Local Reviews
In September 2014, Mary38677 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited on a lovely sunny day so I think we saw it at its best ,some of the trees are beginning to turn for Autumn .Everything is so well planned and organised .It is so large you don't feel crowded in the grounds so it feels very peaceful and gives you time to contemplate and it was an emotional experience .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
As you walked around it was interesting to note all the non military memorials ,it was good to see old War memorials that might otherwise gave been lost .
We just wandered around rather than the official tours or the buggy rides which were on offer .
There was food available and the restaurant was very busy .In the marquees they were setting up for a Wedding .
As a nation we are lucky to have such a place .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2017, grizzmace said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is stunning.
Ample parking which is £3.00 for the day, the money goes to the Arboretum funds.
The ladies on reception were so friendly and we opted for a 45 minute buggy ride the cost was £5.00 each. Our driver was very knowledgeable and as it was cold blankets were provided for our legs. Afterwards we strolled round on our own. The shot at dawn statue gave me goose bumps the ages of those shot was so young.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was superb, the staff carried my sisters tray as she is disabled lovely touch and very much appreciated.
I can't express strong enough please visit.
Ample parking which is £3.00 for the day, the money goes to the Arboretum funds.
The ladies on reception were so friendly and we opted for a 45 minute buggy ride the cost was £5.00 each. Our driver was very knowledgeable and as it was cold blankets were provided for our legs. Afterwards we strolled round on our own. The shot at dawn statue gave me goose bumps the ages of those shot was so young.
We had lunch in the restaurant which was superb, the staff carried my sisters tray as she is disabled lovely touch and very much appreciated.
I can't express strong enough please visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2017, Barry D said about National Memorial Arboretum
I am not a sentimental person, but this place really tugged at my emotions. The 'shot at dawn' memorial was heartbreaking . My father served in Burma and I learned a lot about the horrors he experienced at the Burma Star memorial. The armed services memorial is a truely beautiful and thought provoking piece of art. The chapel is lovely and the restaurant and gift shop are nicely done. Take a look at the art work near the restaurant, it is very beautiful and quite emotive. The whole place is calm,peaceful and a very fitting memorial to many types of people, not just the military. The volunteers go the extra mile to explain and help with anything you need to know. We visited in April but I would love to return when the trees are in full leaf. This is a 'must visit' place, you cannot fail to be impressed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2017, Andrea B said about National Memorial Arboretum
My first visit and although the weather was drizzly and not terribly warm (in June!) I shall most certainly be paying further visits in the future. The whole experience is well thought out and superbly executed. I had no idea just how many groups and individuals were represented here and what a way to be remembered!
The visitor centre, gift shop and restaurant were beautifully run and nowhere near as pricey as I thought they might be.
Staff were very knowledgeable and extremely helpful and pleasant. I would recommend taking the road train at the start of your visit to get your bearings.
I would love to see it in all the seasons as the gardens are just gorgeous.
I shall be back before too long!
Thanks to all.
The visitor centre, gift shop and restaurant were beautifully run and nowhere near as pricey as I thought they might be.
Staff were very knowledgeable and extremely helpful and pleasant. I would recommend taking the road train at the start of your visit to get your bearings.
I would love to see it in all the seasons as the gardens are just gorgeous.
I shall be back before too long!
Thanks to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Viv S said about National Memorial Arboretum
The site is vast - one great big garden, with memorials to every military service. It is beautifully organised, and free entrance, although a donation is welcomed. Parking is £3. There are many areas of particular interest, including a WW1 trench replica, and a memorial to the men who were "shot at dawn". There is a nice restaurant with food at reasonable prices, and a coffee shop, both with outside seating. We did a fair bit of walking to cover everything, but there is a land train and a buggy if preferred.
We have no special connection to anyone past or present in the armed forces; even so, we still found the site interesting and moving. You need at least half a day to explore.
We have no special connection to anyone past or present in the armed forces; even so, we still found the site interesting and moving. You need at least half a day to explore.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Non M said about National Memorial Arboretum
I have reviewed this attraction before, however since then, they have built a beautiful new centre. The centre is beautiful and is staffed by very knowledgable and helpful volunteers. There's a new shop area, large dining restaurant and display areas. It's a very poignant and informative attraction. However, it really is more about acknowledging the sacrifices that our service men and women have made in the line of duty. There's a new 'Shot at Dawn' memorial and the beautiful memorial on the hillock has to be the highlight. The slit on the south wall allows the sun to shine through at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Thousands of trees in people's memories have been planted. There's a fair bit of walking, however, there's a train that takes one around or a private buggy and driver to hire. This is a thought provoking and peaceful place to visit, a must do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, John B said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Arboretum was designed to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in defence of our country and it's values. In addition to the three Armed Services there are memorials to those who served in the civilian services such as the Fire Brigades, Police, Land Army etc. it is a large site and you need to allow plenty of time for your visit. You may want to use the small train to enable you to see all the places of interest. There is a very good restaurant serving a full range of refreshments at reasonable prices. Most of the staff are volunteers. There is no charge for admission but you should make a donation to the Royal British Legion which maintains the site.each day there is a short service of Remembrance at 11.00am
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2015, Paul H said about National Memorial Arboretum
A really moving Day out.The memorials are many and varied. A more fitting tribute to those that have died in all walks of life could not be found.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2016, Helen C said about National Memorial Arboretum
A wonderful place to visit for a whole day or just to pop in for coffee. There is something for everyone, trails and clues for children. A road train for those with mobility problems ( and those that like the ride). The 'Shot at Dawn' memorial is visited as part of the schools' GCSE syllabus and moves me to tears every time. The history is amazing. My Dad found a memorial to his boy entrants from over 59 years ago, he cried to read the names, he didn't know it was there.
The scenery and peace is breathtaking a wonderful place to walk everyday, and any day.
There is also a reasonably priced gift shop and restaurant. I pop in there while my car is serviced or MOT'd by Neale at Alrewas motors, another excellent service on my doorstep.
The scenery and peace is breathtaking a wonderful place to walk everyday, and any day.
There is also a reasonably priced gift shop and restaurant. I pop in there while my car is serviced or MOT'd by Neale at Alrewas motors, another excellent service on my doorstep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2018, AlisonLW said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited the Arboretum as part of a coach day trip which also took in Lichfield. The weather wasn't great but I found the whole Arboretum experience very moving. I did the landtrain tour (because of the weather and our short visit) which gives you food for thought and I will certainly visit again. I did manage to walk round parts of the area but our trip certainly didn't allow us sufficient time to be able to take it all in. I spoke with one of the volunteers who suggested that really 2 days is needed to be able to see everything. The forces memorial in the centre of the Arboretum is stunning and I found this very emotional given all the names which are engraved of all those who have lost their lives since WW2. Definitely worth a visit - there is also a shop and a cafe/restaurant and I will certainly be going back to spend more time there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk