Local Reviews
In December 2016, Bev Dallimore said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited with my husband just after Remembrance Day and it made us very grateful for the people who fought and lost their lives to give us our lives today. As well as the memorial wall which names everyone killed in service from the Second World War to the present day. It is a wonderful place with landscape gardens full of various memorials dedicated to different battalions and others who have lost their lives in various wars. There is also a cafe, restaurant and a great gift shop. It is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. We spent a good two hours there and still hadn't seen it all. I would go again and would recommend it to others.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2017, LynetteChapman said about National Memorial Arboretum
To see everything it is a long walk, but you can take the train for a quick tour, or hire a golf buggy and guide.
We went on a dry, sunny day in July but the strong wind was chilly as it blew across the park.
For me the area of most interest, and the most heartrending, is The Burma Railway Memorial.
The 'Shot at Dawn' Memorial was a long walk from the entrance, but worth the trek.
The gift shop is large and, in my opinion, quite pricey, but there are pocket money items for children.
We didn't use the restaurant but did buy a cold drink from the small cafe. On a dry day a picnic would be a good idea.
We went on a dry, sunny day in July but the strong wind was chilly as it blew across the park.
For me the area of most interest, and the most heartrending, is The Burma Railway Memorial.
The 'Shot at Dawn' Memorial was a long walk from the entrance, but worth the trek.
The gift shop is large and, in my opinion, quite pricey, but there are pocket money items for children.
We didn't use the restaurant but did buy a cold drink from the small cafe. On a dry day a picnic would be a good idea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2017, Kate W said about National Memorial Arboretum
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
In September 2017, Rpcooper said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited yesterday. There is so much to see, we only saw about half of it, if that. Free parking and entrance, although they rely on donations to keep it free. We chose to do the land train tour, which is definitely advisable if you want to see as much as possible in one day. This takes fifty minutes and has a prerecord end commentary. There is a restaurant and coffee shop, and even though it was busy there were plenty of seats to sit down and eat/drink. There are lots of benches to sit and rest as you walk amongst the different memorials. It is beautifully maintained and there are some poignant memorials to see. We will definitely be back to see the ones we didn't have time for!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2017, Barry G said about National Memorial Arboretum
Arrived on the day of the RTTW, and greeted by thousands of bikes and bikers. All of which enhanced the experience greatly. No matter where you go there are memorials everywhere, all well maintained in a clean and spacious environment. I would advise to take advantage of guided tours if you can as the knowledge of these people is encyclopedic and they add a human element to all the exhibits. There is seating to reflect on what you see everywhere. Facilities are clean and good, and the shops and restaurants reasonable. All in all a brilliant day out which surpassed my expectations. I will certainly be visiting this important site again. IT MADE ME PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND STANDARDS. Well done to all the staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and dedication.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, 15robw said about National Memorial Arboretum
Easy to find. Well marked and well kept car park, £3 per car per day or £25 per year. No cost for entrance into the facility but obviously donations are welcome-it costs some £4,000 per day to run. Took the little train around at £6 each, c. 50 minutes. Gave you a good feel to where things are. The little Church has a small act of remembrance at 11 am-not to be missed. The facilities on offer are excellent, the loos, the restaurant (Superb brekky), gift shop etc, but the whole area and tributes are magnificent. You could get lost in thought and reflection for a whole day. Fitting, classy tribute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2020, Denaniko said about Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio
The Lichfield Garrick is an excellent local theatre which always shows good plays/films etc. and encourages local participation with productions. There is plenty of parking/pubs and restaurants nearby.
My wife and I are regular clients of the theatre and have seen quite a few performances , each have been excellent. Spamalot was brilliant and had us laughing from beginning to end and the latest play , The Cat and canary was a wonderful production with good solid acting from all caste, a good set of famous names which gave a great performance. I would recommend the theatre to one and all. Expect high prices in the bar, but apart from that a great matinee or evening performance awaits.
My wife and I are regular clients of the theatre and have seen quite a few performances , each have been excellent. Spamalot was brilliant and had us laughing from beginning to end and the latest play , The Cat and canary was a wonderful production with good solid acting from all caste, a good set of famous names which gave a great performance. I would recommend the theatre to one and all. Expect high prices in the bar, but apart from that a great matinee or evening performance awaits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2014, markwatkins3 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is well worth a visit wether your a pacifist or patriotic.
I brings home futility of war and also gives you an element of pride in the sacrifice these people gave for us all.
I unexpectedly spent the best part of a day here bring comfortable footwear
it's a big place!
Stone masons were putting more names on the wall there and the size of the blank wall ready for more names to be chiselled out is a little unnerving. Well worth a visit educational and left me feeling humble seeing the numbers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. A nice shop and a reasonably priced restaurant too.
I brings home futility of war and also gives you an element of pride in the sacrifice these people gave for us all.
I unexpectedly spent the best part of a day here bring comfortable footwear
it's a big place!
Stone masons were putting more names on the wall there and the size of the blank wall ready for more names to be chiselled out is a little unnerving. Well worth a visit educational and left me feeling humble seeing the numbers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. A nice shop and a reasonably priced restaurant too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, TripMember061620171 said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial to all our fallen Servicemen and women who have laid their lives down for their Country. Although the main hall and restaurant and car park are undergoing massive reconstruction it does not hamper the reason for visiting.
One does not have to be a service person to appreciate this living memorial. Apart from the main monument many regiments and other organisations have their own memorials. The main display is of course the magnificent tree collections.
If you have mobility problems everywhere is wheelchair friendly. There is a "train" to take you on a tour at a small fee of course.
There are good toilet facilities and a very good restaurant and tea bar.
A must visit to pay respects for our Service personnel.
One does not have to be a service person to appreciate this living memorial. Apart from the main monument many regiments and other organisations have their own memorials. The main display is of course the magnificent tree collections.
If you have mobility problems everywhere is wheelchair friendly. There is a "train" to take you on a tour at a small fee of course.
There are good toilet facilities and a very good restaurant and tea bar.
A must visit to pay respects for our Service personnel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2016, Linda T said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is a 'must' place to visit. It takes a full day. Start with the chapel service, where you will be given the history of the site. As you go round take your time to absorb the emotions that will be aroused. In the South East Asia memorial building look very closely at the stained glass window, an identical replica of the real one. There is something there that would have meant the death of many prisoners had their guards noticed it. I won't spoil it by telling you what it is .... The restaurant is fair priced and serves good food. I wholeheartedly recommend this to people of all ages, a very moving and informative day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk