The city of Lichfield is located at the heart of southern Staffordshire, surrounded by beautiful countryside, but just a stone's throw from Birmingham, Derby or Burton and easy travelling distance from two international airports, the National Exhibition Centre, the Belfry Golf Course, the new National Forest and the Peak District. Today all the main arterial routes are easily accessed and the new M6 Toll brings he motorways system even closer. Railway links could not be better as there are two stations, “City Station” with commuter routes to Birmingham and surrounding towns and “Lichfield Trent Valley” on the West Coast main line with regular express trains to London and the North.
Although an historic city, Lichfield is alive throughout the summer with festivals and events, both indoor and outdoor.
For all the latest information and news regarding the city of Lichfield we recommend you contact the Lichfield Tourist Board:
Lichfield Tourist Information Centre,
Lichfield Garrick,
Castle Dyke,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
WS13 6HR
Tel: 01543 412121
Events & Nightlife
Lichfield, the “Festival City”, is rapidly developing a reputation for its events and entertainment. There are festivals covering arts, music and beer; events for car and dog lovers; medieval plays and outdoor Shakespeare; Proms in the Park and the Sheriff’s Ride plus fireworks in July as well as November.
The Lichfield Mysteries, one of Europe’s largest theatre events encompasses over 500 local actors, 25 plays, 3 stages and lots of street entertainers.
The entertainment continues throughout the year with Christmas being no exception. Events range from the traditional Christmas Carol Concerts & Christmas Fayre to the increasingly popular Santa Steam Specials at Chasewater Railway.
A Day Out
From fine architecture and beautiful countryside to fascinating museums and fun and thrills in the UK's best attraction for children, there is something for everyone in Lichfield District.
Take in the sights of the city centre, overlooked by the magnificent three spires of Lichfield Cathedral and pay a visit to some of the homes of Britain's famous literary names, including that of Dr Samuel Johnson, scholar and writer of the English Dictionary. Specialist shops and narrow alleyways to discover add to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.
Surrounding the city centre there is plenty to keep the family entertained. Beacon Park is perfect for a sunny day with play areas and activities including Crazy Golf, an 18 hole golf course, tennis and a boating lake while three Leisure Centres in Lichfield and nearby Burntwood offer an ideal location if the weather is less than perfect!
A short drive away provides a wide range of attractions to visit, including the thrills and excitement of Drayton Manor Theme Park, voted best UK Attraction for Children by Group Leisure Magazine. The park boasts some of Europe's best white-knuckle rides alongside the more relaxing zoo and garden centre. For something quieter, visit the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas, just North of Lichfield. Dedicated to the life and times of the 20th Century, still developing, this peaceful spot with its Millennium Chapel, has many stories attached to the memorials and gardens.
In the evenings Lichfield takes on a new energy, with a huge selection of bars and restaurants alongside the critically acclaimed Lichfield Garrick Theatre and Business Complex. Opened in 2003 this environmentally friendly facility offers not only theatre, music, dance and visual arts but also conference facilities and café.
Outdoors
The county of Staffordshire has more miles of canal then any other Shire country and much of this is owed to the Industrial Revolution and Lichfield District's part in distributing coal to the rest of the Midlands. Coal mining was big business in Burntwood, Chase Town and Chase Terrace.
The Canals were also crucial for the importing of raw materials back into the District, making Fazeley an important setting for cotton production and giving Burton-on-Trent country-wide fame as the brewing capital of Britain.
At Chasewater Country Park, the large lake was originally a canal feeder reservoir, but today provides a range of entertainment for water sports lovers as well as being great for walkers and cyclists who can enjoy this nationally important wildlife site. A long distance footpath – ‘The Chasewater to Lichfield Walk’ starts here.
British Waterways have vast stretches of tranquil canals throughout the District. You can wander along towpaths, stop off at a waterside pub, have a bite to eat and enjoy the nature reserve at Fradley Junction, or just watch the narrowboats going through the locks. For the more adventurous, hire a narrowboat for a short break or holiday and discover the canal network from a boater's viewpoint!
While Lichfield City is bustling with activity, take time out to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Stowe Pool. This is home to a variety of birds and waterfowl attracted to its large expanse of water and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Shopping Experience
Whatever you’re looking for Lichfield will have it. The City boasts many specialist shops lining our medieval streets, with some wonderful treasures to be found, perfect for whiling away a lazy day or searching for that special something. Antique shops, boutiques and jewellers are abundant in Lichfield along with antiquarian books, music shops, delicatessens and many more.
For those of you with a sweet tooth try the home-made treasures in the Tudor of Lichfield, or if it’s an unusual gift that you’re searching for head to Robert Carr Jewellers or one of our boutiques or craft shops – we have three craft centres in the District.
Markets on the Square
Tuesday: Crafts and bric-a-brac
Friday and Saturday: General Market
First Thursday monthly: Farmers’ Market
Third Thursday monthly: Antiques Market
Good Food
Lichfield’s many and varied restaurants and teashops have a reputation for winning awards at the ‘Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards’ scheme and this year is no exception. Food from all around the world is on offer, including Chinese, Indian, Thai, Spanish, Italian and not forgetting English, as well as a good selection of pub food and teashops. Enjoy the tranquillity of Minster Pool, when you visit the Cathedral Coffee Shop or pop into the Lichfield Garrick for a snack, art view or to enjoy a show.
Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards - 2009
The Good Food Awards Scheme celebrates the distinctiveness of Staffordshire through the excellence of local food and drink, and the creative use of local products, dishes and recipes. The awards, which are given every October, have several categories and in 2005 five restaurants from Lichfield District were honoured with prizes. These were:
Ethnic Restaurant of the Year – Joint 2nd place
The Mango Tree, Stonnall, Nr Lichfield. Tel: 01543 457344
Pub of the Year - 1st place
The Meynell Ingram Arms, Hoar Cross. Tel: 01281 575202
Pub of the Year – 2nd place
The Old Boat, Alrewas. Tel: 01283 791468
Brasserie of the Year – 3rd place
The Plum Pudding, Armitage. Tel: 01543 490330
National Farmers’ Union – Award for Best Use of Local Produce – 2nd place
Thrales Restaurant, Lichfield City. Tel: 01543 255091