So, what is it about Lichfield?
A three-spired Cathedral, Michelin-starred food, beautiful green spaces and centuries of stories – our small Staffordshire city has been getting some national attention. So, if you’ve never been, perhaps it’s time to find out what all the fuss is about.
Our little city has found itself in the national spotlight.
Metro recently turned its attention to Lichfield, describing it as “stunningly beautiful” as it explored why more people are looking beyond London for somewhere to call home.
Naturally, we’re not going to argue.
But house prices and train times are only part of the story.
If you’ve only just discovered Lichfield – or you’re one of those people who has passed it on the train and wondered whether you should get off – there’s rather more here than you might expect.
So, what is it about Lichfield?
Perhaps it’s the combination of a spectacular cathedral city, beautiful green spaces, brilliant independents, seriously good food and more than a thousand years of history – with everything close enough to explore at your own pace.
First, look up
It’s difficult to miss the three spires rising above the city.
Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK and has been part of Lichfield’s story for more than 1,300 years.
Step through the Cathedral Close and the pace changes almost immediately. Historic buildings, quiet corners and views across Minster Pool make this one of those places where it pays not to rush.
And the Cathedral is only the beginning.
Lichfield has stories tucked into streets and buildings all over the city – from Samuel Johnson, the writer behind one of the most influential dictionaries of the English language, to Erasmus Darwin, physician, inventor and grandfather of Charles Darwin.
The good news? Much of it can be discovered on foot.
Come hungry
Here’s something that can still surprise first-time visitors: Lichfield is a very good place to eat.
For a small city, we punch considerably above our weight.
Lichfield is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants – Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in the heart of the city and The Boat Inn just outside it – alongside a growing collection of independents serving everything from brunch and coffee to cocktails, small plates and food from around the world.
You could come for the Cathedral and find yourself planning the return trip around dinner.
We wouldn’t blame you.
Wander without much of a plan
Some cities demand an itinerary. Lichfield is arguably better without one.
Start around the Cathedral, wander towards Market Square, dip into the independents, stop for coffee and see where you end up.
One of the pleasures of a compact city is that there’s always time for one more shop, one more historic building or one more place that you hadn’t planned to find.
And when you’ve had enough of streets and shops, you don’t need to go far to find some green.
Leave some room to breathe
Just a few minutes from the heart of the city is Beacon Park, with more than 70 acres of gardens and open space.
There’s Minster Pool beneath the Cathedral, Stowe Pool a little further on and, beyond the city, canals, countryside and walking routes waiting to be explored.
Head further into Lichfield District and you’ll find places like Fradley Junction, Chasewater Country Park and the National Memorial Arboretum too.
It means a morning wandering around a city can quite easily turn into an afternoon surrounded by green space.
Stay for the evening
This is where a day trip can become a weekend.
Book dinner, catch a performance, find somewhere for a drink and see a different side of the city once the day-trippers have headed home.
Lichfield’s restaurants, pubs, bars, theatre and live entertainment give you plenty of reason not to rush for the train – and the city holds Purple Flag status in recognition of its safe, welcoming and vibrant evening and night-time offer.
And if one day doesn’t feel quite enough, there are places to stay in and around Lichfield that make extending the trip very easy indeed.
Closer than you might think
Perhaps part of Lichfield’s appeal is that it manages to feel like an escape without requiring an expedition.
Sitting just north of Birmingham in the heart of Staffordshire, the city is well connected by road and rail, making it an easy choice for a day out or a relaxed weekend away.
Once you arrive, much of what you’ll want to discover is within walking distance.
Which brings us back to that Metro description.
“Stunningly beautiful”?
We’ll let you decide.
Come and see Lichfield for yourself.
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