Local Reviews
In September 2017, niccarlyle said about National Memorial Arboretum
Friends took myself and my wife to the NA. Apart from the sheer number of memorials to visit, the shop, amenities, cafe and restaurant were all very good - the place was immaculately clean and well cared for. My first and main impression was of relief - I'd feared that the whole thing would be mawkish, sentimentally nationalist, and verge on the bombastic. It was considerably more restrained and respectful. I still find it odd that it is a collection of memorials - there are no actual burials - and that somehow sums up my innate reservation about the place. It is a stage set for eliciting memory and feeling, tactfully left for the visitor. What bubbles up is left to them. But a little unnerved to find the Orange Order were visiting on the same day. With so much bubbling and seething away in the UK today, I was not so surprised to hear that a visitor attraction built to cater for 30,000 people a year was now receiving 300,000 visitors a year. However one feels about it, a place that captures the zeitgeist.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2016, Michael F said about National Memorial Arboretum
3rd visit but first for a few years . There have been big improvements in the interim. The Landtrain is a great addition, full tour in 45 minutes (£5) and then you can return and cherry pick what you wish to see in more detail .
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
The Far East POW hut is always a must see, moved to tears every time, so powerful.
Shot At Dawn ( WW1) an equally powerful new addition.
The new visitor centre and restaurant are very nice . The whole experience is a really worthwhile day out, although free , a £5 donation is asked for and good value at that .
What is noticeable is that there is no mention at all about the political context of war, the rights and wrongs of conflict, and quite right too. This is about the men ,and women ( and some animals )who served , and who were lost forever.
It makes one humble and thankful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2019, Jan T said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was our third visit to the NMA we have eaten there previously both on busy days Ride to the Wall and Remembrance Sunday. We went Monday 26th August and as usual looked forward to lunch in the restaurant unfortunately the printed information about what was on offer was limited, I asked a young man who was standing behind the counter in a NMA uniform what was meant by potatoes he told me he didn't work there another young man in a NMA uniform approached us so I asked him the same question, he said it means typically whatever is available on the day so I asked, what is available today ? his response, typically what is available today. I said does that mean chips ? he said how do I know ? So we left and went to a pub down the road. Which meant we cut short our visit and spent our money elsewhere. Perhaps a little more training we weren't being difficult but my husband is a diet controlled diabetic so doesn't eat chips or roast potatoes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2015, dianthus2000 said about National Memorial Arboretum
As a (proud) member of Blind Veterans UK I have wanted to visit here for some time. By coincidence we decided to go on 7/7 and shortly after arriving and enjoying a coffee in the reasonably priced restaurant we were called to stand for the minute's silence. Emotions welled as we all stood quietly remembering the tragedy, not just of that terrible day in London but the many other sad acts of terrorism wrought in the name of religion. Immediately we exited the restaurant we were in the Blind Veterans Garden, which is lovely and resplendent with fragrant and tactile plants.
The entire venue is beautifully and sensitively laid out and expertly cared for. We didn't have time to see all that we had intended to see but we shall most certainly return. On our next visit will allow more time to stroll round and absorb the tranquillity of this tribute to those men and women who gave us the right to walk and talk freely.
The entire venue is beautifully and sensitively laid out and expertly cared for. We didn't have time to see all that we had intended to see but we shall most certainly return. On our next visit will allow more time to stroll round and absorb the tranquillity of this tribute to those men and women who gave us the right to walk and talk freely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2021, Kathryn S said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited the Arboretum for the third time, bringing my husband for his first visit. I cannot fault anything about our visit, even with the inevitable COVID restrictions. Every single member of staff was helpful and friendly, ensuring that we felt welcome, both on site and in the restaurant.
We took the land train tour (£7 each but well worth the cost), which enabled us to get an idea of the layout of the Arboretum and the location of several key monuments. The gentleman who managed the boarding of the land train exhibited a great sense of humour and a high level of customer care.
In the restaurant, we enjoyed soup and a roll and a hot drink each (just over £11 in total), it was delicious and just what we needed on a chilly May day. The staff here were also very helpful and friendly.
The grounds are stunning and so well tended, the whole place is a fitting memorial for the nation.
Thank you!
We took the land train tour (£7 each but well worth the cost), which enabled us to get an idea of the layout of the Arboretum and the location of several key monuments. The gentleman who managed the boarding of the land train exhibited a great sense of humour and a high level of customer care.
In the restaurant, we enjoyed soup and a roll and a hot drink each (just over £11 in total), it was delicious and just what we needed on a chilly May day. The staff here were also very helpful and friendly.
The grounds are stunning and so well tended, the whole place is a fitting memorial for the nation.
Thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2012, Jon said about National Memorial Arboretum
Pros:
Free entry.
Disabled parking spaces available.
Open daily all year round (9am-5pm (dusk in Winter - closed Christmas Day), last entry 4:30pm).
Over 200 memorials, including the Armed Forces Memorial which honours 16,000 UK Armed Service Personnel who have died in the service of their country since the end of WWII.
Chapel.
150 acres of woodland.
Land train with narrated tour (chargeable).
Visitor Centre includes Arbour.
Restaurant and a well stocked gift shop.
Cons:
Car park is Pay and Display, although signage states "100% of monies raised from these charges support the charity".
Orientation takes a while although map available (£3).
Some paths grassed rather than paved, so it can be uneven underfoot. I'd recommend wearing stout shoes.
Free entry.
Disabled parking spaces available.
Open daily all year round (9am-5pm (dusk in Winter - closed Christmas Day), last entry 4:30pm).
Over 200 memorials, including the Armed Forces Memorial which honours 16,000 UK Armed Service Personnel who have died in the service of their country since the end of WWII.
Chapel.
150 acres of woodland.
Land train with narrated tour (chargeable).
Visitor Centre includes Arbour.
Restaurant and a well stocked gift shop.
Cons:
Car park is Pay and Display, although signage states "100% of monies raised from these charges support the charity".
Orientation takes a while although map available (£3).
Some paths grassed rather than paved, so it can be uneven underfoot. I'd recommend wearing stout shoes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2014, Roger5cambs said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is a must visit if you are ever in the area, and well worth a dedicated visit. It does not in anyway glorify conflicts, but simply remembers anyone who has served our country in every day life, like the fire brigade, police ,ambulance service and the armed services.
The whole place makes you proud to be British and part of the commonwealth, individual monuments telling their own stories.
The road train ride is a great way to see the whole site, with a simple yet informative commentary played throughout, then a trip up to the main services monument a must do, the massive walls covered in names helps you appreciate their sacrifice.
The cafe/restaurant was very good and reasonably priced, and the gift shop well stocked with various souvenirs, bearing in mind most areas are staffed by volunteers the organisation and professionalism was excellent.
A calm and serene place that I hopefully will visit again.
The whole place makes you proud to be British and part of the commonwealth, individual monuments telling their own stories.
The road train ride is a great way to see the whole site, with a simple yet informative commentary played throughout, then a trip up to the main services monument a must do, the massive walls covered in names helps you appreciate their sacrifice.
The cafe/restaurant was very good and reasonably priced, and the gift shop well stocked with various souvenirs, bearing in mind most areas are staffed by volunteers the organisation and professionalism was excellent.
A calm and serene place that I hopefully will visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2014, Claire M said about National Memorial Arboretum
After visiting this place for the third time I have finally decided to write a review, as it really deserves be shared.
For starters its free entry with just £3 for parking but we always give more as so worth it. There is so much to see and each visit we find something we've not seen before. The site is exceptionally well kept and in a very tasteful manner. The memorials are all individual and with some moving inscriptions.
The centre piece is amazing and visible from all arts of the site. The walls with all the names of the lost souls is beyond words, as are the statues placed there.
The restaurant is great with some great found, drinks and snacks all at responsible prices for the quality of the food. Its always busy but we've always managed to get a seat. Its definitely worth having a tea break at least.
The shop is tasteful and again worth visit as the gifts are ideal for anyone and any occasions.
Overall the place is worth a visit even if its just the once.
For starters its free entry with just £3 for parking but we always give more as so worth it. There is so much to see and each visit we find something we've not seen before. The site is exceptionally well kept and in a very tasteful manner. The memorials are all individual and with some moving inscriptions.
The centre piece is amazing and visible from all arts of the site. The walls with all the names of the lost souls is beyond words, as are the statues placed there.
The restaurant is great with some great found, drinks and snacks all at responsible prices for the quality of the food. Its always busy but we've always managed to get a seat. Its definitely worth having a tea break at least.
The shop is tasteful and again worth visit as the gifts are ideal for anyone and any occasions.
Overall the place is worth a visit even if its just the once.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2016, Simon B said about Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio
My title to this review quotes from 'The Woman In Black' which I saw this weekend at the Garrick Theatre in my home city of Lichfield. They have made a splendid Garrick out of what was the Civic Hall of many years ago in my youth!
Situated right slap bang in the middle of town, close to the busy shopping and restaurant areas, the Garrick Theatre is a lovely intimate venue with its own Green Room Cafe and Bars.
Staff are friendly, atmosphere is warm, all in all a lovely theatre with excellent facilities and a studio theatre to boot.
Only half an hour from Birmingham, Lichfield is a gorgeous Cathedral City and the Garrick Theatre is a perfect theatre experience.
Although Garrick was not born in Lichfield he spent a lot of time there, making it his second home and a theatre in his name is very apt, Dr. Samuel Johnson is the most famous son of the city.
Check out the city, the theatre and believe me, I enjoyed the Garrick so much I have booked for next weeks show 'Little Shop of Horrors'!!!
Situated right slap bang in the middle of town, close to the busy shopping and restaurant areas, the Garrick Theatre is a lovely intimate venue with its own Green Room Cafe and Bars.
Staff are friendly, atmosphere is warm, all in all a lovely theatre with excellent facilities and a studio theatre to boot.
Only half an hour from Birmingham, Lichfield is a gorgeous Cathedral City and the Garrick Theatre is a perfect theatre experience.
Although Garrick was not born in Lichfield he spent a lot of time there, making it his second home and a theatre in his name is very apt, Dr. Samuel Johnson is the most famous son of the city.
Check out the city, the theatre and believe me, I enjoyed the Garrick so much I have booked for next weeks show 'Little Shop of Horrors'!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2017, Deborah T said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited the arboretum over the Bank Holiday. It was a beautiful day, extremely thought provoking and a lovely place to reflect. The grounds are beautiful and the memorials well marked and cared for. We only had time to visit half the memorials but we will be returning. The surroundings are peaceful and walking around reading the dedications was, in some cases quite saddening, the overriding feeling I had was pride, humility and thankfulness that individuals thought humanity was worth losing their lives for.
Facilities are excellent we had some lunch in a very busy restaurant and prices were reasonable. The shop was also reasonably priced and staff helpful. This is a wonderful place to spend a day, there is a children's play area and other activities on site. The site is free to enter and car parking just £3. Canine family members are more than welcome to join you. There is a small charge for some exhibitions and donations are very welcome. We hear and see the worst of humanity too often, these individuals are an inspiration and demonstrate the best that humanity has to offer. We will remember them.
Facilities are excellent we had some lunch in a very busy restaurant and prices were reasonable. The shop was also reasonably priced and staff helpful. This is a wonderful place to spend a day, there is a children's play area and other activities on site. The site is free to enter and car parking just £3. Canine family members are more than welcome to join you. There is a small charge for some exhibitions and donations are very welcome. We hear and see the worst of humanity too often, these individuals are an inspiration and demonstrate the best that humanity has to offer. We will remember them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk