on the site they are very friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It began in the beautiful Chapel with 2 mins silence and an introduction to this amazing experience! It was a roller-coaster of emotions...it made you smile, feel such pride in all those remembered and a great sense of humility that so many brave people made the ultimate sacrifice. The site is so beautiful, serene and peaceful. It has been meticulously planned and created, lovingly tended and cherished by an army of committed volunteers. 4 hours was not enough to do it justice but did give us an unforgettable experience. We will definitley go back to continue our exploration of all the gardens and give all those they remember the time they deserve.The tribute to those who died on the Burma a Sumatra railways was heartbreaking. Lesley and Eric Deninson-Crosby, Merseyside
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant, people there are just lovely, friendly and the place is kept clean. Food is excellent. Been there several times and would recommend .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited recently with my dad and young daughter. The main building is clean and modern with a nice cafe providing drinks and food. All the staff are very educated and helpful. There is no fee to get in but a donation is advised to help support the costs of the museum. It is a massive plot of land where there a variety of memorials. I was taken back and enjoyed the visit. My dad loved it and my daughter was running around having lots of fun. You need a whole day to properly look around and cover all the ground. There is transport that can take you around the park but walking around is much more enjoyable. I left the location feeling very proud of the people who have served for their country and lost their lives. Will visit in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on a very bitter March day but it was well worth wrapping up and fighting the cold. Everyone should visit the NMA once in their lives. It is free , obviously we gave a donation , but every penny is spent on the upkeep of all the memorials and planting of new trees.
The staff are wonderful , caring and passionate about the place and also very informative and helpful.
We got there for 11am as they do a talk in the chapel and have a two minute silence which is a poignant start to your visit. I would recommend the train ride as it takes you all around the grounds and allows you to see everything you can then choose which memorials you wish to return to and see close up.
There are so many memorials you would struggle to do the all in a day but there are picnic areas and a cafe so you can certainly spend several hours here.
I can't believe there are people on here moaning about the parking fees and donations!!! It costs three pounds to park all day and you don't have to give a donation if you really dont want to!!! But really why would you go?
On leaving we felt like we had given something back and felt that we had done something good visiting this amazing memorial in memory of all those poor souls who gave their lives for us. We will definitely be returning for another visit in the summer.
The staff are wonderful , caring and passionate about the place and also very informative and helpful.
We got there for 11am as they do a talk in the chapel and have a two minute silence which is a poignant start to your visit. I would recommend the train ride as it takes you all around the grounds and allows you to see everything you can then choose which memorials you wish to return to and see close up.
There are so many memorials you would struggle to do the all in a day but there are picnic areas and a cafe so you can certainly spend several hours here.
I can't believe there are people on here moaning about the parking fees and donations!!! It costs three pounds to park all day and you don't have to give a donation if you really dont want to!!! But really why would you go?
On leaving we felt like we had given something back and felt that we had done something good visiting this amazing memorial in memory of all those poor souls who gave their lives for us. We will definitely be returning for another visit in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here recently, family of 4, 2 adults, 2 children (10 & 13). On arriving you are greeted by very helpful volunteers who show you places of interest on large airiel photographs. They are so knowledgeable and polite - a credit to the site! Donations are welcome and there are guide books and maps to buy.
We walked around on a bitterly cold April day and enjoyed many areas of the site. Because it was so cold we couldnt see it all. The site has barcode/scanners that you can use with your mobile phone to give you more infomation about a particular memorial. The statues and different areas are very beautuful and it is well set out.
Although it is a peaceful place children are welcome and it certainly isn't 'serious' or upsetting for children. Our children found it very interesting
We used the cafe for a warm drink and the shop has a good selection too!
We will definitely return when its warmer.
We walked around on a bitterly cold April day and enjoyed many areas of the site. Because it was so cold we couldnt see it all. The site has barcode/scanners that you can use with your mobile phone to give you more infomation about a particular memorial. The statues and different areas are very beautuful and it is well set out.
Although it is a peaceful place children are welcome and it certainly isn't 'serious' or upsetting for children. Our children found it very interesting
We used the cafe for a warm drink and the shop has a good selection too!
We will definitely return when its warmer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we visited this site on a cold day in April. What a lovely site, parking was easy and cost £3 for the whole day.
Entry to the site is free, but I advise you to buy a map as it is a large site, and although many helpful guides it is easier to walk yourself with a map.
It is a fairly large site but if walking is difficult you can hire golf buggies or go on a guided tour by a dotto train, these do have a small charge for their hire.
Restaurant was good and had hot, cold, meals sandwiches and soup if required. The staff were most pleasant and helpful.
The staff on the whole site were extremely helpful and pleasant.
All of the individual areas are well posted so easy to find with help of aforesaid map.
Only negative comment I can find is the poor signage of the wonderful place, we travelled from Leamington Spa and did not see one tourist signpost ( the brown ones) until we were 100 metres from entrance.
This is not down to the Arboretum, and I do not know who should be making sure this place is easy to find, but surely such a fabulous place ought to be well signed.
In fact the whole area of Tamworth is badly signed. we decided not to use a sat nav but ye olde map book.....maybe we should have used sat nav, but I can read a map.
Entry to the site is free, but I advise you to buy a map as it is a large site, and although many helpful guides it is easier to walk yourself with a map.
It is a fairly large site but if walking is difficult you can hire golf buggies or go on a guided tour by a dotto train, these do have a small charge for their hire.
Restaurant was good and had hot, cold, meals sandwiches and soup if required. The staff were most pleasant and helpful.
The staff on the whole site were extremely helpful and pleasant.
All of the individual areas are well posted so easy to find with help of aforesaid map.
Only negative comment I can find is the poor signage of the wonderful place, we travelled from Leamington Spa and did not see one tourist signpost ( the brown ones) until we were 100 metres from entrance.
This is not down to the Arboretum, and I do not know who should be making sure this place is easy to find, but surely such a fabulous place ought to be well signed.
In fact the whole area of Tamworth is badly signed. we decided not to use a sat nav but ye olde map book.....maybe we should have used sat nav, but I can read a map.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A memorable day out. Thought would only spend a couple of hrs but allow a whole day to really appreciate this wonderful site. Well managed, excellent, polite and helpful staff both young and old. Went on a bitterly cold and windy day but will definitely return during a warmer month to appreciate the trees and plants which will give a completely different perspective. Free entry and reliant on donations....I would have been more than happy to pay for this very worthy cause.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took a party of visitors from Turkey, Spain, Romania, Lithuania - they were there to experience the role of volunteers in an organisations but said they got far more, and it really touched them. They felt this must be a unique experience anywhere in the world, and certainly one visit is just not enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living so close, we visit the NMA regularly - often with friends, always with the children, sometimes just to go to the cafe.
It is ALWAYS a great place to visit, whether you want to look at the memorials, reflect on the atrocities of our history, take a walk, entertain the kids or simply get away from everything for a while.
The volunteers and staff do an excellent job - they are welcoming, helpful and incredibly knowledgable.
The memorials are stunning - some beautiful, some moving, some a bit odd..! But fantastic that we have somewhere to visit and remember that's not in London but in a beautiful part of the National Forest.
I take the children there regularly and they always have loads of questions about wars and people shown on the memorials. It's great for kids - and I've never found it a sad place to be, it feels uplifting.
Just one big plea - can we have some toilets by the picnic area / Millennium Hut PLEASE???? It's a very long walk back to the visitor centre with a desperate child! And I'm sure the older visitors would appreciate them too!
It is ALWAYS a great place to visit, whether you want to look at the memorials, reflect on the atrocities of our history, take a walk, entertain the kids or simply get away from everything for a while.
The volunteers and staff do an excellent job - they are welcoming, helpful and incredibly knowledgable.
The memorials are stunning - some beautiful, some moving, some a bit odd..! But fantastic that we have somewhere to visit and remember that's not in London but in a beautiful part of the National Forest.
I take the children there regularly and they always have loads of questions about wars and people shown on the memorials. It's great for kids - and I've never found it a sad place to be, it feels uplifting.
Just one big plea - can we have some toilets by the picnic area / Millennium Hut PLEASE???? It's a very long walk back to the visitor centre with a desperate child! And I'm sure the older visitors would appreciate them too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the National Memorial Arboretum on a few times since it's opening and there is an ongoing development of memorials being added for different regiments and campaigns.
It is always immaculately maintained and you can wander around at your own pace to pay your respects, but there are always volunteers around to give you more information if needed
A fitting tribute to those who gave their life for us
It is always immaculately maintained and you can wander around at your own pace to pay your respects, but there are always volunteers around to give you more information if needed
A fitting tribute to those who gave their life for us
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is, as the publicity says, ‘Where our Nation remembers’.
The site is spread over 156 acres, so it will take a long time to visit everything on one visit.
As there should be, there are memorials to the armed services and those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The surprising thing for me was how many memorials there were!
I expected a large memorial to each of the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. In fact, as well as the large ‘Armed Forces Memorial’, there are many small memorials to particular units, types of ship, area of service etc. etc.
There are also memorials to civilians, including the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service as well as many other walks of life. One too, to still born children.
It is a moving place and we were there for the daily memorial at 11:00 for all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. This included The Last Post, followed by two minutes silence.
Many of the memorials are accessed across the grass; so bring good footwear if it has been wet recently as it can be muddy in places.
Entry is free but the guide book is well worth buying and provides a lot of information plus a zoned map to help you find your way around.
The restaurant serves food of a good quality or just tea and cakes if you don't fancy a full meal.
Everyone who lives in Britain should make at least one visit here.
The site is spread over 156 acres, so it will take a long time to visit everything on one visit.
As there should be, there are memorials to the armed services and those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The surprising thing for me was how many memorials there were!
I expected a large memorial to each of the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. In fact, as well as the large ‘Armed Forces Memorial’, there are many small memorials to particular units, types of ship, area of service etc. etc.
There are also memorials to civilians, including the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service as well as many other walks of life. One too, to still born children.
It is a moving place and we were there for the daily memorial at 11:00 for all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. This included The Last Post, followed by two minutes silence.
Many of the memorials are accessed across the grass; so bring good footwear if it has been wet recently as it can be muddy in places.
Entry is free but the guide book is well worth buying and provides a lot of information plus a zoned map to help you find your way around.
The restaurant serves food of a good quality or just tea and cakes if you don't fancy a full meal.
Everyone who lives in Britain should make at least one visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didnot expect it to be so big. It covers a huge area and has dedications to all the armed forces and organisations. There is a lovely walk along the lake. We spent some time in the hut dedicated to the men in the prisoner of war camps which was very touching with many personal accounts.
We were fortunate as it was a lovely sunny day when we went as its nearly all out doors.
A brilliant day out and not at all what I expected.
We were fortunate as it was a lovely sunny day when we went as its nearly all out doors.
A brilliant day out and not at all what I expected.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place, good to see the National Lottery doing something for our troops more than one could say about the government. A really lovely place and would have been there much longer if the weather had been kinder. Very muddy in places but cant blame the attraction for that
As a bonus a really nice clean reasonable restaurant on site. Will return in the summer and see and learn even more. Am told that the attraction is going to increase in size when the excavating for gravel next door runs out. A must for not only ex servicemen but also the general public to see what our troops have done for us in past wars and conflicts.
As a bonus a really nice clean reasonable restaurant on site. Will return in the summer and see and learn even more. Am told that the attraction is going to increase in size when the excavating for gravel next door runs out. A must for not only ex servicemen but also the general public to see what our troops have done for us in past wars and conflicts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Memorial brings the cruelty of war to the front of your thoughts and the bravery of all those poor souls who perished in the so called name of civlisation.
It is very impressive as long as you remember its purpose and what it represents.
The Royal British Legeon are responsible for its upkeep and as such is a charity.Entrance is free but any donations are welcomed.An army of volanteers keeps the place workingand any additional help is welcomed.
There is ample parking at a small fee.Guide books are £6-50 or Map is £3-00
It is open 364 days a year and is only closed on Christmas day
You enter the Arboretum through a reception building which also houses refreashment and a gift shop.
As you enter the Memorial You are struck by its size( 150 acres) with over 200 monuments.
It is very open with limited shelter,so it maybe preferable to choose a warm summers day for your visit unlike us on our first and latest visit cold and windy but don't let it deter you it is well worth going just for the experience.
every where is very well laid out and the main monument and wall of rememberance is somethig you will always remember.Statues of soldiers carrying a comrade on a stretcher is very moving.A door of stone is slighty ajar on the back wall and the centre of the monument is a tomb with a bronze reef upon it.Unfortuntely we have not yet experienced this yet but it is said that as the sun sets a beam of light comes through the door and settles on the reef.
A very impressive if a somber day out but well worth a visit you need to make at least a 1/2 day of it to appreciate it all. War continues and unfortunately more is added each year in rememberance.
It is very impressive as long as you remember its purpose and what it represents.
The Royal British Legeon are responsible for its upkeep and as such is a charity.Entrance is free but any donations are welcomed.An army of volanteers keeps the place workingand any additional help is welcomed.
There is ample parking at a small fee.Guide books are £6-50 or Map is £3-00
It is open 364 days a year and is only closed on Christmas day
You enter the Arboretum through a reception building which also houses refreashment and a gift shop.
As you enter the Memorial You are struck by its size( 150 acres) with over 200 monuments.
It is very open with limited shelter,so it maybe preferable to choose a warm summers day for your visit unlike us on our first and latest visit cold and windy but don't let it deter you it is well worth going just for the experience.
every where is very well laid out and the main monument and wall of rememberance is somethig you will always remember.Statues of soldiers carrying a comrade on a stretcher is very moving.A door of stone is slighty ajar on the back wall and the centre of the monument is a tomb with a bronze reef upon it.Unfortuntely we have not yet experienced this yet but it is said that as the sun sets a beam of light comes through the door and settles on the reef.
A very impressive if a somber day out but well worth a visit you need to make at least a 1/2 day of it to appreciate it all. War continues and unfortunately more is added each year in rememberance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the National Memorial Arboretum for a day and was quite taken aback at the place. Although it was a very cold and windy day the visit was well worth the trip out. I was overcome at the size of the place and the thought that has gone into the creation of this memorial. If you are ever in the area then this place is a 'must see'. Although it is free to get in you are encouraged to make a donation and the road train is a small fee but because of the cold it was worth the cost to be chauffeured around and lots of explanations given to each area. A very moving place and thought provoking memorials. The visit can take as long as you want but you will certainly need a couple of hours. We went to the cafeteria for a bowl of soup and a hot drink. This was reasonably priced and you can also get a hot meal and plenty of selection.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am glad we managed to fit in a visit to the Arboretum during our weekend break. Unfortunately the weather was not very good so we only stayed about two hours. Walked up to the large memorial on the hill which was very impressive. Did have our lunch in the restaurant which we thought was reasonably priced. If I am ever in the area again I would definitately return and hopefully see a larger area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Met at the entrance by a very helpful and informative guide, he explained about the site and mentioned the tour train that leaves every half hour just outside. We decided to walk but was amazed at the vastness of the site. You could easily spend a whole day here but as it was raining we only spent 2 hours looking at the memorials. Everything was beautiful, the memorials, trees and layout all so different,with a real feeling of caring and respect. Will definitely return in the summer and spend more time here. The only downside was there were only toilets in the reception area and with a site so huge this may be a problem.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Shame we had to pay for car parking! Maybe we would have donated more. Lovely place to come and reflect on fallen heroes and also others associated with wars.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I really enjoyed looking around this stunning cathedral it is very magnificant the gift shop was very reasonable priced too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a few hours here on a sunny but cold March day. The is so much to see that a brief few hours is only enough to scratch the surface. The staff are very helpful without being at all pushy and they really do seem to care about the place and its visitors. Parking cost us £1.50 all day and although it goes up in the warmer months it is a small price to pay and the revenue goes to paying for the 25 year programme that is planned for the memorial park. The is a land train (£4.50) that takes less able visitors round the huge site and this. Is also useful to get your general bearings and introduction so that you can then walk to those sites that you want to see more of. The are plenty of places to sit, watch nature, have a picnic or for some personal contemplation time. The site has a mix of new and old memorials (moved from other sites where I guess they were perhaps overlooked or in danger of being lost. This is somewhere you can visit to remember those close to you or just come an wonder in awe at the sacrifice of others. And it is not "just" military memorials either, there are some to fire and police services and to young children who might have been stillborn or died early in their lives. Do pay a visit, you will not regret the time you spend getting her and walking round the 750 acre site. There is a small restaurant in the visitor centre as well as a shop. Entry is free although donations are very welcome of course.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was there for the inaugural Rememberance Day service when it was just an empty space in the waiting. There are some stunning Memorials to our fallen heroes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even though we visited on a bitterly cold February day, we enjoyed every moment of our stay.(the hot homemade soup in the restaurant helped!). The daily 11 am service was very emotional and made you give thanks for all the brave people who fought for our freedom. There are fifty thousand trees at present, more to be planted in the future. The trees are immature at the
Moment. All the memorial gardens are beautifully done, and we missed a lot due to cold
Weather. We will be back later in the year though.
Moment. All the memorial gardens are beautifully done, and we missed a lot due to cold
Weather. We will be back later in the year though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An inredible and emotional place to remember loved-ones, friends and comrades lost, set in 150 acres of woodland within the National Forest.
So many memorials dedicated to both Military and Civilian casulties of war and conflict at home and abroad.
A living memorial to mourn and celebrate life given and life taken.
Definately a place for every age and nationality.
Run mostley by volunteers who were extremely knowlegeble and helpful.
So many memorials dedicated to both Military and Civilian casulties of war and conflict at home and abroad.
A living memorial to mourn and celebrate life given and life taken.
Definately a place for every age and nationality.
Run mostley by volunteers who were extremely knowlegeble and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful creation, this memorial park will only get better as the years pass and the trees mature. With free admission and only a £1.50 car park charge, it's a place to go back to time and time again to see how the vegetaion has developed and find (and read )even more memorials. The guidebook (at £6.50) is worth buying to take home and read because there is simply too much to absorb when you are walking round..Due to the very wet weather that preceded our visit,much of the grass was very boggy and some parts of the grounds were actually closed off,so best to take wellies (or similar)if you want to leave the gravel paths and get up close to many of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
