Local Reviews
In October 2015, Choices F said about National Memorial Arboretum
The visit to the war arboretum was quite memorable . Nicely laid out in 150acres ,it commemorates all services that have played a part in all wars and conflicts including animals that are included in their own memorial area . .there is a road train that takes you around ,showing you and describing what the various monuments represent ,it has 3 stop off points for those who wish to get off and explore further Most got off at the big circular monument which we found very tranquil and thought provoking listing names of all those who have lost their lives in war , There are lots of walks if you so wish including a dog walk . Restaurants where you can have a meal or snack are available at a reasonable cost ,and also gift shops . Well worth a visit ,a place with a great atmosphere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2018, Sabah lover 1966 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I have wanted to visit here for some time.I managed to persuade my hubby to take me.It is a beautiful place..calming and serene.We walked all the way around..it took us a few hours because we took in all the enormity of it.My favourite was the memorial in remembrance of the Falklands conflict.The actual exhibit is an exact replica because my hubby actually built the original in Port Stanley..The central memorial with all the names of all those who have passed away is truly humbling and i saw men quietly crying whilst there.Certainly for my husband it was a sad moment as he searched out and found the names of some of his Royal Engineer friends who went to the Falkands and never returned.
There are a couple of nice restaurants and a fabulous gift shop.
There are a couple of nice restaurants and a fabulous gift shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, Helen S said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited today with husband. Been wanting to go for a long time and made it today. Prebooked parking at a reasonable £4. Free entry after this. Very thought provoking and emotional to see all the memorials here. Lots to see and learn. Lots of walking involved so wear comfy shoes! The armed forces memorial was totally awesome and we both had a lump in our throat. Well organised due to social distancing guidelines and we felt safe. Staff were welcoming and full of information. You can pre book a table at the restaurant where they are currently doing table service, very reasonable prices and good food. Well worth a visit and I would say you need a good part of the day there to be able to see everything. Will definitely be going again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2024, Helen L said about National Memorial Arboretum
Need more than 1 day to take full advantage of the gardens. Great Land train takes you passed keys memorials.
Map could do with updating with more of the general memorial areas on it. As they do seem to be in set areas.
Shame there doesn't seem to many for the RN ships sank in WW1.
Coffee shop and restaurant with good choices except needs more sugar free cold drinks for diabetics. Only option was diet coke.
Some staff a bit stand off ish, mainly the car park man who told me my 6m motorhome would fit in a normal parking space, think I know better. Make sure you book parking in advance as £2 cheaper.
Overall an excellent visit will ho back and look at other areas.
Map could do with updating with more of the general memorial areas on it. As they do seem to be in set areas.
Shame there doesn't seem to many for the RN ships sank in WW1.
Coffee shop and restaurant with good choices except needs more sugar free cold drinks for diabetics. Only option was diet coke.
Some staff a bit stand off ish, mainly the car park man who told me my 6m motorhome would fit in a normal parking space, think I know better. Make sure you book parking in advance as £2 cheaper.
Overall an excellent visit will ho back and look at other areas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2022, Eamonn Hardwick said about National Memorial Arboretum
Short visit en route to see family. Great place £6 parking fee and free entry. Lots to see and take in, many many statues and tributes to all forces and services from Bevin Boys and Land Army Girls to a recognition statue for the poor unfortunate soldiers shot at dawn who were most probably suffering from PTSD and shell shock. All forces and Armies recognised and Cenotaph wall bears the names of over 16 thousand personell who lost their lives in battle, and obviously many hundreds of thousands who cannot fit on. Coffee shop, Restaurant and Gift shop all good, very pleasant and knowledgeable staff, wheelchair friendly and golf buggies available and a Dotti train with running commentary if you wish. Will definitely have to return when I have more time.
Source: google.com
In July 2022, anm53 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was our first visit. We didn’t know quite what to expect but I suppose we anticipated that the site would be mainly a war memorial. In fact there is much more to the site than this. The Armed Forces Memorial is the biggest memorial and is very impressive. But there are over 400 memorials located across a large site. Some of the memorials are for civilian organisations, which we hadn’t expected.
The NMA can be quite busy but the site is large enough so that you can find peace and quiet and an opportunity to be alone with your thoughts. There are some nice woodland walks and the area beside the river Tame is very peaceful.
The site is well laid out and the visitor reception has all the facilities you would expect including a restaurant and exhibition spaces.
When a war memorial becomes a visitor attraction this left us with a slightly uneasy feeling but I think we have to live with this. If anything the NMA is a victim of its own success.
The NMA can be quite busy but the site is large enough so that you can find peace and quiet and an opportunity to be alone with your thoughts. There are some nice woodland walks and the area beside the river Tame is very peaceful.
The site is well laid out and the visitor reception has all the facilities you would expect including a restaurant and exhibition spaces.
When a war memorial becomes a visitor attraction this left us with a slightly uneasy feeling but I think we have to live with this. If anything the NMA is a victim of its own success.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, 1948kay said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a lovely setting for our war heroes , it's a stark reminder of what those brave men and women sacrificed. You could easily spend a day looking round, there are lots of different things to see. Also how nice to see school children being shown a bit of history.
We didn't have anyone that we know of who would have been in any of the conflicts, but for people who have lost loved ones I'm sure it would be a very moving experience..
There is a nice restaurant with a good variety of food the prices are very reasonable.
Parking is £3 for the day.
It's a shame they have to find through donations £4000 a day to keep it a free admission , surly this should be funded by our government , they give millions away to other countries when they should be supporting this project,
We didn't have anyone that we know of who would have been in any of the conflicts, but for people who have lost loved ones I'm sure it would be a very moving experience..
There is a nice restaurant with a good variety of food the prices are very reasonable.
Parking is £3 for the day.
It's a shame they have to find through donations £4000 a day to keep it a free admission , surly this should be funded by our government , they give millions away to other countries when they should be supporting this project,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2019, 0-Norrie-0 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We have visited many memorials and war grave sites over the years and we were expecting something special. We were disappointed. One of the thing we were struck with was when you first walk in to the main building was the clatter and noise coming from the main restaurant, it was like walking into a supermarket. The main memorial is special and some of the other smaller memorials are very poignant if somewhat randomly disrupted through the grounds. What let it down for us was the upkeep of the grounds, rough grass, very patchy in places. A lot of the trees seem to be planted too close together so they are damaging each other. It gives the overall impression of untidiness and lack of attention. I understand that the site is maintained with the help of volunteers but I believe more attention could be given to the grounds. This would help the overall reverence and respect the memorials deserve. Any volunteer we spoke to was more than helpful and were always willing to explain.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2018, WyS said about National Memorial Arboretum
A lovely open space which I wish was nearer! Free entry and free parking for motorbikes and coaches. A very impressive building, I really wasn't expecting the standard upon walking in. Very helpful staff and plenty of room. We had a breakfast when we arrived, lovely poached eggs on toast, really yummy and very well priced. We wandered around the sections, looking for specific memorials. The monuments are beautiful. The only thing we didn't like was the amount of flies around, but that's no ones fault, and it is by a river.<br>Take comfortable shoes as you'll end up walking miles! We returned to the restaurant and chose the salad bar which was amazing...I'd happily have lunch there everyday if it was closer! Very good value for money.<br>Totally recommended and one special place to support!
Source: google.com
In September 2021, Mark B said about National Memorial Arboretum
Recently visited with my wife after recommendations. What a evocative and emotional place the arboretum is. The grounds are stunning and the memorials are beautiful. So much work and planning has gone into it over the years, a beautiful and moving place to visit. You can spend hours, maybe days exploring here as there are so many memorials that are easily accessible by walking. There is a land train which you can use if you don't want to walk that offers some interesting information about each memorial enroute. The shot at dawn memorial was heartbreaking and extremely thought provoking. Try to get a volunteer to talk to about it if possible. The restaurant is also very nice with a great selection of food and drinks. Final word goes to the wonderful volunteers who are all friendly and approachable if you want any information. Their passion for the arboretum is so apparent for everyone to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk