National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Quite difficult ot define the Arboretum as it hits the spot on a number of levels. It is, first and foremost, as the name suggests, THE National Memorial, and not just for military personnel but for those who have lost their lives in virtually any situation you might imagine. Scattered about a large beautifully landscaped park are memorials to the victims of road accidents, workplace accidents, warfare, POWs, Civil services including Police, Fire etc. - the list is almost endless and is being added to. The military memorial stands high above the rest and forms a clear landmark. Each of the other memorials are seperate and for anyone seeking a specific one, assistance is readily available from the excellent staff of volunteers always on hand. Coupled with this is the beauty of the site itself. Well worth a visit even if you only want to walk along by the river or stroll through the many gardens. Be warned; we always find its initial impact on the emotions similar to that of walking into one of the French war cemeteries, though I must stress, there are no graves here, only memorials. Admission is free, though there is a charge for car parking. Although the Arboretum is fairly new, demand has exceded all expectations and already there are plans to extend the good visitor centre and cafe facilities. There is a chapel on site and I believe I am correct in saying that they hold a 'Last Post' service around mid-day every day. Check their web site for accurate details. This is the sort of place that everyone should visit at least once. A place to quietly reflect on many things including the beauty of nature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving experience, worth a visit. Strange to see the names of people that you have known on the walls. Would even be a nice day out with children, good for them to see things like this, but also had a play area to keep them amused.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had not realised that the Arboretum was so big and that there are so many memorials - not just to armed forces personel. It is beautifully laid out and is incredibly peaceful, considering the proximity of the gravel works and the A38. We felt that we experienced sorrow and joy together in a way that is difficult to explain and the Chapel was certainly a very moving place. It is impossible to do justice to the place on a day visit and we will certainly go back in the summer, when I'm sure it will invoke a whole new feeling. Considering the Arboretum is entirely reliant on donations and volunteers to remain viable, I am surprised that anyone would begrudge the parking fee - I can't think of anywhere we go where it is free to park except National Trust, but then you have to pay a considerable fee to enter !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The most peaceful place I have ever known. The atmosphere is superb. Makes you really think. A great spot to have some reflection time. The volunteers could't be more helpful. Take a look in the Chapel and allow plenty of time for your visit as there is a lot to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a sad place in some was but it makes you value what you have in life. Visit the executed soldiers area from ww1 it will make you think
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving, emotional, and most exceptional place, you must visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A moving experience, pity about the parking fee which whilst reasonable seems to be inappropriate for the venue
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This will be amazing when the trees are fully grown
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So poignant. A truly fitting memorial to all those brave men and women. It is very sobering to see how many names have been engraved there in the last few years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely day out, in fact a day is not enough. Such a peaceful place, a lovely memorial to the forces around the world. And the beautiful Armed Forces Memorial is a fantastic tribute to the United Kingdom Armed Forces who have served and fallen since the Second World War . Appropriate clothing is needed as the site is quite open, good cafe and vistor centre
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another place that I go to quite frequently, it makes you sad but proud and also angry that statesmen still use force to make a point.
Three memorials especially have that effect, Shot at dawn tucked away in a corner , apparently the site is the first to get the sun at dawn; the other is the Burma railway memorial. But Most of all is the Armed Forces Memorial set high above the arboretum, name after name along those white walls such a waste.
There's a nice cafe with excellent scones and drinkable coffee.For those with mobility problems there is a fleet of battery scooters, a nice touch.
Three memorials especially have that effect, Shot at dawn tucked away in a corner , apparently the site is the first to get the sun at dawn; the other is the Burma railway memorial. But Most of all is the Armed Forces Memorial set high above the arboretum, name after name along those white walls such a waste.
There's a nice cafe with excellent scones and drinkable coffee.For those with mobility problems there is a fleet of battery scooters, a nice touch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place to commemorate all those who have served and died with the armed forces. I was particularly moved by the "Shot at Dawn" memorial to those poor lads who were shot for cowardice and desertion in the Great War - what a waste!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Crisp clear blue skies made this first visit to the cafe even welcoming after exploring the vast grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fairly local to us, but only visited the once so far. Nicely laid out gardens and memorials, plenty of things to make you think about the past, present and the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great place to reflect and think. Not a place for children who don't understand it and can just distress others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
went with my pensioner mother, very moving thoughtful day out, lovely cafe, lovely volunteers
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Then this is a must. We went with our grandson, home on leave from the army to visit his particular memorial. All of the site is so thought provoking, beautiful and tranquil. Every school should have an opportunity to take their pupils on a visit there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was still under development when I visited but once the grounds and trees etc have matured it will be even better. The memorial is very tastefully done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Whilst staying with friends they took us here for an outing, and we had a very thoughtprovoking day. On arriving we bought the guidebook rather than the map, and were amazed at how big the place was! It is huge, and you need a good 3 or 4 hours to get round it all, we didn't sadly. The main memorial on the mound is very humbling, and it was great to see staff up there to quietly explain any questions we had, they were all very knowledgeable. The different memorials, styles and approaches around the site were very interesting, and we spent a long time in the FEPOW building, which was really fascinating. The one thing to consider when visiting is the weather, it is an outdoor site, and the day we went it was horrendously windy and showery, not the best weather for sure. The trees themselves are obviously still very small, so not much protection around the site from the elements, we probably would have stayed longer had we come on a better day. As a result though, we also ended up eating in the restaurant to get a bit of shelter, which was a plus, as the food was fantastic! Entrance to the site is free, but you do have to pay for parking and the guide/map (one of which you will need).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The minute you step into the grounds you start to feel "at peace". You begin to realise what so many gave up for us. The memorials are fitting tributes and the grounds are laid out beautifully. Every one ought to make at least one visit to the Arboretum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A visit to the arboretum is a must the staff are helpful and if you require specific information about the site or a particular section they will gladly oblige. The whole place is a tribute to all those men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very fitting memorial to our armed services. I have made four visits in total and each time have found the time spent there informative, thought provoking and very moving. There are good facilities on site - shop, cafe, etc all accessible to the elderly and less mobile.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a permenant memorial to all those who have lost their lives in service of this country, it is an emotional day out which leaves you in awe of what people of this country have done to keep us free - please visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were keen to visit the Arboretum as we have seen it ofteen on television. The whole place is so impressive with so much to see. We could only spend a couple of hours which was far too little. You need a whole day to do the place justice. There is so much to see and absorb. I found it so amazing how many service personnel had lost their lives since the end of the Second World War. I would recommend that everyone should take time to visit this place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very moving place and well worth giving a day to
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
