Local Reviews
In July 2024, Joan W said about National Memorial Arboretum
A wonderful remembrance garden, with plenty of memorials and sculptures , the grounds are immaculately kept, there are plenty of seats about for quiet reflection or just to rest and enjoy the quietness. It’s an amazing place that really is thought provoking and you come away very humbled by the tremendous sacrifices made by so many ‘000s of people, the world over. We listened to a talk on the Japanese prisoners of war conducted by Paul, it was so interesting, and included a small tour of the grounds.
It’s just £6 to park all day and RBL ask for any donation, large or small to help with the upkeep. There is a great cafe & restaurant that is very reasonably priced to help support. The gift shop offers a variety of items with plenty of choice.
I don’t think a day is long enough to do the whole site justice, and I shall certainly return.
It’s just £6 to park all day and RBL ask for any donation, large or small to help with the upkeep. There is a great cafe & restaurant that is very reasonably priced to help support. The gift shop offers a variety of items with plenty of choice.
I don’t think a day is long enough to do the whole site justice, and I shall certainly return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2023, meforyou1988 said about National Memorial Arboretum
A beautiful place with some stunning tributes to servicemen and women of different wars. Was lovely to visit and pay our respects. Perfect for a day out in nice weather. Free to get in, parking is £6 for all day which is perfect for the 150 acres you get to walk around. Toilets are very nice, food nice at restaurant. A little pricey but we didn't mind. I do think the statues and information plaques could do with a clean though, lots of moss and cobwebs on them and looks a little messy. Also some of the benches could do with a clean. None of this though takes away from the beauty of it all and I must admit the grass is kept lovely. Nice walk by the river here too, great seeing all the wildlife. You can take a drive along train to view the area or you can have a tour on a small cart. The train has disabled access too which is brilliant. Definitely worth a visit
Source: google.com
In May 2014, Dee said about National Memorial Arboretum
Easy to access from A38 near Lichfield, this very large area with many dedicated areas to specific regiments/groups of people who've lost their lives mainly defending our country is well worth a visit. Parking is £3 and admission is FREE. We chose to take their 50 minute, 4mph trolley ride with documentary, which stopped at many destinations pointing out where to look and why areas had been planted in the meaningful way they had. The magnificent centrepiece, with wheelchair access is an ongoing memorial to those who have lost their lives since 1945 and inscribed with new names every year. There are guides to assist you as you visit the many areas. Their café/restaurant is reasonably priced. There is also an ice cream van and outside refreshment area plus gift shop. A very thought provoking, interesting place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, Andrew S said about National Memorial Arboretum
The NMA was an incredible place. A great, enjoyable day out whilst still remaining peaceful and respectful, in-keeping with the reason it was first created.
The individual memorials are interesting, emotive and thought provoking to look at but maintain a sense of reverence and respect for all those people who have given there lives in many different ways.
In this cynical age it was grate to find somewhere that wasn't overly expensive or tacky, just designed to get as much money out of you as possible. I got a real sense that it is genuinely about memorial and not money.
The food in the restaurant was grate quality but not over priced. Also, as a wheelchair user, it was lovely to go somewhere where wheelchair access wasn't just a legal requirement or an afterthought. The paths were completely flat and smooth with at least 3 wheelchair accessible toilets that I saw.
The staff were nothing but friendly, helpful and passionate about the NMA. All in all a grate day out
The individual memorials are interesting, emotive and thought provoking to look at but maintain a sense of reverence and respect for all those people who have given there lives in many different ways.
In this cynical age it was grate to find somewhere that wasn't overly expensive or tacky, just designed to get as much money out of you as possible. I got a real sense that it is genuinely about memorial and not money.
The food in the restaurant was grate quality but not over priced. Also, as a wheelchair user, it was lovely to go somewhere where wheelchair access wasn't just a legal requirement or an afterthought. The paths were completely flat and smooth with at least 3 wheelchair accessible toilets that I saw.
The staff were nothing but friendly, helpful and passionate about the NMA. All in all a grate day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Rachy76 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We have been wanting to visit this place for ages and finally got to visit in the beautiful light of Autumn. We went on a Monday and although there was a few others there, it was relatively quiet. And it was truly humbling. We started with the train which is worth the money for a 50 minute journey around the arboretum to get your bearings. The driver was brilliant and really helpful. We then wandered around at our leisure and it is beautiful. The main memorial in the middle is perfectly formed and I can only imagine what it is like on Remembrance Sunday. There are pretty much memorials to everyone including 9/11, the victims of Dunblane, most Military regiments and the emergency services. Our only disappointment was not getting around the whole place in the time we had but we will just have to head back again! The cake in the restaurant is delicious too so what better excuse than to grab a hot drink and slice of the good stuff!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, yam710 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We go to the National Memorial Arboretum regularly to pay our respects to all the armed forces. The restaurant there serves hot and cold food which is lovely. We are always greeted with a smile from the people who work there. The gift shop is an added bonus. I for one love going to this place as it is so tranquil and peaceful. The vast space allows you to get away from the crowds and to just have the peace and quiet to remember those who have given their lives for this country.
The train that travels around the Arboretum is essential for individuals who may not be able to walk around the monuments for one reason or another and they can listen to the guide about the history of the place.
Regarding a previous review about the National Memorial Arboretum I for one do not go to it to look for faults in the layout of the place or to comment on the memorials, this is to name but a few of the comments left from this reviewer. I for one have the greatest respect for this place and what it represents, and I will continue to go to show my respect and support for the armed forces.
The train that travels around the Arboretum is essential for individuals who may not be able to walk around the monuments for one reason or another and they can listen to the guide about the history of the place.
Regarding a previous review about the National Memorial Arboretum I for one do not go to it to look for faults in the layout of the place or to comment on the memorials, this is to name but a few of the comments left from this reviewer. I for one have the greatest respect for this place and what it represents, and I will continue to go to show my respect and support for the armed forces.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, sarahgrant737 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was my first visit but definitely won't be my last. The whole visit was a wonderful experience. Lots of wide open space to explore, many moving tributes and memorials which also tell a story and you feel a connection to those being remembered.
During my visit, The RAF were taking part in a ceremony to commemorate service personnel recently added to a memorial. The sight of men and women in uniform lining the path to the armed forces memorial was incredibly touching.
The venue itself is very accessible and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Facilities at the venue were very clean and there are plenty of staff on hand to offer help and information when required.
Parking is £3 all day and entry is free but donations accepted. Prices in the restaurant / coffee shop are quite competitive with other branded chains.
All in all a wonderful day out.
During my visit, The RAF were taking part in a ceremony to commemorate service personnel recently added to a memorial. The sight of men and women in uniform lining the path to the armed forces memorial was incredibly touching.
The venue itself is very accessible and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Facilities at the venue were very clean and there are plenty of staff on hand to offer help and information when required.
Parking is £3 all day and entry is free but donations accepted. Prices in the restaurant / coffee shop are quite competitive with other branded chains.
All in all a wonderful day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2019, AndyE723 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited here with friends recently and was absolutely blown away by how beautiful the arboretum is. Words cannot describe exactly how to explain this venue of interest, other than...... WOW!
It is so lovely to walk around the whole gardens and spend time reading and understanding what our men and women went through all those years ago. There are alot of photo opportunities here of some fantastic monuments to cherish and look back on time and time again. You will be here for hours as we were, so so wonderful.
The restaurant on site has a nice selection of food and drink but the prices are a little expensive in my opinion. Can always take a picnic if needs be.
All in all if you want a history lesson day out make sure you visit here one day as you will not ne disappointed at all.
It is so lovely to walk around the whole gardens and spend time reading and understanding what our men and women went through all those years ago. There are alot of photo opportunities here of some fantastic monuments to cherish and look back on time and time again. You will be here for hours as we were, so so wonderful.
The restaurant on site has a nice selection of food and drink but the prices are a little expensive in my opinion. Can always take a picnic if needs be.
All in all if you want a history lesson day out make sure you visit here one day as you will not ne disappointed at all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2019, Bagabargain said about National Memorial Arboretum
My wife and I visited here on a Saturday in September. We were amazed by the size of the place and spent an enjoyable 5 hours there and still didn't see it all. It is in very extensive, well kept grounds and a most impressive undertaking. Admission is free (donations very welcome)and parking is £3. There are 'motorised train' rides or buggy rides, with commentary, if you wish to cover the area without too much walking, these cost £6 per person each. The staff/volunteer helpers are knowledgeable and very helpful.The guide book at £7.50 is excellent value for money, and very well produced, but the orientation sheet at £3 is a bit over-priced. We had a snack in the coffee shop which was very good, and the main restaurant offered a good choice of food at reasonable prices. We will return to view the rest of it at some point in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2024, Ann V said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a moving experience this visit became…it started off in the Chapel to hear the last post… we then went to the Shot at Dawn talk by the fabulous Mick Byrne which was very interesting and thought provoking!
Our next visit was to the Prisoners of War Memorial Building where the lovely John Smith provided us with lots of facts about prisoners of war… we even saw the name of my husband’s uncle on the computerised register, which incredibly also gave us the location of his grave in Singapore! Again, a very emotional and thought provoking talk. The restaurant has a really good selection of snacks/ food and very reasonably priced! Every single member of staff we saw was helpful, polite and passionate about being involved in this centre. Every child should have a visit here as part of their education! We left feeling very emotional thinking about all the men women and children who gave their today, for our tomorrow!
Our next visit was to the Prisoners of War Memorial Building where the lovely John Smith provided us with lots of facts about prisoners of war… we even saw the name of my husband’s uncle on the computerised register, which incredibly also gave us the location of his grave in Singapore! Again, a very emotional and thought provoking talk. The restaurant has a really good selection of snacks/ food and very reasonably priced! Every single member of staff we saw was helpful, polite and passionate about being involved in this centre. Every child should have a visit here as part of their education! We left feeling very emotional thinking about all the men women and children who gave their today, for our tomorrow!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk