Local Reviews
In August 2016, Margaret B said about National Memorial Arboretum
A great day out, easily found with plenty of parking. The site covers about 140 acres scattered with memorials, some are attached to trees in memory of a family member. It is a peaceful place to reflect and makes you realise how futile war is - there are no winners. It is worth taking the land train which takes about 3/4 hour with the excellent commentary. We had a sandwich in the cafe, not cheap but made with lovely bread and filling. There is a restaurant in the marquee if you fancy something more substantial. If you want a whole day there, I suggest taking a picnic so you don't have to trail back to get food. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Don't forget to visit the small gardens also. Well worth a return visit as it is impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, teggauk said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a fantastic place, not only is it a great day out but a day out in the fresh air. There are numerous memorials from every branch of the armed forces, also the police, fire service, women's land army and even the railway industry. All of which have served in past conflicts in one way or another. I am a little biased as I served in the military, the fire service and the railway industry. The main memorial of course being the memorial wall with the names of all of the people from all of the services that have died since the Second World War are remembered. Nevertheless, there is such a lot to see, do and learn at the Arboretum. The site is very disabled friendly, there are cafés and restaurants on site. There are plenty of places to stay if you would like spend time in the heart of England with the national forest and also Cannock chase on the door step. Very easy to reach from every direction with good road links.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2018, Graham W said about National Memorial Arboretum
Plenty to see and investigate on this 150 acre site.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, NICHOLASGILROY said about National Memorial Arboretum
-extensive military memorials in well manicured grounds
-large car park, restaurant & shop
-very friendly and helpful guides - most I believe are volunteers
-beautiful grounds and organised memorial sections
-there was more to see than I anticipated
-I arrived at 9am & spent a leisurely 3 hours on site
-early in the morning, I was literally the only visitor around and enjoyed complete tranquility in the woods & glades near the river.
-CAUTION! As the morning matured, the hoards arrived including coach loads of visitors and quickly the ‘magic’ was gone.
-I guess a high population of visitors is inevitable for this venue.
-Nevertheless, I completed my ‘visit objectives’ very nicely & left as the crowds took over.
-Highly recommended - but maybe pick your time of day of visit - if you have that flexibility.
-large car park, restaurant & shop
-very friendly and helpful guides - most I believe are volunteers
-beautiful grounds and organised memorial sections
-there was more to see than I anticipated
-I arrived at 9am & spent a leisurely 3 hours on site
-early in the morning, I was literally the only visitor around and enjoyed complete tranquility in the woods & glades near the river.
-CAUTION! As the morning matured, the hoards arrived including coach loads of visitors and quickly the ‘magic’ was gone.
-I guess a high population of visitors is inevitable for this venue.
-Nevertheless, I completed my ‘visit objectives’ very nicely & left as the crowds took over.
-Highly recommended - but maybe pick your time of day of visit - if you have that flexibility.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, ulstermarine said about National Memorial Arboretum
All day parking £3. The main building houses British Legion shop, restaurant, coffee bar, reception and book counters. Golf buggys and pavement train available at extra cost. The total site encompasses 150 acres. I suppose it would be entirely possible to walk a distance of 5K. without recrossing oneself. This is no venue to see in a rush. I thought for a minute just how many stories the men and women remembered here could tell. Good to see, the 'Legion' has all in hand. Additional coffee shops in Hero's square. A superbly high quality attraction easily reached off A38 near Burton on Trent. I was impressed by the number of retirees wearing formal blazers and decorations, even encountered some from my days at sea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, what_horizon said about National Memorial Arboretum
We had wanted to visit the NMA for a long time but were just never in the area. A visit for a long weekend to derby provided the idea opportunity, and what a memorable day it proved to be.
Plenty of parking, a restaurant, coffee shop, land train and a well stocked shop was just the beginning of 5 hours at this remarkable place.
The arboretum is laid out so all the memorials can be viewed with ease, from the small personal tributes to the massive armed forces centrepiece, and hundreds of others dotted all over the grounds. Plenty of benches mean there are plenty of opportunities to sit and reflect, admire the memorials, or just relax. the river Tame runs through the grounds and we found it a delight to sit on its banks and watch the wildlife.
It was humbling to watch so many veterans pay private tribute to fallen comrades during our visit.
Plenty of parking, a restaurant, coffee shop, land train and a well stocked shop was just the beginning of 5 hours at this remarkable place.
The arboretum is laid out so all the memorials can be viewed with ease, from the small personal tributes to the massive armed forces centrepiece, and hundreds of others dotted all over the grounds. Plenty of benches mean there are plenty of opportunities to sit and reflect, admire the memorials, or just relax. the river Tame runs through the grounds and we found it a delight to sit on its banks and watch the wildlife.
It was humbling to watch so many veterans pay private tribute to fallen comrades during our visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2018, John T said about National Memorial Arboretum
Went here for the first time and had a very humbling experience. Some great memorials around the site. We went on the land train which was a good way of getting round this large arbouretum. The audio on the land train was clear and well presented we didn't feel rushed and had at least 50mins on board. Great value at onky £6.00 per person. Going on the land train you get to see alot of the memorials and that way if you choose to walk back to spend more time at one you can.
Had lunch in the restaurant. Plenty of choice and good quality at reasonable prices. Only £3.00 to park your car for the day bargain!
All in all had a lovely day out here and it would be somewhere I would visit again. To all the staff volunteers and people that donate thank you for keeping this special place open for us all to visit.
Had lunch in the restaurant. Plenty of choice and good quality at reasonable prices. Only £3.00 to park your car for the day bargain!
All in all had a lovely day out here and it would be somewhere I would visit again. To all the staff volunteers and people that donate thank you for keeping this special place open for us all to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2019, Crispypeb said about National Memorial Arboretum
First time visitor on a wonderfully sunny Easter Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the day out. The whole facility is beautifully presented, well organised and with acres of immaculately kept grounds that will get even better as they mature. Well laid out walks and obviously plenty of memorials to see and reflect upon and even without any military background within the family it is a moving experience to understand what others have sacrificed to ensure our safety. We had lunch in the restaurant which has a large seating capacity both inside and out and with a wide choice it would be difficult to go hungry. We chose sandwiches and cake, all fresh and tasty and reasonably priced. The only disappointment was a lack of availability of chilled drinks on such a warm day. Will definitely revisit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2019, Aurora Junkie said about National Memorial Arboretum
We have been wanting to visit for a few years as have had family members and friends that have served in the armed forces. What a beautiful and serene place to visit which is also inspiring and moving. So much care and love has been put into designing the 350 memorials there and the grounds are very well kept.
There is a land train running half hourly for £6 which we found very useful as there was a very informative commentary. You can also do a buggy tour which takes you around the memorials if you prefer. It is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
It's open 9am to 5pm every day. Parking is £3 the whole day. It's free to enter. It there are other attractions there you can pay to go in. Also there is a remembrance service every day in the Chapel there.
Toilets restaurant well kept and clean nice food.
There is a land train running half hourly for £6 which we found very useful as there was a very informative commentary. You can also do a buggy tour which takes you around the memorials if you prefer. It is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
It's open 9am to 5pm every day. Parking is £3 the whole day. It's free to enter. It there are other attractions there you can pay to go in. Also there is a remembrance service every day in the Chapel there.
Toilets restaurant well kept and clean nice food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2019, EddieStafford said about National Memorial Arboretum
My wife and I (and our Labrador) went, and what a truly wonderful place this is. 150 acres of lovely grounds and, obviously trees. The number of memorials is utterly amazing, you could spend a whole day there and not read everything. Lovely walk around with our dog who could go almost anywhere with us. Obviously not allowed in the major memorials or main building, however there is a lovely patio area outside the main building/restaurant where we could all sit and have a drink (we didn’t have anything to eat, although the food looked lovely. The volunteer staff were incredibly helpful and informative. As a free place to visit (a charge of £3 for all day parking is made) it is truly a superb place for anyone to visit, especially families with kids. Next time we go we will take a picnic with us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk