Local Reviews
In February 2019, Pedlar01 said about National Memorial Arboretum
It has been on my bucket list for a while, finally visited yesterday (Sunday). On arrival was very impressed with the car park and main reception. Very impressive building and the welcoming volunteers/staff were very helpful. Book the buggy tour for £6.00. Went for a coffee before the tour, lovely restaurant, very clean with a good selection of cakes. Got talking to another volunteer who was very interesting and informative. The buggy tour was a great introduction to the site and you can then decide where you want to visit on foot later. Our guide was brilliant. Blankets were supplied if you feel a little chilly. Tour over we went for Sunday Lunch in the restaurant. Excellent food in a lovely clean environment. Staff very friendly. We then walked to the East side to see 'Shot at Dawn'. Attended the 1.30 pm talk, very poignant!
What struck me was how symbolic each monument is. Without the guided tour you would never appreciate how much thought and care has gone into each memorial.
Would 100% recommend going there. Need to return as it is almost impossible to see everything in one day.
What struck me was how symbolic each monument is. Without the guided tour you would never appreciate how much thought and care has gone into each memorial.
Would 100% recommend going there. Need to return as it is almost impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Gena.25 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Upon arrival your directed where to park and how to make a car parking payment-in the visitor centre. Free entry just pay for parking.
There was a lovely volunteer who greeted us on arrival and gave advice of what is available to do and where everything is.
There is a central memorial with names of the fallen soldiers up to present day, and on the grounds memorials of all the regiments, plus memorials to the fallen soldiers of Iraq and Afganistan. There was loads to see which we didnt see but you could spend a day here.
It is dog and family friendly (assistance dogs only to see the central memorial) wheelchair accessible to the memorials also. There are baby changing facilities and the restaurant has a range of food & drinks of great quality and price.
The volunteers and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and lovely to chat to. We were advised when its been bad rain it floods in certain areas so best to visit when its cold or warmer weather.
It has a sensory play area for children, a chapel with services (we chatted to the bishop he was lovely) a visitor exhibition where you can record your own personal war experience aswell as other exhibits.
One of the best war exhibits ive been to and its local so will be returning again.
There was a lovely volunteer who greeted us on arrival and gave advice of what is available to do and where everything is.
There is a central memorial with names of the fallen soldiers up to present day, and on the grounds memorials of all the regiments, plus memorials to the fallen soldiers of Iraq and Afganistan. There was loads to see which we didnt see but you could spend a day here.
It is dog and family friendly (assistance dogs only to see the central memorial) wheelchair accessible to the memorials also. There are baby changing facilities and the restaurant has a range of food & drinks of great quality and price.
The volunteers and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and lovely to chat to. We were advised when its been bad rain it floods in certain areas so best to visit when its cold or warmer weather.
It has a sensory play area for children, a chapel with services (we chatted to the bishop he was lovely) a visitor exhibition where you can record your own personal war experience aswell as other exhibits.
One of the best war exhibits ive been to and its local so will be returning again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2022, Mark W said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited as 2 couples and arranged a private tour with a guide on a golf buggy. The tour started at 10.30 and we first went to the Chapel to observe the 2 minutes silence, one of only 2 places in the UK that does this every single day. After that our guide Mick Byrne, took us on our tour. Micks knowledge and humorous delivery were outstanding. He had many detailed stories to impart and with a buggy for you can cover so much more of the 150 acre site than you could ever do on foot.
We stopped for lunch which although included in the cost, was underwhelming. Leigh in the restaurant looked after us very well, but the menu choice was different to the general menu and although nicely prepared was a little bland.
Mick collected us after lunch and our tour continued. It included the display called Shot at Dawn - very poignant.
The tour ended at 4.30 and we were almost the last people in the park.
At £175,it was not cheap, but so worth it. The volunteers are all fantastic and although have to do lots of research themselves, the Arboretum vets everyone and to pass as a guide, you need to complete many modules, so it ensures only the best.
I can't recommend it enough and would thoroughly recommend getting Mick!
We stopped for lunch which although included in the cost, was underwhelming. Leigh in the restaurant looked after us very well, but the menu choice was different to the general menu and although nicely prepared was a little bland.
Mick collected us after lunch and our tour continued. It included the display called Shot at Dawn - very poignant.
The tour ended at 4.30 and we were almost the last people in the park.
At £175,it was not cheap, but so worth it. The volunteers are all fantastic and although have to do lots of research themselves, the Arboretum vets everyone and to pass as a guide, you need to complete many modules, so it ensures only the best.
I can't recommend it enough and would thoroughly recommend getting Mick!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2022, HighWycombeCouple said about National Memorial Arboretum
We travelled to the Arboretum at the invitation of the Royal British Legion. Ever since it opened we had meant to go, but had never set aside the time. After a morning of RBL activity they gave us the opportunity to tour the site on the Land Train. This takes about an hour and gives you an overview of the site and what is out there to visit.
We rapidly came to the conclusion that a day would not be enough to really get to grips with the Arboretum. Two days would be our estimate of a full visit. That said if you have no connection with the UK Armed Forces or emergency services then a few hours would probably do the trick. It is astonishing how many different memorials have been put up since the Arboretum opened. The site is still expanding as Tarmac extract quarry materials and then hand over land to the Arboretum to expand. The atmosphere is very peaceful and moving. You cannot help but feel moved by the site and the memorials, both organisational and personal.
The facilities are second to none. Toilets are spread around the site and the central hall has a restaurant. For those looking for a conference venue the conference centre is superbly equipped and the catering is excellent.
This is a must visit site for anyone with an ounce of humanity.
We rapidly came to the conclusion that a day would not be enough to really get to grips with the Arboretum. Two days would be our estimate of a full visit. That said if you have no connection with the UK Armed Forces or emergency services then a few hours would probably do the trick. It is astonishing how many different memorials have been put up since the Arboretum opened. The site is still expanding as Tarmac extract quarry materials and then hand over land to the Arboretum to expand. The atmosphere is very peaceful and moving. You cannot help but feel moved by the site and the memorials, both organisational and personal.
The facilities are second to none. Toilets are spread around the site and the central hall has a restaurant. For those looking for a conference venue the conference centre is superbly equipped and the catering is excellent.
This is a must visit site for anyone with an ounce of humanity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2022, Victoria Lemm said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited here May bank holiday with my son and his fiancée, we booked a 2pm slot, but only managed to cover a tiny fraction of the arboretum before it closed so we made a 2nd visit. The place is so calming and peaceful it's easy to spend a day there if the weather is nice. There is a restaurant and coffee shop, but also plenty of places to eat if you want to pack a picnic.
Well behaved dogs are welcome except on the wall memorial and in the restaurant.
There is a lot of walking involved if you wish to cover all the ground, but mobility scooters and golf buggies are available to hire for a fee. There is also a road train which leaves as frequent intervals I think it's about £6 per person. Dogs are not allowed on the train or golf buggies.
There is children play area and the stickman trail for children. We plan to take our 4 year old grandson next time so will post his verdict.
There is limited places to shelter if it rains and being open can be a bit cooler if it's windy, so be advised to dress accordingly.
Entry is free but there is a charge for parking which can be paid for on line in advance for a discounted price. The car park fees go back into the upkeep of the arboretum so it's still good value for money.
Well behaved dogs are welcome except on the wall memorial and in the restaurant.
There is a lot of walking involved if you wish to cover all the ground, but mobility scooters and golf buggies are available to hire for a fee. There is also a road train which leaves as frequent intervals I think it's about £6 per person. Dogs are not allowed on the train or golf buggies.
There is children play area and the stickman trail for children. We plan to take our 4 year old grandson next time so will post his verdict.
There is limited places to shelter if it rains and being open can be a bit cooler if it's windy, so be advised to dress accordingly.
Entry is free but there is a charge for parking which can be paid for on line in advance for a discounted price. The car park fees go back into the upkeep of the arboretum so it's still good value for money.
Source: google.com
In August 2020, FMMSouthWales said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a fantastic way to spend a day. We had been meaning to pay a visit for some time to pay homage to my husband's former troop sergeant who had been killed in N. Ireland and little did we realise just how much there was to see.
My husband has limited mobility so we walked slowly in hope there would be a route up to the main memorial avoiding any steps. I wandered off looking for such a route but within seconds and without even a request he had been picked up in a small car by a guide. The guide also waited (no pressure at all on us to be quick) to take him back down again. Absolutely exceptional customer service .....oh for a higher rating than 5.
Naturally we also wanted to see more of the site so opted for the land train which again proved excellent vale for money and extremely informative.
The restaurant on the site was also first class with excellent customer service.
We really do hope to return one day as the experience was wonderful and we truly believe it is a place to visit in each season. We were there in March but the arboretum in June or September or December would be so different and again so beautiful that the experience would be a new one.
My husband has limited mobility so we walked slowly in hope there would be a route up to the main memorial avoiding any steps. I wandered off looking for such a route but within seconds and without even a request he had been picked up in a small car by a guide. The guide also waited (no pressure at all on us to be quick) to take him back down again. Absolutely exceptional customer service .....oh for a higher rating than 5.
Naturally we also wanted to see more of the site so opted for the land train which again proved excellent vale for money and extremely informative.
The restaurant on the site was also first class with excellent customer service.
We really do hope to return one day as the experience was wonderful and we truly believe it is a place to visit in each season. We were there in March but the arboretum in June or September or December would be so different and again so beautiful that the experience would be a new one.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2018, Ian Forshaw said about National Memorial Arboretum
September 2017. Here we are again and what a difference. A whole new frontage, shop, reception desk and atrium. A lovely, large airy restaurant. Greeted at the entrance by RBL volunteers. Out to a grand plaza and into the Memorial Arboretum grounds. Another few hours spent in wonder, contemplation and enjoyment of the beauty. No entrance fee but donations are ever-welcome. Large car park (with overspill a few yards further along the road) is only £3 per day. Time and money well-spent.
My wife and I stopped here on our way to the Peak District. We intended to stay for just and hour and ended up spending two-and-a-half hours. The spacious entrance area has leaflets and a cafe giving lovely views into the Arboretum. Although a place of memorials, this is not a sombre place but is, rather, a quiet, thoughtful space. We were delighted with the colour and range of the plants and architecture and the wildflower meadows were breathtaking. I wanted to visit the Royal Tank Regiment Memorial (my brother served in 4th RTR) and The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Memorial (my brother-in-law and my nephews were - and still are - volunteers).
This is a beautiful place to visit and all are welcome.
My wife and I stopped here on our way to the Peak District. We intended to stay for just and hour and ended up spending two-and-a-half hours. The spacious entrance area has leaflets and a cafe giving lovely views into the Arboretum. Although a place of memorials, this is not a sombre place but is, rather, a quiet, thoughtful space. We were delighted with the colour and range of the plants and architecture and the wildflower meadows were breathtaking. I wanted to visit the Royal Tank Regiment Memorial (my brother served in 4th RTR) and The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Memorial (my brother-in-law and my nephews were - and still are - volunteers).
This is a beautiful place to visit and all are welcome.
Source: google.com
In November 2011, Les said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas near Lichfield is a place I often visit, not only to visit my Father's tree which I sponsored some years ago, but to take in the tranquility and the beauty of the whole site.
Now that the gravel place has been placed round the perimeter of the site, visitors can enjoy the walk round there even more, no matter what the weather, and gives access to many of the gardens and groves, which are beautifully maintained by the staff and volunteers.
This is not a place for sadness, but a beautiful site for remembering the incredible sacrifice and courage of our armed forces who have lost their life on our behalf. The NMA also remembers those brave police and fire officers who have given their lives protecting us. Throughout the arboretum there are many groves and gardens dedicated to so many groups and causes which is really wonderful and uplifting.
It is always a great pleasure to see veterans, their families and friends visiting, and for those with limited mobility there are electric scooters and a land train for use.
The restaurant and cafe serves great food and snacks and well worth visiting, and don't forget to browse through the shop on the way out for souveniers of your visit.
The NMA is a wonderful day out and one where everyone should visit.
Now that the gravel place has been placed round the perimeter of the site, visitors can enjoy the walk round there even more, no matter what the weather, and gives access to many of the gardens and groves, which are beautifully maintained by the staff and volunteers.
This is not a place for sadness, but a beautiful site for remembering the incredible sacrifice and courage of our armed forces who have lost their life on our behalf. The NMA also remembers those brave police and fire officers who have given their lives protecting us. Throughout the arboretum there are many groves and gardens dedicated to so many groups and causes which is really wonderful and uplifting.
It is always a great pleasure to see veterans, their families and friends visiting, and for those with limited mobility there are electric scooters and a land train for use.
The restaurant and cafe serves great food and snacks and well worth visiting, and don't forget to browse through the shop on the way out for souveniers of your visit.
The NMA is a wonderful day out and one where everyone should visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2011, DeeSnowdonia said about Lichfield Cathedral
I am local to Lichfield and love this small and historic city but I have to say to anyone planning to visit, please do not miss the Cathedral! It is absolutely stunning. It's ancient walls tower over Cathedral Close yet it's presence is mellow. The feeling is of being overshadowed by a friendly giant. The building itself has three spires (the local shopping precinct is named after this unique feature). The ornate stone figures carved into the elevations are intricate and beautiful. In August I went with my husband to see the famous Staffordshire Hoard on exhibition at the cathedral and the two ancient entities married together well. Very atmospheric. The interior of the cathedral is, as you would expect, capacious but you can wander at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere. This is also still a valued house of worship, and has been so for 1300 years. There are daily services and this years Christmas morning service will be broadcast on BBC 1. Near to the cathedral is the tiny city centre, in easy walking distance with plenty of places to eat or have a coffee. The Chapters Restaurant affiliated to the cathedral, is in The Close itself. The whole close and most of the Cathedral is wheelchair accesible.There is also Stowe Pool close by-very pretty for a stroll. Enjoy! But please don't miss this lovely place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Margaret S said about National Memorial Arboretum
Both having served in the Royal Navy, my husband and I were very keen to visit the Arboretum. We were not disappointed. We had been told to buy the Guide book, which is full of useful information and the stories behind the memorials. We knew we couldn't see everything so we had a light lunch in the restaurant and studied the map. Having decided what we wished to see we visited the main war memorial, which was very impressive. Sadly my husband spotted several colleague's names etched into the stone walls. The memorial gives a good vantage point of the area, so we could get our bearings. On this visit we concentrated on the RN and WRNS memorials. The new Naval Memorial is far more impressive than it looks in photographs, particularly as the sun came out, shining through the blue plates giving a shadow of a warship on the ground.
We will try and revisit sometime. Since reading the guidebook thoroughly later, we have identified other areas we should like to see.
For those who find it difficult to walk there is a train which runs regularly around the grounds giving a commentary and plenty of wheelchair access.
This is a memorial which can only get better with time as the trees mature.
We will try and revisit sometime. Since reading the guidebook thoroughly later, we have identified other areas we should like to see.
For those who find it difficult to walk there is a train which runs regularly around the grounds giving a commentary and plenty of wheelchair access.
This is a memorial which can only get better with time as the trees mature.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk