Local Reviews
In August 2014, Evan R said about National Memorial Arboretum
The central memorial space is impressive and well executed. Great expanses of Portland Stone with beautifully carved script and a few strong bronze statues. Clever use of light and sonorous echoes as one walks around. It really helps one begin to understand the enormity of loss in conflict.
However, the rest of the arboretum seems to me to lack any coherent structure with a bewildering assortment of memorials dotted about in a fairly haphazard parkland setting. A plethora of park benches everywhere adds to a sense of being in a municipal park rather than a memorial arboretum.
I was particularly saddened to see a collection of war memorials, presumably taken from buildings now demolished or "regenerated" put up on a fence to the side of the restaurant with a load of mobility scooters in front of them.
Its great that the arboretum has been created and I think the centre piece is excellent and moving. I think the rest of the site needs a re-think, with a little more thought given to overall structure and coherence.
I hope that the problems, as I see them, are a result of this still being quite a new site and that all will be resolved over time. After all, there seems no end to people dying in wars, so this is going to be a long term project.
However, the rest of the arboretum seems to me to lack any coherent structure with a bewildering assortment of memorials dotted about in a fairly haphazard parkland setting. A plethora of park benches everywhere adds to a sense of being in a municipal park rather than a memorial arboretum.
I was particularly saddened to see a collection of war memorials, presumably taken from buildings now demolished or "regenerated" put up on a fence to the side of the restaurant with a load of mobility scooters in front of them.
Its great that the arboretum has been created and I think the centre piece is excellent and moving. I think the rest of the site needs a re-think, with a little more thought given to overall structure and coherence.
I hope that the problems, as I see them, are a result of this still being quite a new site and that all will be resolved over time. After all, there seems no end to people dying in wars, so this is going to be a long term project.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, Steve M said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having been welcomed at the visitor centre the first thing to note about the NMA is the wonderful volunteers. I visited with a coach party over two days and the numerous volunteers we came in to contact with were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Then there is the visitor centre itself which is great with a cafe / restaurant and a shop where you don't feel you are being conned or ripped off.
Outside first impressions don't begin to show the vastness of the site or give any real idea of the array of memorials to be found.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the Armed Forces Memorial atop it's 'hill' rightly as a centerpiece but there is so much more.
The thought and care that has gone in to the various memorials is simply stunning. So many have incredible detail and information from conception to construction that we ran out of superlatives as we toured the site.
So many memorials moved us.
Respect, honour and love are on open display as they should be.
A day is not long enough to take everything in, there is a lot of ground to cover away from the land train route and please, please talk to the volunteers who have a wealth of information that you might otherwise miss.
Then there is the visitor centre itself which is great with a cafe / restaurant and a shop where you don't feel you are being conned or ripped off.
Outside first impressions don't begin to show the vastness of the site or give any real idea of the array of memorials to be found.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the Armed Forces Memorial atop it's 'hill' rightly as a centerpiece but there is so much more.
The thought and care that has gone in to the various memorials is simply stunning. So many have incredible detail and information from conception to construction that we ran out of superlatives as we toured the site.
So many memorials moved us.
Respect, honour and love are on open display as they should be.
A day is not long enough to take everything in, there is a lot of ground to cover away from the land train route and please, please talk to the volunteers who have a wealth of information that you might otherwise miss.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Anita H said about National Memorial Arboretum
Family get-together for afternoon tea in the restaurant, having visited the Arboretum sometime ago but there are clearly more exhibitions to see which will be for another day.
The afternoon tea is good value at £17 for two and is served on 3-tier stands.
Due to veggies amongst our group, one of the staff did give us the choices offering egg mayo, tuna, smoked salmon, prawn and cheese - the meat options included beef/mustard, cheese/pickle and ham/tomato.
As a group of seven we chose all veg sandwich choices and indeed for the meat-eaters all those options too.
The only thing we were not asked was if we wanted white or brown (didn't think about it until platters arrived)
More white bread served than brown, no crusts cut off and no sign of beef or cheese/pickle. However, bread was fresh as was fillings.
Middle tier of lemon drizzle cake and caramel cake/choc shavings, fresh raspberries dotted about.
Scones were fabulous - fresh and fruity and huge! Clotted cream, strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries accompanying.
Choice of coffee or tea - I had pot of berry tea which gave me three nice cups.
The afternoon tea is good value at £17 for two and is served on 3-tier stands.
Due to veggies amongst our group, one of the staff did give us the choices offering egg mayo, tuna, smoked salmon, prawn and cheese - the meat options included beef/mustard, cheese/pickle and ham/tomato.
As a group of seven we chose all veg sandwich choices and indeed for the meat-eaters all those options too.
The only thing we were not asked was if we wanted white or brown (didn't think about it until platters arrived)
More white bread served than brown, no crusts cut off and no sign of beef or cheese/pickle. However, bread was fresh as was fillings.
Middle tier of lemon drizzle cake and caramel cake/choc shavings, fresh raspberries dotted about.
Scones were fabulous - fresh and fruity and huge! Clotted cream, strawberry preserve and fresh strawberries accompanying.
Choice of coffee or tea - I had pot of berry tea which gave me three nice cups.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2017, Tracy S said about National Memorial Arboretum
We drove up from London to spend Sunday here, very glad we did. The venue was easy to find and I think well signposted. You pay three pound to park the car, but that is for all day. Entry is free but a donation is asked for. To get an overall view of the venue we took the land train , which last for about fifty minutes, cost £6.00 each, you get the tickets at reception and it goes about every 30 minutes. You can use it if in a wheelchair as well. The commentary was very good and informative, gave us what we needed. Afterward we walked the circuit in reverse route the train went.
I thought the parachute regiment memorial was excellent, as was Shot at dawn. They had surprising memories well, to those from the performing arts, GCHQ, lifeboats. It made you think beyond the armed forces. Although thought provoking the venue is not sad or depressing. There were people from all ages there as well. What was nice to see was the young air cadets going around.
We spent 5 hours there. The restaurant was very good, reasonably priced as well. Good selection of gluten free food . Go!
Staff very helpful, friendly place for those in need of mobility assistance.
I thought the parachute regiment memorial was excellent, as was Shot at dawn. They had surprising memories well, to those from the performing arts, GCHQ, lifeboats. It made you think beyond the armed forces. Although thought provoking the venue is not sad or depressing. There were people from all ages there as well. What was nice to see was the young air cadets going around.
We spent 5 hours there. The restaurant was very good, reasonably priced as well. Good selection of gluten free food . Go!
Staff very helpful, friendly place for those in need of mobility assistance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2018, mary T said about National Memorial Arboretum
My husband and I had been meaning to visit here for some time...we were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived we were met with friendly and helpful people. Greeted at the door by David a friendly man who pointed us in the right direction and gave us an overview of the site. At the pay desk (it is free entry) the lady told us the options open to us. We chose a buggy tour at £5.00 each. Audio guides are also available. The buggy was wonderful. Blankets were made available for us on a crisp February day, and our guide Ian was able to answer all our questions and pointed out lots of the monuments and memorials. The tour lasted 50 mins and was well worth it. After the tour we had a drink in the lovely spacious and airy restaurant before having our own little wander around. We then headed to the central monument and was again met with a friendly informative volunteer who walked us around and told us everything we needed to know. ( sorry we don't know his name but does 2 days a week and lives in Solihull)
Everyone should visit this at some time in their life. We plan to return in the late spring when the flowers will be out and there will be an abundance of flowers and colour.
A must visit for all.
Everyone should visit this at some time in their life. We plan to return in the late spring when the flowers will be out and there will be an abundance of flowers and colour.
A must visit for all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, AuntySally said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a beautiful, tranquil place. Visiting friends in Birmingham who offered us the chance of a visit, and I didn't really know what to expect. Be prepared to be touched and moved - for me it was totally unexpected. The sculpture at the main wall of remembrance is like nothing I have ever seen and so shocking - it really brought home to me what it meant to be a soldier in a situation of war. This is not your average memorial garden - it has been very deeply thought out and planned. Others here have already excellently described the lovely grounds (yes, take your walking shoes) and I think best to accept you won't be able to see it all in one visit at the outset and plan if there are things you want to see first, or just wander around. Definitely worth visiting again, many times even. Not to be rushed. Delicious home made mushroom soup in the restaurant, and The lovely little charity shop at the end raising funsds for the Arboretum is a must, ecologically sound and Upcycled goods - I got some of my Christmas presents here! Don't miss it, no entrance fee, but most people respect that a good healthy donation is not only justified, but also just.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Lou M said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited for the first time on Easter Sunday not really knowing quite what to expect, was it a forest or a war memorial? Well, it's both, with the trees having significance to the memorials they are near to. We started the day with a short presentation in the chapel followed by a 2 minute silence at 11am, which happens every day. Our guide was very informative and told us how the site was conceived and developed and why all the staff have a £1 coin on them at all times! We then wandered around the site on our own, stopping for a pre-booked lunch in the restaurant, then had a buggy ride with another very knowledgeable guide who took us to the furthest reaches of the site which we might not have got to on foot. The whole thing is so well done. My only criticism is that there could be signage to advise you to stay in the park to access the Far East section, rather than crossing the car park only to find you can't get in that way and having quite a trek to get back. The site is also built on a flood plain so the grass areas can get very wet and muddy so would advise having wellies in the boot! Make the effort to visit the Shot At Dawn memorial, the most moving one on the site for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Marian Q said about National Memorial Arboretum
My husband and I visited the National Arboretum specifically to see the memorial to Japanese POWs, of which my late father- in- law was one.
We were bowled over by the extent, beauty and comprehensive nature of the arboretum. The British Legion,and all the supporters of the memorial have done a wonderful job of designing, furnishing and maintaining all the memorials - of which there are over 400.
We attended the daily Act of Remembrance at 11am which was very moving and then wandered round using the excellent map provided.
The facility relies on donations and is well worth supporting.
There is a coffee shop, restaurant - in outside tents - and the usual shop and facilities available.
For those who are not as nimble as they would like to be (how diplomatic is that?) there is a small train that does a 50 minute tour of the memorials, caddy carts that would carry up to 6 people, or individual electric chairs that can be used.
The staff - all volunteers - are wonderful. They are always on hand to offer information or assistance, and do so with great good humour and a ready smile.
They are currently undergoing a huge building project to erect a new Visitor Centre which will be 5 times bigger tan the current one.
We were thrilled by this visit and will return again in the future.
We were bowled over by the extent, beauty and comprehensive nature of the arboretum. The British Legion,and all the supporters of the memorial have done a wonderful job of designing, furnishing and maintaining all the memorials - of which there are over 400.
We attended the daily Act of Remembrance at 11am which was very moving and then wandered round using the excellent map provided.
The facility relies on donations and is well worth supporting.
There is a coffee shop, restaurant - in outside tents - and the usual shop and facilities available.
For those who are not as nimble as they would like to be (how diplomatic is that?) there is a small train that does a 50 minute tour of the memorials, caddy carts that would carry up to 6 people, or individual electric chairs that can be used.
The staff - all volunteers - are wonderful. They are always on hand to offer information or assistance, and do so with great good humour and a ready smile.
They are currently undergoing a huge building project to erect a new Visitor Centre which will be 5 times bigger tan the current one.
We were thrilled by this visit and will return again in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, Michael J W M said about National Memorial Arboretum
We always come to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas at least twice a year but especially for the Armistice Service in November. It is 150 acres of land with hundreds of Memorials to those who gave their lives for us, be they Military or Civilian.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
The Memorials cover all aspects of life from the Falklands Memorial to the Suez Veterans' Association Memorial and the Basra Wall, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial to The Bevin Boys Memorial through to the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial and of course The Armed Forces Memorial, all along with hundreds more.
It is a place allowing quiet contemplation and remembrance or pilgrimage.
Not only are individual Regiments, Ships, Units and Conflicts remembered with respect but also hundreds of Individuals amongst the Tree planting.
There are people there to help guide you as well as a good book shop and an excellent Restaurant (we always stop for Sunday lunch)..
You have to pay for Parking (£3-00 approximately) but entry is free and one can give a donation to help them out, we always do.
I highly recommend the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas for a visit be it just to remember or to attend a special function or ceremony etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2019, Iain W said about National Memorial Arboretum
Always wanted to visit the memorial and stayed overnight in Lichfield, just a few miles along the A38. Easy to find but beware of the gravel lorries hurtling around the sharp bends to the adjacent gravel pit. Pay and display is a very reasonable £3.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
The centre is enormous with a very large cafe/restaurant with a good range of hot and cold food available.
We went straight through and just walked at leisure with no agenda. This meant we found associations and groups we had never heard of leading us to discover one of my wife's great-uncle's name on the Showmen memorial.
There are so many memorials but my favourite was 'Shot at Dawn' and my wife's, the Royal Navy one with the coloured glass segments.
As you start to walk from the centre, the grounds are very well kept but the further you go, the untidier and unkempt they become. Personally, I would prefer all the grounds to be the same as every life lost is just as valuable as the next.
Just one gripe that meant only a 4 star rating was the dog dirt at the Polish monument. Not the fault of the staff obviously but why allow dogs in here anyway? It's not like its a country park? This is a memorial for reflection, not defecation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk