National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
I have visited this place several times. It has some very moving gardens. Some of the trees planted there still need to grow a lot more when the Arboretum becomes well established it will be truly magnificent. One of the most moving parts for me is the Burma Railway. There is a very good cafe and restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is a lot to see here and lots of individual memorials to different regiments and professions so its worth getting a guide book and paying to go on the train to take you around. Free entry but they welcome donations as it is not government funded. Its all outdoors so take some good boots and a coat if its wet and windy. This place does however, make you stop and think about the sheer numbers of servicemen and women who have lost their lives on duty. Give yourself a good couple of hours to visit. Nice little cafe and plenty of staff who are very helpful and can guide you if you are looking for something specfic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit. The first being two years ago. The trees are gettig well established and more memorials have been placed. A wonderful place to reflect on those who have given everything. The cafe is good with fair price cakes, sandwiches and drinks. Would without reservation highly recommend this as a must visit site in the Midlands. Site is situated on flat ground with steeps upto the main memorial. Transport trains are available for those who have mobility problems.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Truly humbling, we need to ensure every child in the UK gets to visit this wonderful memorial. The history covered and its meaning should be part of everyone of us.
If you can visit you should. Midweek it is very quiet. Don't under estimate the size of the site, allow a decent amount of time to see it all, it is not a visit you should rush
If you can visit you should. Midweek it is very quiet. Don't under estimate the size of the site, allow a decent amount of time to see it all, it is not a visit you should rush
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You have to visit. nothing else to say really
Everything to like, nothing to dislike.
One of those places you just stand in silence with respect.
Everything to like, nothing to dislike.
One of those places you just stand in silence with respect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit. As with our first visit in 2009, we were rather humbled by the poignancy of the memorials which cover not only the Armed Forces but many other organisations. There are over 200 memorials with more being added all the time. Use of the land train is almost a must to appreciate the scale. Everyone should visit this place at least once in their life time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this is a MUST for every person to visit, young & old. A very humbling experience with an expanse of history within the grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We planned to include this with a visit to the NEC and are glad we did. There is a lot to see and I wasn't very well so we didn't see it all. In a few years time when the trees have grown it will be stunning.
The cafe was fine for the location, but we were glad we had sandwiches as with coaches visiting it would have struggled to cope.
I was disappointed by the shop, both the size and the range of goods offered. I think they are missing out on proceeds.
The cafe was fine for the location, but we were glad we had sandwiches as with coaches visiting it would have struggled to cope.
I was disappointed by the shop, both the size and the range of goods offered. I think they are missing out on proceeds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I can only endorse all the views expressed by previous reviewers. An outstanding tribute to not only the Armed Forces, but to many other organisations as well. Beautifully laid out and maintained, with numerous outstanding sculptures and tributes. Having visited several remembrance sites in Europe and the USA, it was great to visit such a wonderful location in this country. I think everyone should visit here at some time, to remember the sacrifices made by so many. Taking the slow road train ride is a good way to get an overview of all that is there (£4.50p pp).
Entry is free, but as a charity is reliant on contributions, so a minimum voluntary contribution of £5 is suggested, and worth every penny.
Entry is free, but as a charity is reliant on contributions, so a minimum voluntary contribution of £5 is suggested, and worth every penny.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even if you have no connection to the Armed Services,this is a place which is so important to be aware of. It is the National centre for rememberance, and a very moving and tranquil place. Just walking around and looking at all the differentt memorials here can teach us so much about the importance of remembering those who are no longer here to tell their own stories. The memorials are beautiful, meaningful and cover such a diverse range of subject matter, both military and civilian.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Never really knowing what to expect this was an amazing and up-lifting experience. From when we arrived and entered the chapel to observe two minutes silence until we left there was this feeling of disbelief at what was being remembered here. We were unable to get round the whole garden during our visit and will need to return as there is still things we would like to see. This is a place that everyone should visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After seeing the National Memorial Arboretum in the media over the past few years, we have now had our first visit. What a moving experience it was. So many poignant memorials covering not just the armed forces but many other organisations that fully deserve their place in this beautiful setting. We would recommend taking the land train as this does give you a good overview of the different memorials with a well informed commentary.
We will return to this wonderful corner of England again.
We will return to this wonderful corner of England again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The National Memorial Arboretum is a wonderful and very moving place. There is a lovely chapel which holds a minutes silence every day. There are man y different memorials to see over quite a large area, including the armed forces memorial and the Far East Prisoners of War memorial, which is a replica of a hut from there, and i found my grandad's name on the computer (he was a far eastern prisoner of war) which was moving. I also liked seeing all of the other memorials to different regiments, navy and air force and also civillians and the police and fire service and rescue services. It truly makes you appreciate the sacrifice made by others to keep this country free and great and it really moves you to see some of the ages and new names being added. It is a fantastic place in a beautiful setting and I would love to go back again as it is changing all the time. It is somewhere you must visit to experience it and hear the stories of bravery and honour and appreciate the sacrifices made by others. It has something of interest for all ages. Admission is free and there are opportunities to make donations. The many volunteers who work there are very knowledgeable and friendly. There is plenty of car parking and an on-site restaurant providing snacks and meals at reasonable prices.
Please go, it is an umissable, moving and wonderful experience
Please go, it is an umissable, moving and wonderful experience
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Arboretum tugs at your heart strings I defy anyone who does not shed a tear on their visit It makes you so proud of your country If you plan a visit make sure you are there for the chapel service at 11.00 am when the last post is played !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Me and my wife were surprised on the size of the memorial grounds.Walking boots and hanky a must.Very busy when we visited due to VIP visiting.we spent a good 3hrs walking around and there is more to see.staff were telling us they are added more merorials each week.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You must go at least 1 time in your Life .a very Beautiful and moving place, car parking £2.50 the cafe is very good and the shop is good value,Toilets are nice and clean.The land train costs £4.50 Each. but we walked, All the Memorials are well laid out and you can walk on the grass.On a nice day it wood be good to take a picknic.Will Go Back .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everyone should pay a visit, it is unique.
Set in the counrtyside and with river walks and vast areas of woodland, it pays tribute to all our fallen war heroes over the generations.
On site it is possible to enjoy a meal or simply a drink at the restaurant. The range of food is improving, but you are not visiting for that reason.
The Arboretum is there to pay ones repects and it is a living growing entity.
Set in the counrtyside and with river walks and vast areas of woodland, it pays tribute to all our fallen war heroes over the generations.
On site it is possible to enjoy a meal or simply a drink at the restaurant. The range of food is improving, but you are not visiting for that reason.
The Arboretum is there to pay ones repects and it is a living growing entity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorials are in a beautiful setting and the volunteers who work there are very knowledgeable. I have visted a couple of times now as it is impossible to see all the memorials in one visit and also new ones are being added. Every day there is a minutes silence in the chapel at 11 am. There is a restaurant on site which is value for money and food good. For getting around there is a land train available. An enjoyable, peaceful day out and very educational.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a "must see" place. We spent a couple of hours walking around the well laid out memorial, but you could easily spend half a day here. If you just visited the part that you see on the TV then you could do that in 30 mins, but you would miss so much. To get the best from the visit, take some strong walking shoes and allow a few hours, to wander, read, contemplate and wonder. (There is a small road train for those not able to walk too far). It was incredibly moving not only to read some of the words on the hundreds of monuments, but also to see war veterans and recent forces recruits alike all remembering fallen colleagues. I would not have missed this for anything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to the Arboretum not knowing what to expect. The Armed Forces Memorial is outstanding but so are the very personal dedications for smaller groups of veterans. We focused on the areas relating to the Military but will visit again to explore further. There is a land train but we chose to walk and spent 2 1/2 hrs exploring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a blue sky Satday drove to the Arboretum not expecting to be accompanied by hundreds of bikers! Bonus.what a great crowd and added to the day.We were unaware of the RTTW event..total credit to all who attended..we loved the place..the rememberance wall and will certainly return soon..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Monuments to fallen soldiers of all denominations alongside unexpected tributes such as Ann Frank and the more recent Norway massacre. The Basra Wall is outstanding and heart wrenching as is the whole place. A little train takes you around the whole site and you can get off at will if there is something of particular interest to you. The only drawback is that it would be too far for an old person to walk back to base. They could do with mobility buses that pick you up and drop you off (Duxford have them). Canteen was first class. Lovely food and reasonably priced. Hope it never loses its significance and becomes too commercialised.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A well laid out area, spacious and well planted with trees. An excellent collection of memorials with an interest for everyone. Good on-site facilities for visitors.
Would love to see the trees in 50 years time!
Would love to see the trees in 50 years time!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our family spent much of Saturday at the National Arboretum. It is a most amazing place and very thought provoking. It was so well laid out and very clearly thought out. It is a must for everyone to see. We also liked the fact that smaller organisations had their own gardens of remembrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic and thought provoking place, everybody should visit here and spend a little thinking time. Very poignant. Allow at least a full day, preferably 2
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
