Local Reviews
In November 2017, Non M said about National Memorial Arboretum
I have reviewed this attraction before, however since then, they have built a beautiful new centre. The centre is beautiful and is staffed by very knowledgable and helpful volunteers. There's a new shop area, large dining restaurant and display areas. It's a very poignant and informative attraction. However, it really is more about acknowledging the sacrifices that our service men and women have made in the line of duty. There's a new 'Shot at Dawn' memorial and the beautiful memorial on the hillock has to be the highlight. The slit on the south wall allows the sun to shine through at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Thousands of trees in people's memories have been planted. There's a fair bit of walking, however, there's a train that takes one around or a private buggy and driver to hire. This is a thought provoking and peaceful place to visit, a must do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2014, John B said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Arboretum was designed to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in defence of our country and it's values. In addition to the three Armed Services there are memorials to those who served in the civilian services such as the Fire Brigades, Police, Land Army etc. it is a large site and you need to allow plenty of time for your visit. You may want to use the small train to enable you to see all the places of interest. There is a very good restaurant serving a full range of refreshments at reasonable prices. Most of the staff are volunteers. There is no charge for admission but you should make a donation to the Royal British Legion which maintains the site.each day there is a short service of Remembrance at 11.00am
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2015, Paul H said about National Memorial Arboretum
A really moving Day out.The memorials are many and varied. A more fitting tribute to those that have died in all walks of life could not be found.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
The extensive grounds can be walked or covered by land train or buggy tours for which there is a small charge.
Volunteers are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.
A new visitor centre is being built, do not be put off that the restaurant is in a marquee
The food and the staff were both excellent.
Not to be missed are the children's poems on the polar bear memorial - really touching.
There is also trails for children to ensure they get the most out of the day, even if they cannot appreciate the meaning of the memorials.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2016, Helen C said about National Memorial Arboretum
A wonderful place to visit for a whole day or just to pop in for coffee. There is something for everyone, trails and clues for children. A road train for those with mobility problems ( and those that like the ride). The 'Shot at Dawn' memorial is visited as part of the schools' GCSE syllabus and moves me to tears every time. The history is amazing. My Dad found a memorial to his boy entrants from over 59 years ago, he cried to read the names, he didn't know it was there.
The scenery and peace is breathtaking a wonderful place to walk everyday, and any day.
There is also a reasonably priced gift shop and restaurant. I pop in there while my car is serviced or MOT'd by Neale at Alrewas motors, another excellent service on my doorstep.
The scenery and peace is breathtaking a wonderful place to walk everyday, and any day.
There is also a reasonably priced gift shop and restaurant. I pop in there while my car is serviced or MOT'd by Neale at Alrewas motors, another excellent service on my doorstep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2018, AlisonLW said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited the Arboretum as part of a coach day trip which also took in Lichfield. The weather wasn't great but I found the whole Arboretum experience very moving. I did the landtrain tour (because of the weather and our short visit) which gives you food for thought and I will certainly visit again. I did manage to walk round parts of the area but our trip certainly didn't allow us sufficient time to be able to take it all in. I spoke with one of the volunteers who suggested that really 2 days is needed to be able to see everything. The forces memorial in the centre of the Arboretum is stunning and I found this very emotional given all the names which are engraved of all those who have lost their lives since WW2. Definitely worth a visit - there is also a shop and a cafe/restaurant and I will certainly be going back to spend more time there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2019, Debbie A said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is a great idea and its lovely expansive landscape, buildings, diverse memorials and settings are so fitting for somewhere to remember.
We have visited here several times as we have a remembrance tile for my Father-in-Law at the Halton Grove RAF Garden. It is lovely to walk around the acres of grounds along the river bank and up to the top of the Armed Forces Memorial, a very impressive monument. Its also worth having a bite to eat or a coffee in the spotless restaurant.
The volunteer staff are very attentive and helpful. We intend to take the Mother-in-Law in the near future and the various on site transport facilities including land train will be very useful to get around the site.
Well done to all. Thank you.
We have visited here several times as we have a remembrance tile for my Father-in-Law at the Halton Grove RAF Garden. It is lovely to walk around the acres of grounds along the river bank and up to the top of the Armed Forces Memorial, a very impressive monument. Its also worth having a bite to eat or a coffee in the spotless restaurant.
The volunteer staff are very attentive and helpful. We intend to take the Mother-in-Law in the near future and the various on site transport facilities including land train will be very useful to get around the site.
Well done to all. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2019, Ivanhoe123 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We met friends for the day, so this was a fantastic choice where we could have a leisurely wander and chat. There were loads of benches to rest, and of course, the restaurant and coffee shop for when we were flagging. We started by taking the land train tour, which gave us a good over view to start, then walked to other areas. We were impressed by the space, peace and the enthusiastic staff on hand to help. The grass and gardens were very impressive and well maintained. The memorials were full of interest, thought provoking and sad. What a waste of so many young lives is war. I found the most poignant was the Shot At Dawn area - so sad! None of them over 30 too. Everything was so thoughtfully and well presented, and the detail of the sculptures was amazing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2019, J A said about National Memorial Arboretum
A beautiful place for reflection and thoughts. It really gives you a sense of the dutiful sacrifices our forces (and others to support them around the world) made for our freedom.
We were made very welcome at reception and by the train drivers Richard and Greg. Richard our (road) train driver took us on a tour around the vast ground of this stunning place, whilst a commentary played informing us of the different memorials. I highly recommend doing this, you can always walk around the grounds in your own time after to gather your thoughts.
The restaurant is clean and spacious and the staff again are friendly and efficient.
I really can't fault this place, please go and support this wonderful National Treasure and remember the sacrifices made and the feel the power of the clear camaraderie.
We were made very welcome at reception and by the train drivers Richard and Greg. Richard our (road) train driver took us on a tour around the vast ground of this stunning place, whilst a commentary played informing us of the different memorials. I highly recommend doing this, you can always walk around the grounds in your own time after to gather your thoughts.
The restaurant is clean and spacious and the staff again are friendly and efficient.
I really can't fault this place, please go and support this wonderful National Treasure and remember the sacrifices made and the feel the power of the clear camaraderie.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2019, J059 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Five hours flew by and we didn’t see everything on this 150 acre site. Stunning memorials and not all relating to the military but to many other organisations and individuals. We joined in with the short service of remembrance, which happens every day around 11am, followed by an informative talk about the Aboretum. There are inside exhibits and the one about the role of tattooing in the military was particularly interesting. There’s a great restaurant and a smaller coffee shop to be enjoyed.
Mobility vehicles and a train ride are available, as it’s a large site. The actual armed forces memorial in the centre is impressive with some amazing statues. All staff are friendly and informative, mostly volunteers and so knowledgeable.
Everyone should go and be moved by Remembrance.
Mobility vehicles and a train ride are available, as it’s a large site. The actual armed forces memorial in the centre is impressive with some amazing statues. All staff are friendly and informative, mostly volunteers and so knowledgeable.
Everyone should go and be moved by Remembrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2019, Michele W said about National Memorial Arboretum
I’ve visited the NMA scores of times and I always learn something new. Recently I went on the very informative Far East walking tour round the relevant memorials.
This visit I learnt about the fighting in WWll round Kohima Imphal. I would strongly recommend visiting the NMA and also checking the daily walks and talks with the excellent guides. Thank you to the many volunteers.
Pay £3 to park. Free to enter but please donate. Restaurant and coffee shop good value. There are hard paths round the memorials but I often want to walk on the grass to see a particular one. It’s low lying and gets very wet after heavy rain. I wear waterproof walking boots.
This visit I learnt about the fighting in WWll round Kohima Imphal. I would strongly recommend visiting the NMA and also checking the daily walks and talks with the excellent guides. Thank you to the many volunteers.
Pay £3 to park. Free to enter but please donate. Restaurant and coffee shop good value. There are hard paths round the memorials but I often want to walk on the grass to see a particular one. It’s low lying and gets very wet after heavy rain. I wear waterproof walking boots.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk