Local Reviews
In November 2013, Lynne677 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited the day after the Remembrance Service had been held . It was a beautiful sunny morning, but there weren't many people there.
We took a train ride to get an overview of the site, which passes most of the memorials. Each one is moving in its own right.
At just before 11am we went into the chapel for the daily remembrance ceremony. This is non-denominational and very moving. It only takes a few minutes, then there's a short talk about the arboretum from one of the volunteers.
Later we walked to see a few of the memorials. Particularly significant to us was the Far East memorial, as we've visited the Death railway, the Bridge over the R Kwai, and the site of Changi jail in Singapore.
The cafe serves good food at reasonable prices.
We'll return next spring to see the trees in leaf and visit more memorials.
We took a train ride to get an overview of the site, which passes most of the memorials. Each one is moving in its own right.
At just before 11am we went into the chapel for the daily remembrance ceremony. This is non-denominational and very moving. It only takes a few minutes, then there's a short talk about the arboretum from one of the volunteers.
Later we walked to see a few of the memorials. Particularly significant to us was the Far East memorial, as we've visited the Death railway, the Bridge over the R Kwai, and the site of Changi jail in Singapore.
The cafe serves good food at reasonable prices.
We'll return next spring to see the trees in leaf and visit more memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, Soozee said about National Memorial Arboretum
Its a large site, and particularly at this time of year you need your boots on as many monuments are not on paths. It is well worth walking around if you can, as you are reading plaques at every turn, and seeing so many different memorials to many aspects of war, as well as commemorating some civilian elements as well. The South East Asia building was particularly poignant, as was 'shot at dawn'.
Really clever and ingenious sculptures and designs, its really a full day out to see it all.
The cafe and visitors centre were good. My only gripe was that the guidebook was outdated as new memorials had been added. Perhaps an updated map (showing the ditches, which caught us out) could be handed out on arrival? Its free to go in, but you pay car parking and for a guide. We camped nearby and walked over from Willowbrook Campsite.
An important site, commemorating for a nation, and which will grow in importance and relevance as time passes.
Really clever and ingenious sculptures and designs, its really a full day out to see it all.
The cafe and visitors centre were good. My only gripe was that the guidebook was outdated as new memorials had been added. Perhaps an updated map (showing the ditches, which caught us out) could be handed out on arrival? Its free to go in, but you pay car parking and for a guide. We camped nearby and walked over from Willowbrook Campsite.
An important site, commemorating for a nation, and which will grow in importance and relevance as time passes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, myersl said about National Memorial Arboretum
Worth a visit to see all the differnt memorials and walk around the grounds. Cafe is quite small but serves nice snacks and the shop is very good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2013, OldieEastMidlands said about National Memorial Arboretum
This site has so many memorials that its almost impossible to see them all on one visit. New ones are being added all the time. One was under construction when we were there, ready to be dedicated on 29th November. There is a reminder that this was once gravel pits, with the active pit next door, but its not intrusive. The visitor centre is small, but I understand that there will be a new, larger one next year. It is worth arriving before 11 a.m. to visit the chapel for the Silence - very moving as there are usually some veterans there. After this one of the volunteer guides gives an introductory talk about the site and the chapel, explaining the significance of some of the symbolism. The large Services memorial tends to dominate the view from the Visitor Centre, but it is moving to read the names of all the service personnel who have died since 1945 - especially in places like Afghanistan. Do find time to visit the Shot at Dawn memorial especially as the centenary of WW1 approaches. There are interesting memorials and exhibitions about the War in the Far East - look for Churchill's face in the stained glass. But there are many smaller memorials - one that is very touching is the SANDS one.
The café is small and was very busy when we were there, but the staff try hard.
A thoughtful experience for all ages.
The café is small and was very busy when we were there, but the staff try hard.
A thoughtful experience for all ages.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2023, Kirk James said about Bradshaw’s Farm Shop & Cafe
Great quality meat 🍖 👌
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In April 2023, Chi Chi said about Lichfield Cathedral
Beautiful church.
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In April 2023, Brian Jones said about Lichfield Cathedral
Well worth a visit
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In April 2023, Craig Newey said about Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio
Fantastic family venue , staff are really helpful and friendly
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In April 2023, Craig Carrington said about National Memorial Arboretum
Makes you proud. Makes you sad. Makes you think.
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In April 2023, Rachael Harris said about National Memorial Arboretum
Amazing!
Source: google.com