Local Reviews
In March 2012, artdeco61 said about National Memorial Arboretum
we had the morning here and definately needed a day, such a magnificent and moving place. Amazing sculptures and dedications to all those who have lost their lives in battle. It just takes your breath away. Admission free and small fee for car park. They rely soley on donations and it COSTS £3000 + A DAY FOR THE UPKEEP. Lots of seats to sit down whilst walking round, there is also a little train you can use to get around with lots of information about what you are viewing. Even gold buggies available to ride in. A really tranquil and beautiful parkland, so much to see. The staff are helpful and friendly and the restaurant excellent and inexpensive food. a must to go and see if you are down this way. truly amazing place and quite emotionally to see and read.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2012, j0hnhill said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having seen the arboretum on the local news over a number of years I had toyed with the idea of a visit yet never made the effort or short journey. Following a business meeting in the area last week I had to pass on my return home and thought it would be an ideal opportunity to visit and I am so glad I did.
Having visited the memorials in Washington DC last year the Arboretum had a lot to compete with, but blew the memorials in DC away.
The grounds are imaculately kept and during my flying visit you could feel the emotion of both the Memorial and the visitors.
The entrance is free, but they do ask for a donation of £5 which is not mandatory, car parking is £2.50.
This is a must visit and I will go back and enjoy a more leisurely visit.
Site has washrooms, restaurant , gift shop and large car park.
Having visited the memorials in Washington DC last year the Arboretum had a lot to compete with, but blew the memorials in DC away.
The grounds are imaculately kept and during my flying visit you could feel the emotion of both the Memorial and the visitors.
The entrance is free, but they do ask for a donation of £5 which is not mandatory, car parking is £2.50.
This is a must visit and I will go back and enjoy a more leisurely visit.
Site has washrooms, restaurant , gift shop and large car park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2015, QXZWS said about Lichfield Cathedral
It towers over the city centre - 3 spires peering over the Minster Pool. In fact it is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires.
The cathedral is dedicated to St Chad and Saint Mary. It's not that large with an internal length is 370 feet so easy to walk around.
The best way of approaching it is from Bird St so you can walk up to see the magnificent front facing you. It is as wonderful inside with the splendid nave leading up to the choir.
Have a walk all around the outside as well as The Close is very pretty as well and you can end up in Chapters their own licensed restaurant, which serves light meals, tea and coffee, wine and beer and is owned by the cathedral so if you haven't made a donation (entrance to Lichfield Cathedral is free) then at least the profit from your meal or drinks goes back into the upkeep.
The cathedral is dedicated to St Chad and Saint Mary. It's not that large with an internal length is 370 feet so easy to walk around.
The best way of approaching it is from Bird St so you can walk up to see the magnificent front facing you. It is as wonderful inside with the splendid nave leading up to the choir.
Have a walk all around the outside as well as The Close is very pretty as well and you can end up in Chapters their own licensed restaurant, which serves light meals, tea and coffee, wine and beer and is owned by the cathedral so if you haven't made a donation (entrance to Lichfield Cathedral is free) then at least the profit from your meal or drinks goes back into the upkeep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2014, Sarah L said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited this venue with my veteran husband and young family. It is a very beautiful, peaceful and thought provoking place. We were all there for different reasons - my husband wanted to see the memorials (and recognised a name of one or two comrades), I am interested in history and also like the landscaping, my 5 yr old daughter enjoyed 'tree spotting' with her book and had a chat with some WW1 soldiers, and my 2 yr old enjoyed just being pushed around in his buggy and a bit or a run around later on. We completed the self-led family trail, which is now proudly stuck inside my daughter's holiday diary. We had a meal in the restaurant , where the food was good. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, for example. If I lived more locally, I would come here more often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2017, Oliver D said about National Memorial Arboretum
Surprisingly big, we knew it was a big area but you can easily spend a whole day walking round looking at all the beautiful memorials. Each one is unique and really helps you reminisce and pay respects to those who fought for our country. Amazingly clean and well kept. Dog friendly. Food in the restaurant looked lovely, made us regret taking a picnic! Buy or take a drink with you as there is only one area at the start where you can do this. The only downside is the parking area is quite small and be aware that it IS pay and display although there aren't many obvious signs to say so! Oh and not to mention it's free entry although we bought a map and tour guides, and they do appreciate any donations too! We would definitely return, very sobering experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2015, quackersbewdley said about National Memorial Arboretum
Went here for a quick visit. A friend of ours highly eecommended this place for a visit but we thought a place full of tress cannot be that interesting...right ? .... WRONG !
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
This place is fantastic. It is large, tranquil and full of many interesting memorials.
The place has no entry fee but parking is £3.00 a day.
On the day we visited it was raining so we opted to take the train. Cost was £5 but it was well worth it a very informative.
For me I was interested in the Falklands Conflict so we went back to those memorials after the train but none of the memorials are that far away.
The area called 'Shot at Dawn' is a very emotional place to visit.
At 11.00 each day there is a service in the chapel with a 2 mins silence.
The restaurant has lots of good food at reasonable prices.
Overall we spent £30 during our visit but this included parking, tea, cake and train plus donations.
Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2016, Margaret B said about National Memorial Arboretum
A great day out, easily found with plenty of parking. The site covers about 140 acres scattered with memorials, some are attached to trees in memory of a family member. It is a peaceful place to reflect and makes you realise how futile war is - there are no winners. It is worth taking the land train which takes about 3/4 hour with the excellent commentary. We had a sandwich in the cafe, not cheap but made with lovely bread and filling. There is a restaurant in the marquee if you fancy something more substantial. If you want a whole day there, I suggest taking a picnic so you don't have to trail back to get food. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Don't forget to visit the small gardens also. Well worth a return visit as it is impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, teggauk said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a fantastic place, not only is it a great day out but a day out in the fresh air. There are numerous memorials from every branch of the armed forces, also the police, fire service, women's land army and even the railway industry. All of which have served in past conflicts in one way or another. I am a little biased as I served in the military, the fire service and the railway industry. The main memorial of course being the memorial wall with the names of all of the people from all of the services that have died since the Second World War are remembered. Nevertheless, there is such a lot to see, do and learn at the Arboretum. The site is very disabled friendly, there are cafés and restaurants on site. There are plenty of places to stay if you would like spend time in the heart of England with the national forest and also Cannock chase on the door step. Very easy to reach from every direction with good road links.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2018, Graham W said about National Memorial Arboretum
Plenty to see and investigate on this 150 acre site.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
The trees and memorials cover all the Armed Forces.
The section on those unfortunates who were “shot at dawn” during the First World War is especially moving.
One word of criticism is the road train taking you around this vast site.
If you get off the train partway around to see a specific memorial,you have to walk back to the Memorials centre/ Restaurant complex.
Elderly or people with mobility problems are confined to staying on the train for 45-50 minutes and viewing the memorials from the train seats.
In Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington DC, you can dismount a similar train at several strategic stops then catch the next train that will be along at approximately 15 minute intervals.
This is a much more flexible and sensible system.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, NICHOLASGILROY said about National Memorial Arboretum
-extensive military memorials in well manicured grounds
-large car park, restaurant & shop
-very friendly and helpful guides - most I believe are volunteers
-beautiful grounds and organised memorial sections
-there was more to see than I anticipated
-I arrived at 9am & spent a leisurely 3 hours on site
-early in the morning, I was literally the only visitor around and enjoyed complete tranquility in the woods & glades near the river.
-CAUTION! As the morning matured, the hoards arrived including coach loads of visitors and quickly the ‘magic’ was gone.
-I guess a high population of visitors is inevitable for this venue.
-Nevertheless, I completed my ‘visit objectives’ very nicely & left as the crowds took over.
-Highly recommended - but maybe pick your time of day of visit - if you have that flexibility.
-large car park, restaurant & shop
-very friendly and helpful guides - most I believe are volunteers
-beautiful grounds and organised memorial sections
-there was more to see than I anticipated
-I arrived at 9am & spent a leisurely 3 hours on site
-early in the morning, I was literally the only visitor around and enjoyed complete tranquility in the woods & glades near the river.
-CAUTION! As the morning matured, the hoards arrived including coach loads of visitors and quickly the ‘magic’ was gone.
-I guess a high population of visitors is inevitable for this venue.
-Nevertheless, I completed my ‘visit objectives’ very nicely & left as the crowds took over.
-Highly recommended - but maybe pick your time of day of visit - if you have that flexibility.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk