National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Visited the aboretum.although it was quite a sleety day we found plenty to do.a good idea for days like this is to take the land train as you can see lots of the memorials and with helful information as you tour around the site.really interesting a must to go and see
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Caters for those who want to walk all round the site themselves (a good walk), but also the less mobile are looked after too. Defintely worth visitng
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a special place and MUST be visited. You can walk around, would take a while, or catch 'the train' £6.ish to get around and then choose where you would like to spend time looking at the memorials. There are numerous 'must see' places and I think it should be compulsory for schools to take pupils to try and understand 'man's inhumanity to man' then hope they learn the lesson - look no more than the 'Far East' P O W hut, the 'Shot at Dawn' area and the centrepiece. Still in its infancy but please make the effort to go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have reviewed this attraction before, however since then, they have built a beautiful new centre. The centre is beautiful and is staffed by very knowledgable and helpful volunteers. There's a new shop area, large dining restaurant and display areas. It's a very poignant and informative attraction. However, it really is more about acknowledging the sacrifices that our service men and women have made in the line of duty. There's a new 'Shot at Dawn' memorial and the beautiful memorial on the hillock has to be the highlight. The slit on the south wall allows the sun to shine through at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Thousands of trees in people's memories have been planted. There's a fair bit of walking, however, there's a train that takes one around or a private buggy and driver to hire. This is a thought provoking and peaceful place to visit, a must do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second time but the first for our friends. We were greeted by a volunteer with tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm- this was to be the case with all of the volunteers we met on the site. Our time was short and one of our party has mobility issues so we decided to opt for the guided buggy ride. Mike our guide was a fount of knowledge and stories . He kept us informed and entertained for longer than the time allocated because there were no further bookings following.
This place is tremendously moving not only for the military memorials but a wide range of civilian monuments. I would urge all ages to make the time to visit this very special place at least once. We shall certainly return and appreciate all of the work that is ongoing by an army of very dedicated people . We owe them to appreciate their efforts
This place is tremendously moving not only for the military memorials but a wide range of civilian monuments. I would urge all ages to make the time to visit this very special place at least once. We shall certainly return and appreciate all of the work that is ongoing by an army of very dedicated people . We owe them to appreciate their efforts
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the arboretum when I was close to the area with my wife for the weekend.
I have spent a lot of time visiting memorials as part of my job and this is one of the best that I have visited all around the world.
I think that this is a must visit place for anybody.
I have spent a lot of time visiting memorials as part of my job and this is one of the best that I have visited all around the world.
I think that this is a must visit place for anybody.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent 61/2 hours walking around this extensive site. With over 300 memorials for those who have served whether in the armed forces or civvy street. Many moving tributes and wonderful memorials of high quality in young woodland. The extra level of nature at this site set within lakes and rivers gives and extra dimension. We saw Tree Creepers. a kingfisher, Long Tailed TIts, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Jay, Fieldfare, wren and more without evne trying. Allow plenty of time for your visit. The indoor displays describe the site beautifully with a lovely cafe and shop. Amongst the top attractions in the United Kingdom I would say.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow, decided to visit the arboretum for a couple of hours, really needed the day, lots to see over a very large area.
Recomend taking the land train for £6 per person, it's a 50 minute ride giving lots of info about the memorials on the way.
Didn't cover half of it so will definitely be returning very soon.
Recomend taking the land train for £6 per person, it's a 50 minute ride giving lots of info about the memorials on the way.
Didn't cover half of it so will definitely be returning very soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place to remember so many. Beautifully kept and so interesting. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and so helpful. Recommend starting a visit with a ride on the train which has a commentary and helps with planning the visit. Will return soon and would particularly like to see the poppies flowering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The arboretum is pretty impressive. Vast grounds hides memorials to the army, navy, paratroopers, RAF and a whole lot more.
Perhaps a guide would have been more useful but just wondering round it wasn’t clear if there was a section for each or they were just all presented together.
Some of the memorials were difficult to reach and required walking across muddy grass to see them as there was no walk way/path to get to them.
We walked up to the WW1 trench which was very good to see. The walk takes in the river too which is a nice back drop.
Right back the other way at the other far end of the arboretum is the shot at dawn memorial - apparently the most visited memorial in the park.
The memorials were impressive and very well made.
After all that walking we stopped by the cafe for a hot drink and a scone.
I think it’s worth coming here but just appreciate that it’s a bit random how it is all set up and be prepared to walk (though there is a little land train).
Perhaps a guide would have been more useful but just wondering round it wasn’t clear if there was a section for each or they were just all presented together.
Some of the memorials were difficult to reach and required walking across muddy grass to see them as there was no walk way/path to get to them.
We walked up to the WW1 trench which was very good to see. The walk takes in the river too which is a nice back drop.
Right back the other way at the other far end of the arboretum is the shot at dawn memorial - apparently the most visited memorial in the park.
The memorials were impressive and very well made.
After all that walking we stopped by the cafe for a hot drink and a scone.
I think it’s worth coming here but just appreciate that it’s a bit random how it is all set up and be prepared to walk (though there is a little land train).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place was a long time coming to fruition but worth the wait,it has plenty of facilities and well staffed with help if needed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went the week after remembrance day so all the poppies and wreaths were still there. So many dedications and so moving. It is a very large site with so much to see and we missed some of it but tried to see as much as we could before the light faded. I took many photos except when we got to the "Shot at Dawn" memorial. So moving, so emotional and so sad, so many lives lost for nothing other than being scared. This memorial made me weep. Such a moving peaceful site, but please give a nice donation when you visit as it must cost so much to keep it for us all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place to visit so peaceful and tranquil. Free entry to visit but a charge of £3 is nothing tof moan about. With over 250 memorials to see amongst these well kept grounds you will be kept very busy. There is a land train to take but if you are an able walker I would suggest walking. Most areas are also wheelchair friendly. Clean cafeteria offering hot and cold food along with drinks. Toilets very clean
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Aboretum the day after Remembrance Sunday and thus the car
park was full.The central Armed Forces Memorial is the most popular with visitors,but there are another 300 to see and 150 acres to explore. It took me 3 hours and took 11,000 steps.In addition to the memorials, they had a reconstruction of a First World War trench.Although there was a road train option,I decided to walk. The distance seemed a bit of a challenge for me at 65 years young. The Garden of Remebrance with thousands of planted crosses with poppies was visually astonishing. My only small criticism is the sineage,which could include distances. Some of the memorials are incredible and I found the experience very moving and put into perspective the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
park was full.The central Armed Forces Memorial is the most popular with visitors,but there are another 300 to see and 150 acres to explore. It took me 3 hours and took 11,000 steps.In addition to the memorials, they had a reconstruction of a First World War trench.Although there was a road train option,I decided to walk. The distance seemed a bit of a challenge for me at 65 years young. The Garden of Remebrance with thousands of planted crosses with poppies was visually astonishing. My only small criticism is the sineage,which could include distances. Some of the memorials are incredible and I found the experience very moving and put into perspective the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited here last month, having intended visiting for ages.
I was here for around four hours, and there is so much to see. Yes, many straight forward memorials to specific regiments, etc., but so much more.
The Shot at Dawn memorial to those executed for cowardice or desertion is unbelivably moving. And there are plenty of non-military memorials too.
After four hours, and some 6 miles of walking (there are rides to take you round if you cannot manage that distance), I bought the guide book on my way out. And now that I have gone through it, I realise that that there was so much I did not see.
I will return.
I was here for around four hours, and there is so much to see. Yes, many straight forward memorials to specific regiments, etc., but so much more.
The Shot at Dawn memorial to those executed for cowardice or desertion is unbelivably moving. And there are plenty of non-military memorials too.
After four hours, and some 6 miles of walking (there are rides to take you round if you cannot manage that distance), I bought the guide book on my way out. And now that I have gone through it, I realise that that there was so much I did not see.
I will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Highly recommended, many memorials to view, only managed to cover half the site so will certainly be going again 🙂
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is somewhere we have always wanted to visit. The whole experience is a wonderful way to appreciate the debt this country owes so many men and women across the years of conflict and in service to their country. We were also moved and surprised by the range of tributes to infants and babies. The WW1 trench exhibit is fascinating and can only give the slightest of glimpses into what conditions must have been like. Perhaps most moving is the eerie Shot at Dawn installation showing just how far we have come in the treatment of mental issues caused by combat. So refreshing seeing some KS1 children being shown around too as well as older, secondary students. Glad to have spotted my Grandfather's regiment, The Honourable Artillery Corps from WW1 and the Royal Navy memorials from WW2 in which my father served. Both survived, but understandably didn't speak much about their experiences.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took a community group of over 50s to the Arboretum. We were welcomed on arrival and taken to a private room for our pre ordered tea/coffee. We attended the welcome service which included a two minute silence. We then took the land train tour. This was an excellent way to see the Arboretum, especially as some of the group had mobility problems,The commentary was excellent and very informative. It is amazing how much thought has gone into each memorial. For example the one for the police they have planted trees around it that the truncheons are made of. Its this little detail that makes it so special.There are staff/guides all around the Arboretum who are happy to show you round and relay stories of the memorials. We had free time to walk around but acknowledged that there was more than enough to fill a day. We finished off with afternoon tea. The staff were fantastic and on hand to fill up the teapot and milk jugs. NOTHING was too much trouble. If anyone is thinking of bringing a group I can highly recommend it. The service from the booking staff to all of those working at the Arboretum was excellent. We will return!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been to Ypres & Tyne Cot, but didn't know that England could also do it so well!
Very well laid out, we could see it was always being added to, over 300 memorials so far!
Very emotional walk round, especially the Shot at Dawn memorial, especially when you see the age of some of those young boys that were shot!
£3 to park and no further charges if you don't want to. Nice cafe with good selection of food.
With 150 acres to walk round we'll come back and see a bit more, somewhere EVERY school kid should see!
Very well laid out, we could see it was always being added to, over 300 memorials so far!
Very emotional walk round, especially the Shot at Dawn memorial, especially when you see the age of some of those young boys that were shot!
£3 to park and no further charges if you don't want to. Nice cafe with good selection of food.
With 150 acres to walk round we'll come back and see a bit more, somewhere EVERY school kid should see!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free entry, so a lovely day out for family and kids. Car park fees are well kept, and the memorial ground is very clean and pleasant to walk around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here at least once a year since its opening in 2001, as there is a Royal Hong Kong Police and Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police (Police Reserve) Memorial and a Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corp Memorial to commemorate the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong (WW2) during which my grandfather had been executed for espionage for the British Army Aid Group. There is now a lot of educational material not just to teach history but also to focus on keeping peace in future, and the importance of he armed forces and volunteer services within our society. There are emotional memorials for different regiments, but also national memorias for organisations ranging from the Fire & Rescue Services, NHS Ambulance Services, Royal National Lifeboat Institute. From a building site, there are now paved access for electric buggies and buggies for hire as well, and open area around the bistro for meetings, tutorials and others. A chapel, and other open spaces, rooms, and gazebos for events, all under the henge-like Armed Forces National Memorial, cooled by the river running along the whole complex. From just 20 or so stops, now there are audio information to over 70 significant locations of different memorials and surroundings. There is also a land-train taking over from tired legs and poor mobility. And it is a very fruitful birding site as well -- I saw twenty goldfinches and a small murmuration of starlings within one hour. It is open air so it can get very windy and very cold, so always make sure to bring extra clothing and rain gear in rainy season. Beware of flooding as it is just under the high water mark of the river. All these for free but a donation to the NMA/Royal British Legion for our servicemen and servicewomen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed walking around here...if you can understand the word in such a place. Beautifully designed.. moving and thoughtful and particularly like that people from all over the world are recognised here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been here before last year for the remembrance day service, we were here this time for the service on 11th Nov for the 2 min silence, it was very busy and there was a ticketed event going on in the dome, but we stood and watched it with everybody else on the big screen, which was very touching and then watched the march past, the gardens are so well kept and so interesting, each time I have been I am ceased to be amazed that there is always something new to see, it is free to get in, there is a very well stocked restaurant and a small café ample places to sit in the gardens would highly recommend a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Poor coffee shop. coffee cold and served with uht milk not fresh milk staff could not care attitude gift shop very expensive
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well kept car park and car parking fees go to the upkeep of the memorials and gardens. Free entry and welcoming visitor centre with cafe, toilets, information, booking for special events etc and plenty of volunteers on hand to assist you in your visit. The 11am service in the chapel is worth a stop to participate in the 3 minutes silence and learned about the history and development of the site. There is a land train for those who can't walk the site or just want a quick tour (extra charge). We walked as we wanted to get up close to the memorials and trees. Over 300 memorials so impossible to see them all in one visit. Very emotional to see not only the names of those who have died serving their country but also witnessing the people visiting to see their loved ones names on the wall. Varied array of trees and saw some wildlife too. It is a beautiful place and although it was emotional and sad, it was also uplifting. The café and restaurant served a good selection of drinks and foods (cakes and meals). Everywhere was clean, tidy and well kept. We will certainly visit again when in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
