Local Reviews
In August 2017, Shelagh53_14 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Although we live within an hour's drive, we hadn't heard of this place util we moored for a night in Alrewas on a canal boat trip. It was too far to walk at that time, and on the wrong side of the A38, so we returned by car. Arrived just in time for the daily 2 minute silence in the chapel, then listened to the 15 minute introduction to how the place was conceived and constructed.
The chapel is a lovely place - built to look like a woodland glade - and entry is free to the site. (There is a minimal £3 parking fee and plenty of space in the car park.) After hearing this talk we decided to take the 50 minute landtrain tour of the gardens. There are various tours you can pay for - buggies, guided walks, all costing around £5 each. Well worth it. There is so much to see - memorials to every service - and even to those 'shot at dawn' during WW1. It proved very moving and definitely a place to return to. You could easily spend a day there looking around, in good weather. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop,but taking a picnic would be an option too. There will be even more in the future as there is constant development and even more land promised.
The chapel is a lovely place - built to look like a woodland glade - and entry is free to the site. (There is a minimal £3 parking fee and plenty of space in the car park.) After hearing this talk we decided to take the 50 minute landtrain tour of the gardens. There are various tours you can pay for - buggies, guided walks, all costing around £5 each. Well worth it. There is so much to see - memorials to every service - and even to those 'shot at dawn' during WW1. It proved very moving and definitely a place to return to. You could easily spend a day there looking around, in good weather. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop,but taking a picnic would be an option too. There will be even more in the future as there is constant development and even more land promised.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, TJWeymouth said about National Memorial Arboretum
Well kept car park and car parking fees go to the upkeep of the memorials and gardens. Free entry and welcoming visitor centre with cafe, toilets, information, booking for special events etc and plenty of volunteers on hand to assist you in your visit. The 11am service in the chapel is worth a stop to participate in the 3 minutes silence and learned about the history and development of the site. There is a land train for those who can't walk the site or just want a quick tour (extra charge). We walked as we wanted to get up close to the memorials and trees. Over 300 memorials so impossible to see them all in one visit. Very emotional to see not only the names of those who have died serving their country but also witnessing the people visiting to see their loved ones names on the wall. Varied array of trees and saw some wildlife too. It is a beautiful place and although it was emotional and sad, it was also uplifting. The café and restaurant served a good selection of drinks and foods (cakes and meals). Everywhere was clean, tidy and well kept. We will certainly visit again when in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2015, alison l said about National Memorial Arboretum
Beautiful Autumn day for a visit to the National Arboretum. £3 to park and a little walk down the road to the site.Really helpful volunteers at the entrance to guide you how to make the most of your visit. There is a voluntary £5 donation should you wish to make one. We opted for the land train at £5 each which takes a 30 minute tour round , with narration giving a huge amount of information on the varying memorials.My only negative comment is about the train driver who was obnoxious, however I have contacted the Arboretum directly regarding this so wont go into detail.
I was surprised at how vast the memorial is, much more than I expected. It is beautifully and sensitively laid out, with many quiet spots if you need to have a moment. For those with mobility problems, there is a lot of walking, I did see mobility scooters around and it is all accessible by wheelchair.
There is a restaurant and a coffee shop , only had coffee so cant comment on the food quality.
This is a stunning, haunting and fitting memorial to our servicemen and women and well worth a visit.
I was surprised at how vast the memorial is, much more than I expected. It is beautifully and sensitively laid out, with many quiet spots if you need to have a moment. For those with mobility problems, there is a lot of walking, I did see mobility scooters around and it is all accessible by wheelchair.
There is a restaurant and a coffee shop , only had coffee so cant comment on the food quality.
This is a stunning, haunting and fitting memorial to our servicemen and women and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2018, Nigel F said about National Memorial Arboretum
We were lucky to visit on a beautiful sunny day. This is such and sad, but also inspirational place at the same time!
The main monument with all the names of servicemen/women who have lost their lives since the 2nd World War is truly moving, especially that there is still one complete blank wall that can take up to 15,000 names!!
Paid a special visit to The Logistics Grove as an ex-RCT member, however the whole site is very special.
The trees are starting to look quite established and it will be great to visit in another few years to see how they have matured.
Unfortunately there was building work going on when we were there which detracted from the quietness of the place, however this new building will be a great addition.
All the staff members who we spoke to from the initial contact before entering the main building and 2 others at different times at the wall of remembrance were extremely friendly & helpful.
The food we had at the restaurant was really good quality as well.
Loved the fact that there were plenty of benches around so you could have a rest and contemplate how lucky those of us who are still around are!
The main monument with all the names of servicemen/women who have lost their lives since the 2nd World War is truly moving, especially that there is still one complete blank wall that can take up to 15,000 names!!
Paid a special visit to The Logistics Grove as an ex-RCT member, however the whole site is very special.
The trees are starting to look quite established and it will be great to visit in another few years to see how they have matured.
Unfortunately there was building work going on when we were there which detracted from the quietness of the place, however this new building will be a great addition.
All the staff members who we spoke to from the initial contact before entering the main building and 2 others at different times at the wall of remembrance were extremely friendly & helpful.
The food we had at the restaurant was really good quality as well.
Loved the fact that there were plenty of benches around so you could have a rest and contemplate how lucky those of us who are still around are!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2018, Callie said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited in August 2018 on a very warm sunny day. The facilities at the Arboretum are exceptional, the guide book and grid plan are a must if you are looking for any particular memorials, although there is a touch screen and staff who are happy to help you find a memorial, however purchase of the book helps to maintain the place, which is free (you only pay to park) and run by volunteers. The guide book helped us to find the ones we visited to see, and also to explain more about others. We chose to walk, but only managed to cover a third and didn't have time to visit the indoor exhibition, even after two visits to the restaurant for a caffeine break! We will be coming back with my father at Easter 2019 as we have now read the guide book and there are so many more memorials we want to see, and I will be back again in June volunteering with RAFA. We were lucky to see the RAF100 display as well. The site is peaceful and a fitting tribute to lives lost in many different ways and we can't recommend it enough. Even my daughter who is 10 found it interesting. The whole site is inspiring and the restaurant a lovely place to sit and reflect over great coffee and food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2019, Pedlar01 said about National Memorial Arboretum
It has been on my bucket list for a while, finally visited yesterday (Sunday). On arrival was very impressed with the car park and main reception. Very impressive building and the welcoming volunteers/staff were very helpful. Book the buggy tour for £6.00. Went for a coffee before the tour, lovely restaurant, very clean with a good selection of cakes. Got talking to another volunteer who was very interesting and informative. The buggy tour was a great introduction to the site and you can then decide where you want to visit on foot later. Our guide was brilliant. Blankets were supplied if you feel a little chilly. Tour over we went for Sunday Lunch in the restaurant. Excellent food in a lovely clean environment. Staff very friendly. We then walked to the East side to see 'Shot at Dawn'. Attended the 1.30 pm talk, very poignant!
What struck me was how symbolic each monument is. Without the guided tour you would never appreciate how much thought and care has gone into each memorial.
Would 100% recommend going there. Need to return as it is almost impossible to see everything in one day.
What struck me was how symbolic each monument is. Without the guided tour you would never appreciate how much thought and care has gone into each memorial.
Would 100% recommend going there. Need to return as it is almost impossible to see everything in one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2024, Gena.25 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Upon arrival your directed where to park and how to make a car parking payment-in the visitor centre. Free entry just pay for parking.
There was a lovely volunteer who greeted us on arrival and gave advice of what is available to do and where everything is.
There is a central memorial with names of the fallen soldiers up to present day, and on the grounds memorials of all the regiments, plus memorials to the fallen soldiers of Iraq and Afganistan. There was loads to see which we didnt see but you could spend a day here.
It is dog and family friendly (assistance dogs only to see the central memorial) wheelchair accessible to the memorials also. There are baby changing facilities and the restaurant has a range of food & drinks of great quality and price.
The volunteers and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and lovely to chat to. We were advised when its been bad rain it floods in certain areas so best to visit when its cold or warmer weather.
It has a sensory play area for children, a chapel with services (we chatted to the bishop he was lovely) a visitor exhibition where you can record your own personal war experience aswell as other exhibits.
One of the best war exhibits ive been to and its local so will be returning again.
There was a lovely volunteer who greeted us on arrival and gave advice of what is available to do and where everything is.
There is a central memorial with names of the fallen soldiers up to present day, and on the grounds memorials of all the regiments, plus memorials to the fallen soldiers of Iraq and Afganistan. There was loads to see which we didnt see but you could spend a day here.
It is dog and family friendly (assistance dogs only to see the central memorial) wheelchair accessible to the memorials also. There are baby changing facilities and the restaurant has a range of food & drinks of great quality and price.
The volunteers and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and lovely to chat to. We were advised when its been bad rain it floods in certain areas so best to visit when its cold or warmer weather.
It has a sensory play area for children, a chapel with services (we chatted to the bishop he was lovely) a visitor exhibition where you can record your own personal war experience aswell as other exhibits.
One of the best war exhibits ive been to and its local so will be returning again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2022, Mark W said about National Memorial Arboretum
We visited as 2 couples and arranged a private tour with a guide on a golf buggy. The tour started at 10.30 and we first went to the Chapel to observe the 2 minutes silence, one of only 2 places in the UK that does this every single day. After that our guide Mick Byrne, took us on our tour. Micks knowledge and humorous delivery were outstanding. He had many detailed stories to impart and with a buggy for you can cover so much more of the 150 acre site than you could ever do on foot.
We stopped for lunch which although included in the cost, was underwhelming. Leigh in the restaurant looked after us very well, but the menu choice was different to the general menu and although nicely prepared was a little bland.
Mick collected us after lunch and our tour continued. It included the display called Shot at Dawn - very poignant.
The tour ended at 4.30 and we were almost the last people in the park.
At £175,it was not cheap, but so worth it. The volunteers are all fantastic and although have to do lots of research themselves, the Arboretum vets everyone and to pass as a guide, you need to complete many modules, so it ensures only the best.
I can't recommend it enough and would thoroughly recommend getting Mick!
We stopped for lunch which although included in the cost, was underwhelming. Leigh in the restaurant looked after us very well, but the menu choice was different to the general menu and although nicely prepared was a little bland.
Mick collected us after lunch and our tour continued. It included the display called Shot at Dawn - very poignant.
The tour ended at 4.30 and we were almost the last people in the park.
At £175,it was not cheap, but so worth it. The volunteers are all fantastic and although have to do lots of research themselves, the Arboretum vets everyone and to pass as a guide, you need to complete many modules, so it ensures only the best.
I can't recommend it enough and would thoroughly recommend getting Mick!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2022, HighWycombeCouple said about National Memorial Arboretum
We travelled to the Arboretum at the invitation of the Royal British Legion. Ever since it opened we had meant to go, but had never set aside the time. After a morning of RBL activity they gave us the opportunity to tour the site on the Land Train. This takes about an hour and gives you an overview of the site and what is out there to visit.
We rapidly came to the conclusion that a day would not be enough to really get to grips with the Arboretum. Two days would be our estimate of a full visit. That said if you have no connection with the UK Armed Forces or emergency services then a few hours would probably do the trick. It is astonishing how many different memorials have been put up since the Arboretum opened. The site is still expanding as Tarmac extract quarry materials and then hand over land to the Arboretum to expand. The atmosphere is very peaceful and moving. You cannot help but feel moved by the site and the memorials, both organisational and personal.
The facilities are second to none. Toilets are spread around the site and the central hall has a restaurant. For those looking for a conference venue the conference centre is superbly equipped and the catering is excellent.
This is a must visit site for anyone with an ounce of humanity.
We rapidly came to the conclusion that a day would not be enough to really get to grips with the Arboretum. Two days would be our estimate of a full visit. That said if you have no connection with the UK Armed Forces or emergency services then a few hours would probably do the trick. It is astonishing how many different memorials have been put up since the Arboretum opened. The site is still expanding as Tarmac extract quarry materials and then hand over land to the Arboretum to expand. The atmosphere is very peaceful and moving. You cannot help but feel moved by the site and the memorials, both organisational and personal.
The facilities are second to none. Toilets are spread around the site and the central hall has a restaurant. For those looking for a conference venue the conference centre is superbly equipped and the catering is excellent.
This is a must visit site for anyone with an ounce of humanity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2020, FMMSouthWales said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a fantastic way to spend a day. We had been meaning to pay a visit for some time to pay homage to my husband's former troop sergeant who had been killed in N. Ireland and little did we realise just how much there was to see.
My husband has limited mobility so we walked slowly in hope there would be a route up to the main memorial avoiding any steps. I wandered off looking for such a route but within seconds and without even a request he had been picked up in a small car by a guide. The guide also waited (no pressure at all on us to be quick) to take him back down again. Absolutely exceptional customer service .....oh for a higher rating than 5.
Naturally we also wanted to see more of the site so opted for the land train which again proved excellent vale for money and extremely informative.
The restaurant on the site was also first class with excellent customer service.
We really do hope to return one day as the experience was wonderful and we truly believe it is a place to visit in each season. We were there in March but the arboretum in June or September or December would be so different and again so beautiful that the experience would be a new one.
My husband has limited mobility so we walked slowly in hope there would be a route up to the main memorial avoiding any steps. I wandered off looking for such a route but within seconds and without even a request he had been picked up in a small car by a guide. The guide also waited (no pressure at all on us to be quick) to take him back down again. Absolutely exceptional customer service .....oh for a higher rating than 5.
Naturally we also wanted to see more of the site so opted for the land train which again proved excellent vale for money and extremely informative.
The restaurant on the site was also first class with excellent customer service.
We really do hope to return one day as the experience was wonderful and we truly believe it is a place to visit in each season. We were there in March but the arboretum in June or September or December would be so different and again so beautiful that the experience would be a new one.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk