National Memorial Arboretum
Latest Reviews
A wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking place to visit. So peaceful and so well laid out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The memorial arboretum is a beautiful tribute to those who have lost their lives in the armed forces and many other services. It covers an area of 150 acres and is laid out in areas specific to each service. The central memorial wall is a stunning stucture and all the gardens are carefully thought out and well tended. We took the road train which slowly travels around a small part of the arboretum and gives a commentary on each area. This was excellent and we learnt many things we wouldn't have known from just walking round. Please visit the National Memorial Arboretum if you have the chance. You will be stunned by the size, tranquility and emotional atmosphere and will leave feeling humbled and astounded by the number of brave people who have lost their lives in service. Although there is no charge for entry, voluntary donations are welcomed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I often saw this on TV and decided to go there with my family. It a place where the war dead hero are named on the wall, sad and sombre place but honour it. Too many have lost thier lives. It had nice gifts shop, blind garden and Cafe. You could spend all day there walking in big fields. And think about How precious life is
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are regular visitors to this memorial but everyone should visit this at least once to walk around the well kept grounds and to reflect on so much that has happenend and is still happening. Whilst there is naturally an emphasis on the armed forces , there is so much more here in regards to memorials of all sorts of organisations and it has an air of peaceful tranquility to it that can take you away from the everyday rushing aorund that many have ( and the refreshments are nice too!) It is best viewed i believe on a dry warm day as the majority is outdoors,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a whole day here as there are many, many memorials to see spread over a large area and had not realised there were so many not connected to the military as well.
I found the main memorial , the chapel and the Burma Railway memorial and exhibition particularly inspiring and moving.
The walks and views are beautiful and there is a peaceful atmosphere throughout
There is a land train for those who would find all the walking difficult and a play area for children.
On arrival guides meet everyone and explain what there is to see and will help you find anything particular you are looking for. All the staff seemed very knowledgeable and helpful.
There is no admission charge but donation boxes instead, however you do have to pay for parking.
There is a high quality gift shop and a cafe selling good homemade cakes, snacks and hot meals. My only criticism would be that having walked around non stop for 5 hours we arrived at the cafe at 4.25pm (arboretum closes at 5pm) to find it had already closed. I can understand them not serving cooked food by that time in the day but unreasonable that you couldn't purchase a drink and a cake or biscuit until 4.45 ish. We came away hungry and thirsty for our two hour journey home and had to set about finding somewhere to eat on the way which rather spoilt an otherwise lovely day out.
I found the main memorial , the chapel and the Burma Railway memorial and exhibition particularly inspiring and moving.
The walks and views are beautiful and there is a peaceful atmosphere throughout
There is a land train for those who would find all the walking difficult and a play area for children.
On arrival guides meet everyone and explain what there is to see and will help you find anything particular you are looking for. All the staff seemed very knowledgeable and helpful.
There is no admission charge but donation boxes instead, however you do have to pay for parking.
There is a high quality gift shop and a cafe selling good homemade cakes, snacks and hot meals. My only criticism would be that having walked around non stop for 5 hours we arrived at the cafe at 4.25pm (arboretum closes at 5pm) to find it had already closed. I can understand them not serving cooked food by that time in the day but unreasonable that you couldn't purchase a drink and a cake or biscuit until 4.45 ish. We came away hungry and thirsty for our two hour journey home and had to set about finding somewhere to eat on the way which rather spoilt an otherwise lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Personally I'm glad I went on my own for the first time because it gave me quiet time to reflect and think about the meaning of it all. I was surprisingly emotional.
It's got a lot of growing to do and I mean years and not just trees, but the reason for it being there is very apparent. There is a nice river side walk and its good for photography.
Winter car parking is half the price of summer parking. The restaurant is very good and a suitable little shop for momentos. They really would like a descreet donation - but you don't have to. At least buy a map though.
It's got a lot of growing to do and I mean years and not just trees, but the reason for it being there is very apparent. There is a nice river side walk and its good for photography.
Winter car parking is half the price of summer parking. The restaurant is very good and a suitable little shop for momentos. They really would like a descreet donation - but you don't have to. At least buy a map though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely place to go and think and reflect on the sacrifice of war. Nice tea shop too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were in the area and saw the brown signs advertising the location of the National Memorial Arboretum. On the spur of the moment we decided to see it, haven't often talked about doing so. So we arrived totally unprepared, on a misty freezing cold and icy February afternoon. Wow are we pleased that we did! Even in such awful weather the atmosphere was incredible. The site is extensive, over 150 acres and has good facilities, Conveniences are bright and modern and immaculately clean There is a welcoming and pleasant coffee shop serving a very reasonable range of food including afternoon tea and hot soup with crusty rolls. The hot chocolate was lovely! The site is largely landscaped and walkways are wide and flat/ There are shallow steps up to the main memorial but alternatively a spiral walkway if steps are difficult. I had thought that as this area is relatively new, it would lack atmosphere; I could not have been more wrong! The sculptures are stunning and the sight of all of those names carved around the circular walls was deeply moving and brought an unexpected tear to my eyes. There are various individually designated areas all beautifully kept and set out in logical order. We visited the Burma Star area for family reasons but there is definitely something for everyone here. Entry is free and parking very reasonably priced by season from £1.50. There is a giftshop and even facility to walk your dog. The Arboretum operates a 'Friends' scheme too. Open every day except Christmas day. Well worth a visit for everyone and a source of great and deserved local-and national- pride.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the NMA last weekend and was very impressed by the helpfulness and welcoming attitude of all the staff, especially on such a cold day.
We spent several hours walking round the different memorials and looking at the trees. The main memorial is particularly poignant and stunning.
Thanks to all the staff for making it a very special day.
We spent several hours walking round the different memorials and looking at the trees. The main memorial is particularly poignant and stunning.
Thanks to all the staff for making it a very special day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been there 4 times now, and there's always something new to see. Took my Mum (ex Wren) and step-Dad (ex RAF, involved in the Berlin Airlift) there and they loved it. The fact that it's free entry is an added bonus.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Quite difficult ot define the Arboretum as it hits the spot on a number of levels. It is, first and foremost, as the name suggests, THE National Memorial, and not just for military personnel but for those who have lost their lives in virtually any situation you might imagine. Scattered about a large beautifully landscaped park are memorials to the victims of road accidents, workplace accidents, warfare, POWs, Civil services including Police, Fire etc. - the list is almost endless and is being added to. The military memorial stands high above the rest and forms a clear landmark. Each of the other memorials are seperate and for anyone seeking a specific one, assistance is readily available from the excellent staff of volunteers always on hand. Coupled with this is the beauty of the site itself. Well worth a visit even if you only want to walk along by the river or stroll through the many gardens. Be warned; we always find its initial impact on the emotions similar to that of walking into one of the French war cemeteries, though I must stress, there are no graves here, only memorials. Admission is free, though there is a charge for car parking. Although the Arboretum is fairly new, demand has exceded all expectations and already there are plans to extend the good visitor centre and cafe facilities. There is a chapel on site and I believe I am correct in saying that they hold a 'Last Post' service around mid-day every day. Check their web site for accurate details. This is the sort of place that everyone should visit at least once. A place to quietly reflect on many things including the beauty of nature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving experience, worth a visit. Strange to see the names of people that you have known on the walls. Would even be a nice day out with children, good for them to see things like this, but also had a play area to keep them amused.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had not realised that the Arboretum was so big and that there are so many memorials - not just to armed forces personel. It is beautifully laid out and is incredibly peaceful, considering the proximity of the gravel works and the A38. We felt that we experienced sorrow and joy together in a way that is difficult to explain and the Chapel was certainly a very moving place. It is impossible to do justice to the place on a day visit and we will certainly go back in the summer, when I'm sure it will invoke a whole new feeling. Considering the Arboretum is entirely reliant on donations and volunteers to remain viable, I am surprised that anyone would begrudge the parking fee - I can't think of anywhere we go where it is free to park except National Trust, but then you have to pay a considerable fee to enter !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The most peaceful place I have ever known. The atmosphere is superb. Makes you really think. A great spot to have some reflection time. The volunteers could't be more helpful. Take a look in the Chapel and allow plenty of time for your visit as there is a lot to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a sad place in some was but it makes you value what you have in life. Visit the executed soldiers area from ww1 it will make you think
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very moving, emotional, and most exceptional place, you must visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A moving experience, pity about the parking fee which whilst reasonable seems to be inappropriate for the venue
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This will be amazing when the trees are fully grown
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So poignant. A truly fitting memorial to all those brave men and women. It is very sobering to see how many names have been engraved there in the last few years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely day out, in fact a day is not enough. Such a peaceful place, a lovely memorial to the forces around the world. And the beautiful Armed Forces Memorial is a fantastic tribute to the United Kingdom Armed Forces who have served and fallen since the Second World War . Appropriate clothing is needed as the site is quite open, good cafe and vistor centre
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another place that I go to quite frequently, it makes you sad but proud and also angry that statesmen still use force to make a point.
Three memorials especially have that effect, Shot at dawn tucked away in a corner , apparently the site is the first to get the sun at dawn; the other is the Burma railway memorial. But Most of all is the Armed Forces Memorial set high above the arboretum, name after name along those white walls such a waste.
There's a nice cafe with excellent scones and drinkable coffee.For those with mobility problems there is a fleet of battery scooters, a nice touch.
Three memorials especially have that effect, Shot at dawn tucked away in a corner , apparently the site is the first to get the sun at dawn; the other is the Burma railway memorial. But Most of all is the Armed Forces Memorial set high above the arboretum, name after name along those white walls such a waste.
There's a nice cafe with excellent scones and drinkable coffee.For those with mobility problems there is a fleet of battery scooters, a nice touch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful place to commemorate all those who have served and died with the armed forces. I was particularly moved by the "Shot at Dawn" memorial to those poor lads who were shot for cowardice and desertion in the Great War - what a waste!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Crisp clear blue skies made this first visit to the cafe even welcoming after exploring the vast grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fairly local to us, but only visited the once so far. Nicely laid out gardens and memorials, plenty of things to make you think about the past, present and the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great place to reflect and think. Not a place for children who don't understand it and can just distress others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
