Local Reviews
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 January 2018, Dave Smith said about National Memorial Arboretum
Everyone should visit the 'WALL' at the memorial at least once in their lives. Set on a hill, the names of every person who lost their lives in active service are inscribed upon the wall.
In the grounds around the wall there are a great many monuments and sculptures dedicated to regiments, squadrons, and civilian organisations. Throughout the arboretum there is a respectful quietness and a wander around the grounds can be a moving experience.
The memorial is very 'disabled friendly', the paths are smooth and there are numerous ramps for wheelchair accessible areas. There is a land train with guided tours and a well stocked gift shop and also an expansive restaurant.
Admission to the memorial is free, car parking £3 all day, and you could easily spend all day there paying your respects to the thousands of people who have lost their lives in the service of others not just in war time but peacetime too.
In the grounds around the wall there are a great many monuments and sculptures dedicated to regiments, squadrons, and civilian organisations. Throughout the arboretum there is a respectful quietness and a wander around the grounds can be a moving experience.
The memorial is very 'disabled friendly', the paths are smooth and there are numerous ramps for wheelchair accessible areas. There is a land train with guided tours and a well stocked gift shop and also an expansive restaurant.
Admission to the memorial is free, car parking £3 all day, and you could easily spend all day there paying your respects to the thousands of people who have lost their lives in the service of others not just in war time but peacetime too.
Source: google.com
In January 2019, 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.
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.
Totally recommended and one special place to support!
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.
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
In March 2012, artdeco61 said about National Memorial Arboretum
we had the morning here and definately needed a day, such a magnificent and moving place. Amazing sculptures and dedications to all those who have lost their lives in battle. It just takes your breath away. Admission free and small fee for car park. They rely soley on donations and it COSTS £3000 + A DAY FOR THE UPKEEP. Lots of seats to sit down whilst walking round, there is also a little train you can use to get around with lots of information about what you are viewing. Even gold buggies available to ride in. A really tranquil and beautiful parkland, so much to see. The staff are helpful and friendly and the restaurant excellent and inexpensive food. a must to go and see if you are down this way. truly amazing place and quite emotionally to see and read.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, j0hnhill said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having seen the arboretum on the local news over a number of years I had toyed with the idea of a visit yet never made the effort or short journey. Following a business meeting in the area last week I had to pass on my return home and thought it would be an ideal opportunity to visit and I am so glad I did.
Having visited the memorials in Washington DC last year the Arboretum had a lot to compete with, but blew the memorials in DC away.
The grounds are imaculately kept and during my flying visit you could feel the emotion of both the Memorial and the visitors.
The entrance is free, but they do ask for a donation of £5 which is not mandatory, car parking is £2.50.
This is a must visit and I will go back and enjoy a more leisurely visit.
Site has washrooms, restaurant , gift shop and large car park.
Having visited the memorials in Washington DC last year the Arboretum had a lot to compete with, but blew the memorials in DC away.
The grounds are imaculately kept and during my flying visit you could feel the emotion of both the Memorial and the visitors.
The entrance is free, but they do ask for a donation of £5 which is not mandatory, car parking is £2.50.
This is a must visit and I will go back and enjoy a more leisurely visit.
Site has washrooms, restaurant , gift shop and large car park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, QXZWS said about Lichfield Cathedral
It towers over the city centre - 3 spires peering over the Minster Pool. In fact it is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires.
The cathedral is dedicated to St Chad and Saint Mary. It's not that large with an internal length is 370 feet so easy to walk around.
The best way of approaching it is from Bird St so you can walk up to see the magnificent front facing you. It is as wonderful inside with the splendid nave leading up to the choir.
Have a walk all around the outside as well as The Close is very pretty as well and you can end up in Chapters their own licensed restaurant, which serves light meals, tea and coffee, wine and beer and is owned by the cathedral so if you haven't made a donation (entrance to Lichfield Cathedral is free) then at least the profit from your meal or drinks goes back into the upkeep.
The cathedral is dedicated to St Chad and Saint Mary. It's not that large with an internal length is 370 feet so easy to walk around.
The best way of approaching it is from Bird St so you can walk up to see the magnificent front facing you. It is as wonderful inside with the splendid nave leading up to the choir.
Have a walk all around the outside as well as The Close is very pretty as well and you can end up in Chapters their own licensed restaurant, which serves light meals, tea and coffee, wine and beer and is owned by the cathedral so if you haven't made a donation (entrance to Lichfield Cathedral is free) then at least the profit from your meal or drinks goes back into the upkeep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2014, Sarah L said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited this venue with my veteran husband and young family. It is a very beautiful, peaceful and thought provoking place. We were all there for different reasons - my husband wanted to see the memorials (and recognised a name of one or two comrades), I am interested in history and also like the landscaping, my 5 yr old daughter enjoyed 'tree spotting' with her book and had a chat with some WW1 soldiers, and my 2 yr old enjoyed just being pushed around in his buggy and a bit or a run around later on. We completed the self-led family trail, which is now proudly stuck inside my daughter's holiday diary. We had a meal in the restaurant , where the food was good. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, for example. If I lived more locally, I would come here more often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Oliver D said about National Memorial Arboretum
Surprisingly big, we knew it was a big area but you can easily spend a whole day walking round looking at all the beautiful memorials. Each one is unique and really helps you reminisce and pay respects to those who fought for our country. Amazingly clean and well kept. Dog friendly. Food in the restaurant looked lovely, made us regret taking a picnic! Buy or take a drink with you as there is only one area at the start where you can do this. The only downside is the parking area is quite small and be aware that it IS pay and display although there aren't many obvious signs to say so! Oh and not to mention it's free entry although we bought a map and tour guides, and they do appreciate any donations too! We would definitely return, very sobering experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2015, quackersbewdley said about National Memorial Arboretum
Went here for a quick visit. A friend of ours highly eecommended this place for a visit but we thought a place full of tress cannot be that interesting...right ? .... WRONG !
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk