Local Reviews
In May 2017, Andrew S said about National Memorial Arboretum
The NMA was an incredible place. A great, enjoyable day out whilst still remaining peaceful and respectful, in-keeping with the reason it was first created.
The individual memorials are interesting, emotive and thought provoking to look at but maintain a sense of reverence and respect for all those people who have given there lives in many different ways.
In this cynical age it was grate to find somewhere that wasn't overly expensive or tacky, just designed to get as much money out of you as possible. I got a real sense that it is genuinely about memorial and not money.
The food in the restaurant was grate quality but not over priced. Also, as a wheelchair user, it was lovely to go somewhere where wheelchair access wasn't just a legal requirement or an afterthought. The paths were completely flat and smooth with at least 3 wheelchair accessible toilets that I saw.
The staff were nothing but friendly, helpful and passionate about the NMA. All in all a grate day out
The individual memorials are interesting, emotive and thought provoking to look at but maintain a sense of reverence and respect for all those people who have given there lives in many different ways.
In this cynical age it was grate to find somewhere that wasn't overly expensive or tacky, just designed to get as much money out of you as possible. I got a real sense that it is genuinely about memorial and not money.
The food in the restaurant was grate quality but not over priced. Also, as a wheelchair user, it was lovely to go somewhere where wheelchair access wasn't just a legal requirement or an afterthought. The paths were completely flat and smooth with at least 3 wheelchair accessible toilets that I saw.
The staff were nothing but friendly, helpful and passionate about the NMA. All in all a grate day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Rachy76 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We have been wanting to visit this place for ages and finally got to visit in the beautiful light of Autumn. We went on a Monday and although there was a few others there, it was relatively quiet. And it was truly humbling. We started with the train which is worth the money for a 50 minute journey around the arboretum to get your bearings. The driver was brilliant and really helpful. We then wandered around at our leisure and it is beautiful. The main memorial in the middle is perfectly formed and I can only imagine what it is like on Remembrance Sunday. There are pretty much memorials to everyone including 9/11, the victims of Dunblane, most Military regiments and the emergency services. Our only disappointment was not getting around the whole place in the time we had but we will just have to head back again! The cake in the restaurant is delicious too so what better excuse than to grab a hot drink and slice of the good stuff!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, yam710 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We go to the National Memorial Arboretum regularly to pay our respects to all the armed forces. The restaurant there serves hot and cold food which is lovely. We are always greeted with a smile from the people who work there. The gift shop is an added bonus. I for one love going to this place as it is so tranquil and peaceful. The vast space allows you to get away from the crowds and to just have the peace and quiet to remember those who have given their lives for this country.
The train that travels around the Arboretum is essential for individuals who may not be able to walk around the monuments for one reason or another and they can listen to the guide about the history of the place.
Regarding a previous review about the National Memorial Arboretum I for one do not go to it to look for faults in the layout of the place or to comment on the memorials, this is to name but a few of the comments left from this reviewer. I for one have the greatest respect for this place and what it represents, and I will continue to go to show my respect and support for the armed forces.
The train that travels around the Arboretum is essential for individuals who may not be able to walk around the monuments for one reason or another and they can listen to the guide about the history of the place.
Regarding a previous review about the National Memorial Arboretum I for one do not go to it to look for faults in the layout of the place or to comment on the memorials, this is to name but a few of the comments left from this reviewer. I for one have the greatest respect for this place and what it represents, and I will continue to go to show my respect and support for the armed forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, sarahgrant737 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was my first visit but definitely won't be my last. The whole visit was a wonderful experience. Lots of wide open space to explore, many moving tributes and memorials which also tell a story and you feel a connection to those being remembered.
During my visit, The RAF were taking part in a ceremony to commemorate service personnel recently added to a memorial. The sight of men and women in uniform lining the path to the armed forces memorial was incredibly touching.
The venue itself is very accessible and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Facilities at the venue were very clean and there are plenty of staff on hand to offer help and information when required.
Parking is £3 all day and entry is free but donations accepted. Prices in the restaurant / coffee shop are quite competitive with other branded chains.
All in all a wonderful day out.
During my visit, The RAF were taking part in a ceremony to commemorate service personnel recently added to a memorial. The sight of men and women in uniform lining the path to the armed forces memorial was incredibly touching.
The venue itself is very accessible and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Facilities at the venue were very clean and there are plenty of staff on hand to offer help and information when required.
Parking is £3 all day and entry is free but donations accepted. Prices in the restaurant / coffee shop are quite competitive with other branded chains.
All in all a wonderful day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2019, AndyE723 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited here with friends recently and was absolutely blown away by how beautiful the arboretum is. Words cannot describe exactly how to explain this venue of interest, other than...... WOW!
It is so lovely to walk around the whole gardens and spend time reading and understanding what our men and women went through all those years ago. There are alot of photo opportunities here of some fantastic monuments to cherish and look back on time and time again. You will be here for hours as we were, so so wonderful.
The restaurant on site has a nice selection of food and drink but the prices are a little expensive in my opinion. Can always take a picnic if needs be.
All in all if you want a history lesson day out make sure you visit here one day as you will not ne disappointed at all.
It is so lovely to walk around the whole gardens and spend time reading and understanding what our men and women went through all those years ago. There are alot of photo opportunities here of some fantastic monuments to cherish and look back on time and time again. You will be here for hours as we were, so so wonderful.
The restaurant on site has a nice selection of food and drink but the prices are a little expensive in my opinion. Can always take a picnic if needs be.
All in all if you want a history lesson day out make sure you visit here one day as you will not ne disappointed at all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2019, Bagabargain said about National Memorial Arboretum
My wife and I visited here on a Saturday in September. We were amazed by the size of the place and spent an enjoyable 5 hours there and still didn't see it all. It is in very extensive, well kept grounds and a most impressive undertaking. Admission is free (donations very welcome)and parking is £3. There are 'motorised train' rides or buggy rides, with commentary, if you wish to cover the area without too much walking, these cost £6 per person each. The staff/volunteer helpers are knowledgeable and very helpful.The guide book at £7.50 is excellent value for money, and very well produced, but the orientation sheet at £3 is a bit over-priced. We had a snack in the coffee shop which was very good, and the main restaurant offered a good choice of food at reasonable prices. We will return to view the rest of it at some point in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2024, Ann V said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a moving experience this visit became…it started off in the Chapel to hear the last post… we then went to the Shot at Dawn talk by the fabulous Mick Byrne which was very interesting and thought provoking!
Our next visit was to the Prisoners of War Memorial Building where the lovely John Smith provided us with lots of facts about prisoners of war… we even saw the name of my husband’s uncle on the computerised register, which incredibly also gave us the location of his grave in Singapore! Again, a very emotional and thought provoking talk. The restaurant has a really good selection of snacks/ food and very reasonably priced! Every single member of staff we saw was helpful, polite and passionate about being involved in this centre. Every child should have a visit here as part of their education! We left feeling very emotional thinking about all the men women and children who gave their today, for our tomorrow!
Our next visit was to the Prisoners of War Memorial Building where the lovely John Smith provided us with lots of facts about prisoners of war… we even saw the name of my husband’s uncle on the computerised register, which incredibly also gave us the location of his grave in Singapore! Again, a very emotional and thought provoking talk. The restaurant has a really good selection of snacks/ food and very reasonably priced! Every single member of staff we saw was helpful, polite and passionate about being involved in this centre. Every child should have a visit here as part of their education! We left feeling very emotional thinking about all the men women and children who gave their today, for our tomorrow!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2023, KittyBelmont said about National Memorial Arboretum
The only cost is £6 to park in the very well organised car park. A beautiful place with so many stunning memorial pieces to see. A vast area, but there is a land train tour for those less physically able. So well presented, so peaceful..........so moving. There are plenty of helpful guides around if you would like more background information.
We had lunch in the restaurant......2 very nice good quality sandwiches, hot chips, 2 cakes and 2 hot drinks for just over £19, which we didn't feel was unreasonable. There is also a coffee shop.
The gift shop was a little pricy. I would've purchased some postcards, but I didn't feel the photographs on them truly reflected the beauty of the place.....the photos I took with my phone were much nicer.
Our visit lasted 2.5 hours, however you could spend no end of time walking, looking, reading and reflecting. A lovely place to spend time.
We had lunch in the restaurant......2 very nice good quality sandwiches, hot chips, 2 cakes and 2 hot drinks for just over £19, which we didn't feel was unreasonable. There is also a coffee shop.
The gift shop was a little pricy. I would've purchased some postcards, but I didn't feel the photographs on them truly reflected the beauty of the place.....the photos I took with my phone were much nicer.
Our visit lasted 2.5 hours, however you could spend no end of time walking, looking, reading and reflecting. A lovely place to spend time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2023, Wanderlust said about National Memorial Arboretum
A memorable day out at a beautiful place of peace and remembrance..be prepared to do a lot of walking because its vast area ...its very sad and thought provoking with nearly every corner and space dedicated to the fallen in peace time wars ..the gardens are immaculately kept and with plenty of volunteers to help and inform you if you wish at handThe very large cafe come restaurant does get very busy and long queues form for the dinners this being the only down side of which it needs to be looked at ..just one queue for being served so the carvery takes an age and leaves a massive line even if you want something other than a dinner... reasonable prices we thought but just the service that lets it down ....but lets face it you don’t visit this place just to eat it all about paying respects and remembering the brave people who gave their lives for what we have today ...go and visit this place you wont
Be disappointed.
Be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2021, Susie2167 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Our annual visit to the site to take a poppy cross to remember my father who was a prisoner of war in Japan. The whole experience is humbling and I was pleased to see that the Far East building has had a makeover. From reception to the restaurant and on site the staff are exceptional in their attitude to to the visitor, very helpful friendly and eager to help. You can’t find fault with anything. The restaurant provides an excellent array of different food and is of a very high standard at a reasonable price, the staff very knowledgable about food tolerance and allergies. There are some negative reviews but people must remember that because they are disabled and think they should have more consideration they should remember that it attracts more elderly visitors and disabled than most attractions and so they have limited facilities to accommodate all needs, all of the time; they need to remember that they are not the only ones disabled. It is a wonderful place where it gives people a chance to visit somewhere to acknowledge their loss. I think you will have a wonderful visit if you decide to go, take no notice of negative feedback.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk