Local Reviews
In October 2015, Chris H said about National Memorial Arboretum
This National Memorial is currently undergoing major expansion so the initial view is not at its best yet. However, the staff and volunteers make you very welcome and you can tell that there is a commitment to make your visit worthwhile. To visit every memorial and give them due justice would be impossible in one visit, and this being my third, I had opportunity to explore new and interesting areas as well as seeing the maturing and expanding ones previously visited.
On a fine autumnal day, the trees looked well in the sunshine and despite some noise from the building work and gardening, there is a sense of unhurried purpose in the grounds. I think this would be a 'must' for the education of young people, although some areas, such as the Far East Prisoners' area, may be too graphic for the youngest to be taken to.
Catering is of a high standard both in the coffee shop area and the restaurant (both in temporary accommodation for the duration of the re-building of the visitors centre).
For adults, this would make a different and pleasant day out.
On a fine autumnal day, the trees looked well in the sunshine and despite some noise from the building work and gardening, there is a sense of unhurried purpose in the grounds. I think this would be a 'must' for the education of young people, although some areas, such as the Far East Prisoners' area, may be too graphic for the youngest to be taken to.
Catering is of a high standard both in the coffee shop area and the restaurant (both in temporary accommodation for the duration of the re-building of the visitors centre).
For adults, this would make a different and pleasant day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2018, deryck t said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit all year round. The memorials and gardens are many and growing each year.
As there were 6 of us we decided to book the tailor-made tour which cost £175 in total.
We arrived on the day for 11am start and greeted by our guide- Phil Nixon. Over coffee he explained how the day would pan out. This is a brief summary of the tour:- traveling around this vast but beautiful arboretum was by a 7 seater golf buggy ( blankets provided ). Phil would stop at various memorials giving us the history and story behind them. At 1pm a two course meal + drink was provided on a reserved table with waiter service. . I must add the meal was excellent.
We then continued with the tour until 4pm taking in most of the memorials of interest then returning to the restaurant for coffee and final summary by Phil.
To finish l would just l Iike to give a massive thanks on behalf of our party to Phil who proved to be extremely knowledgeable and very friendly.
As there were 6 of us we decided to book the tailor-made tour which cost £175 in total.
We arrived on the day for 11am start and greeted by our guide- Phil Nixon. Over coffee he explained how the day would pan out. This is a brief summary of the tour:- traveling around this vast but beautiful arboretum was by a 7 seater golf buggy ( blankets provided ). Phil would stop at various memorials giving us the history and story behind them. At 1pm a two course meal + drink was provided on a reserved table with waiter service. . I must add the meal was excellent.
We then continued with the tour until 4pm taking in most of the memorials of interest then returning to the restaurant for coffee and final summary by Phil.
To finish l would just l Iike to give a massive thanks on behalf of our party to Phil who proved to be extremely knowledgeable and very friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, diannewoodrow3 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Wonderful site with much thought, detail and respect.
We booked a VIP tour which included a personal and very knowledgeable guide for the day, transport around the site by buggy and a 2 course lunch with waitress service.
What amazing value for money that booking was.
Our guide was wonderful and spent time getting to know us and what we would like to see before we set off, making sure the key areas were visited and the best route planned. This made it bespoke totally to us.
The buggy allowed maximum use of the time there and easy access for my mum who has mobility issues.
The lunch was a hot dinner with a wide choice of meals and deserts , served at a fully dressed table in the main restaurant. Excellent and good size portions.
Cannot fault our day. The site is well maintained , staff well trained and helpful and all facilites clean.
Sites like this need to be seen and appreciated by everyone. Go see. And ask for David Baddel to do the tour.
We booked a VIP tour which included a personal and very knowledgeable guide for the day, transport around the site by buggy and a 2 course lunch with waitress service.
What amazing value for money that booking was.
Our guide was wonderful and spent time getting to know us and what we would like to see before we set off, making sure the key areas were visited and the best route planned. This made it bespoke totally to us.
The buggy allowed maximum use of the time there and easy access for my mum who has mobility issues.
The lunch was a hot dinner with a wide choice of meals and deserts , served at a fully dressed table in the main restaurant. Excellent and good size portions.
Cannot fault our day. The site is well maintained , staff well trained and helpful and all facilites clean.
Sites like this need to be seen and appreciated by everyone. Go see. And ask for David Baddel to do the tour.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, Ken J said about National Memorial Arboretum
We have always delayed going as statues, memorials are not our thing. However it is well spread out, plenty of seats and paths to walk on including some by the River Thame, so potentially lots of wildlife to see as well as trains on the Derby line. Car parking is £3 per day or part thereof, Admission is free but you pay for guided tours, exhibitions and Land Train if you wish to use any of these - we made our own way and will be back - next time with a picnic!. The coffee shop is great and dog friendly and there is a very good restaurant. There are dedicated dog walks and the staff are knowledgeable and very good. A nearby quarry can seem noisy in such a peaceful area, but that apart I think you will enjoy your visit. Use the interactive information service before you start if you want to find a particular memorial or one dedicated to a person or group. You can hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters or make use of the guided tours using large golf buggies. Worth visiting
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2019, Frank T said about National Memorial Arboretum
Acres of stunning gardens and beautiful tree, amazing memorials to all the forces and the civilians who lost their lives for this country during wars all over the world. A humbling history lesson from which sadly we never learn.
The train ride round the arboretum first is a good idea to get your bearings and our driver/guide was very informative. We then walked round most of it taking time to read the memorials - both the large ones and the individual, personal ones by most of the trees.
We visited the Basra Wall where sadly many of my son's friends were named - killed along side him when he served there twice during the war.
The museum is incredible and the restaurants, shop, facilities and activities for children are very good.
Well worth a visit from wherever you live especially if you stay in the lovely city of Lichfield nearby. We drove up from Bournemouth and made a weekend of it as there is so much to see and do in the area.
The train ride round the arboretum first is a good idea to get your bearings and our driver/guide was very informative. We then walked round most of it taking time to read the memorials - both the large ones and the individual, personal ones by most of the trees.
We visited the Basra Wall where sadly many of my son's friends were named - killed along side him when he served there twice during the war.
The museum is incredible and the restaurants, shop, facilities and activities for children are very good.
Well worth a visit from wherever you live especially if you stay in the lovely city of Lichfield nearby. We drove up from Bournemouth and made a weekend of it as there is so much to see and do in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, 111TWIGAMINHAAFRIKA said about National Memorial Arboretum
I have visited here numerous times since it opened in 2001 but it was some 5 years since the last visit and 'wow', many changes and even more positive developments.
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Bill said about National Memorial Arboretum
A very moving place to visit, the names on the wall of fallen troops since world war 2 ended is staggering. I have been there many times in the past with the Ride To The Wall charity event and will continue to do so as long as I can.
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2024, Jessica S said about National Memorial Arboretum
Today we did the Stick Man Trail and what a beautiful place for children and adults alike. The large stick man in the woods was fab and very exciting to see for young children. We booked the Stick man cinema showing which was super, played in the sensory garden, ate lunch in the restaurant and went on the land train. The ground and gardens are landscaped beautifully and very well looked after, we could even appreciate this is on a very wet, gloomy day! The land train was so interesting and a fantastic way to get around the grounds as it is a enormous place! I wish we had time to do the craft activities being hosted for half term this week but we enjoyed being outdoors so much, despite the weather. All of the volunteers/staff today were absolutely fantastic, on the desk, in the reception area, the lady's cleaning the restaurant, in the cinema room, the parking staff which all helps you have a lovely day out and experience here. We will definitely be coming back as a family and it's brilliant to have such a wonderful day out full of activities for the children in the holidays. Thank you to everyone who made our day today (lady with the baby boy and 3 year old girl)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2023, Mark Saunders said about National Memorial Arboretum
We went for the illuminated arboretum, and it was amazing! A beautiful display of clever lighting, with interactive stuff for kids (and adult kids 😃) to enjoy. There was some recorded audio presentations at various locations too.
For as much as it is a memorial site, this didn't detract from the display, and nor does the display stop you from taking time for respectful, and grateful, thoughts for all those who's lives have been lost/given over the years.
It was also a time for remembering those closer to home who are no longer with us too.
The café/restaurant was lovely. Food and drink prices were reasonable, and the atmosphere lovely!
I'd love to visit again during the day, and spend a few hours there.
Definitely recommend going for the illuminated display if you've never been. I'll write another review after going during the day.
Ps the reviewer that gave 1 star just because of the entry price and the standard of the coffee...that's harsh mate, you need to give your head a wobble!
Restrooms: Changing Places is available at the arboretum.
(That's Changing Places for those with disabilities. Not to be confused with baby changing, although they have those too).
For as much as it is a memorial site, this didn't detract from the display, and nor does the display stop you from taking time for respectful, and grateful, thoughts for all those who's lives have been lost/given over the years.
It was also a time for remembering those closer to home who are no longer with us too.
The café/restaurant was lovely. Food and drink prices were reasonable, and the atmosphere lovely!
I'd love to visit again during the day, and spend a few hours there.
Definitely recommend going for the illuminated display if you've never been. I'll write another review after going during the day.
Ps the reviewer that gave 1 star just because of the entry price and the standard of the coffee...that's harsh mate, you need to give your head a wobble!
Restrooms: Changing Places is available at the arboretum.
(That's Changing Places for those with disabilities. Not to be confused with baby changing, although they have those too).
Source: google.com
In November 2022, G7227NFannr said about Bradshaw’s Farm Shop & Cafe
Myself and my sister are regular customers for lunch and shopping.
The food is excellent and so are the girls who serve you.However, I am absolutely disgusted by the condition of the approach "road" and the carpark. The entrance is a wet and muddy field with holes that shake your car as you ride over it. The carpark is much the same large potholes and mud!! The exit is more of the same.
I have a nice car which I look after. If this was a small establishment, just getting going, perhaps this could be understood. NO! Bradshaw's has been long in existence, granted not so long at Bleak House, but more than long enough to have addressed these issues. The amount of things going on there, besides the restaurant and farm/butchers shop, is quite substantial. I would thought more than profitable enough to be able to put right these problems. Before opening further new attractions, perhaps some thought could be put into improving the roads. I took pictures of my car today, ( I can't share as I am not familiar with how to do this!) tyres thick with mud and mud inside the car as there is nowhere you could wipe your shoes., as for the car's suspension, well !!!Customers welfare doesn't seem to matter.
The food is excellent and so are the girls who serve you.However, I am absolutely disgusted by the condition of the approach "road" and the carpark. The entrance is a wet and muddy field with holes that shake your car as you ride over it. The carpark is much the same large potholes and mud!! The exit is more of the same.
I have a nice car which I look after. If this was a small establishment, just getting going, perhaps this could be understood. NO! Bradshaw's has been long in existence, granted not so long at Bleak House, but more than long enough to have addressed these issues. The amount of things going on there, besides the restaurant and farm/butchers shop, is quite substantial. I would thought more than profitable enough to be able to put right these problems. Before opening further new attractions, perhaps some thought could be put into improving the roads. I took pictures of my car today, ( I can't share as I am not familiar with how to do this!) tyres thick with mud and mud inside the car as there is nowhere you could wipe your shoes., as for the car's suspension, well !!!Customers welfare doesn't seem to matter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk