5 Reasons to Visit Lichfield

Lichfield District is home to the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the country, Staffordshire's only three AA Rosette restaurant, England's largest reindeer herd, and loads more!

1. Lichfield Cathedral

The majestic Lichfield Cathedral has towered over the city since 1195 and is rich with inspiring history and architecture.

The only medieval three-spired cathedral in the country, this beautiful building still hosts daily religious services and events throughout the year.

This year's packed programme includes The Great Exhibition (17th-27th August), a spectacular installation featuring artworks inside and outside the cathedral, including the Peace Woodland made up of 1918 trees. 

You'll also find treasures like the St Chad Gospels, an 8th Century Gospel Book, and The Herkenrode Glass, widely considered to be one of Europe's greatest works of art.

Those with a head for heights will love the Tower Tours, which offer stunning panoramic views of Lichfield and the Staffordshire countryside - a great reward for climbing the 160 steps of the central spire!

2. The National Memorial Arboretum

There are more than 350 memorials to explore at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK's Centre for Remembrance.

They include the iconic Armed Forces Memorial, made up of two curved and two straight walls adorned with the names of 16000 members of the UK armed forces killed in service since World War 2.

It's a thought-provoking place which honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, while also celebrating life with thousands of trees and wild plants.

The wetlands are a haven for wildlife including otters, skylarks and brown hares.

It's a great spot for a stroll or a picnic and dogs are welcome on the designated dog walking paths too. Download the special dog walking map for more information.

Image courtesy Nick Mott.

3. The Four Seasons Restaurant at Swinfen Hall Hotel

With fruit, herbs and veg from their own Victorian walled garden, and venison, lamb and hogget from the 100-acre estate, the fare at Swinfen Hall Hotel could not be any more local.

Not only does the hotel offer a real taste of the county at its Four Seasons Restaurant, they can boast award-winning menus too.

It's the only Staffordshire restaurant with three AA Rosettes, and a regular winner at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards and the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards.

And with crisp linen tablecloths, crystal glass and the finest Wedgwood tableware, lunch or dinner at the Four Seasons is always an occasion to remember.

After your meal, relax beside a roaring log fire in the lounge, savour a Pimms on the terrace, or enjoy a stroll in the walled garden and the 45-acre deer park, home to a thriving herd of 80 Sika deer.

4. Drayton Manor Park

One of the best theme parks in the country is in Lichfield District!

Drayton Manor Park is home to firm favourites like Shockwave, Europe's first stand-up rollercoaster, and the continent's only Thomas Land, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year.

Meet legendary children's TV characters like Thomas and The Fat Controller, before some breath-taking fun on rides like Troublesome Trucks and James and the Red Balloon.

Make a day of it by exploring the 15 acre zoo, with over 100 exotic and endangered species from around the world.

Or visit one of the acclaimed annual events, like the Best of British Fireworks Spectacular (2nd-4th November) or the festive Magical Christmas (17th November-31st December).

5. Chasewater Country Park

With a stunning reservoir and wide open spaces, Chasewater Country Park is one of Staffordshire's top beauty spots.

It's the perfect place to unwind, exploring a nature trail on foot or on two wheels. Keep an eye open for the rare plant and animal species which call Chasewater their home, take a nostalgic look at the area's coal mining heritage on the steam railway, or discover an up-and-coming local artist exhibiting at Chasewater Innovation Centre, where the cafe makes an ideal pit-stop.

There's also plenty to get the adrenaline pumping, with watersports drawing in the braver visitors and the annual Ironman 70.3 triathlon attracting thousands of swimmers.

Perhaps the best time to visit is at sunset though - sights like this are pretty hard to beat!

Image: Ian Knight @zort70

Other things to see and do in Lichfield

Get into the festive spirit at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, home to the largest working reindeer herd in the country and log fires, sleigh rides, Santa's Grotto, and the Elf School on selected weekends in November and December.

Take in a touring West End show or a great night of stand-up comedy at Lichfield Garrick, named after the pioneering 18th Century actor David Garrick, who grew up in the city.

Find out about the life and times of the man behind the first and most comprehensive English Dictionary at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.

Sample some local produce and see demonstrations from famous chefs and stars of Great British Bake Off at the Lichfield Food Festival.

And the Lichfield Festival is a cultural extravaganza which has been drawing top class performers to the city for over 35 years.

How to get here

Lichfield is close to the M6 Toll, the M6 and M42, and easily accessible from the A51 and A38.

The city also has two train stations and offers direct services to London and Birmingham.