National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Been 4 times now never get bored thoroughly great day out I personally think they should charge entrance fee but I gladly give a donation on the way in
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went there with my father-in-law, mother-in-law and my wife. It's one of the places I've always wanted to go to. Wasn't quite sure what to expect but booked the 4 hour personal buggy guided tour and 2 course lunch.
The day started by being introduced to our volunteer guide Peter. He asked what we were interested in which we informed him. We then watched to 2 minutes silence in the chapel. Once this was done we were taken to the sites we wanted to visit. All were explained in great detail by Peter.
After this we went to lunch and were seated at a table, nicely dressed with cutlery and table cloth as well as a printed menu with our name on.
The food was excellent. Not the cafe quality I expected but any restaurant would have been happy to serve it. Our waitress was most attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
After lunch we continued with our guided tour. Being in a buggy we could get to places others couldn't or didn't know about.
We were told some lovely anecdotes by Peter.
We all really enjoyed the day and will love to return to see more. 4 hours was not enough.
Whilst going around the Arboretum we could hear several tributes going on with various military groups and veterans groups joining to pay their tributes.
Everyone was so friendly.
The volunteers were great and the company had thought of everything ensuring that everyone can get around.
We offered Peter a tip at the conclusion of our tour whichbbe refused as he wanted it to go to help the running costs of the Arboretum.
Fantastic day.
The day started by being introduced to our volunteer guide Peter. He asked what we were interested in which we informed him. We then watched to 2 minutes silence in the chapel. Once this was done we were taken to the sites we wanted to visit. All were explained in great detail by Peter.
After this we went to lunch and were seated at a table, nicely dressed with cutlery and table cloth as well as a printed menu with our name on.
The food was excellent. Not the cafe quality I expected but any restaurant would have been happy to serve it. Our waitress was most attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
After lunch we continued with our guided tour. Being in a buggy we could get to places others couldn't or didn't know about.
We were told some lovely anecdotes by Peter.
We all really enjoyed the day and will love to return to see more. 4 hours was not enough.
Whilst going around the Arboretum we could hear several tributes going on with various military groups and veterans groups joining to pay their tributes.
Everyone was so friendly.
The volunteers were great and the company had thought of everything ensuring that everyone can get around.
We offered Peter a tip at the conclusion of our tour whichbbe refused as he wanted it to go to help the running costs of the Arboretum.
Fantastic day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A special atmosphere especially in the centre of the grounds along with the many, many different groups of people who have sacrificed their lives over the years from different walks of life. Well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live locally so visit occasionally. There is is usually a different exhibition in the main hall. We have seen this develop over the years and now many memorials to all who served in many conflicts and also memories for children including for those who were born asleep.
Well worth a visit, uplifting, welcoming and memorable.
Well worth a visit, uplifting, welcoming and memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place to visit so peaceful yet extremely thought provoking.
We go regularly for a walk around with the dog .
We go regularly for a walk around with the dog .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for the afternoon with a 6 year old, even on a wet and windy January afternoon the place is beautiful. All the memorials are placed perfectly around the grounds, it’s a huge area but doesn’t feel like it as there’s so much to stop and explore. There’s even a small park to give kids a little break. The food in cafe was done well and priced ok. Entry is free with contribution box’s dotted around, all day parking was £3. 100% be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place which is still being developed. Stunning memorials in landscaped gardens. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere and information. Lots of knowledgeable volunteers around to give advice and short talks about different aspects of the memorials.
Visitors centre has a smart café, shop and hosts special exhibitions. Access to the gardens are free but donations are welcomed. There is a charge for the special events
For those who might find the amount of walking difficult there is a land train that visits most of the key memorials. Most areas of the garden are accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Visitors centre has a smart café, shop and hosts special exhibitions. Access to the gardens are free but donations are welcomed. There is a charge for the special events
For those who might find the amount of walking difficult there is a land train that visits most of the key memorials. Most areas of the garden are accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'd long wanted to visit the Arboretum and while December isn't the best month to go at least it wasn't crowded! It was pleasing that poppy crosses/memorials could be purchased for a donation. Disappointingly we couldn't visit the Riverside and Beat Zones and half the RAF Zone since they were under water. The river had burst its banks and the irony of seeing the Camp Bastion Memorial submerged wasn't lost on me. The tree planted in memory of a neighbour's brother was under water so we couldn't leave a poppy cross there but I left it under his name on the Armed Forces Memorial. We were lucky to be offered a buggy ride with 2 other visitors and a knowledgeable driver since the land train wasn't operating. It's an excellent way of getting an overview of the large site. Some of the memorials are particularly poignant and special. I would like to visit in Spring to see the blossom and in May/June to see the poppy field. To see all the memorials would take more than one visit so I hope to return. The chapel is peaceful and simple and we were lucky to have it to ourselves. The catering is fine but I couldn't find anything I wanted to buy in the shop, other than the most expensive items! I was surprised that British Legion poppy merchandise was not on sale but commercial poppy jewellery was, with a proportion of the cost going to charity. The selection of books on sale could have been much better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The weather was awful and some of the land was under water but that did not detract from this lovely peaceful place. It just makes me want to go back again! The site is lovingly tended and a wonderful memorial. There were people on hand to explain things and we had a very informative talk in the chapel. This building is beautiful and it must be very emotional to be there at 11am when there is a service. The restaurant is very good with reasonably priced food. The broccoli and Stilton soup was delicious..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been a number of times, mainly on Remembrance Sunday which is always emotional.
However place is open for walks round all year, dogs allowed on perimeter. They have number of food and craft days and other events. Easy to get to, ample parking, nice gift shop and cafe. Recommend 1/2 day out
However place is open for walks round all year, dogs allowed on perimeter. They have number of food and craft days and other events. Easy to get to, ample parking, nice gift shop and cafe. Recommend 1/2 day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a wonderful place and you must go on the land train, the music, information and scenery are fantastic, well worth £6 for an adult. The views are wonderful and my camera was out of my pocket more times than it was in. There is a small memorial wood for navy personal, a river nearby for a riverside walk, at least three Education huts (basically enhanced information centres), of course the main monument which is breathtaking and stands proud above the rest but all in keeping. Even the most modern looking of the memorials to the navy seems to fit. There are so many monuments, dedications, stories, pictures and of course memories. It is a time for thought but wonder, adventure and amazement too.
It is a must go place when sunny, just take your sun cream and sunglasses, but if rain falls keep going and be that soldier who conquers. It will be well worth the toil.
It is a must go place when sunny, just take your sun cream and sunglasses, but if rain falls keep going and be that soldier who conquers. It will be well worth the toil.
Source: google.com
great
Source: google.com
Excellent
Source: google.com
Peaceful place. I did think though that such things as a train that goes around the memorial (for which there is a charge) reduced the reverence such a place deserves. Exceptionally friendly and helpful volunteers and staff.
Source: google.com
Beautiful place. Very interesting and moving in places
Source: google.com
Fascinating place. Take a train or buggy ride as it's a big site.
Source: google.com
What a lovely day we had fantastic opportunity to pay our respect to those who gave their lives for our today. We will remember them x
Source: google.com
Fantastic day so much to see
Source: google.com
Very big place. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to walk the site great memorials there
Source: google.com
Sobering and beautiful. Definitely one to add to the bucket list if you haven't visited already. We got every year as part of the Ride To The Wall. If you have lost anyone while in service and they have a brass plaque, take some Autosol or Brasso and give their plaque a polish. I am doing our friends as I do every year and I'm going to choose someone elses next year too, some of them look quite neglected, which is sad. A beautiful place and thanks to everyone who dedicates their time to keep it that way.
Source: google.com
Amazing place! Well worth a visit
Source: google.com
A great tribute with many different memorials to various groups, not all military with very good facilities including a café
Source: google.com
Such a peaceful and tranquil place x
Source: google.com
What a wow factor!!! AND FREE.
Source: google.com
Great location for the open air cinema
Source: google.com
