Local Reviews
In May 2019, Bix Curtis said about National Memorial Arboretum
i visited this site last weekend its full of everything that you could wish for,it was sunday the weather was good there was so much going on on the site side shows ,dancing,stalls the gardens are a tribute to every army airforce and memorials to forces personnel that died after the war,entry is free there is a land train that stops at all the memorial stone on the way around the 150 acre site the train costs £6 for concessions £7.50 for adults and takes 45 minutes,there is a coffee bar and a restaurant there and the prices are not extortionate children 5 and under free,at midday a spitfire did four great flypasts over the hill with all the names on the walls and did he put it through some fantastic flying,the place is like most of these sites with great volunteer staff giving talks all the staff were wonderful and informative,we spent 4 hours there and will go back there later on in the year,the site is well signposted on the a38 between Litchfield and burton on trent,there are two carparks which charge £3 for the day which to me is not breaking the bank but as usual the tight idiots would rather leave their vehicles in the road outside,i would rather leave my car in a safe car park,one more thing that you don't usually see if you get short of cash there is a cash machine just by the toilets in the entrance hall,i had a really enjoyable visit and will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, GoDaddy99 said about National Memorial Arboretum
An absolutely amazing, beautiful, tranquil and of course, very poignant place! I thoroughly recommend a visit.
We'd of course heard of the memorial park being mentioned in the media on many occasions and being in the area for the weekend, thought we'd take the opportunity to call in. It requires a pre-booking time-slot for the car-park and a £4 charge but entry is free and once in you can stay for as long as you like. We arrived 3 hours after our time slot but it was not a problem.
Our visit was on a hot Saturday afternoon in early June. The car-park was full but the centre and park was not in any way crowded. Plenty of space to move around both indoors and out and many areas where you can sit quietly without a sole around.
The memorials themselves and the centre-piece, the memorial wall/s, obelisk and statues are a sight to behold! The rows and rows of names of people lost during the various wars and conflicts over the years, is just breathtaking.
We didn't speak to assistants around but am told that they are very friendly and informative, providing further detail and background information to the visuals.
There is a gift shop and toilets etc but the queue to the coffee-shop / ice creams, was somewhat slow and so we declined. I believe that there is normally an inside restaurant available as well.
Overall, a very, very pleasant experience. DEFINITELY worth visiting.
We'd of course heard of the memorial park being mentioned in the media on many occasions and being in the area for the weekend, thought we'd take the opportunity to call in. It requires a pre-booking time-slot for the car-park and a £4 charge but entry is free and once in you can stay for as long as you like. We arrived 3 hours after our time slot but it was not a problem.
Our visit was on a hot Saturday afternoon in early June. The car-park was full but the centre and park was not in any way crowded. Plenty of space to move around both indoors and out and many areas where you can sit quietly without a sole around.
The memorials themselves and the centre-piece, the memorial wall/s, obelisk and statues are a sight to behold! The rows and rows of names of people lost during the various wars and conflicts over the years, is just breathtaking.
We didn't speak to assistants around but am told that they are very friendly and informative, providing further detail and background information to the visuals.
There is a gift shop and toilets etc but the queue to the coffee-shop / ice creams, was somewhat slow and so we declined. I believe that there is normally an inside restaurant available as well.
Overall, a very, very pleasant experience. DEFINITELY worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2013, GTSSurrey said about National Memorial Arboretum
Spent a few hours here on a sunny but cold March day. The is so much to see that a brief few hours is only enough to scratch the surface. The staff are very helpful without being at all pushy and they really do seem to care about the place and its visitors. Parking cost us £1.50 all day and although it goes up in the warmer months it is a small price to pay and the revenue goes to paying for the 25 year programme that is planned for the memorial park. The is a land train (£4.50) that takes less able visitors round the huge site and this. Is also useful to get your general bearings and introduction so that you can then walk to those sites that you want to see more of. The are plenty of places to sit, watch nature, have a picnic or for some personal contemplation time. The site has a mix of new and old memorials (moved from other sites where I guess they were perhaps overlooked or in danger of being lost. This is somewhere you can visit to remember those close to you or just come an wonder in awe at the sacrifice of others. And it is not "just" military memorials either, there are some to fire and police services and to young children who might have been stillborn or died early in their lives. Do pay a visit, you will not regret the time you spend getting her and walking round the 750 acre site. There is a small restaurant in the visitor centre as well as a shop. Entry is free although donations are very welcome of course.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2013, Steve H said about National Memorial Arboretum
This is, as the publicity says, ‘Where our Nation remembers’.
The site is spread over 156 acres, so it will take a long time to visit everything on one visit.
As there should be, there are memorials to the armed services and those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The surprising thing for me was how many memorials there were!
I expected a large memorial to each of the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. In fact, as well as the large ‘Armed Forces Memorial’, there are many small memorials to particular units, types of ship, area of service etc. etc.
There are also memorials to civilians, including the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service as well as many other walks of life. One too, to still born children.
It is a moving place and we were there for the daily memorial at 11:00 for all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. This included The Last Post, followed by two minutes silence.
Many of the memorials are accessed across the grass; so bring good footwear if it has been wet recently as it can be muddy in places.
Entry is free but the guide book is well worth buying and provides a lot of information plus a zoned map to help you find your way around.
The restaurant serves food of a good quality or just tea and cakes if you don't fancy a full meal.
Everyone who lives in Britain should make at least one visit here.
The site is spread over 156 acres, so it will take a long time to visit everything on one visit.
As there should be, there are memorials to the armed services and those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The surprising thing for me was how many memorials there were!
I expected a large memorial to each of the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. In fact, as well as the large ‘Armed Forces Memorial’, there are many small memorials to particular units, types of ship, area of service etc. etc.
There are also memorials to civilians, including the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service as well as many other walks of life. One too, to still born children.
It is a moving place and we were there for the daily memorial at 11:00 for all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. This included The Last Post, followed by two minutes silence.
Many of the memorials are accessed across the grass; so bring good footwear if it has been wet recently as it can be muddy in places.
Entry is free but the guide book is well worth buying and provides a lot of information plus a zoned map to help you find your way around.
The restaurant serves food of a good quality or just tea and cakes if you don't fancy a full meal.
Everyone who lives in Britain should make at least one visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, BobCaddick_Photos said about National Memorial Arboretum
Thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to the arboretum - with a reservation
The land train is a great way to see most of the 300 memorials and see the site. Today was biting cold and foggy so perhaps the best way to get around. All of the staff we spoke to were friendly and enthusiastic about the venue, so it was a shame to be so disappointed in the newly opened restaurant ... we arrived after our tour at about 2:25 to find 3 sausage rolls and two pasties as the only hot food on display. There was a menu showing a vegetarian pasta bake or a turkey crown meal, but when ordered from that menu we were told the only food available was that on display! To his credit the kitchen manager (?) came out and said he could do a turkey crown meal, which we accepted. This was for my wife and I had what was by then the last pasty...
The turkey meal was perhaps one of the worst meals I've ever seen served at a professional restaurant. It was like a school dinner - warm, unappetisingly presented and with a stuffing ball that could have been used in a shotgun!
We were hungry after spending a couple of hours outdoors in freezing temperatures and were looking forward to a pleasant meal. This was anything but pleasant and left a bad taste in the mouth ( in all ways) at the end of our otherwise lovely visit
The NMA and its visitors deserves better than this!
The land train is a great way to see most of the 300 memorials and see the site. Today was biting cold and foggy so perhaps the best way to get around. All of the staff we spoke to were friendly and enthusiastic about the venue, so it was a shame to be so disappointed in the newly opened restaurant ... we arrived after our tour at about 2:25 to find 3 sausage rolls and two pasties as the only hot food on display. There was a menu showing a vegetarian pasta bake or a turkey crown meal, but when ordered from that menu we were told the only food available was that on display! To his credit the kitchen manager (?) came out and said he could do a turkey crown meal, which we accepted. This was for my wife and I had what was by then the last pasty...
The turkey meal was perhaps one of the worst meals I've ever seen served at a professional restaurant. It was like a school dinner - warm, unappetisingly presented and with a stuffing ball that could have been used in a shotgun!
We were hungry after spending a couple of hours outdoors in freezing temperatures and were looking forward to a pleasant meal. This was anything but pleasant and left a bad taste in the mouth ( in all ways) at the end of our otherwise lovely visit
The NMA and its visitors deserves better than this!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2017, markhO7053QO said about National Memorial Arboretum
Whether Military, ex Military or just curious, this is one place you should visit. The new car park is spacious and is a fixed price for the day. The main building has been vastly improved and immediately staff are on hand to advise or direct you as necessary. There is a gift shop and good toilet facilities. The restaurant has a selection of hot and cold food an a selection of beverages at a reasonable price. The 'piazza' has been remodelled and incorporates inlaid stone cap badges and a water feature. The central wall is of course the main feature and is still being redesigned. All areas are disability friendly with a land train available to access the further reaches. Individual memorials are laid out and you may need to enquire at the main building before setting off to find your particular Corps or Arm. It is hard not to think of this as a cemetery even though no-one is buried here. The peace and serenity of the area allows you to reflect and pay respects to those that gave service to this great Country in whatever capacity their job entailed. Vast areas of trees representing individuals surround sculptures and icons. The directing team are always trying ideas from Ride to the Wall, photo studies etc to ensure that future generations will always remember those that have helped shape and defend this Country. The volunteer staff are courteous and friendly and always prepared to assist. I will say again, one not to be missed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2014, Sue D said about National Memorial Arboretum
Visited during half term, with boys (ages 12 & 11). Car park was £3, had no problem at all with paying as the Arboretum itself is free and costs have to be covered somehow.
Had a very full day - took the land-train round to start with so we had some idea of the layout of the site, then spent a (very moving) few hours wandering around looking at all the memorials - we were a little worried beforehand that the boys may be bored but they were not at all, they found the whole experience really interesting.
Lots of different memorials, the site was very well kept, well laid out and easy to navigate with the help of the map - we had to buy the map but as mentioned before, we didn't mind this as any profits go towards keeping this a free-to-enter site.
The restaurant had a good selection and was very busy. Toilets were clean. The gift shop was perhaps the only disappointment, as I'd been hoping to find some prints or perhaps a calendar with some images from around the site, but there was not much really - some poppy themed jewellery and ceramics, but most of the items weren't unique to the site, they were mass produced gift-shop staples (pencils, books, mugs, jams etc) identical to those you could find almost anywhere.
All in all a very interesting and thought provoking day, we spent several hours there and would happily go back again.
Had a very full day - took the land-train round to start with so we had some idea of the layout of the site, then spent a (very moving) few hours wandering around looking at all the memorials - we were a little worried beforehand that the boys may be bored but they were not at all, they found the whole experience really interesting.
Lots of different memorials, the site was very well kept, well laid out and easy to navigate with the help of the map - we had to buy the map but as mentioned before, we didn't mind this as any profits go towards keeping this a free-to-enter site.
The restaurant had a good selection and was very busy. Toilets were clean. The gift shop was perhaps the only disappointment, as I'd been hoping to find some prints or perhaps a calendar with some images from around the site, but there was not much really - some poppy themed jewellery and ceramics, but most of the items weren't unique to the site, they were mass produced gift-shop staples (pencils, books, mugs, jams etc) identical to those you could find almost anywhere.
All in all a very interesting and thought provoking day, we spent several hours there and would happily go back again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2018, Ric said about National Memorial Arboretum
What a fitting tribute to the men and women who have fallen in the service of this country.
Laid out in well manicured grounds are tributes to all branches of the armed services as well as other service groups such as the police and St. John’s ambulance and war time services with the Land Girls and Women's Timber Corps being among the many services honoured.
During our visit a commemoration of National Service was in progress and walking around the grounds with both military band music and a very good female singer rendering songs such as “we’ll meet again” and “white cliffs of Dover” along with the sight of hundreds of veterans, medals on display, added real poignancy to our visit.
The grounds are free to enter, although a donation is expected, there seems to be ample car parking at a reasonable £3, and the main building houses both a coffee shop and restaurant providing quite reasonable fare. Also in the main building are the reception, where you can book tours etc. an exhibition space and a souvenir shop.
Overall a very pleasant place to stroll around while reflecting on our country’s service personnel even if you have no direct connection with the persons remembered or with the forces. I personally enjoyed finding a memorial to my own very small branch in the Royal Naval area, as well as dedications to ships I had served on.
I must thank all the staff and volunteers for making this tribute so enjoyable.
Laid out in well manicured grounds are tributes to all branches of the armed services as well as other service groups such as the police and St. John’s ambulance and war time services with the Land Girls and Women's Timber Corps being among the many services honoured.
During our visit a commemoration of National Service was in progress and walking around the grounds with both military band music and a very good female singer rendering songs such as “we’ll meet again” and “white cliffs of Dover” along with the sight of hundreds of veterans, medals on display, added real poignancy to our visit.
The grounds are free to enter, although a donation is expected, there seems to be ample car parking at a reasonable £3, and the main building houses both a coffee shop and restaurant providing quite reasonable fare. Also in the main building are the reception, where you can book tours etc. an exhibition space and a souvenir shop.
Overall a very pleasant place to stroll around while reflecting on our country’s service personnel even if you have no direct connection with the persons remembered or with the forces. I personally enjoyed finding a memorial to my own very small branch in the Royal Naval area, as well as dedications to ships I had served on.
I must thank all the staff and volunteers for making this tribute so enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2018, CHERRY R said about National Memorial Arboretum
Having read the diverse reports commentating on the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day,I should like to add my own Did the organizers of this event realize a much larger attendance figure would be the norm on such an historic occasion.
Did they not carry out a sound test at the Memorial the day before.and place more visual enhancements around the site of the Ceremony.
Who authorized a mobile burger van on a site of such dignity,this is not Glastonbury.
Why was the restaurant not more fully staffed,long queues meant hot food had cooled long before diners reached the cash machine.
My most significant complaint is the lack of organisation of the traffic/parking system.When we arrived at the Showground there was a queue of around 200 people for a shuttle bus.My brother in law,who has mobility problems,decided to walk as he did not wish to miss the Ceremony.After a few hundred yards,was unable to continue.We were stranded by the roadside as my husband had no chance of fetching our car,We were saved by a 'Good Samaritan' lady who turned her car around and offered him a lift.I accept that people had parked irresponsibly,and this was no fault of the Arboretum,but couldn't some other way to the venue have been made purely for the shuttle buses? I have awarded the Arboretum 5 stars because it is a unique place,the Field of Remembrance is a revelation to the Fallen,and I will return.Such a shame the unique occasion was not more helpful.
Did they not carry out a sound test at the Memorial the day before.and place more visual enhancements around the site of the Ceremony.
Who authorized a mobile burger van on a site of such dignity,this is not Glastonbury.
Why was the restaurant not more fully staffed,long queues meant hot food had cooled long before diners reached the cash machine.
My most significant complaint is the lack of organisation of the traffic/parking system.When we arrived at the Showground there was a queue of around 200 people for a shuttle bus.My brother in law,who has mobility problems,decided to walk as he did not wish to miss the Ceremony.After a few hundred yards,was unable to continue.We were stranded by the roadside as my husband had no chance of fetching our car,We were saved by a 'Good Samaritan' lady who turned her car around and offered him a lift.I accept that people had parked irresponsibly,and this was no fault of the Arboretum,but couldn't some other way to the venue have been made purely for the shuttle buses? I have awarded the Arboretum 5 stars because it is a unique place,the Field of Remembrance is a revelation to the Fallen,and I will return.Such a shame the unique occasion was not more helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2019, chocolina25 said about National Memorial Arboretum
I visited the National Memorial Arboretum for the first time on St George’s Day. I went alone as I just wanted to take it all in without distraction. Nothing prepares the first-time visitor for the enormity of the beautiful grounds and the number of individual memorials; it seems that no-one is forgotten.
I arrived early to make the most of my visit, and attended the talk by a very informative volunteer in the Memorial Chapel, preceded by the two minutes’ silence, which takes place every day at 11.00. There was enough time after the Chapel to board the train which takes you all around the grounds with a running commentary, very good value at £6 per head.
Entry to the NMA is free, parking is £3 and a donation of a minimum £5 is suggested – how can anyone begrudge it?
After the land train, I had a hearty bowl of soup in the restaurant then, armed with the Orientation Guide, I made my way on foot around the grounds. I managed to find the memorial to my Dad’s regiment, with the help of an informative volunteer. It really made my day. This was on the way to the Armed Forces Memorial which just dominates the skyline. It was so upsetting seeing the thousands of names carved into those stone walls (deaths since WWII); we should all be thankful.
Although it was busy and there were quite a few children about with the Easter holidays, calm and tranquillity was all around. I would certainly go back for a second visit and would recommend it to anyone of any age.
I arrived early to make the most of my visit, and attended the talk by a very informative volunteer in the Memorial Chapel, preceded by the two minutes’ silence, which takes place every day at 11.00. There was enough time after the Chapel to board the train which takes you all around the grounds with a running commentary, very good value at £6 per head.
Entry to the NMA is free, parking is £3 and a donation of a minimum £5 is suggested – how can anyone begrudge it?
After the land train, I had a hearty bowl of soup in the restaurant then, armed with the Orientation Guide, I made my way on foot around the grounds. I managed to find the memorial to my Dad’s regiment, with the help of an informative volunteer. It really made my day. This was on the way to the Armed Forces Memorial which just dominates the skyline. It was so upsetting seeing the thousands of names carved into those stone walls (deaths since WWII); we should all be thankful.
Although it was busy and there were quite a few children about with the Easter holidays, calm and tranquillity was all around. I would certainly go back for a second visit and would recommend it to anyone of any age.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk