Local Reviews
In December 2017, CiderMonkey said about National Memorial Arboretum
Went there after many years of trying and so glad I made it. As an Armed Forces veteran I found the place immaculate (as much as it could be given it was icy and winter) and so very humbling. The place is always evolving and growing and the gardens are very well kept. All staff, whether in reception, the restaurant or on site are so very helpful. Nothing is an issue for any of them and they always have time to assist or answer questions. I would encourage anyone to make the journey there and witness the professionalism of the entire place. It was and as I was alone I did my "Own thing" and wandered around the well laid paths in awe of those who had fallen in conflict. There is a land train - about £6 and almost an hour that goes around the site with a running commentary. Its not a get on/get off thing but seemed to be well supported. Restaurant food was plentiful and sensibly priced. I bought a guide book which was very informative about the NMA and the memorials there (currently over 330). Overall a thoroughly enjoyable day and well worth the visit - I spent approx. 3.5 hrs there.
The place is best accessed by car however not having one available I followed the website directions for public transport. Sadly these need to be upgraded. Lichfield Trent Valley station is the nearest but is not on a bus route. You need Lichfield City and the 812 bus stops 2 mins walk. Also the route from Alrewas is awkward - send me a request and I'll advise the easiest and quickest way for access.
Overall, a great and humbling experience and one I look to repeat as soon as I can. the entrance is free how donations are appreciated.
The place is best accessed by car however not having one available I followed the website directions for public transport. Sadly these need to be upgraded. Lichfield Trent Valley station is the nearest but is not on a bus route. You need Lichfield City and the 812 bus stops 2 mins walk. Also the route from Alrewas is awkward - send me a request and I'll advise the easiest and quickest way for access.
Overall, a great and humbling experience and one I look to repeat as soon as I can. the entrance is free how donations are appreciated.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2018, Bob A said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited here as part of a wider weekend in the area. Our visit was not planned and was just an add on to the last day, however what a find!
After parking (£3 charge per car) we were greeted at the entrance and the centre was explained to us. You then enter a really modern and well laid out entrance with ticket desk (It's free to enter although there are a range of options you can do such as buggies to get around), toilets, shop and huge cafe/restaurant.
You then enter Heroes Square before finding your way around the complex. Warning: IT IS HUGE so get a plan before you head out and be prepared to walk.
There is a huge range of memorials from armed forces to police, secret services to fire and nursing too. All are different, all have their own poignancy (including seeing the stone mason adding the most recent names to the roll of honour of armed forces personnel who have died in service since the end of WWII. there are even sections devoted to different theatres of conflict to remember particular areas or countries.
On the day we came, there were some people who re-enact WWII scenes such as RAF, Army Nursing etc to help bring things to life. Nice little touch.
The planting is exceptional, such a huge range of trees and shrubs and walks through woodlands as well as along the path by the river.
After we had finished we enjoyed the cafe for a hot drink and cake, a browse in the shop where there are currently some unique items linked to RAF 100 years, and used the super clean toilets.
The only downside is that there should be more maps on display around the complex to help you find things and your way around. The signage they do have is poor and not of real use unless you have a map to follow.
Well worth visiting though. And I will definitely come back.
After parking (£3 charge per car) we were greeted at the entrance and the centre was explained to us. You then enter a really modern and well laid out entrance with ticket desk (It's free to enter although there are a range of options you can do such as buggies to get around), toilets, shop and huge cafe/restaurant.
You then enter Heroes Square before finding your way around the complex. Warning: IT IS HUGE so get a plan before you head out and be prepared to walk.
There is a huge range of memorials from armed forces to police, secret services to fire and nursing too. All are different, all have their own poignancy (including seeing the stone mason adding the most recent names to the roll of honour of armed forces personnel who have died in service since the end of WWII. there are even sections devoted to different theatres of conflict to remember particular areas or countries.
On the day we came, there were some people who re-enact WWII scenes such as RAF, Army Nursing etc to help bring things to life. Nice little touch.
The planting is exceptional, such a huge range of trees and shrubs and walks through woodlands as well as along the path by the river.
After we had finished we enjoyed the cafe for a hot drink and cake, a browse in the shop where there are currently some unique items linked to RAF 100 years, and used the super clean toilets.
The only downside is that there should be more maps on display around the complex to help you find things and your way around. The signage they do have is poor and not of real use unless you have a map to follow.
Well worth visiting though. And I will definitely come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2018, Jesadeke said about National Memorial Arboretum
As veterans ourselves, and having lost close friends, this was on the the list of 'places we definitely must go', so we were really looking forward to our visit. It lived up to our expectations and more. Plenty of parking on arrival that costs £3 for the day, an absolute snip when you consider the rest of the day could be free if you wanted. However, there are plenty of ways to support the charity if you wish. We decided to have a buggy tour, which took you a little bit off the beaten track and with our guide, John, one of the many extremely knowledgable volunteers, we had the most marvellous hour or so.
The large Armed Forces Memorial literally took my breath away. My mind was completely blown when we were told about the tiny gaps in the side of the memorial walls that on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month (and only then), a shaft of light shines through and hits the wreath at the centre of the memorial. (Ask the volunteer at the Memorial to see a photo of this - they always have one handy to show you). Each and every one of the memorials throughout the arboretum had been so well thought out and had such meaning: e.g. All the buds on Anne Frank's rose are cut off and it is never allowed to flower because she never did.....yep I know, mind blown again!
The restaurant had the most amazing choice of food and a completely seperate gluten free section - who would have thought of a gluten free chocolate and beetroot cake, but decided to stick to soup! At the end of the day our feet ached but was a small price to pay compared to the price the many remembered there paid and we had the opportunity to reflect and remember - I shed a few tears that day. A fantastic day I will never forget and we will definitely return one day.
The large Armed Forces Memorial literally took my breath away. My mind was completely blown when we were told about the tiny gaps in the side of the memorial walls that on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month (and only then), a shaft of light shines through and hits the wreath at the centre of the memorial. (Ask the volunteer at the Memorial to see a photo of this - they always have one handy to show you). Each and every one of the memorials throughout the arboretum had been so well thought out and had such meaning: e.g. All the buds on Anne Frank's rose are cut off and it is never allowed to flower because she never did.....yep I know, mind blown again!
The restaurant had the most amazing choice of food and a completely seperate gluten free section - who would have thought of a gluten free chocolate and beetroot cake, but decided to stick to soup! At the end of the day our feet ached but was a small price to pay compared to the price the many remembered there paid and we had the opportunity to reflect and remember - I shed a few tears that day. A fantastic day I will never forget and we will definitely return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, aldo28 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I cannot find the words to describe how wonderful our visit was; we felt privileged to be there. It was a truly humbling experience…
We arrived around on 10.30am on June 27 2012. There was ample parking - its pay and display so you will need some change, it's a maximum of £3.00 for a day; the proceeds go to back to the charity for the Arboretum.
Admission is free – donation boxes are available. The staff are amazing, they are all friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable.
There is a well stocked Visitors Centre where you can get a map for £3. We bought a Guide Book for £6.50. It lists the memorials on site and is also a lovely souvenir of our visit. There is so much to see so to get a better appreciation some kind of guide is a must. A Restaurant serves hot and cold food and there’s a land train which provides a guided tour of the site, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.
The Armed Forces Memorial is breathtaking, the setting is amazing. It commemorates those who were killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from the end of the Second World War to the present day. Seeing all of those names was so sad and emotional.
The rivers Tame and Trent flow through the site and there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. It is so peaceful and serene with plenty of memorial benches where you can sit and reflect.
We only had three hours there, not enough time to see everything. We will return soon with our 12 year-old grandson and spend a day there. He enjoys history and I don’t think he will ever get a better history lesson than this!
A visit to the Arboretum is a must!!! I think everyone, young or old, should visit at least once. It is an opportunity to pay respects to those service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, and puts our own lives into perspective.
We arrived around on 10.30am on June 27 2012. There was ample parking - its pay and display so you will need some change, it's a maximum of £3.00 for a day; the proceeds go to back to the charity for the Arboretum.
Admission is free – donation boxes are available. The staff are amazing, they are all friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable.
There is a well stocked Visitors Centre where you can get a map for £3. We bought a Guide Book for £6.50. It lists the memorials on site and is also a lovely souvenir of our visit. There is so much to see so to get a better appreciation some kind of guide is a must. A Restaurant serves hot and cold food and there’s a land train which provides a guided tour of the site, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.
The Armed Forces Memorial is breathtaking, the setting is amazing. It commemorates those who were killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from the end of the Second World War to the present day. Seeing all of those names was so sad and emotional.
The rivers Tame and Trent flow through the site and there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. It is so peaceful and serene with plenty of memorial benches where you can sit and reflect.
We only had three hours there, not enough time to see everything. We will return soon with our 12 year-old grandson and spend a day there. He enjoys history and I don’t think he will ever get a better history lesson than this!
A visit to the Arboretum is a must!!! I think everyone, young or old, should visit at least once. It is an opportunity to pay respects to those service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, and puts our own lives into perspective.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, CocoaBerkshire said about National Memorial Arboretum
We could not have visited on a wetter day. It rained from the minute we got on the coach to when we got off at the end of the day. We spend over seven hours in all getting to and from the National Arboretum, but we would not have missed it. I will not repeat all the other observations, but I will give you some handy hints.
Make sure you book your train ticket as soon as you get there. There are only so many seats available. Fortunately, the ride was covered! You are on the train for a total of 50 minutes. Keep your ticket, it has the time recorded on it and it is taken from you when you get on the train.
If you pay to go in the exhibition you get the radio guide for outside. My husband used his despite the rain, but I did not. The exhibition is not large, but interesting, and I would recommend you visit here first as it does give an insight into what you will see later.
There are two eateries. The large restaurant area serves lovely hot meals, soup, sandwiches etc. Breakfast finishes at 11.30, and lunch starts at 12.00, which caught out our friends. We had scampi and chips, and lamb hotpot, both large portions and delicious. If you want a main meal go directly to that server, otherwise you could be in the wrong queue for a long time!
Tea/coffee is self service. Coffee is obvious, but the tea is not. Hot water is dispensed to the left of the coffee machine.
The coffee shop is much, much smaller, and serves drinks, wine, cakes and snacks. There is seating outside both the eateries.
This place is definitely perfect for the disabled. Very well planned. The staff and volunteers are very helpful and will do their best to answer any questions thrown at them.
I would love to go back on a sunny day to get the full benefit of the trees, plants and memorials. It is growing all the time, so always something new to see.
Please read other reviews as I have not gone into observations that have been covered elsewhere.
Make sure you book your train ticket as soon as you get there. There are only so many seats available. Fortunately, the ride was covered! You are on the train for a total of 50 minutes. Keep your ticket, it has the time recorded on it and it is taken from you when you get on the train.
If you pay to go in the exhibition you get the radio guide for outside. My husband used his despite the rain, but I did not. The exhibition is not large, but interesting, and I would recommend you visit here first as it does give an insight into what you will see later.
There are two eateries. The large restaurant area serves lovely hot meals, soup, sandwiches etc. Breakfast finishes at 11.30, and lunch starts at 12.00, which caught out our friends. We had scampi and chips, and lamb hotpot, both large portions and delicious. If you want a main meal go directly to that server, otherwise you could be in the wrong queue for a long time!
Tea/coffee is self service. Coffee is obvious, but the tea is not. Hot water is dispensed to the left of the coffee machine.
The coffee shop is much, much smaller, and serves drinks, wine, cakes and snacks. There is seating outside both the eateries.
This place is definitely perfect for the disabled. Very well planned. The staff and volunteers are very helpful and will do their best to answer any questions thrown at them.
I would love to go back on a sunny day to get the full benefit of the trees, plants and memorials. It is growing all the time, so always something new to see.
Please read other reviews as I have not gone into observations that have been covered elsewhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2017, Jane S said about National Memorial Arboretum
My Brother, his wife, a niece and myself visited the National Memorial Arboretum because our Grandfather was mentioned in the Mud and Memory Exhibition for Paschendaele 1917. This was the centenary of his death in the third battle of Ypres, probably around the area of Pond Farm. He was never found but was remembered at the Tyne Cot Cemetary which we visited in June. Through information that I gave to the Paschendaele Museum in Belgium, the National Memorial Exhibition were able to use our Grandfather's details, much to our delight. I had wanted to visit there for quite a while so this was the push that I needed. The curator was very helpful and she extended an invitation that we were able to take up. We found the Mud and Memory centre was fascinating with all the interesting facts so well displayed. You approach a wall with a painting of a forest but on closer inspection it was a collage of individual photos, so amazing. Our Grandfather was amongst many soldiers who had been killed, with photos and details in a rotating film on a video screen. Also, I'm not sure how it was achieved but you apparently walked through different colour leaves on the floor which turned to poppies, very unusual and most fascinating. After some very good meals in the restaurant, we walked outside and down to the WW1 trenches which were some distance away. They were occupied by some "soldiers" who were very informative, showing the weapons and items common to the trenches. Pity it wasn't a bit larger, as fast as we went in we were back out again. We were blessed with lovely sunny weather and enjoyed all the memorials that we passed but even then the site is so vast we did not have the time to see it all. Maybe another visit will beckon when another exhibition takes place. Even if you don't have a direct relative involved in the Forces it is still a very moving and interesting place to visit. The Paschendaele Exhibition is chargeable and will finish by the middle of November but otherwise it is free to enter. It is probably more suited to adults or students unless they have a child friendly event running.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2015, discovery47 said about National Memorial Arboretum
There are not many visitor experiences that leave one totally overwhelmed by what it represents and how other visitors are absorbed during their visit, as the NMA. Children mingled with bemedalled war veterans as they strolled through memorial locations or stood silently before remembrance plaques.
My wife and I visited as part of a forces' veterans' group on Sunday. It meant an early start because it was a two hour drive and we wanted to arrive about 10 am, knowing that we had much to see. We were all from different branches of the forces and, naturally, we wished to include our own memorials during the visit.
Our arrival was greeted pleasantly by yellow-shirted volunteers, who explained the outline of an itinerary. We were all hankering for one of the NMA's famous full English breakfasts. So, passing through reception with free entry, some of us purchased comprehensive guide books before entering the restaurant. None was disappointed by the huge breakfast that could be purchased for about a fiver.
Every day at 11 am, the chapel holds a ten-minute remembrance service with a short recorded narrative by war correspondent Kate Aidie, Last Post and a two-minute silence. This, we attended and fifteen-minute informative lecture followed before we were dispatched to explore the 150 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and memorials.
Our experience was heightened by perfect weather, one would have to dress accordingly, as all memorials are in the open air. There are, however, plenty of places under cover, should it rain but, due to its size, you might find yourself a lengthy walk from shelter.
As an attraction, I give it full marks, providing tea stops, a land train, an immense amount of memorials (the immotive Shot at Dawn should not be missed), secluded gardens and places to contemplate. It takes a while to see everything and will probably prompt a return. We gathered at 4 pm to leave having missed a lot however, the thought is to return soon.
My wife and I visited as part of a forces' veterans' group on Sunday. It meant an early start because it was a two hour drive and we wanted to arrive about 10 am, knowing that we had much to see. We were all from different branches of the forces and, naturally, we wished to include our own memorials during the visit.
Our arrival was greeted pleasantly by yellow-shirted volunteers, who explained the outline of an itinerary. We were all hankering for one of the NMA's famous full English breakfasts. So, passing through reception with free entry, some of us purchased comprehensive guide books before entering the restaurant. None was disappointed by the huge breakfast that could be purchased for about a fiver.
Every day at 11 am, the chapel holds a ten-minute remembrance service with a short recorded narrative by war correspondent Kate Aidie, Last Post and a two-minute silence. This, we attended and fifteen-minute informative lecture followed before we were dispatched to explore the 150 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and memorials.
Our experience was heightened by perfect weather, one would have to dress accordingly, as all memorials are in the open air. There are, however, plenty of places under cover, should it rain but, due to its size, you might find yourself a lengthy walk from shelter.
As an attraction, I give it full marks, providing tea stops, a land train, an immense amount of memorials (the immotive Shot at Dawn should not be missed), secluded gardens and places to contemplate. It takes a while to see everything and will probably prompt a return. We gathered at 4 pm to leave having missed a lot however, the thought is to return soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2017, Pete D said about Lichfield Cathedral
After making a visit to the cathedral one Sunday in October, I saw advertisements for the Christmas special ‘Star of wonder star of Light’.
I really enjoyed my earlier visit, so I bought tickets for the event to take my wife along, not knowing what to expect.
This is the second year the cathedral has put on the light show, and the ticket sales were brisk, by the time we’d made our minds up the options were limited to later times, last entry is at 9:45 pm and the whole show takes about an hour. We were at 9 pm.
The event was very well organised, the marshals ensured orderly movement of large crowds of people, mostly families. After an enjoyable warmup light-show on the school adjacent to the cathedral, we grabbed a hot-chocolate & it was on for the main light show, scenes from the nativity, I’ve included two photographs that show the type of effect created. It was quite a spectacle and lasts about 15 minutes.
If you don’t know Litchfield Cathedral, it’s unique with three spires and the front façade is very impressive, providing a unique and imposing ‘canvas’ for the show, and it was all used to excellent effect.
Then we could enter the cathedral, which was beautifully lit up in several areas, with a display of Christmas trees from local businesses raising money for charity. There were quieter areas where you could just sit and contemplate, there were live gospel readings from the nativity story and carols being sung by candlelight.
The whole effect made for a magical and highly enjoyable visit. This was well worth the ticket price. In fact I think I donated a larger amount when I visited several weeks earlier!
There is ample car parking quite close to the cathedral at several places, and the local restaurants were buzzing with families, so I can well imagine that the event is a good thing for local businesses too.
I think this could easily become a standard event in our calendar, this is the second year and they’ve had different themes.
Well done to the team at Litchfield Cathedral and the company that planned and staged the wonderful light show.
I really enjoyed my earlier visit, so I bought tickets for the event to take my wife along, not knowing what to expect.
This is the second year the cathedral has put on the light show, and the ticket sales were brisk, by the time we’d made our minds up the options were limited to later times, last entry is at 9:45 pm and the whole show takes about an hour. We were at 9 pm.
The event was very well organised, the marshals ensured orderly movement of large crowds of people, mostly families. After an enjoyable warmup light-show on the school adjacent to the cathedral, we grabbed a hot-chocolate & it was on for the main light show, scenes from the nativity, I’ve included two photographs that show the type of effect created. It was quite a spectacle and lasts about 15 minutes.
If you don’t know Litchfield Cathedral, it’s unique with three spires and the front façade is very impressive, providing a unique and imposing ‘canvas’ for the show, and it was all used to excellent effect.
Then we could enter the cathedral, which was beautifully lit up in several areas, with a display of Christmas trees from local businesses raising money for charity. There were quieter areas where you could just sit and contemplate, there were live gospel readings from the nativity story and carols being sung by candlelight.
The whole effect made for a magical and highly enjoyable visit. This was well worth the ticket price. In fact I think I donated a larger amount when I visited several weeks earlier!
There is ample car parking quite close to the cathedral at several places, and the local restaurants were buzzing with families, so I can well imagine that the event is a good thing for local businesses too.
I think this could easily become a standard event in our calendar, this is the second year and they’ve had different themes.
Well done to the team at Litchfield Cathedral and the company that planned and staged the wonderful light show.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2024, Kimberley P said about National Memorial Arboretum
The arboretum is an absolutely wonderful place to visit , and it’s free to get in , car parking was £4 for the day . As I cannot walk for more than a few yards I was going to take my powered chair , my batteries were low , so we hired a scooter for the day , bargain at £10 for the day , the staff mainly volunteers were fantastic and sorted us out in minutes . They rely on donations and very good people as volunteers , most of whom are very knowledgeable about the site ! We did the longest walk which was a kilometre each way and the memorials were stunning all set among beautifully kept grounds and with part being alongside the river Trent . Many of the memorial’s were set among the trees , I couldn’t get to some but my partner could and some of those were heartbreaking with thousands of names not all armed forces but civilians as well , we listened to the shot at dawn memorial talk and it was heartbreaking to hear stories of young men who went to war with a false sense of heroism to break down with ptsd and not all of them were of age to fight some as young as 14 , were shot . This definitely brings into perspective the amount of folk , men women and children that died for this country and it’s freedoms .
The monument on the hill commemorating our armed services personnel lost since 1947 and updated yearly , apparently 2023 was the only year no names were up there . They also commemorate all allies , polish , Sikh , Canadian, anzacs and many others too numerous to mention but never forgotten , a haunting and beautiful place not just for families of the fallen but for anyone who wishes to pay homage to those people who died for our freedoms .
There is a lovely restaurant and coffee shop on site serving lovely meals drinks and cakes . And a gift shop selling a range of items.
There are remembrance gardens and quiet haunting spaces to ponder , at this time of year the trees are a fabulous tapestry of colours and if the sun shines all the better , a truly wonderful experience looked after by dedicated people who truly care what they are doing and are so kind , helpful and willing to chat !
The monument on the hill commemorating our armed services personnel lost since 1947 and updated yearly , apparently 2023 was the only year no names were up there . They also commemorate all allies , polish , Sikh , Canadian, anzacs and many others too numerous to mention but never forgotten , a haunting and beautiful place not just for families of the fallen but for anyone who wishes to pay homage to those people who died for our freedoms .
There is a lovely restaurant and coffee shop on site serving lovely meals drinks and cakes . And a gift shop selling a range of items.
There are remembrance gardens and quiet haunting spaces to ponder , at this time of year the trees are a fabulous tapestry of colours and if the sun shines all the better , a truly wonderful experience looked after by dedicated people who truly care what they are doing and are so kind , helpful and willing to chat !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, fork_handles said about National Memorial Arboretum
My wife and I had been keen to visit the Arboretum for many years, having a mutual interest in military history and war graves. We stayed overnight nearby, so spent two days walking around the Arboretum over the Easter weekend.
We first took the road train around the site, which was very interesting and gave an overview of many of the memorials, as well as allowing us to get our bearings for the site and what was approximately where.
We had a very good look around many of the memorials, but even with the guide book, it was still hard to identify exactly where some of the memorials were, as some are located well off any metalled path and require you to walk across grass / mud or through trees to get to them. This struck us as a bit nonsensical, as if we, as able bodied people struggled to get to some of them, how would elderly or disabled veterans manage to get to them?
The second day we went straight to the main memorial and spent some time there, before walking around the south part of the site near the shot at dawn memorial and 'The Beat'. Once again we struggled to locate some memorials we wished to see and several, when found, were located across boggy grass which was hard going.
It was also noticeable the number of children who were at the site, and families who clearly were local and used the place to walk their dogs, or just for an afternoon out, as it is free to enter. While I am all for educating children about remembrance, it was sad to see that quite a number of parents were allowing their children to run about, jumping on the memorials, shout and scream etc, without telling them to stop. In my view, this should not be allowed and as the site is full of national war memorials, there should be a greater degree of reverence and larger notices at the entrance and around the site, asking visitors to control their kids and animals while visiting the site.
Ultimately, the place is in a pretty nondescript and miserable part of the Midlands, so I suppose they have to attract as many visitors as possible to keep things going. The large restaurant and conference facilities also demonstrate that.
Overall we enjoyed our time at the Arboretum and would return. Some improvements and development of the existing metalled path network would certainly benefit the place, to allow those with limited mobility to get closer to many of the memorials.
We first took the road train around the site, which was very interesting and gave an overview of many of the memorials, as well as allowing us to get our bearings for the site and what was approximately where.
We had a very good look around many of the memorials, but even with the guide book, it was still hard to identify exactly where some of the memorials were, as some are located well off any metalled path and require you to walk across grass / mud or through trees to get to them. This struck us as a bit nonsensical, as if we, as able bodied people struggled to get to some of them, how would elderly or disabled veterans manage to get to them?
The second day we went straight to the main memorial and spent some time there, before walking around the south part of the site near the shot at dawn memorial and 'The Beat'. Once again we struggled to locate some memorials we wished to see and several, when found, were located across boggy grass which was hard going.
It was also noticeable the number of children who were at the site, and families who clearly were local and used the place to walk their dogs, or just for an afternoon out, as it is free to enter. While I am all for educating children about remembrance, it was sad to see that quite a number of parents were allowing their children to run about, jumping on the memorials, shout and scream etc, without telling them to stop. In my view, this should not be allowed and as the site is full of national war memorials, there should be a greater degree of reverence and larger notices at the entrance and around the site, asking visitors to control their kids and animals while visiting the site.
Ultimately, the place is in a pretty nondescript and miserable part of the Midlands, so I suppose they have to attract as many visitors as possible to keep things going. The large restaurant and conference facilities also demonstrate that.
Overall we enjoyed our time at the Arboretum and would return. Some improvements and development of the existing metalled path network would certainly benefit the place, to allow those with limited mobility to get closer to many of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk