Local Reviews
In June 2019, Eva T said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited this place yesterday - the hottest day so far this year. It's absolutely amazing place! There's no way you can see all 350 memorials and read all plaques at the trees or names on tiles laid in the pavements. The place is HUGE. There are hundreds of benches to sit on in sun or shadow but you can bring your own picnic blanket and basket and enjoy it on the grass. You can bring your own food and drink but you can also buy it at very good café/restaurant. I think that everyone should visit it and it's not only for older generation but families with children too. As I have problem with my knee we reserved wheel chair about two weeks prior our visit which was excellent. The entry is free. What we realized was that we hardly saw birds and they would be very much needed there as many trees were heavily damaged by caterpillars - so please put bird nest boxes around. Also we haven't see rubbish bins but somehow it works - there was no rubbish at all (!!) on the grass and there were thousands and thousands of folks. I wonder why the people cannot take their rubbish home on other places as it happening here. We will definitely come back as we would like to see more. I can highly recommend to visit it - you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, Getaway113504 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I had visited here a couple of years ago but only saw memorials close to the centre as I had a limited time. This time I wanted to see all the memorials, but due to heavy rainfall the week before some of the paths and grass around the memorials were very waterlogged, but I had been warned about this by one of the volunteers, but I still managed to walk around for 3 to 4 hours. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and one lady was very interesting as she has been helping since before the site officially opened. I had to park in an overflow car park, but you never see crowds of people. The restaurant always has plenty of space too and the food 1s excellent value, just over £8 for a hot meal, which I needed on my visit.
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
The one thing that I do think is required are more signposts of where you are around the site. The first time I visited I wanted to see specific memorials for my parents, and you can find out where they are situated on the computer in the centre, but once you get outside there is no indications of where things are. I know they don't want huge signposts everywhere, but I did have trouble finding things and the very simple map they give you at reception doesn't give you much help, you end up having to buy the book about the memorials to actually find out where you are, especially with the memorials that aren't on main paths. I did email the NMA about this last time and they never actually replied to me, which was a bit disappointing
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2023, Karen Mccaffrey said about National Memorial Arboretum
My mum and I had a lovely day here today. The thought and detail that has gone into every memorial is truly amazing. From who the memorial is for, to how it looks, what it's made from and the background as to why, and even why specific trees were chosen. These tributes give you time to reflect on just how many men, women and children have been involved in conflict and how so many have faced the ultmate sacrifice so we can have our freedom today. Especially poignant is the Shot at Dawn memorial in tribute to all those who have since been pardoned, placed in that particular spot as that is the first memorial to be lit by the rising sun each day, showing just how much thought goes into each tribute. I would highly recommend going on the train there. It lasts for 50 minutes and takes you around quite a lot of the memorials and has an audio describing everything you see. There are also buggy tours. There is also a gallery where you can read about the different wars over the years and a very good sized restaurant, offering drinks, cakes and meals as well as a coffee shop. There are plenty of toilets which are kept clean. There is also a gift shop. All the staff were so friendly and helpful and couldn't do enough for us. Thank you to all at the National Arboretum for all that you do to keep our heroes memories alive.
Source: google.com
In May 2022, Patricia Ramsey said about National Memorial Arboretum
A fantastic place to remember all the different forces, emergency servicesand civilian organisations - there are a lot more than you realise!
My sister, a friend and I started with tea and cake (of course) in the large, clean, well stocked and friendly cafe/ restaurant. Then we went to the gift shop, which is filled with memorabilia for young and old alike, whilst waiting for our time slot on the land rail.
The land rail, like old railway carriages was driven by a lovely friendly happy lady who we had a few laughs with . There was guided commentary from a prerecorded source, pointing out various monuments. Very informative and interesting.
For the rest of our day we walked around most of the 150 acres and saw many more memorials.
We also went into the Chapel (which is a lovely quiet place) for reflection
All the staff/guides, of which there are many, are very polite, approachable and helpful. They also are well informed as to where things are situated.
The Arboretum does not charge an entry fee, however there are boxes inside the building for those who would like to give a voluntary donation.
You do need to pay for the car park, a welcome bonus is that you can book to park for a reduced fee.
My sister, a friend and I started with tea and cake (of course) in the large, clean, well stocked and friendly cafe/ restaurant. Then we went to the gift shop, which is filled with memorabilia for young and old alike, whilst waiting for our time slot on the land rail.
The land rail, like old railway carriages was driven by a lovely friendly happy lady who we had a few laughs with . There was guided commentary from a prerecorded source, pointing out various monuments. Very informative and interesting.
For the rest of our day we walked around most of the 150 acres and saw many more memorials.
We also went into the Chapel (which is a lovely quiet place) for reflection
All the staff/guides, of which there are many, are very polite, approachable and helpful. They also are well informed as to where things are situated.
The Arboretum does not charge an entry fee, however there are boxes inside the building for those who would like to give a voluntary donation.
You do need to pay for the car park, a welcome bonus is that you can book to park for a reduced fee.
Source: google.com
In June 2012, Trevor W said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is a good day out for anyone who is interested in looking at a marvellous array of monuments and memorials dedicated to our lost relatives & friends etc whether it be Army, Royal Navy, Police, Wrens, RAF etc. You name it - there is a memorial for them.
Set in acres & acres of lovely grounds. There is a train which can take anyone round who does not fancy the amount of walking that is required. Nice river walk, A chapel & a couple of picnic areas...make it a good day out for most people - children are welcome, but personally I think they may become a little bored with all the walking. To see it all in one day - you would need at least 5-6 hours. We spent 3 hours there and only saw about a third of it.
There is a restaurant and a gift shop on site.
Please note...
It is free to enter the arboretum - but it is £3 to park your car. You can try and navigate the site without a map - but you do really need one. This costs £3. Guide books are £6 each.
If you use the mini train it will cost you £4.50 each - and you are asked to leave a donation, suggested £5 on exit. The gift shop is also very expensive.
We enjoyed the day - and will return at some stage to see the rest of it...but did not realise there would be so many 'add ons' - so be warned.
Set in acres & acres of lovely grounds. There is a train which can take anyone round who does not fancy the amount of walking that is required. Nice river walk, A chapel & a couple of picnic areas...make it a good day out for most people - children are welcome, but personally I think they may become a little bored with all the walking. To see it all in one day - you would need at least 5-6 hours. We spent 3 hours there and only saw about a third of it.
There is a restaurant and a gift shop on site.
Please note...
It is free to enter the arboretum - but it is £3 to park your car. You can try and navigate the site without a map - but you do really need one. This costs £3. Guide books are £6 each.
If you use the mini train it will cost you £4.50 each - and you are asked to leave a donation, suggested £5 on exit. The gift shop is also very expensive.
We enjoyed the day - and will return at some stage to see the rest of it...but did not realise there would be so many 'add ons' - so be warned.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2013, Pollyschoices said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having read about the Arboretum I have been wanting to visit here for some time. Its about a 2.5 hour drive for us but we made a detour on our way to somewhere else and I am so pleased we did.
This is an incredibly well thought out, serene place, the planting and setting is outstanding and I felt very privileged to be able to wander in such a beautiful moving place. We spent three hours and could have spent longer. The overflow car park was in use yet this place is so vast that you never felt that it was crowded or spoiled in any way.
The staff, many of them volunteers were welcoming and informative. The guide book was excellent and the toilets and restaurant were very clean and the food was good. The gift shop was nice and suitably priced.
Access for the less mobile seemed very well provided for, because by its very nature there are many older people who visit. We actually had the pleasure to get talking to an 87 year old wonderful lady who had been in the land army, she was fascinating!
There is a train that runs around the whole site and when I visit again, which I will with my elderly parents, I expect this will be very useful.
I was overwhelmed by the place, everyone should visit if they can, its free entry (donations welcome) and all day parking is only £3
This is an incredibly well thought out, serene place, the planting and setting is outstanding and I felt very privileged to be able to wander in such a beautiful moving place. We spent three hours and could have spent longer. The overflow car park was in use yet this place is so vast that you never felt that it was crowded or spoiled in any way.
The staff, many of them volunteers were welcoming and informative. The guide book was excellent and the toilets and restaurant were very clean and the food was good. The gift shop was nice and suitably priced.
Access for the less mobile seemed very well provided for, because by its very nature there are many older people who visit. We actually had the pleasure to get talking to an 87 year old wonderful lady who had been in the land army, she was fascinating!
There is a train that runs around the whole site and when I visit again, which I will with my elderly parents, I expect this will be very useful.
I was overwhelmed by the place, everyone should visit if they can, its free entry (donations welcome) and all day parking is only £3
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, Jacqueline H said about Lichfield Cathedral
For years we have had a decorative plate with a lovely watercolour picture of Lichfield Cathedral on it and the building is every bit as wonderful as the painting. It is a graceful, beautifully designed edifice - the outside is covered with statues, one seldom sees that many in good condition outside the rest of Europe. The outside is a bit soot stained, but that does not detract too much from the appearance. As there were still Christmas trees and a Nativity scene this was an added dimension, pity they are restoring some of the windows - the scaffolding behind the High Altar and choir stalls is not attractive. There are glorious tiled floors, wonderful glass and the most unusual pulpit I've seen in years - made of wrought iron and embellished with semi-precious cabuchons and pretty enamelled plaques. It's one of England's few remaining free cathedrals - but they do like a donation - and was so quiet and peaceful (the same cannot be said for some that charge a true admission fee) that it was possible to feel that the rest of the world had temporarily ceased to exist. If I have a criticism, it's that there were no guides ( perhaps because it was New Year's Eve) they make so much difference to finding out about places such as this. Don't miss the little chapel of St. Chad. There is a restaurant - though we didn't try it - in the Chapter
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, David C said about National Memorial Arboretum
Coming from overseas we had been told about the Arboretum but family members living within a three hour drive had not heard of it and we were surprised that there were no signs on any of the major highways indicating the way to the site.
Five of us visited with a 92 year old easily handling the scooter which was hired for six pounds.
We did not know what to expect but found the whole area a moving and interesting experience with a huge amount of information available - get the guidebook for £6.50 rather than a map for £3 as the information on each site is very detailed.
There were too many highlights to list but do not miss Shot at Dawn which is presented with dignity and compassion.
There is also a chapel on site.
The Arboretum relies mainly on donations and it is almost impossible to believe that four gardeners successfully maintain the grounds.
There is a restaurant supplying a range of good value food items and a reception and kiosk where items can be obtained to place on individual sites.
The volunteer staff in these areas were excellent with their friendliness and knowledge.
From May onwards the Arboretum should have a glorious range of colours as the thousands of trees present their new foliage.
This is a must see!
Five of us visited with a 92 year old easily handling the scooter which was hired for six pounds.
We did not know what to expect but found the whole area a moving and interesting experience with a huge amount of information available - get the guidebook for £6.50 rather than a map for £3 as the information on each site is very detailed.
There were too many highlights to list but do not miss Shot at Dawn which is presented with dignity and compassion.
There is also a chapel on site.
The Arboretum relies mainly on donations and it is almost impossible to believe that four gardeners successfully maintain the grounds.
There is a restaurant supplying a range of good value food items and a reception and kiosk where items can be obtained to place on individual sites.
The volunteer staff in these areas were excellent with their friendliness and knowledge.
From May onwards the Arboretum should have a glorious range of colours as the thousands of trees present their new foliage.
This is a must see!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, isobel K said about National Memorial Arboretum
An excellent opportunity to see what this country stands for. So many memorials to so many amazing societies, charities and communities as well as for the Armed Forces that have served and still serve. We visited to see the newly established Parachute Regiment memorial and were not disappointed. Absolutely breathtaking and most fitting. Beautifully landscaped grounds with excellent accessibility for the majority of people including less abled and disabled. First class cafe and restaurant with reasonable prices and very good service from a very friendly staff. We booked the 'buggy ride' and our guide was full of information that I don't think we would have had from the 'land train' or by simply reading the guidebook (which I would also recommend visitors buying ... lots of pictures, maps and information). We visited on the hottest day of the year so far but the shade of the hundreds of trees and the air-conditioned interiors made it bearable. The availability of mobility scooters/wheelchairs is a wonderful addition to customer satisfaction. I think a cover charge of £5 gave you access to the mobility scooters for the duration of your visit. All the staff - the majority of whom appeared to be volunteers, were pleasant, well informed and very eager to help in whatever way they could. Excellent parking (£3 for the day). All in all a visit I would recommend to anyone of any age. We intend to return in the Autumn to see the changing of the colour of the trees.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, SuzySue27 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Popped in for some fresh air and lunch. At first I thought we might be being fleeced as a young man stopped us to request £3 payment for parking as we drove in. There are parking machines in the car park hence my suspicion. Greeted by an elderly gentleman at the entrance door, who is a credit to the place. He explained the talks on offer, the land train and gave us plenty of information. Donation made and onward to the restaurant. Lunch was lovely home cooked food (a salmon dish, a baked potato, macaroni cheese & a ham & tomato sandwich). Cakes and sandwiches also on offer and a wide variety of hot and cold drinks. Our family of four were fed & watered for £30.
We certainly got some fresh air. I imagine even on a warm day there's a little breeze here up by the main memorial. An enjoyable walk around reading the plaques etc and thinking of the lives lost, sadly some of them so very young, barely adults.
Such a shame there's a quarry not to far away breaking the peace with the sound of heavy machines and plant equipment.
Will return again for another walk and to remember those we can no longer see or talk with.
We certainly got some fresh air. I imagine even on a warm day there's a little breeze here up by the main memorial. An enjoyable walk around reading the plaques etc and thinking of the lives lost, sadly some of them so very young, barely adults.
Such a shame there's a quarry not to far away breaking the peace with the sound of heavy machines and plant equipment.
Will return again for another walk and to remember those we can no longer see or talk with.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk