Local Reviews
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
In October 2013, Paul R said about Lichfield Cathedral
Lichfield has been a regular haunt for my wife and I who continue to enjoy the tranquility and quintessential historical ambience of Staffordshire's premier heritage city. Its diverse architecture, boasts the only mediaeval English Cathedral with three spires. And when you visit, make a point of asking why they appear to lean? Lichfield is just seventeen miles north of Birmingham, and lies at the heart of England. 1300 years ago it stood at the centre of the Kingdom of Mercia. When Chad was made Bishop of Mercia in 669 he moved his See from Repton to Lichfield, which may already have been a holy site since there is a legend that Christians were martyred there under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. When Chad died in 672 pilgrims began to come to his shrine, and in 700, Bishop Hedda built a new church to house his bones. Starting in 1085 and continuing through the twelfth century this Saxon church was replaced by a Norman Cathedral, and then by this architecturally magnificent Gothic Cathedral, circa 1195. Steeped in history, Lichfield is a great place to visit, especially if you are genuinely interested in history and admiring incredible architecture. I confess that nearly a decade ago, my art work was displayed at Lichfield Cathedral's Chapters Restaurant and College Hall, but we now satisfy ourselves with checking out other artists and photographers who exhibit their work around the County, many of whom, were inspired to paint and pen poetry. There are several watering holes and diners within easy reach of the Cathedral. We especially enjoy the occasional afternoon de-caf tea or coffee accompanied by a light dessert. I guess, you may be right in thinking we are slightly biased, but, if you enjoy tranquility , pleasant surroundings and are inspired by amazing architecture, then Lichfield Cathedral will fire your imagination and meet your high expectations. It never ceases to amaze us; and, despite visiting for many years, we always seem to find something new to explore or discuss.
We are confident that Lichfield Cathedral is one of the most interesting religious buildings you will visit in England.
Regards,
Paul R
We are confident that Lichfield Cathedral is one of the most interesting religious buildings you will visit in England.
Regards,
Paul R
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2014, Les said about National Memorial Arboretum
I am a regular visitor to the National Memorial Arboretum and I have walked round it with my wife in rain and sunshine, never tiring of the beauty of the whole site, the gardens, trees, the wildlife, but most of all the reminders throughout of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from the armed services, the police and fire services, and civilians who gave their lives for this country.
Every time I visit there always seems to be another new monument or garden that has been opened or upgraded and the site is now maturing in such a beautiful a way that no-one could ever imagined when it was first opened.The Armed Forces Memorial opened by HM The Queen is a stunning example of architecture, poignant, yet uplifting and should always be included in your tour together with a visit to the chapel where a service of remembrance is held each day at 11am.
The volunteers on the site are always knowledgeable, always welcoming and are great ambassadors for the NMA.
My greatest pleasure is seeing and talking to some of the thousands of veterans and their families who visit each year from all over the Uk and overseas. There is no graffiti, no litter and only lovely people who visit and show the proper respect.
Let me turn to some of the negative points that other reviewers have mentioned and whinged about. Yes the NMA does not receive government funding so I am more than happy to pay my £3 for car parking all day which is a small price to pay, bearing in mind the experience I will have walking round this beautiful site, and that the food and drinks in the restaurant are much less that you would pay in a pub or restaurant and are better quality too..
Yes when we have very heavy and continuous rain there is sometimes some flooding on the low ground, but now that the hard surfaced road is all the way round the site it does not curtail your enjoyment of walking or taking the Land Train round the site.
Yes It is in the main a site dedicated to military sacrifice, but these are the gallant men and women who have paid with their lives ( and still paying) for everything we hold dear in this country and for every one who has made that sacrifice there are hundreds of thousands more who have been grievously wounded and the British Legion who run the NMA are always there to support our armed forces.
All in all a wonderful site and not to be missed.
Every time I visit there always seems to be another new monument or garden that has been opened or upgraded and the site is now maturing in such a beautiful a way that no-one could ever imagined when it was first opened.The Armed Forces Memorial opened by HM The Queen is a stunning example of architecture, poignant, yet uplifting and should always be included in your tour together with a visit to the chapel where a service of remembrance is held each day at 11am.
The volunteers on the site are always knowledgeable, always welcoming and are great ambassadors for the NMA.
My greatest pleasure is seeing and talking to some of the thousands of veterans and their families who visit each year from all over the Uk and overseas. There is no graffiti, no litter and only lovely people who visit and show the proper respect.
Let me turn to some of the negative points that other reviewers have mentioned and whinged about. Yes the NMA does not receive government funding so I am more than happy to pay my £3 for car parking all day which is a small price to pay, bearing in mind the experience I will have walking round this beautiful site, and that the food and drinks in the restaurant are much less that you would pay in a pub or restaurant and are better quality too..
Yes when we have very heavy and continuous rain there is sometimes some flooding on the low ground, but now that the hard surfaced road is all the way round the site it does not curtail your enjoyment of walking or taking the Land Train round the site.
Yes It is in the main a site dedicated to military sacrifice, but these are the gallant men and women who have paid with their lives ( and still paying) for everything we hold dear in this country and for every one who has made that sacrifice there are hundreds of thousands more who have been grievously wounded and the British Legion who run the NMA are always there to support our armed forces.
All in all a wonderful site and not to be missed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2019, tartnjohn said about National Memorial Arboretum
My second visit to the Arboretum and every bit as serene as before despite a number of more commercial developments.
First time round, we visited the 'permanent marquee' that was serving as the cafeteria/restaurant. This time it is within the main reception building and is every bit as good as before. Something about it screamed private in-house catering. So many organisations outsource this aspect of their business to the biggies and service, quality and standards plummet - not to mention prices going up, up and up.. Here the staff are smart, clean, happy and really provide a brilliant service - as for the quality of food? Top of the house. Their Cottage pie was piping hot, served with quality vegetables and the meat/potato topping was delicious. I may be wrong but pretty certain I am not. Great too, that High St coffee chains are noticeable by their absence - a real bonus.
All the staff on site (most if not all are volunteers) are knowledgeable, friendly and given the look and feel of the grounds, the memorials are all thought provoking and really do the organisations justice.
A couple of minor points which I heard a number of visitors commenting on.
The tour train, whilst mentioned as hop off is just that. At £6 ph and attracting many elderly who may not be too mobile, it really should provide a hop ON and off service. Cannot be an impossible thing to manage and would be massively appreciated by many.
Not too happy about the ticketing system if you purchase at the train. Surely handing over fairly significant cash, receiving a non auditable ticket and seeing it taken back by the driver is a fraud risk of the first degree. Whilst I am not in any way casting suspicion on the individuals on the day we were there, I am sure no accountant or security professional would recognise this as a secure way to protect cash.
Having travelled there by coach, when we went outside to wait, no seating was available where the bus stopped - perhaps some seating alongside the building would be a nice thing to have - especially for the elderly.
Noticeable too, that things which were 'free' when we first visited (guided tours etc.), seem now to attract a charge and although not a lot, it soon adds up.
First time round, we visited the 'permanent marquee' that was serving as the cafeteria/restaurant. This time it is within the main reception building and is every bit as good as before. Something about it screamed private in-house catering. So many organisations outsource this aspect of their business to the biggies and service, quality and standards plummet - not to mention prices going up, up and up.. Here the staff are smart, clean, happy and really provide a brilliant service - as for the quality of food? Top of the house. Their Cottage pie was piping hot, served with quality vegetables and the meat/potato topping was delicious. I may be wrong but pretty certain I am not. Great too, that High St coffee chains are noticeable by their absence - a real bonus.
All the staff on site (most if not all are volunteers) are knowledgeable, friendly and given the look and feel of the grounds, the memorials are all thought provoking and really do the organisations justice.
A couple of minor points which I heard a number of visitors commenting on.
The tour train, whilst mentioned as hop off is just that. At £6 ph and attracting many elderly who may not be too mobile, it really should provide a hop ON and off service. Cannot be an impossible thing to manage and would be massively appreciated by many.
Not too happy about the ticketing system if you purchase at the train. Surely handing over fairly significant cash, receiving a non auditable ticket and seeing it taken back by the driver is a fraud risk of the first degree. Whilst I am not in any way casting suspicion on the individuals on the day we were there, I am sure no accountant or security professional would recognise this as a secure way to protect cash.
Having travelled there by coach, when we went outside to wait, no seating was available where the bus stopped - perhaps some seating alongside the building would be a nice thing to have - especially for the elderly.
Noticeable too, that things which were 'free' when we first visited (guided tours etc.), seem now to attract a charge and although not a lot, it soon adds up.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2014, britkit said about National Memorial Arboretum
You really must get here and if you do, make sure that you take a whole day over the visit, making sure your cameras have plentiful batteries and storage space - you will need it!
I arrived at just after 10am which I deemed to be about the perfect time. It allowed me the chance of a coffee and some breakfast in the onsite restaurant, before making my way to the onsite 'Chapel of Peace and Reconciliation' in which is held a Service of Remembrance every day of the year. Following on from the Service (which is not mandatory) is a very interesting 'Welcome Talk' giving the history of the site.
If you are of limited mobility I recommend either booking ahead one of the 'golf buggy' guided tours (sorry do not know the price), or alternatively paying £5 for a ride on the 'Land Train', which goes around most of the site and on which you will hear a pre-recorded commentary as you go past some of the memorials.
If you think this place is all about military remembrance - think again, it is not.
Whilst the vast majority of the memorials are dedicated to members of the three armed forces (I am ex-Army myself) and there is the impressive 'Armed Forces Memorial' in the centre of the site, there are many many more memorials dedicated by charities and civilian organisations, such as The Fire and Rescue Services, and avenue of trees called 'The Beat' dedicated to the Police Services and other charity based memorials such as the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society.
For me the point of the visit was to visit the Armed Forces Memorial, as well as a number of regimental/corps memorials that I was interested in.
However I urge you not to miss the Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW) Exhibition and Memorials - for me, the most moving part of the site. Please go into the exhibition but be warned, it 'pulls no punches' about the treatment of the FEPOW and the natives of the islands the Japanese invaded. However I thoroughly recommend it and defy you to come away from it unmoved.
Entry to the Arboretum is free, but a charge of £3 for all day parking is levied.
The Land Train costs £5 for over an hour's ride.
A 200 page colour photographed Guidebook will cost you £6 and is well worth it.
The visit may cost you no more than the parking charge, but all money raised in the restaurant and gift shop goes straight back into the running of the NMA, no profit is taken nor made.
The vast majority of the site is accessible by all, both able bodied, wheelchair users and visually/hearing impaired visitors. I would check with the plethora of volunteers for wheelchair accessible routes to the Armed Forces Memorial, as this is set on a hill up a flight of steps in the centre of the site.
Please - go!
I arrived at just after 10am which I deemed to be about the perfect time. It allowed me the chance of a coffee and some breakfast in the onsite restaurant, before making my way to the onsite 'Chapel of Peace and Reconciliation' in which is held a Service of Remembrance every day of the year. Following on from the Service (which is not mandatory) is a very interesting 'Welcome Talk' giving the history of the site.
If you are of limited mobility I recommend either booking ahead one of the 'golf buggy' guided tours (sorry do not know the price), or alternatively paying £5 for a ride on the 'Land Train', which goes around most of the site and on which you will hear a pre-recorded commentary as you go past some of the memorials.
If you think this place is all about military remembrance - think again, it is not.
Whilst the vast majority of the memorials are dedicated to members of the three armed forces (I am ex-Army myself) and there is the impressive 'Armed Forces Memorial' in the centre of the site, there are many many more memorials dedicated by charities and civilian organisations, such as The Fire and Rescue Services, and avenue of trees called 'The Beat' dedicated to the Police Services and other charity based memorials such as the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society.
For me the point of the visit was to visit the Armed Forces Memorial, as well as a number of regimental/corps memorials that I was interested in.
However I urge you not to miss the Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW) Exhibition and Memorials - for me, the most moving part of the site. Please go into the exhibition but be warned, it 'pulls no punches' about the treatment of the FEPOW and the natives of the islands the Japanese invaded. However I thoroughly recommend it and defy you to come away from it unmoved.
Entry to the Arboretum is free, but a charge of £3 for all day parking is levied.
The Land Train costs £5 for over an hour's ride.
A 200 page colour photographed Guidebook will cost you £6 and is well worth it.
The visit may cost you no more than the parking charge, but all money raised in the restaurant and gift shop goes straight back into the running of the NMA, no profit is taken nor made.
The vast majority of the site is accessible by all, both able bodied, wheelchair users and visually/hearing impaired visitors. I would check with the plethora of volunteers for wheelchair accessible routes to the Armed Forces Memorial, as this is set on a hill up a flight of steps in the centre of the site.
Please - go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, Hooligan-59 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Before going to the NMA, we looked at the reviews on tripadvisor, especially those who rated it poor! (We like to see both ends of the spectrum!).
I can only say that those who considered it 'tacky' must have a very different view of 'tacky' to me! Yes, each organisation does have its own memorial garden, each one different. The inclusion of a Police lamp in the memorial garden was in memory of the youngest policewoman to be killed in the line of duty - not 'tacky' at all. The Rail Industry Memorial is, quite fittingly, a train.
The diversity of memorials is part of the attraction of the arboretum. I was especially moved by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS) garden, with its memorial of a sleeping baby, and all the named pebbles that had been left by parents. Also by the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial for those who were shot as 'deserters'. The main memorial is quite spectacular, and it makes one stop and think of the futility of war.
The trees are still immature, but in time they will be spectacular. A previous reviewer commented on the number of trees that had been removed. (This may have been because they were diseased?). The chippings were obviously left as a mulch - there didn't seem an excessive amount! All the gardens were well looked after, and we did not feel it was cramped at all.
We didn't use the landtrain or buggy, choosing to enjoy the walk. Some areas were a little soggy underfoot, but that is probably due to the previous use of the land.
We liked the walk by the river and saw sand martins and an egret, an added bonus.
There have been comments about the car parking charge and the suggested donation, both of which seem reasonable for something that receives no real funding. All free museums/galleries/cathedrals suggest a donation, so this is not unusual. £3 to park your car for a whole day isn't excessive either. Where do the complainers think the money comes from to fund the arboretum?If you go to somewhere like Kew Gardens and park in their car park, you pay to park and to go into the gardens!
The restaurant wasn't too overpriced, but service was very slow. There was a long queue to order sandwiches, which were being made to order, but then they didn't remember who had ordered what! Ready made sandwiches would have been a better idea.
The shop had an interesting collection of items, some reasonably priced.
There have been comments about the arboretum being like a 'theme park' or 'Disneyland' because of the land-train. I had expected some garish, seaside 'dotto' train, but no, it was a very simple, plain coloured land-train that was not in the least theme-parkish.
We will return in the future to see how it has developed over time, and to see any added memorials. It is worth a visit, honestly!
I can only say that those who considered it 'tacky' must have a very different view of 'tacky' to me! Yes, each organisation does have its own memorial garden, each one different. The inclusion of a Police lamp in the memorial garden was in memory of the youngest policewoman to be killed in the line of duty - not 'tacky' at all. The Rail Industry Memorial is, quite fittingly, a train.
The diversity of memorials is part of the attraction of the arboretum. I was especially moved by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS) garden, with its memorial of a sleeping baby, and all the named pebbles that had been left by parents. Also by the 'Shot at Dawn' memorial for those who were shot as 'deserters'. The main memorial is quite spectacular, and it makes one stop and think of the futility of war.
The trees are still immature, but in time they will be spectacular. A previous reviewer commented on the number of trees that had been removed. (This may have been because they were diseased?). The chippings were obviously left as a mulch - there didn't seem an excessive amount! All the gardens were well looked after, and we did not feel it was cramped at all.
We didn't use the landtrain or buggy, choosing to enjoy the walk. Some areas were a little soggy underfoot, but that is probably due to the previous use of the land.
We liked the walk by the river and saw sand martins and an egret, an added bonus.
There have been comments about the car parking charge and the suggested donation, both of which seem reasonable for something that receives no real funding. All free museums/galleries/cathedrals suggest a donation, so this is not unusual. £3 to park your car for a whole day isn't excessive either. Where do the complainers think the money comes from to fund the arboretum?If you go to somewhere like Kew Gardens and park in their car park, you pay to park and to go into the gardens!
The restaurant wasn't too overpriced, but service was very slow. There was a long queue to order sandwiches, which were being made to order, but then they didn't remember who had ordered what! Ready made sandwiches would have been a better idea.
The shop had an interesting collection of items, some reasonably priced.
There have been comments about the arboretum being like a 'theme park' or 'Disneyland' because of the land-train. I had expected some garish, seaside 'dotto' train, but no, it was a very simple, plain coloured land-train that was not in the least theme-parkish.
We will return in the future to see how it has developed over time, and to see any added memorials. It is worth a visit, honestly!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk