Local Reviews
In May 2013, Pollyschoices said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having read about the Arboretum I have been wanting to visit here for some time. Its about a 2.5 hour drive for us but we made a detour on our way to somewhere else and I am so pleased we did.
This is an incredibly well thought out, serene place, the planting and setting is outstanding and I felt very privileged to be able to wander in such a beautiful moving place. We spent three hours and could have spent longer. The overflow car park was in use yet this place is so vast that you never felt that it was crowded or spoiled in any way.
The staff, many of them volunteers were welcoming and informative. The guide book was excellent and the toilets and restaurant were very clean and the food was good. The gift shop was nice and suitably priced.
Access for the less mobile seemed very well provided for, because by its very nature there are many older people who visit. We actually had the pleasure to get talking to an 87 year old wonderful lady who had been in the land army, she was fascinating!
There is a train that runs around the whole site and when I visit again, which I will with my elderly parents, I expect this will be very useful.
I was overwhelmed by the place, everyone should visit if they can, its free entry (donations welcome) and all day parking is only £3
This is an incredibly well thought out, serene place, the planting and setting is outstanding and I felt very privileged to be able to wander in such a beautiful moving place. We spent three hours and could have spent longer. The overflow car park was in use yet this place is so vast that you never felt that it was crowded or spoiled in any way.
The staff, many of them volunteers were welcoming and informative. The guide book was excellent and the toilets and restaurant were very clean and the food was good. The gift shop was nice and suitably priced.
Access for the less mobile seemed very well provided for, because by its very nature there are many older people who visit. We actually had the pleasure to get talking to an 87 year old wonderful lady who had been in the land army, she was fascinating!
There is a train that runs around the whole site and when I visit again, which I will with my elderly parents, I expect this will be very useful.
I was overwhelmed by the place, everyone should visit if they can, its free entry (donations welcome) and all day parking is only £3
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, Jacqueline H said about Lichfield Cathedral
For years we have had a decorative plate with a lovely watercolour picture of Lichfield Cathedral on it and the building is every bit as wonderful as the painting. It is a graceful, beautifully designed edifice - the outside is covered with statues, one seldom sees that many in good condition outside the rest of Europe. The outside is a bit soot stained, but that does not detract too much from the appearance. As there were still Christmas trees and a Nativity scene this was an added dimension, pity they are restoring some of the windows - the scaffolding behind the High Altar and choir stalls is not attractive. There are glorious tiled floors, wonderful glass and the most unusual pulpit I've seen in years - made of wrought iron and embellished with semi-precious cabuchons and pretty enamelled plaques. It's one of England's few remaining free cathedrals - but they do like a donation - and was so quiet and peaceful (the same cannot be said for some that charge a true admission fee) that it was possible to feel that the rest of the world had temporarily ceased to exist. If I have a criticism, it's that there were no guides ( perhaps because it was New Year's Eve) they make so much difference to finding out about places such as this. Don't miss the little chapel of St. Chad. There is a restaurant - though we didn't try it - in the Chapter
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, David C said about National Memorial Arboretum
Coming from overseas we had been told about the Arboretum but family members living within a three hour drive had not heard of it and we were surprised that there were no signs on any of the major highways indicating the way to the site.
Five of us visited with a 92 year old easily handling the scooter which was hired for six pounds.
We did not know what to expect but found the whole area a moving and interesting experience with a huge amount of information available - get the guidebook for £6.50 rather than a map for £3 as the information on each site is very detailed.
There were too many highlights to list but do not miss Shot at Dawn which is presented with dignity and compassion.
There is also a chapel on site.
The Arboretum relies mainly on donations and it is almost impossible to believe that four gardeners successfully maintain the grounds.
There is a restaurant supplying a range of good value food items and a reception and kiosk where items can be obtained to place on individual sites.
The volunteer staff in these areas were excellent with their friendliness and knowledge.
From May onwards the Arboretum should have a glorious range of colours as the thousands of trees present their new foliage.
This is a must see!
Five of us visited with a 92 year old easily handling the scooter which was hired for six pounds.
We did not know what to expect but found the whole area a moving and interesting experience with a huge amount of information available - get the guidebook for £6.50 rather than a map for £3 as the information on each site is very detailed.
There were too many highlights to list but do not miss Shot at Dawn which is presented with dignity and compassion.
There is also a chapel on site.
The Arboretum relies mainly on donations and it is almost impossible to believe that four gardeners successfully maintain the grounds.
There is a restaurant supplying a range of good value food items and a reception and kiosk where items can be obtained to place on individual sites.
The volunteer staff in these areas were excellent with their friendliness and knowledge.
From May onwards the Arboretum should have a glorious range of colours as the thousands of trees present their new foliage.
This is a must see!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, isobel K said about National Memorial Arboretum
An excellent opportunity to see what this country stands for. So many memorials to so many amazing societies, charities and communities as well as for the Armed Forces that have served and still serve. We visited to see the newly established Parachute Regiment memorial and were not disappointed. Absolutely breathtaking and most fitting. Beautifully landscaped grounds with excellent accessibility for the majority of people including less abled and disabled. First class cafe and restaurant with reasonable prices and very good service from a very friendly staff. We booked the 'buggy ride' and our guide was full of information that I don't think we would have had from the 'land train' or by simply reading the guidebook (which I would also recommend visitors buying ... lots of pictures, maps and information). We visited on the hottest day of the year so far but the shade of the hundreds of trees and the air-conditioned interiors made it bearable. The availability of mobility scooters/wheelchairs is a wonderful addition to customer satisfaction. I think a cover charge of £5 gave you access to the mobility scooters for the duration of your visit. All the staff - the majority of whom appeared to be volunteers, were pleasant, well informed and very eager to help in whatever way they could. Excellent parking (£3 for the day). All in all a visit I would recommend to anyone of any age. We intend to return in the Autumn to see the changing of the colour of the trees.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, SuzySue27 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Popped in for some fresh air and lunch. At first I thought we might be being fleeced as a young man stopped us to request £3 payment for parking as we drove in. There are parking machines in the car park hence my suspicion. Greeted by an elderly gentleman at the entrance door, who is a credit to the place. He explained the talks on offer, the land train and gave us plenty of information. Donation made and onward to the restaurant. Lunch was lovely home cooked food (a salmon dish, a baked potato, macaroni cheese & a ham & tomato sandwich). Cakes and sandwiches also on offer and a wide variety of hot and cold drinks. Our family of four were fed & watered for £30.
We certainly got some fresh air. I imagine even on a warm day there's a little breeze here up by the main memorial. An enjoyable walk around reading the plaques etc and thinking of the lives lost, sadly some of them so very young, barely adults.
Such a shame there's a quarry not to far away breaking the peace with the sound of heavy machines and plant equipment.
Will return again for another walk and to remember those we can no longer see or talk with.
We certainly got some fresh air. I imagine even on a warm day there's a little breeze here up by the main memorial. An enjoyable walk around reading the plaques etc and thinking of the lives lost, sadly some of them so very young, barely adults.
Such a shame there's a quarry not to far away breaking the peace with the sound of heavy machines and plant equipment.
Will return again for another walk and to remember those we can no longer see or talk with.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Mark Russell said about National Memorial Arboretum
Fully deserving of a 5 star rating.<br>The spectacular and thought-provoking memorials are in a beautifully landscaped and scenic setting, and with pathways and walks (including a lovely riverside walk) which are wide and accessible for all.<br>Entry to the site is free, although charitable donations are welcomed and much deserved.<br>Car parking is accessible and can be pre-booked for £4, or pay £6 on the day.<br>A free site map can be collected at the main reception on entry, or a more detailed guide book can be purchased for £10.<br>Land train tours of the site with running commentary are available (cost up to £7.50 each) lasting 50 minutes.<br>Guided walks and buggy tours are also available at a small cost.<br>There are indoor exhibitions, a restaurant and a coffee shop with additional outside seating, and the gift shop is well worth a visit.<br>Accessible toilets are located near the main entrance, and also at several other locations across the site (port cabins).<br>There are a couple of children's play areas, several picnic areas, and a multitude of seats/benches located throughout the site which is extensive and may require more than one visit if you wish to see everything, with more than 400 memorials.<br>There are some areas that we didn't see, so will definitely return in the near future.<br>I've posted some photos and a couple of videos which will give you a flavour of what to expect if you decide to visit, which I highly recommend.
Source: google.com
In May 2017, grandad88 said about National Memorial Arboretum
This was our second visit the first being 2 years ago.
The new reception area, restaurant and shop are a great improvement and very fitting. All the volunteer staff were very welcoming and friendly, the ones in reception helped us find a particular tree dedication site and others around the site often stopping to talk as we walked around. They obviously enjoy their role and were very knowledgeable, helpful and empathetic.
It is useful to take the train around the site early on as this gives you a good overview of what is there and also information about many of the memorials. However I do think that it would be even more useful if it was a hop-on-hop-off train.
On our last visit we realised that it is a lot more than just military memorials and we went this time to specifically visit the very moving SANDS garden and to find a tree, very recently dedicated to those from out local area who lost their lives in the 2 World Wars.
If you are able to get into the chapel for the 2 minutes silence at 11am it is well worthwhile.
We walked a lot in order to see the Far East Prisoner of War memorials, the Christmas Truce memorial and the Shot at Dawn memorial which is particularly poignant and discovered lots of others on the way. The centrepiece of the Armed Forces Memorial inscribed with over 16000 names of those who have died in service since the end of World War ll, and space for many more is very significant.
I am sure that we will visit again, more than once, as it is a very special place
The new reception area, restaurant and shop are a great improvement and very fitting. All the volunteer staff were very welcoming and friendly, the ones in reception helped us find a particular tree dedication site and others around the site often stopping to talk as we walked around. They obviously enjoy their role and were very knowledgeable, helpful and empathetic.
It is useful to take the train around the site early on as this gives you a good overview of what is there and also information about many of the memorials. However I do think that it would be even more useful if it was a hop-on-hop-off train.
On our last visit we realised that it is a lot more than just military memorials and we went this time to specifically visit the very moving SANDS garden and to find a tree, very recently dedicated to those from out local area who lost their lives in the 2 World Wars.
If you are able to get into the chapel for the 2 minutes silence at 11am it is well worthwhile.
We walked a lot in order to see the Far East Prisoner of War memorials, the Christmas Truce memorial and the Shot at Dawn memorial which is particularly poignant and discovered lots of others on the way. The centrepiece of the Armed Forces Memorial inscribed with over 16000 names of those who have died in service since the end of World War ll, and space for many more is very significant.
I am sure that we will visit again, more than once, as it is a very special place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2021, Jaxine K said about National Memorial Arboretum
We booked a half day tour with our guide Peter who took us around in a golf buggy. Given the area the Arboretum covers, it is a very sensible way to travel.
Peter was informative and knowledgable and the half day flew by with us only managing to visit a third of the the area. (Thats why we would recommend this form of travel no matter how fit or how much you enjoy walking).
The Arboretum is a truly fitting reminder to all from around the world who have and continue to serve their country not only in the armed services but also in the auxiliary services too.
Many of the memorials themselves are works of art which enforces the skill of their makers so make sure that a camera it taken. Remember to ask you guide how and why the Arboretum was formed that is a story in itself. All the staff were friendly and helpful the parking is more than adequate and the refreshments in the restaurant where more than sufficient to sustain any visitor.
We have to return as we feel the need to see and learn more and hopefully will visit again in 2022. It was a really enjoyable and memorable day out.
A fine point is that is you do not want to opt for the golf buggy tour their is a train which takes visitors around and whilst we did not use this facility we did hear people who were getting off the train after using this facility saying how good is was so it is another option. If you like walking that is fine too. If you want to bring a flask and sandwiches there are plenty of areas of seating (shaded and open) where lunch good be enjoyed.
Jaxine Kennedy.
Peter was informative and knowledgable and the half day flew by with us only managing to visit a third of the the area. (Thats why we would recommend this form of travel no matter how fit or how much you enjoy walking).
The Arboretum is a truly fitting reminder to all from around the world who have and continue to serve their country not only in the armed services but also in the auxiliary services too.
Many of the memorials themselves are works of art which enforces the skill of their makers so make sure that a camera it taken. Remember to ask you guide how and why the Arboretum was formed that is a story in itself. All the staff were friendly and helpful the parking is more than adequate and the refreshments in the restaurant where more than sufficient to sustain any visitor.
We have to return as we feel the need to see and learn more and hopefully will visit again in 2022. It was a really enjoyable and memorable day out.
A fine point is that is you do not want to opt for the golf buggy tour their is a train which takes visitors around and whilst we did not use this facility we did hear people who were getting off the train after using this facility saying how good is was so it is another option. If you like walking that is fine too. If you want to bring a flask and sandwiches there are plenty of areas of seating (shaded and open) where lunch good be enjoyed.
Jaxine Kennedy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2019, GCY2015 said about National Memorial Arboretum
We found the NMA by chance and we’re amazed that it is not more widely known about. It cost us £3 to park the car and entry is free. As the arboretum is spread over 150 acres we took the small train £6 per person with really good commentary. This helped get us orientated so we could then view areas which were personal to us. We enjoyed the day so much we decided to go back the following day. On this day we took the buggy tour with Keith Forster, a volunteer, who was so enthusiastic and informative. The buggy tour is also £6 per person but well worth it as you can go “off piste” and get to areas you may not have found walking. There are memorials to not just the Armed forces but to other people ie land army, fire services, townwomensguild ,scouts, nurses etc but the one that meant the most to me was the Bevan Boys memorial as my father applied to the marines during the war but one in ten men were sent to the mines and his numbers came up. The words on the memorial are“WE ALSO SERVED” . There is a building with an exhibition about the war in the Far East which was emotional. There is a restaurant and separate cafe which was good and of course the usual shop on exit.
The arboretum is geared up very well for disabled people with electric buggies and wheelchairs available and the train has spaces for wheelchair users. There are plenty of disabled toilets and around the 150 acres are portaloos which are wheelchair friendly.
Give it a visit.
The arboretum is geared up very well for disabled people with electric buggies and wheelchairs available and the train has spaces for wheelchair users. There are plenty of disabled toilets and around the 150 acres are portaloos which are wheelchair friendly.
Give it a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2018, Radders2106 said about National Memorial Arboretum
Went there with my father-in-law, mother-in-law and my wife. It's one of the places I've always wanted to go to. Wasn't quite sure what to expect but booked the 4 hour personal buggy guided tour and 2 course lunch.
The day started by being introduced to our volunteer guide Peter. He asked what we were interested in which we informed him. We then watched to 2 minutes silence in the chapel. Once this was done we were taken to the sites we wanted to visit. All were explained in great detail by Peter.
After this we went to lunch and were seated at a table, nicely dressed with cutlery and table cloth as well as a printed menu with our name on.
The food was excellent. Not the cafe quality I expected but any restaurant would have been happy to serve it. Our waitress was most attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
After lunch we continued with our guided tour. Being in a buggy we could get to places others couldn't or didn't know about.
We were told some lovely anecdotes by Peter.
We all really enjoyed the day and will love to return to see more. 4 hours was not enough.
Whilst going around the Arboretum we could hear several tributes going on with various military groups and veterans groups joining to pay their tributes.
Everyone was so friendly.
The volunteers were great and the company had thought of everything ensuring that everyone can get around.
We offered Peter a tip at the conclusion of our tour whichbbe refused as he wanted it to go to help the running costs of the Arboretum.
Fantastic day.
The day started by being introduced to our volunteer guide Peter. He asked what we were interested in which we informed him. We then watched to 2 minutes silence in the chapel. Once this was done we were taken to the sites we wanted to visit. All were explained in great detail by Peter.
After this we went to lunch and were seated at a table, nicely dressed with cutlery and table cloth as well as a printed menu with our name on.
The food was excellent. Not the cafe quality I expected but any restaurant would have been happy to serve it. Our waitress was most attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
After lunch we continued with our guided tour. Being in a buggy we could get to places others couldn't or didn't know about.
We were told some lovely anecdotes by Peter.
We all really enjoyed the day and will love to return to see more. 4 hours was not enough.
Whilst going around the Arboretum we could hear several tributes going on with various military groups and veterans groups joining to pay their tributes.
Everyone was so friendly.
The volunteers were great and the company had thought of everything ensuring that everyone can get around.
We offered Peter a tip at the conclusion of our tour whichbbe refused as he wanted it to go to help the running costs of the Arboretum.
Fantastic day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk