Local Reviews
In November 2019, 111TWIGAMINHAAFRIKA said about National Memorial Arboretum
I have visited here numerous times since it opened in 2001 but it was some 5 years since the last visit and 'wow', many changes and even more positive developments.
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Plenty of parking(small fee), very friendly and informative welcome, map purchased(small fee) and we headed for a full breakfast.
Excellent facilities throughout, the food at the restaurant was perfectly cooked, with again such joyful and friendly service.
We had sourced a friends dedicated tree in honour of her family and so headed outside to walk to the parachute regiment monument but firstly via the amazing but very sobering Armed Forces Memorial Wall.
Beautiful morning light, to stand in awe of so many that so rightly have a place that displays their name in honour of their sacrifice- so moving...
The arboretum offers so much to so many people and it really gives a comforting sense for reflection, a chance to absorb this sense of comradeship, we will remember them...
Privacy, a sense of duty and a beautiful place to be wherever one may stand.
Thank you...
Lest we forget...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, Bill said about National Memorial Arboretum
A very moving place to visit, the names on the wall of fallen troops since world war 2 ended is staggering. I have been there many times in the past with the Ride To The Wall charity event and will continue to do so as long as I can.
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
It isnt just a large wall covered with names though, there are many hundreds of memorials to see and read.
The NMA is a spotless place, well run by hard working people and funded by donations.
The restaurant is good with usually a large choice of foods to eat, the onsite shop for purchasing items holds more than I first thought and is well worth a visit.
But, do be prepared for a lot of walking as it is a very large area, I have been several times and still find new places to visit in there.
Overall, the NMA is one of, if not the best kept secret for places to visit.
Visit and be overawed by the beauty and horror of why this place exists.
One last thing... ask any "Waller" and they will all tell you to bring hankies on your visit as "It gets very dusty there" especially during the memorial services...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2024, Salim Miah said about National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum offers an exceptional experience for a family day out, with its over 100-acre landscape filled with unique and thoughtfully designed memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers and service personnel. Each monument tells a story and stands as a respectful tribute, making the experience both impactful and educational.<br><br>Customer service stands out as exemplary. When I inquired about a multi-faith prayer area, the receptionist was incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to help me find a suitable space. This attention to visitor needs is appreciated, though having a dedicated multi-faith room would be a valuable addition for the diverse backgrounds of people who visit the arboretum.<br><br>Parking cost £6 on my visit, and admission was free. The site also includes a well-stocked gift shop and a spacious restaurant area with indoor and outdoor seating, providing ample options for dining or relaxing. A sunny day enhances the visit, as the grounds are best enjoyed with clear skies.<br><br>Highly recommend this as a meaningful and memorable outing!
Source: google.com
In February 2024, Jessica S said about National Memorial Arboretum
Today we did the Stick Man Trail and what a beautiful place for children and adults alike. The large stick man in the woods was fab and very exciting to see for young children. We booked the Stick man cinema showing which was super, played in the sensory garden, ate lunch in the restaurant and went on the land train. The ground and gardens are landscaped beautifully and very well looked after, we could even appreciate this is on a very wet, gloomy day! The land train was so interesting and a fantastic way to get around the grounds as it is a enormous place! I wish we had time to do the craft activities being hosted for half term this week but we enjoyed being outdoors so much, despite the weather. All of the volunteers/staff today were absolutely fantastic, on the desk, in the reception area, the lady's cleaning the restaurant, in the cinema room, the parking staff which all helps you have a lovely day out and experience here. We will definitely be coming back as a family and it's brilliant to have such a wonderful day out full of activities for the children in the holidays. Thank you to everyone who made our day today (lady with the baby boy and 3 year old girl)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2022, G7227NFannr said about Bradshaw’s Farm Shop & Cafe
Myself and my sister are regular customers for lunch and shopping.
The food is excellent and so are the girls who serve you.However, I am absolutely disgusted by the condition of the approach "road" and the carpark. The entrance is a wet and muddy field with holes that shake your car as you ride over it. The carpark is much the same large potholes and mud!! The exit is more of the same.
I have a nice car which I look after. If this was a small establishment, just getting going, perhaps this could be understood. NO! Bradshaw's has been long in existence, granted not so long at Bleak House, but more than long enough to have addressed these issues. The amount of things going on there, besides the restaurant and farm/butchers shop, is quite substantial. I would thought more than profitable enough to be able to put right these problems. Before opening further new attractions, perhaps some thought could be put into improving the roads. I took pictures of my car today, ( I can't share as I am not familiar with how to do this!) tyres thick with mud and mud inside the car as there is nowhere you could wipe your shoes., as for the car's suspension, well !!!Customers welfare doesn't seem to matter.
The food is excellent and so are the girls who serve you.However, I am absolutely disgusted by the condition of the approach "road" and the carpark. The entrance is a wet and muddy field with holes that shake your car as you ride over it. The carpark is much the same large potholes and mud!! The exit is more of the same.
I have a nice car which I look after. If this was a small establishment, just getting going, perhaps this could be understood. NO! Bradshaw's has been long in existence, granted not so long at Bleak House, but more than long enough to have addressed these issues. The amount of things going on there, besides the restaurant and farm/butchers shop, is quite substantial. I would thought more than profitable enough to be able to put right these problems. Before opening further new attractions, perhaps some thought could be put into improving the roads. I took pictures of my car today, ( I can't share as I am not familiar with how to do this!) tyres thick with mud and mud inside the car as there is nowhere you could wipe your shoes., as for the car's suspension, well !!!Customers welfare doesn't seem to matter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2022, Daniel Willingham said about National Memorial Arboretum
Very outstanding peaceful and tranquil place which dedicates those and pays there respect to those who served in conflicts and wars around the world. There are various memorials dedicated to each of the regiments within the British Army and also the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. There are also memorials dedicated to the Fire Service, Miners and also the Police Service. The memorial which stands out the most is the Armed Forces memorial as it looks spectacular on the landscape and delivers a deserving dedication to those who have served for their country and lists all the people who have sadly lost their lives in all of the conflicts whilst serving the UK around the world in the wars. On some of the memorials there is an informative synopsis of the particular conflict occurred, which gives an idea of the magnitude of that war generally and those who fought in it. Another aspect that makes the site spectacular is that the trees blend in beautifully with the memorials making the scenery more serene and picturesque. The site is vast and will take a few hours to get around but there are some spectacular memorials to look at and also some spectacularly picturesque views of the River Trent to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy the land train which takes you around the whole site where there is a guide giving you information about the memorials on view.There's is also an exhibition detailing the site which is interesting and enjoyable to look at. There is a restaurant on site offering food at good and reasonable and also a gift shop with gifts at reasonable prices. Overall this is an excellent tranquil and peaceful place to visit.
Source: google.com
In September 2022, Martina Onions said about National Memorial Arboretum
A very impressive site, quite amazing how much is there a very well laid out. Thing's for all ages to see, for the children there are a couple play areas, plus amazing icecream and cakes available from the restaurant or coffee shop. The whole site is disabled friendly, the ground's have level paths though out and gentle slopping grassy area's, the main centre piece has a number of steps or ramped road around it.<br>There is also a road train available for a tour of the site (which I'd recommend).<br>There's also a gift shop on site.<br>Though out the whole site there are a huge number of benches and picnic tables and chairs.<br>The site is dog friendly as long they are kept on a lead and they have a number of drinks points.<br>There's a modern restaurant and coffee shop, selling a large range of snacks, meals, drinks, cakes etc at good prices I must say.<br>The toilets are in the main building complex again very modern and clean which include disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.<br>Also available for people are a number of electric mobility scooters.<br>Last but not least. I must say the staff are amazing, so friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and are alway's there to help.<br>A place that needs to be visited a number of times.
Source: google.com
In July 2022, Mrs Bear said about National Memorial Arboretum
Prior to our visit we checked the website for the National Memorial Arboretum and discovered that we needed to book the parking to help them cope with visitor numbers. It was an easy process and inexpensive.
On arrival a helpful staff member explained where we needed to park and we headed off to reception and received a mini guide to help us find our way around.
We started off in the cafe and got our bearings over a coffee.
If you want to take everything in you really need all day as it is a huge site, there is a lot of ground to cover and plenty to see and photograph.
We spent the morning exploring the various memorials for the different regiments and then decided to stop for lunch back at the restaurant. There was an excellent choice of hot and cold food. We also found the staff friendly and the food prices reasonable.
During the afternoon we walked down along the river and saw so much wildlife that has made the arboretum it’s home.
We finished up with a look around the indoor displays and then the shop before heading home.
Well worth a visit and a humbling memorial to all those who gave their lives for our freedom.
On arrival a helpful staff member explained where we needed to park and we headed off to reception and received a mini guide to help us find our way around.
We started off in the cafe and got our bearings over a coffee.
If you want to take everything in you really need all day as it is a huge site, there is a lot of ground to cover and plenty to see and photograph.
We spent the morning exploring the various memorials for the different regiments and then decided to stop for lunch back at the restaurant. There was an excellent choice of hot and cold food. We also found the staff friendly and the food prices reasonable.
During the afternoon we walked down along the river and saw so much wildlife that has made the arboretum it’s home.
We finished up with a look around the indoor displays and then the shop before heading home.
Well worth a visit and a humbling memorial to all those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2012, RatonCantabria said about National Memorial Arboretum
Whilst staying with friends they took us here for an outing, and we had a very thoughtprovoking day. On arriving we bought the guidebook rather than the map, and were amazed at how big the place was! It is huge, and you need a good 3 or 4 hours to get round it all, we didn't sadly. The main memorial on the mound is very humbling, and it was great to see staff up there to quietly explain any questions we had, they were all very knowledgeable. The different memorials, styles and approaches around the site were very interesting, and we spent a long time in the FEPOW building, which was really fascinating. The one thing to consider when visiting is the weather, it is an outdoor site, and the day we went it was horrendously windy and showery, not the best weather for sure. The trees themselves are obviously still very small, so not much protection around the site from the elements, we probably would have stayed longer had we come on a better day. As a result though, we also ended up eating in the restaurant to get a bit of shelter, which was a plus, as the food was fantastic! Entrance to the site is free, but you do have to pay for parking and the guide/map (one of which you will need).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2016, Bridbash said about National Memorial Arboretum
My wife and myself visited the site on a very busy Sunday, we found a large car park near the welcome centre. On entering we were greeted by a very polite and enthusiastic member of staff who explained how we could see the whole park and find all the areas of interest to us.
We took a ride on the land train
( To be recommended ) which takes you around the full park with commentary so not to miss anything.
After our ride we set off on foot to spend moor time in the areas that meant something to us.
Even though there is a lot of work going on at the moment 14/2/2016 the park is still a beautiful and peaceful area.
Most of the pathways look to be in good condition and there seems to be plenty of ramp access for disabled visitors.
We had our lunch in a temporary restaurant, the food was hot and tasty and I believe the whole experience will improve when the building work has finished. The plans looked great !
We are looking forward to revisiting the Arboretum in the future when next in the area
We highly recommend a visit.
We took a ride on the land train
( To be recommended ) which takes you around the full park with commentary so not to miss anything.
After our ride we set off on foot to spend moor time in the areas that meant something to us.
Even though there is a lot of work going on at the moment 14/2/2016 the park is still a beautiful and peaceful area.
Most of the pathways look to be in good condition and there seems to be plenty of ramp access for disabled visitors.
We had our lunch in a temporary restaurant, the food was hot and tasty and I believe the whole experience will improve when the building work has finished. The plans looked great !
We are looking forward to revisiting the Arboretum in the future when next in the area
We highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk