Fun for all ages School holiday day trips whatever your budget

AttractionsThe summer holidays. Six weeks ahead to keep the whole family entertained. The attractions in Lichfield District are on hand to make that easy for you though, whatever your budget.

Whether you've got a family looking for an adrenaline rush, you're looking to discover some history or you just want to get out in the fresh air you'll find the perfect day trip in Lichfield District.

Free days out

Lichfield Cathedral

If you're looking to rediscover England's heritage then Lichfield Cathedral has to be on your list of places to visit this summer. There has been a cathedral on the site in one form or another since the year 700, and there is so much history to discover inside, and outside, the cathedral's walls.

It's completely free to visit the cathedral, the impact of the pandemic has been significant and all donations are welcome to help keep the doors of the cathedral open for generations to come.

There are several events and exhibitions planned for the summer, and not all of them are free to access. Check the cathedral's website for more information.

Samuel Johnson's Birthplace Museum

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a fascinating stop in Lichfield city centre where you can find out all about the life of the author of the first dictionary of the English language of its kind. However, there was much more to Dr Johnson than a dictionary and a visit to the museum will reveal all!

Don't forget to visit the bookshop where Samuel Johnson's parents used to sell books.

Admission to the museum is completely free.

While there is plenty of walk-in availability, you may be asked to wait for a few moments before starting your visit at busier times. While there is no need to book if you are making a special journey you can reserve an entry time by calling the museum on 01543 264 972.

The museum's bookshop also accepts the Visit Lichfield Card for a discount on purchases, so don't forget to take yours!

The National Memorial Arboretum

Visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum can enjoy discovering almost 400 memorials nestled amongst some 25,000 trees and experience riverside walks on the 150-acre site. Young visitors can enjoy various children's activities and trails, and nature lovers will find plenty of wildlife along the way.

Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is completely free, but you will need to pay a small parking charge of £4 if arriving by car.

Chasewater Country Park

Whether you're in need of a peaceful ramble in nature or want a day trying something new, Chasewater has got something for you. With a 90-hectare reservoir and plenty of green open space, planning a day out at Chasewater is easy and, for the more adventurous visitor, the Country Park also offers extensive water sports activities.

Beacon Park

Beacon Park is set in more than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space, which includes Museum Gardens with its stunning floral displays and avenue of trees.

Beacon Park is also a fantastic place to bring children with its enclosed playground and a larger play area, both packed with fun equipment.

With all of this, plus woodland walks, pond dipping, a community garden, a food kiosk in Museum Gardens and a bistro overlooking a beautiful pool, Beacon Park offers a great day out all year round.

Discover a trail

There is a range of free trails to enjoy in Lichfield District for people of all ages and abilities. For example, the Children's Heritage Trail is an easy-to-follow route that lets little visitors uncover the fascinating and sometimes horrible history behind Lichfield city. The Swinfen Broun brass rubbing trail leads you through Beacon Park and across to Minster Pool, solving missions and completing eight brass rubbings along the way.

The city also has a new sculpture trail that guides you around Lichfield City to explore all the public art on offer and understand more about their fascinating history. Not to mention all the other fab trails you can find on our website.

A day out for £5 to £20

Erasmus Darwin House

Grandfather to one Charles Darwin, Dr Erasmus Darwin was a well-known and respected scientist, doctor, poet and philosopher in his own right. His Lichfield home and herb garden are now a museum dedicated to his life and times. It's a great place to spend a morning learning about the man whose studies made Charles Darwin's work possible.

While you can arrive at the museum without a booking, the Erasmus Darwin House team recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment. At just £4 for adults and £2 for children over 3, it's a bargain day out.

Staffordshire Regiment Museum

Tracing the history of the Staffordshire regiment's role in warfare since its founding, the museum is a great spot for any history or military buff to visit. Full of personal stories of victory and sacrifice, you can learn about the men and women who contributed to war efforts like World War I and World War II.

There's also a great outdoor space to be enjoyed, with a WW1 trench to explore, a WWII air-raid shelter and a new play area for younger visitors.

The museum is just £5 for adult entry and £4 for children over 3. It also has a £13 family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Chasewater Railway

Chasewater Railway runs both steam and diesel train services throughout the year for visitors to enjoy a journey on its passenger trains from its headquarters at Brownhills West to Chasetown.

Not only are there regular services to hop on and enjoy, but there is also a range of special events planned for the summer like a 1940's day and a Superheroes and Fairies Day. Find out more about the planned events here.

Standard costs to ride the trains are £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children over 3. This may vary for special events.

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

The theatre is back! The Lichfield Garrick has reopened with a full programme of live performances that you won't want to miss. With social distancing measures in place, a fully stocked bar for the intermission and a spectacular range of shows you'll have a blast rediscovering an evening of culture.

Every show at the theatre is priced individually and some may put you over the £20 mark, but there are several family-friendly shows planned for the summer that are less than £20 per head.

For example, Freddy the Teddy's Summer Holiday, which is just £8.50 per ticket and there are three performances to catch on Saturday 31 July, Sunday 1 August or Monday 2 August.

£20+ day trips

Midland Karting

This is the perfect place to blow the cobwebs away. There are go-karts for both little and big racers looking to get an adrenaline rush. The outdoor track is a good spot for a trip out with the kids, or even the grown-ups, if you're looking for a stag or hen, do location this summer!

There are loads of package deals and special offers available at Midland Karting, like its school holiday offer of £25 for a minimum of two drivers enjoying 45 minutes of karting and food and drink. Midland Karting also accepts the Visit Lichfield Card when making bookings so don't forget to get your free card!

Drayton Manor Theme Park

A theme park full of roller coasters, Thomas Land and a zoo what more could you want from a day out? Whether you're looking for some adrenaline-fuelled fun or a slower pace of learning about wildlife, you can't go wrong with booking a visit to Drayton Manor.

If one day isn't enough, there's also Drayton Manor Hotel where you can book a stay for as long as you want this summer to enjoy the park and surrounding area to the fullest.

Ticket prices for Drayton Manor Theme Park vary depending on whether you book in advance or pay on the day.

Find out more about ticket prices or pre-booking.

Find out more about these attractions and other amazing places to visit in Lichfield District here.

Photo Credits: Chris Day Design, Drayton Manor Park

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