National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Good day out for all the family
Source: google.com
There were far too many memorials to see in one day, and we were quite unprepared for the wonderful moving tributes.
I would recommend a trip on the land train to give an overview of the park, but to take in evrything in depth would require several visits.
Highlights for us: On the vast wall of the Arned Forces Memorial we found the name of a colleague and neigbour of ours who died in the Falklands War; We were able to take a picture of the ATS memorial which delighted my 96 year old Mother, now in a care home, who served during WW2; I found the Sherwood Foresters bench (my grandfather served in WW1).
I would recommend a trip on the land train to give an overview of the park, but to take in evrything in depth would require several visits.
Highlights for us: On the vast wall of the Arned Forces Memorial we found the name of a colleague and neigbour of ours who died in the Falklands War; We were able to take a picture of the ATS memorial which delighted my 96 year old Mother, now in a care home, who served during WW2; I found the Sherwood Foresters bench (my grandfather served in WW1).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely peaceful site
Source: google.com
Just love this place. Peaceful
Source: google.com
Very interesting place & lovely walk around a very large area.
Source: google.com
Excellent calm place to be
Source: google.com
First time visiting, despite only living half an hour away. Arrived at 10.30am, we paid to use the devices which explain a lot about the memorials, which was well worth it. Lots of beautiful and moving sculptures aswell as exhibitions. We enjoyed a very good roast dinner in the restaurant, reasonably priced for 2 courses. A very interesting way to spend a day, i found it very touching listening to other visitors talking about the memorials, lots of people visiting have a personal connection to the memorials. There was so many things to see that i really need another visit to see them all, as its free to enter i expect this will be soon. Paid £3 to park the car.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Second visit to The Arboretum,this time to attend the Home Front Proms.Once again everything well organised,the perfect evening,even the weather was kind.
Overdue for a visit to pay our respects.....we'll be back soon.
Overdue for a visit to pay our respects.....we'll be back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an outstanding place - very thoughtful and moving. The idea of having a memorial of this type, and certainly to the range of groups represented, is very moving. I would recommend this to all and would suggest that all schools be encouraged to visit or at least discuss the Arboretum and the reasons for it.
I always read the negative comments out of interest. Clearly everyone's opinion is important and valid, and a representation of their visit but I am not sure what some expect! Yes, you have to pay £3 for the very large and well maintained car park, but you do not have to pay to enter the Arboretum. Most people will want to donate once they have visited this very moving site. We paid for a specific exhibition, which is optional. It was very well laid out and extremely moving to hear some of the comments played from the videos.
My only comment was that I did not see anywhere to sign Gift Aid statements. This would allow the recovery of tax, which I believe everyone would support!
I always read the negative comments out of interest. Clearly everyone's opinion is important and valid, and a representation of their visit but I am not sure what some expect! Yes, you have to pay £3 for the very large and well maintained car park, but you do not have to pay to enter the Arboretum. Most people will want to donate once they have visited this very moving site. We paid for a specific exhibition, which is optional. It was very well laid out and extremely moving to hear some of the comments played from the videos.
My only comment was that I did not see anywhere to sign Gift Aid statements. This would allow the recovery of tax, which I believe everyone would support!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful place, everyone should visit.
Source: google.com
A lovely historic place.
Source: google.com
Visited the arboretum with my sister. It is a very significant place for us. So beautiful and serene. The Christmas carols were beautiful and were a truly wonderful experience.
The arboretum is an absolutely outstanding place.
It is a place to reflect and remember loved ones. You have to visit to understand how much work and effort it takes to keep it looking so beautiful all year round.
The arboretum is an absolutely outstanding place.
It is a place to reflect and remember loved ones. You have to visit to understand how much work and effort it takes to keep it looking so beautiful all year round.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fascinating place with memorials to many different people and organisations. We visited with my elderly father and took a trip on the land train to see the bulk of the park. This was charged (but overall entry is free) and well worthwhile, unless you want to walk over long distances. Finding particular memorials of interest may not be easy. so be sure you know where you're heading before you set off from the Visitors' Centre.
We had some soup for lunch but were disappointed by the mean serving of bread. Servings of tea were too small too
We had some soup for lunch but were disappointed by the mean serving of bread. Servings of tea were too small too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful place to visit free entry but donations welcome. Lots of walking but plenty of seats. I defy anyone not to be moved and emotional . Good reasonably priced restaurant. Best to rent an audio guide to learn more. A land train and buggies available for the less mobile
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are memorials here for most organisations that you can think of (and plenty you don't know as well). It's laid out in a beautiful, spacious landscape with the main memorial to all servicemen and women who lost their lives on active service since 1945 at its epicentre. You'd need a full day,at least, to see all of the memorials but even going for a couple of hours is worthwhile for a wander around the grounds. It's free to get in but voluntary contributions are requested which, after seeing how well looked after the place is, you don't mind giving at all.
Source: google.com
We visited with our 4 year old daughter and took advantage of the WW1 backpack experience for her for the day. It costs £2.50 (+£5 returnable deposit) for a backpack and Tommy style helmet and the back contained numerous of items such as a compass, periscope, Christmas tin and binoculars, as all as little booklet with a story of WW1 child 'Tom'. The booklet explained about the war from a child's perspective and encourage us to find various memorials and areas of the Arboretum. My daughter loved it, and it added an element of interest & adventure to our day. The trench was particularly interesting.
The Memorial Arboretum itself is huge. Entrance is free (donations welcomed) and parking is £3. The place apparently costs around £4K per day to run so I don't begrudge that at all!
It is full of facts, stories, history, sadness and pride. The main Memorial (the wall) is a sight to behold and whilst it is sad that it has to exist it truly is humbling. We didn't have a guide but I do think for the cost that a guided tour (either walking or buggy) would be well worth it.
All in all it's a brilliant place for all ages and a great place to introduce children to the sadness of war, and for me in particular the history of our family's involvement with the Armed Forces throughout 100s of years.
The Memorial Arboretum itself is huge. Entrance is free (donations welcomed) and parking is £3. The place apparently costs around £4K per day to run so I don't begrudge that at all!
It is full of facts, stories, history, sadness and pride. The main Memorial (the wall) is a sight to behold and whilst it is sad that it has to exist it truly is humbling. We didn't have a guide but I do think for the cost that a guided tour (either walking or buggy) would be well worth it.
All in all it's a brilliant place for all ages and a great place to introduce children to the sadness of war, and for me in particular the history of our family's involvement with the Armed Forces throughout 100s of years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Its immaculately well kept.
Source: google.com
This is a must for everyone and they will not be disappointed as it plays a great tribute to our brave fallen. This is our second visit and we still found tributes that we missed on our first visit. The area is unbelievable for being well maintained with the memorials being well spaced out to provide a nice place to meander around but a slow moving train is available if required for those less able.
A fantastic experience and you can rely on the staff being very helpful.
You will also find an enjoyable meal at the restaurant which is good value and plentiful.
Where can you park your car all day for £3 and have free entrance to the experience.
A visit to the shop was a compulsory stop on our way home to purchase a souvenir etc to remind us of the Arboretum and to swell the funds.
A fantastic experience and you can rely on the staff being very helpful.
You will also find an enjoyable meal at the restaurant which is good value and plentiful.
Where can you park your car all day for £3 and have free entrance to the experience.
A visit to the shop was a compulsory stop on our way home to purchase a souvenir etc to remind us of the Arboretum and to swell the funds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very moving experience to see the 340+ memorials in such a peaceful setting. There are memorials to the whole range of military & civilian organisations that, together, have made this country what it is today. Each visitor will find, perhaps aided by the extremely helpful volunteer guides, the memorials most significant to them, hence all memorials are equal in importance. However, there is one memorial that sums up the sacrifices made, the price paid and the collective change in attitude and understanding of our nation. That is the "Shot at Dawn" memorial to soldiers executed in the First World War for cowardice or desertion when they were suffering from combat stress, PTSD or similar. Many are listed as "age unknown" signifying they were under 18 when shot and too young to have joined up, but they lied in order to serve their country and paid a terrible price for their courage.
I would recommend the 50 minute train trip round the site with excellent commentary to set the scene then either wander on your own or book a guided walk if convenient. Our walking guide was excellent, his information adding greatly to our understanding of the memorials. The 11:00 short service of remembrance, followed by a brief talk on the Arboretum history, is also highly recommended.
The site is free to enter, with £3 charge for parking. The optional train is £6 and the guided walks are £3.
I would recommend the 50 minute train trip round the site with excellent commentary to set the scene then either wander on your own or book a guided walk if convenient. Our walking guide was excellent, his information adding greatly to our understanding of the memorials. The 11:00 short service of remembrance, followed by a brief talk on the Arboretum history, is also highly recommended.
The site is free to enter, with £3 charge for parking. The optional train is £6 and the guided walks are £3.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing
Source: google.com
AS, I am an ex air dispatcher R,A,S,C 1960 n/s who lost some fellow mate's in a air crash in 1961, I found this place where you can come and pay your respect's and leave you with ease that they are not forgotten .And that I recomened that it is well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A beautiful place to visit.Laid out well and lots of interesting information boards and displays.Shed a fair few tears l must admit.Very friendly helpful staff.Good cafe and gift shop.Would visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Worth a visit for the history and memorial gardens
Source: google.com
Beautiful location. Very moving. Will be returning.
Source: google.com
They never failed to educate, inspire and leave me in awe and wonder. Great facilities, plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing, great for families or just a trip down memory lane. Lots of benches for you to sit and reflect. Friendly and helpful volunteers.
Source: google.com
