Top 15 Attractions in Lichfield, Staffordshire

Renowned for its three-spired cathedral and abundant Georgian architecture, Lichfield is a splendid city located 16 miles north of Birmingham.

The cathedral serves as the essential first destination, showcasing its Gothic lines, exceptional Flemish stained glass, and an 8th-century carving of an angel.

Surrounding this landmark is one of the UK’s best-preserved Cathedral Closes, an area historically reserved for clergy, featuring solemn structures that primarily date from Medieval times through to the 18th century.

Additional Georgian townhouses worth noting are scattered throughout the city, including the birthplace of Samuel Johnson in 1709 and the residence chosen by Erasmus Darwin.

Both sites have been transformed into museums dedicated to these influential figures of 18th-century English culture.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Lichfield:

1. Lichfield Cathedral

A captivating monument with a tumultuous history, Lichfield Cathedral showcases architecture from various phases of the English Gothic period. It endured significant damage during a siege in the English Civil War in the 17th century.

This site has held Christian significance since the 700s when a church was established to house the remains of St Chad (d. 672). The current structure was initiated at the close of the 12th century, replacing an earlier Romanesque cathedral.

It holds the distinction of being the only Medieval cathedral in the UK to possess three spires and holds numerous compelling narratives.

For instance, the windows in the Lady Chapel are adorned with some of the finest Flemish Medieval stained glass found anywhere. These 16th-century windows originally adorned the Abbey of Herkenrode and were relocated to the cathedral in 1801, replacing stained glass lost during the Civil War.

On permanent exhibit is a magnificent 8th-century carved panel of the Archangel Gabriel, known as the Lichfield Angel, discovered beneath the nave in 2003.

2. Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Samuel Johnson, regarded as one of the English language’s preeminent literary figures, was born in the house located at the junction of Breadmarket Street and Market Street in 1709. At that time, this four-storey Palladian structure was only two years old, commissioned by Johnson’s father, Michael.

Samuel Johnson spent the majority of his first 27 years in this residence, which was designated as a museum in 1901 to honor its most distinguished resident.

The museum features rooms restored to early 18th-century settings, providing a comprehensive biography of Johnson’s life—from a challenging childhood to a phase of professional obscurity, ultimately leading to worldwide acclaim as the author of the first authoritative dictionary of the English language published in 1755. His life story is presented through various multimedia exhibits alongside a vast collection of Johnson-related artifacts accumulated over the past century.

The collection includes letters, rare editions of his works, manuscripts, furniture pieces, prints, and paintings.

Notable items include Johnson’s tea set, armchair, portable writing desk, and breakfast table.

3. Erasmus Darwin House

The grandfather of Charles Darwin, Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802), was an eminent 18th-century physician, intellectual, and abolitionist, serving as a pivotal figure during the Midlands Enlightenment that catalyzed the Industrial Revolution.

His elegant townhouse on Beacon Street, situated adjacent to the Cathedral Close, has been transformed into a writer’s house museum dedicated to his legacy.

Darwin resided here from 1758 to 1781, during which time influential figures such as inventor James Watt, Benjamin Franklin, and pottery mogul Josiah Wedgwood were regular guests.

The museum showcases rooms adorned with 18th-century furniture and decorative art, with its most prized exhibit being Darwin’s Common Place Book, which features notes on his medical cases, sketches of inventions, and broader reflections on botany and meteorology.

Outside, visitors can explore a recreation of Dr. Darwin’s medicinal herb garden alongside Mrs. Darwin’s culinary herb garden.

4. St Mary’s in the Market Square

The neo-Gothic church situated in Lichfield’s Market Square was constructed in 1870 and is the third church to occupy this location since the 12th century.

It is a striking structure, built from Derbyshire sandstone; however, by the mid-20th century, the congregation had diminished as residents migrated from Lichfield’s city center to the suburbs.

In the 1970s, to avert its demolition, a campaign was initiated to convert St Mary’s into a multi-functional cultural venue.

Recently updated in 2018, the facility now features an exhibition detailing the history of Lichfield and includes a performance space for live music, dance, and theatrical productions.

5. Cathedral Close

Encircling the cathedral and its grounds is the Cathedral Close, lined with grand historic homes.

Although most facades date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, many conceal much older structures originating from Medieval times.

The majority of the properties are owned by the cathedral and were once contained within a walled enclosure protected on the south by the Minster Pool.

One of the most charming sections is the Vicars’ Close in the far western corner, featuring an idyllic row of black-and-white half-timbered houses.

Located at the northeast end is the former Bishops Palace, built in 1687, designed in the William and Mary style, and currently housing the Cathedral School.

6. Letocetum Roman Baths and Museum

Located in the village of Wall, just south of Lichfield, there existed a significant Roman fort and staging post along Watling Street, a 276-mile Roman Road traversing England from the Kentish ports to Wroxeter, passing through London.

In later years, long-distance civilian travelers frequently stopped here for lodging, to change horses, and to bathe.

The lower levels of Letocetum’s 2nd-century mansio (stopping point) and baths have been excavated and preserved as a National Trust site.

The site offers informational displays, and the museum is open during the last weekend of each month, featuring artifacts unearthed at the location.

7. Beacon Park

Occupying land that once encompassed the Minster Pool, Victorian Beacon Park spans 70 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and parkland within the city.

During the summer, visitors may enjoy a low-cost family outing at Beacon Park, diverting themselves with boating on the picturesque, tree-bordered lake, playing mini-golf, and enjoying tea on the café’s terrace.

The children’s play area is exceptional, featuring a climbable pirate ship and train, along with donkey rides available in favorable weather conditions.

To the west, the park houses an 18-hole pitch and putt, suitable for both families and dedicated players looking to refine their skilled shots.

8. Guildhall

The precise date of this remarkable Medieval edifice on Bore Street remains unknown, yet it is believed to have been completed in the late 14th century, following the incorporation of Lichfield’s Guild as confirmed by Richard II. While primarily serving as an events venue, if permitted entry, guests can admire the hammerbeam roof and intricately crafted oak paneling.

Attached to the structure is a prison originally intended for “felons and debtors,” constructed during the mid-16th century.

The cells are accessible to visitors on Saturdays, showcasing a small exhibition featuring antique leg stocks and manacles.

9. Stowe Pool

Stowe Pool, one of two significant man-made bodies of water in the city, offers an exquisitely picturesque view of the cathedral from its northern and eastern banks.

This pool was originally formed in the 1000s when a brook was dammed near St Chad’s Church to power a mill.

It subsequently became a fishery under the ownership of the Bishop of Lichfield.

Presently, the pool is populated with various species of fish, including bream, pike, eel, perch, tench, carp, and roach, alongside a rare population of white-clawed crayfish.

Samuel Johnson would often stroll alongside Stowe Pool, while his father operated a parchment factory on its northern shore.

Nearby stands Johnson’s Willow, a descendant of a large willow tree cherished by Johnson.

10. Minster Pool

Adjacent to Cathedral Close, the pedestrianized Dam Street features a row of Georgian townhouses divided by low, half-timbered cottages.

Onlookers should remain vigilant for a plaque commemorating the 2nd Baron Brooke, who met his demise here in 1643, struck by sniper fire during an assault on the cathedral during the Civil War.

Historically, during Medieval times, a stream was dammed to the south of the cathedral, creating the expansive Minster Pool.

At that time, the pool was nearly double its current size, extending into what is currently Beacon Park across Bird Street on its southwestern edge.

This section became silted up in the 19th century and was subsequently planted over.

The current picturesque character of Minster Pool can be attributed to landscaping efforts from the late 18th century, designed to mirror the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

Defined by lawns and mature trees, the delightful Minster Pool Walk runs along the eastern bank, established around that period.

11. National Memorial Arboretum

Set within a 150-acre site in the National Forest, the National Memorial Arboretum serves as the UK’s center for remembrance throughout the year.

There are over 330 memorials commemorating military and civilian contributions set amidst lush parkland and woodlands planted over the last three decades.

This reflective site honors various monuments, including those for the Berlin Airlift, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Polish service personnel, and Commonwealth soldiers executed for desertion during the First World War, among others.

The largest structure is the Armed Forces Memorial, which pays tribute to individuals lost since the conclusion of the Second World War.

Recently inaugurated, the Remembrance Centre features exhibitions, a café, and a gift shop.

12. Chasewater Country Park

This recreational area located to the west of Lichfield encompasses a functioning canal feeder reservoir, originally constructed in 1797 for the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

By the mid-20th century, canals had largely fallen into disuse as transportation routes, leading the reservoir and its surroundings to evolve into a hub for leisure activities.

Summer activities include paddleboarding, waterskiing, zorbing, and wakeboarding.

Along the paths bordering the water, one can enjoy wildlife spotting, fishing, extensive cycling routes, and find seclusion for a picnic.

The two-mile Chasewater Railway, powered by historical steam engines, operates entirely within the park and formerly served a coal mine in the Cannock Chase coalfields.

13. Staffordshire Regiment Museum

For those captivated by military history, a short journey to this museum located at Whittington Barracks unveils the rich heritage of the Staffordshire Regiment and its predecessor, the Mercian Regiment.

Comprising around 11,000 artifacts, the collection features weapons, uniforms, gas masks, canteens, and various field equipment, all displayed in chronological order covering campaigns from India to Kosovo, the Gulf Wars, and Afghanistan.

A notable highlight includes eight of the fourteen Victoria Crosses (the prestigious British military medal for valor) awarded to the regiment, currently on display.

Outdoor exhibits feature a meticulous 100-meter recreation of a First World War trench, anti-tank weaponry, armored vehicles utilized or captured by the regiment, and a replica of a 1940s air-raid shelter.

14. Hospital of St John the Baptist without the Barrs

Upon arriving via Lichfield City train station, visitors will quickly recognize the eight tall chimney stacks of this Grade I-listed Medieval almshouse.

The term “Barrs” refers to city gates, while “without” indicates being outside the gates.

This hospital, associated with a priory, was established in the 12th century to accommodate travelers who arrived after the city gates had closed for the night.

The chimneys, built in the Tudor style, were constructed during the late 15th century when the hospital became a shelter for the elderly residents of the city, a purpose it still fulfills today.

The 12th-century chapel is open to visitors, and after falling into disrepair by the 1600s, it underwent significant restoration and expansion in the 1800s, featuring new seating and stained glass windows.

15. Drayton Manor Theme Park

Families with energetic teenagers and children may consider spending a day at Drayton Manor Theme Park, located less than ten miles from Lichfield.

Covering 280 acres on a historic estate, it ranks among the nation’s largest theme parks by area.

One of the admirable aspects of Drayton Manor is its policy of admitting only 15,000 visitors per day to minimize lengthy wait times.

Younger children will be delighted by Thomas Land, featuring 18 different rides inspired by the television series Thomas and Friends.

Older children can test their courage on high-thrill rides like Shockwave, recognized as Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster.

Additionally, there is a 15-acre zoo housing over 100 species, including rheas, red kangaroos, Sumatran tigers, meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, and tropical reptiles like Cuban boas.