Local Reviews
In July 2015, PatJ said about National Memorial Arboretum
We arrived early one morning, as the Arboretum opened and parked in the grass field car park - £3 a day payable at the desk in reception. We were met by a very friendly and helpful guide who explained the lay out to us nothing was too much trouble. Leaving the reception area there is small kiosk where you can buy a guide book along with a map to help you along your way. We decided to take the first train around the grounds and found this extremely useful to get our bearings for the rest of the day - at a cost of £5 per.person. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the this National Treasure which costs £4000 a day. Our journey around the Memorial lasted about 45 minutes and we decided to return to the reception so that we could attend the two minutes silence in the Millennium Chapel near the visitors centre; this takes place at 11.00 a.m. followed by a very interesting short presentation on the history of the Arboretum - very interesting and extremely emotional. There are so many memorials for you to see in such a tranquil and serene setting befitting our fallen heroes. There is a cafe on site along with a shop for you to buy that little memento to take home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, fossieWolverhampton said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was not our first visit this year but thought our 83yr old uncle from New Zealand might enjoy the day out at this special place of remembrance not only for the Forces but for those who mourn those who have died belonging to other groups such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
It is always worth buying the site map, so much changes so quickly with new memorials being added month by month, and sitting down with a drink from the cafeteria before venturing out, otherwise you may not get to see all the memorials that you want to see. Use the loos here as well as there are none until you return to the visitor centre.
The most poignant "must sees" are the Chapel, The Garden of the Innocents, the Armed Forces Memorial and Shot at Dawn then as we did select ones that have a particular resonance with your own life experiences or family connections.
The site is large and for those with mobility problems take advantage of the land train, golf buggies or mobility scooters for hire. A new addition are the guided tours using the volunteer guides.
Each time I visit I learn something new from helpful guides dotted about the arboretum.
Having seen nearly everything we wanted to see we took advantage of the cafeteria for a cake and a cuppa before setting off in the opposite direction for the last 2 memorials we wanted to see the Fleet Air Arm and RAF Halton.
Proceeds from the cafeteria, full lunches and snacks are available as are gluten-free options, and any donation go to the upkeep of the NMA.. If you make a donation and are a UK tax payer please gift aid it so that the NMA can claim additional income.
Blue Badge car parking by the entrance - others have to park in the overspill and walk down the lane.
A temporary entrance and visitor centre will open in July whilst the new visitor centre is being built.
It is always worth buying the site map, so much changes so quickly with new memorials being added month by month, and sitting down with a drink from the cafeteria before venturing out, otherwise you may not get to see all the memorials that you want to see. Use the loos here as well as there are none until you return to the visitor centre.
The most poignant "must sees" are the Chapel, The Garden of the Innocents, the Armed Forces Memorial and Shot at Dawn then as we did select ones that have a particular resonance with your own life experiences or family connections.
The site is large and for those with mobility problems take advantage of the land train, golf buggies or mobility scooters for hire. A new addition are the guided tours using the volunteer guides.
Each time I visit I learn something new from helpful guides dotted about the arboretum.
Having seen nearly everything we wanted to see we took advantage of the cafeteria for a cake and a cuppa before setting off in the opposite direction for the last 2 memorials we wanted to see the Fleet Air Arm and RAF Halton.
Proceeds from the cafeteria, full lunches and snacks are available as are gluten-free options, and any donation go to the upkeep of the NMA.. If you make a donation and are a UK tax payer please gift aid it so that the NMA can claim additional income.
Blue Badge car parking by the entrance - others have to park in the overspill and walk down the lane.
A temporary entrance and visitor centre will open in July whilst the new visitor centre is being built.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, Spursgirl13 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is the second time I have visited this amazing place. I was amazed at how big this place has grown since our last visit. And we still didn't do it all. If we hadn't know about the golf buggy tours to the far end of the site to see some of the newer memorials. Will definitely go back to do the other end of the site.
So pleased that we managed to see the bastian wall specially commissioned for the memory of the fallen.
The volunteering staff were friendly and knowledgeable about where certain memorials.
Will be back.
So pleased that we managed to see the bastian wall specially commissioned for the memory of the fallen.
The volunteering staff were friendly and knowledgeable about where certain memorials.
Will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, gb281 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Oct 1st every year is when thousands of bikers make their way to the NMA,To remember those who have fallen in armed conflict and those who have served and are serving in the Armed services.It was our first visit on a wild wet day,and it wont be our last,It was a well organized event, and cannot praise the volunteers enough,who stood out all day in the monsoon like rain.making things run so smoothly.Cannot wait for next year,Rain or Shine.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Cathryn W said about National Memorial Arboretum
Came for the 2nd time for the RTTW. Such an emotional, humbling place. The site was partially closed for necessary work and the weather was horrible but it didn't spoil anything. The staff and all concerned did an amazing job to keep things running smoothly without ruining the event or the emotional feeling of the whole place. Well done the place is a credit to all concerned in its upkeep
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Pat R said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having had a quick visit here a couple of years ago for the RMP memorial service when we didn't really see much we finally managed to get back and have a good look round. There are so many memorials dotted about the place its would take forever to describe them all. We planned an overnight stay at the local premier inn so we could see it all. Even if you have no military connection it makes you stop and think. It is a lovely well kept area and if you have problems walking distances you can take the buggy or train ride £5. The main Arboretum is free to enter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, stuart s said about National Memorial Arboretum
Standing and taking in the absorbing memorial. When you have a chance to realize the sacrifices in what people did to give people the freedom that we take for granted. A rewarding and awe inspiring day is guaranteed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Michael F said about National Memorial Arboretum
3rd visit but first for a few years . There have been big improvements in the interim. The Landtrain is a great addition, full tour in 45 minutes (£5) and then you can return and cherry pick what you wish to see in more detail .
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Rigibann said about National Memorial Arboretum
What an amazing place! There is so much to see that this cannot be just a quick visit. We walked round the perimeter with our dog when we arrived and saw some of the memorials and went back the following morning without the dog to have a proper look round.
After attending the 100am service, which is always a moving moment we had a short talk about the history of the site before joining a walking tour. This I highly recommend - we were very fortunate to be the only two so it was like having a personal tour. The volunteer was so informative and he definitely had a passion for the place. By having a guide you get to hear of so many little things that you would never know by walking around on your own.
This is not a memorial just for the Forces but anything from those taken through cancer to young children who lost their lives - so very emotional.
We will definitely go back as the outlook changes through the seasons with the many flowers and bulbs that have been planted.
After attending the 100am service, which is always a moving moment we had a short talk about the history of the site before joining a walking tour. This I highly recommend - we were very fortunate to be the only two so it was like having a personal tour. The volunteer was so informative and he definitely had a passion for the place. By having a guide you get to hear of so many little things that you would never know by walking around on your own.
This is not a memorial just for the Forces but anything from those taken through cancer to young children who lost their lives - so very emotional.
We will definitely go back as the outlook changes through the seasons with the many flowers and bulbs that have been planted.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Nigella O said about National Memorial Arboretum
While I appreciate that many visitors value having this special place where they can remember people who lost their lives in war, purely as an arboretum the site is not that attractive. The trees still lack maturity and the layout seems too stark – too many straight lines, circles and concrete. No Capability Brown serpentine influence here. For me, a gentler landscaping would have provided a more inviting place to ponder about those lost lives and the havoc and grief that war causes in the world. Perhaps in 20 or 30 years time, the contours of the park will have softened enough to give a less austere impression.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk