Local Reviews
In January 2012, RatonCantabria said about National Memorial Arboretum
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
In July 2013, armybrat60 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Didn't quite know what to expect but I found this visit the most thought provoking and memorable part of my holiday. After visiting the memorials and gardens I found my feelings had changed from regret to a sense of appreciation. If you haven't been put it in your diary.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, JohnandShirl_13 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Great to share with my father who was quite emotional. Greatt ride on the tractor saved his walking which at 91 years old was very important. Excellent layout 7 so well tended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, Paul D said about National Memorial Arboretum
With its stunning main memorial and surrounding woodland and river, this place is a beautiful place for a walks and contemplation, excellent facilities for tea, or a main meal, will make a good day out.
There is a car park charge.........
There is a car park charge.........
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2013, Stephen Y said about National Memorial Arboretum
Currently free to enter, this memorial commemorates the soldiers of the UK who have died in the various conflicts since the end of the second world war. The site is extensive with ample parking, and the "attractions" are developed continuously. It is a humbling experience to visit here, and there are numerous commemorative services throughout the year. There is a shop on site which sells souvenirs, together with cafe and toilet facilities. Up-to-date information can be found by visiting www.thenma.org.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, M E said about National Memorial Arboretum
My Husband and myself thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The Arboretum is a lovely peaceful place to visit. There are lots of lovely walks, everything is well maintained and the staff were very informative and helpful. There is a nice restaurant and coffee shop and a gift shop which caters for all ages. We spent approx 4 hours here, but could have spent a lot longer, we are hoping to return in the near future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Sonya T said about National Memorial Arboretum
Took the train trip around the Arboretum that comes with commentary. What a wonderful place that is peaceful, respectful and carefully thought out. You can do your own walking tour but the small train was well worth the small charge.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Moira M said about National Memorial Arboretum
Very disappointed with the Dunkirk memorial, not only is it outside the main building in the car park(where not a lot of people will see unless they know it's there!) , it's not mentioned at all within the building OR on the train commentary!
Dunkirk was and still is a very important part of our war history!!! We owe so much to these brave men, and for them NOT to have the recognition they deserve is a disgrace!!
Dunkirk was and still is a very important part of our war history!!! We owe so much to these brave men, and for them NOT to have the recognition they deserve is a disgrace!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2018, M_H8816 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I hadn’t been to the NMA for a few years but was up visiting a friend who lived close by so we went for a visit.
The last time I visited most of the trees were saplings so it was great to see an arboretum with maturing trees. There were also a lot more memorials on display since my last visit.
It isn’t truly disabled friendly, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters available for hire for a couple of pounds. The Armed Forces memorial is also wheelchair accessible by a circular path.
Some of the memorials were fenced off as they were being repaired. This is usually ground repairs as the whole area is liable to flooding from the nearby river. That said it was still a humbling and awe inspiring visit.
The last time I visited most of the trees were saplings so it was great to see an arboretum with maturing trees. There were also a lot more memorials on display since my last visit.
It isn’t truly disabled friendly, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters available for hire for a couple of pounds. The Armed Forces memorial is also wheelchair accessible by a circular path.
Some of the memorials were fenced off as they were being repaired. This is usually ground repairs as the whole area is liable to flooding from the nearby river. That said it was still a humbling and awe inspiring visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2018, Mmoo20 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We booked a buggy tour and two course meal for my Nan & grandads anniversary. We met our tour guide, who volunteers, and our buggy which was gratefully full of blankets to keep us warm. Bryan was very knowledgable and amazed us all with everything he knew. He also made the attempt to see if there was anything in particular we wanted to see (which both grandparents did due to both their fathers serving). The tour lasted from 10.30 to around 3.30 but depends on how long you take to eat (the food was really nice and we had our own reserved table and were waited on by a lovely young lady) and to walk the small sections without the buggy (mainly around the Burmese war). With the amount of money they spend to keep it running then I’d advise everyone to visit even just once. We learnt so much from our day and the whole experience was great. Thank you Bryan especially!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk