Lichfield was once a busy coaching stop on routes to London and Birmingham. Its chequered history – from Civil War devastation to 18th-century prosperity – makes it a fascinating destination.
Click on any photo to see a larger version, find out more, or leave a comment:
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- Lichfield Cathedral and Minster Pool, by Lee Jordan
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- Bore Street, by Elliott Brown
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- St George’s Day in Market Square, by Ross Hawkes
City sights
- The 800-year-old Lichfield Cathedral – Britain’s only medieval cathedral to have three spires
- Erasmus Darwin House and Garden
- The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop
- Lichfield Heritage Centre, with a history of the city from the Celtic period to modern day
Suggested activities
- A round of golf or crazy golf in the recently renovated Beacon Park
- Lichfield Festival, a celebration of music, literature, drama and art held every July
- Dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants
Further afield
- Letocetum Roman Site and Museum in the village of Wall
- Shugborough, a historic hall and estate previously belonging to the Earls of Lichfield
- The National Memorial Arboretum – 150 acres of trees and memorials
Lichfield facts
The city’s cathedral was beseiged three times in the English Civil War (1642-1651) and the central spire was destroyed by cannon fire. The damage to the cathedral was not fully repaired until the 19th century.
The city had a number of notable residents in the 18th Century, including botanist Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin) and actor and playwright David Garrick. Dr Samuel ‘Dictionary’ Johnson, himself born in Lichfield in 1709, famously described it as “a city of philosophers”.
Getting there
This Staffordshire city is located 16 miles north of Birmingham and is easily accessible from England’s second city. If travelling by public transport, take a train from Birmingham New Street (40 minutes) or a National Express coach from Birmingham Coach Station (30-50 minutes).
Lichfield is also convenient for London, with direct trains from London Euston (less than two hours) and National Express coaches from London Victoria Coach Station (from 3 hours 30 minutes).
The city has two train stations: Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley. The latter is further out – it’s a brisk 20-minute walk from the station into town.
Lichfield calendar
This mini-calendar shows events taking place in and around Lichfield. For events at cathedral cities across the UK, please see our main Cathedral City Calendar.
Using an iPhone? Please hold your phone horizontally for the best results with our calendar.
Useful links
- Visit Lichfield tourist information
- Lichfield on Google Maps
- Photos of Lichfield on Flickr
- Lichfield hotels with Booking.com
- Lichfield restaurants with Restaurant-Guide.com
- Twitter list for Lichfield by Cathedral City Guide
Got Lichfield stories, photos, events or recommendations you want to share?
Email us at info@cathedralcityguide.co.uk or use the comment form below.
