National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
Beautiful place. Thought the train was rather expensive on top of the entry. Especially when I can't walk far so it was essential. If I'm honest I found most of the staff rude! We were leaving near 5pm and were aware it closed shortly. I thought a member of staff was walking to tell us this. However when I said sorry we are on our way to the exit! The man didn't say a word and just kept on walking? So rude. Then in the shop we wanted to buy some souvenirs and we were rushing and to my horror lights started going out (not 5pm quite) I paid for the couple of items our older Sons had chosen giving the lady the odd in change with a note (thought just having to give a couple of £1 coins would make it easier) I was out of view but still by gift shop while Husband and sons went to loo. To my horror I heard the man behind till comment on all the change (not quite as polite as that either!) The lady saw I was still near and she went shhhh to the male worker. So I believe it was aimed at me! Such a shame all the respect we had shown whilst on our visit only for a disrespectful member of staff to ruin the whole visit. Left feeling very hurt....All the memorials were excellent however I've had to knock off 2 for the awful experience and the price of the land train (you can't get on and off it either!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We drove 5 hours to get to the pis place but it was nothing compared to all the lives lost defending our country. It is such a peaceful and thought provoking place. Plenty of car parking available for £3 and admission is free although they do ask for a donation. We were met outside the entrance and made welcome. After a short talk about the place in the chapel, we took a ride for £5pp on the road train with a pre recorded talk on the memorials we passed which was very good. Sadly we were not able to see the main memorial as work is being carried out, a good reason to visit another time! There is a lovely cafeteria with reasonable charges.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing place to visit. Took the land train around the main site, that gave a running commentary on the largest of the memorials and the good weather allowed to walk other parts of the site to see the smaller memorials. The site is expanding and building work was taking place on the new visitor centre and main central memorial
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Never tire of visiting this magnificent monument, a very special place,not going to add a lot more,suffice to say that I can and do recommend a visit, don't think once you've been that's it as there is ALWAYS something new.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great day out to remember the fallen during all wars .
Source: google.com
On arrival on site met by meet & greet staff o/s reception who gave a brief history of site & asked if we were there to see any special Memorial. They polite & informative.
We entered reception & then went to the road train as it was our first visit we thought it best to get an outline of the site.After train tour we went to the Chapel for the 2 minute silence & talk about site history.We enjoyed a very nice lunch in the Pavilion restaurant.
I would recommend the road train trip for anyone with walking problems Or on first visit to site.
Admission to site is by CASH Donation.
We entered reception & then went to the road train as it was our first visit we thought it best to get an outline of the site.After train tour we went to the Chapel for the 2 minute silence & talk about site history.We enjoyed a very nice lunch in the Pavilion restaurant.
I would recommend the road train trip for anyone with walking problems Or on first visit to site.
Admission to site is by CASH Donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice place with exceptionally helpful staff. Long walks surrounded by memorials to services charity organisations individual groups. With stories and poetry which serve to paint the picture of the group or event the memorial has been placed for. There is a land train to help people get around an see the whole memorial. We tried to walk it all but never managed it. However it is definitely a place we will revisit.
BRILLIANT
BRILLIANT
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent the day here with my good mate. We made a point of visiting as many memorials as we could. This is certainly a place showing respect for the many lives lost in protecting this great country we freely live in. A worthy place to visit which starts in the chapel with a short introduction followed by a 2 minute silence. The army of volunteers working here do a fantastic job and are extremely helpful. The grounds are kept in perfect condition and the site is well signposted. It has a cafe on site which serves freshly cooked food at a reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a beautiful place & although it's sometimes very busy, there's always quiet areas & there are new memorials added nearly every year. It is a lovely place in which to contemplate those who have given their lives for their country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the NMA the day before a ceremony which we were taking part in. We found the volunteers very helpful and can't believe there is no entry charge - but there is a donation box. The train ride is well worth it at £5 pp. We will certainly visit it again as there is so much to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband was a long serving TA member so this was really his trip but I also found it to be brill.
We took the land train first and it was so interesting I managed to stay quiet for whole time 45-60 minutes. We think it not only gives u wonderful information but gives u some idea of bearings. However some things were still a lot nearer than we thought.
We found the statues/memorials we wanted to see next then walked around seeing what ever came next.
It was a lovely traquial place!
All staff were helpful and not pushy to buy maps etc.
We were there 11-3 but could hav spent much longer.
We took the land train first and it was so interesting I managed to stay quiet for whole time 45-60 minutes. We think it not only gives u wonderful information but gives u some idea of bearings. However some things were still a lot nearer than we thought.
We found the statues/memorials we wanted to see next then walked around seeing what ever came next.
It was a lovely traquial place!
All staff were helpful and not pushy to buy maps etc.
We were there 11-3 but could hav spent much longer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's a pity it was forecast to rain heavy, and it started shortly after arrival, and of course being 150 acre open air location, it curtails your visit somewhat.
The main 'Armed Forces Memorial' is closed for almost a year, so you can't get to see that, but there are dozens of memorials to individual regiments, squadrons, naval groups, and employers that lost members of staff (mainly in WWI) and lots of trees planted to honour individual people.
It would have been nice to wander around the entire memorial park, weather permitting.
It is free entry, but £3 car parking.
The main 'Armed Forces Memorial' is closed for almost a year, so you can't get to see that, but there are dozens of memorials to individual regiments, squadrons, naval groups, and employers that lost members of staff (mainly in WWI) and lots of trees planted to honour individual people.
It would have been nice to wander around the entire memorial park, weather permitting.
It is free entry, but £3 car parking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my Mum and sister and we had the most wonderful time. Josie and Collette from the shop were very informative about the new building being built and also all the different things to see. Thank you both for helping us to Mae the most of our day. We were able to hire a buggy and a guide called Roger who again was so informative throughout our tour. This suited my Mum perfectly as she cannot walk very far. There are plenty of memorials to see and you will not fail to feel the emotion that this Memorial Arboretum provokes. It's not just about the military but about lots of civilians too and steeped in history and remebrance. we also got to meet Mike who tends to part of the gardens and is fundraising for a new memorial called "Peggy" which is a statue of three spitfires a model of which he has made and put on display. Please donate as this will look fantastic when finished he was truly inspirational. we are already planning our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a place everyone should go to to learn about how others have given up so much for us today. There are over 300 memorials to all sorts of organisations not just military If don't feel like walking, there is transport around the site. At present there is a lot of new building going on but it will be finished by November 2016 but it's no problem getting round at present and all the services are there.Be aware hot food is not served until Noon but it's good when you get it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My comrades spirit rests here
Source: google.com
Very interesting place to visit. I am in a wheelchair at the moment, and we found it easy to get around. There are little trains that can accomodate wheelchairs too, because the area is quite large . There are disabled toilets too , with easy access to the cafeterias also. The monuments were lovely, in lovely gardens too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A vast complex comprising memorial gardens dedicated to many organisations...not only military ones.
Hundreds of species of trees sensitively planted.A road "train" with the ability to carry wheelchairs.
Good cafes..also picnic areas
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Hundreds of species of trees sensitively planted.A road "train" with the ability to carry wheelchairs.
Good cafes..also picnic areas
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely, thought provoking place that trys to involve children, help them understand their past. The train ride is well worth it. The gardens are always changing with news ones being created
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A vast area with multiple memorials to many campaigns. Enthusiastic knowledgeable guides
A touching tribute to many brave souls both military and civilian. New resturant under construction. Land train ride with commentary worth a go. Mostly flat if you like a walk also.
Free entry with voluntary contribution to royal British Legion who run it.
A touching tribute to many brave souls both military and civilian. New resturant under construction. Land train ride with commentary worth a go. Mostly flat if you like a walk also.
Free entry with voluntary contribution to royal British Legion who run it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having visited on numerous occasions it never fails to impress! Grows and expands which is so nice to see. Free to visit apart from parking so more to spend in the gift shop and cafe and of course to leave a donation! I love it here!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited with my parents and a beautiful sunny day. Easy to find, clearly signed and parking is only £3. The arboretum is very flat which makes it a comfortable stroll, although there are land trains available if required. It is very tranquil, well maintained and a fitting tribute. I would recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice place for a time out
Source: google.com
Attended as a standard bearer for the unveiling of the Cyprus Stone Memorial in relation to the Cyprus Emergency in the 1950's
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Travelling by car the signage was great and on arrival plenty of parking and only £3.00.
Be prepared for plenty of walking between the memorials. The site is a reminder of the sacrifices made by people of our country.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National Memorial Arboretum is honestly a MUST for every person. It has been planned out with care and tenderness - words cannot describe the feeling roused in one when walking around the site
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not too sure what I was expecting - having been very moved by memorials in other parts of the world, and fully appreciating the horrors of war and the sacrifice made by so many, but regrettably the National Memorial Arboretum, although offering an interesting visit, did not really resonate with me.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
It just felt like a massive grave yard interspersed with sculptures and memorials...but I guess that is what it is.
The predominantly older visitors who were visiting at the same time as me, appeared to have links with the Armed Forces or had lived through war, and gained much from their visit.
The staff, were brilliant explaining and pointing the various memorials, and the facilities were also very good. The land trains were a useful way of helping people around the grounds, particularly the less mobile, but it gave a 'theme park' feel to it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
