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Lichfield Cathedral

Local Attractions

Lichfield is a wonderful city to explore. With the city parks, magnificent Lichfield Cathedral, museums and independent shops, you can spend a day wandering this 800-year-old city, visiting Lichfield attractions.

City Centre Attractions

Enjoy a picnic in Beacon Park, pick up a bargain in the Lichfield markets, discover art on the streets by following the Lichfield City Sculpture Trail, or venture into Lichfield’s Guildhall prison cells for a look at Lichfield’s history. Lichfield’s Tudor black and white timber framed buildings, cobbled streets and market squares combined with the pretty parks make the city a great all-season destination especially in the summer months with the various festivals and special events.

All the places of interest in Lichfield are within easy walking distance and the other attractions listed are on bus and or rail routes. Please ask at reception when you check in and we will happily give you the necessary information.

If you are planning to be out and about for the day, don't forget, we will be happy to arrange a packed lunch for you, just ask at reception!

Attractions in Lichfield District

A little further afield you can enjoy the thrills of Drayton Manor Park, home of Thomas Land, delve into Saxon history at Tamworth Castle, or enjoy playing in real snow at the Snowdome. The National Memorial Arboretum, created to pay tribute to those who served their country during the 20th century, is just a few miles away.

Visit Lichfield has lots more information on Lichfield and the surrounding area.

Discover the art on the streets of Lichfield by following the new Lichfield City Sculpture trail. The trail takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely walking pace and includes the Cathedral, the Samuel Johnson monument and Lichfield war memorial.

Pick up a copy of the Sculpture trail map from reception.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 0 miles

 

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn” Dr Johnson, 1776.

The Lichfield Real Ale Trail guides walkers around 10 historic and memorable pubs and hostelries in the city centre, including The Cathedral - each offers their own Real Ale brews for you to sample along the way!

Back in the 19th century Lichfield, like other market towns, had many ale houses and by 1834 Lichfield had an incredible 72 pubs, a ratio of one pub for every 69 people. Pubs are still at the heart of the community providing fellowship, enjoyment and a place of entertainment.

 

Beacon Park 
Is ideally situated in the heart of Lichfield city and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family day out. The park is open 365 days a year and offers a range of activities including an 18 golf course, children’s play areas, tennis, basketball and bowls.

The park is set in more than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space within easy reach of the city centre. Refreshments and ice cream are available in the bistro and the cafe next to the children's play area during peak season. Toilets and baby changing facilities are also available next to the children's play area.

Summer activities include mini cars, inflatable fun, pedalos and donkey rides in good weather. The park is also a great place for a round of golf or a picnic.

Woodland activities include pond dipping and wildlife watching.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx just a few hundred yards

 

The elegant city of Lichfield is dominated by its magnificent three spired 12th century cathedral known as the "Ladies of the Vale".

Founded by the great Anglo-Saxon missionary, St Chad, the Cathedral has been welcoming visitors since 700 and sees over 125,000 visitors a year.

As you walk through the awe-inspiring Cathedral, you will see treasures such as the Lichfield Angel, the St Chad Gospels and much more. Join one of the services and experience the long-held choral tradition of this beautiful place.

The Cathedral also hosts a range of exciting special events including exhibitions, concerts and fund-raising events.

Visitors can enjoy a range of specialist tours, exploring the importance and heritage of this most beautiful Cathedral.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 0.1 miles

 

If you like markets, then you’ll love the Lichfield Markets! Located in the historic Market Square, general markets are held weekly on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and farmers’ markets are held on the first Thursday of the month (except January) – here you’ll find wholesome locally produced food and hand-made arts and crafts.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 0.2 miles

 

Enjoy a historical visit to Lichfield Guildhall’s old prison cells, on this site since 1548. You’ll see the original cells, discover the inmates’ stories and find out about the history of law and order in Lichfield in this small display.

The Old Guildhall Prison for felons and debtors is at the rear of the Guildhall on Bore Street. Visitors can explore original cells and the history of law and order in the city in this small display.

The prison spans stories across the centuries, from the martyrs burned on Lichfield Market Square in the 17th century to the fates of the last felons to be publicly hanged at Lichfield gallows in 1810.

The Old Prison Cells are open on Saturdays from April to September 10am to 4pm.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 0.5 miles

 

Visit Darwin House, an independent, accredited museum that was once the family home of doctor, inventor and published poet Erasmus Darwin (1731- 1802).

Erasmus Darwin was one of the greatest polymaths of the 18th century. It has been said that no one since has ever rivalled him for achievements in such a wide range of fields.

Darwin House showcases the breadth of Erasmus Darwin's interests and achievements which laid the doundations for his grandson and evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin.

Exclusive access tickets available

Click here for opening times and more information.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 0.18 miles

 

The Lichfield Garrick is a thriving modern theatre and arts venue with two performance spaces and a host of exciting entertainment for the whole family.

Located on Castle Dyke, the theatre is in the centre of Lichfield and is easy to reach from The Cathedral Hotel.

The theatre has vibrant programme of shows throughout the year including comedy, dance, drama, musicals, tribute acts and more.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 0.51 miles

 

Learn Lichfield’s fascinating story through displays, presentations and exhibits which cover 2,000 years of the city’s history. St Mary's Lichfield offers breathtaking views of Lichfield through its Spire viewing platform and displays the unique Staffordshire Millennium Embroideries.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 1.14 miles

 

Visit the family home of Samuel Johnson, the inventor of the dictionary.

Best known for his Dictionary of the English Language, Samuel Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in the large, imposing house which overlooks Market Square, frequently returning until shortly before his death in 1784.

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop is open every day of the week except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day and admission is free.

Explore five floors of displays in an atmospheric historic house, including period room settings, introductory film, interactive exhibits and hands-on-fun for families. The house tells the story of the colourful life and major achievements of Lichfield's most famous son from troubled childhoos, through literary obscurity and financial poverty, to world renown and success.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 2 miles

The UK’s largest cutlery factory shop is just a few minutes drive away from The Cathedral and is well worth a visit.

Arthur Price is a family run company with more than 100 years expertise in manufacturing and retailing top quality cutlery, tableware and gifts, and in the factory shop you’ll find an unrivalled choice, all at prices you won’t find anywhere else!

Please note that the shop is located on the first floor via a staircase.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 2.2 miles

Situated on a working farm only two minutes away from the centre of Lichfield, Curborough Craft Centre is packed full of traditional craft and independent retail outlets. There’s plenty to do and enjoy – whether you want to try your hand at a creative workshop or browse through the local produce and homegrown plants.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 2.5 miles

 

Wall was an important staging post on Watling Street, the Roman military road to North Wales, and it provided overnight accommodation for travelling Roman officials and imperial messengers. The foundations of an inn and bathhouse can be seen, and many of the excavated finds are displayed in the on-site museum.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 3.5 miles

Staffordshire Regiment Museum

The museum is packed full of stories and tales about soldiers of the Staffordshire Regiment. From weaponry and memorabilia dating back over 300 years, to a full scale World War I trench, the sites, the smells and the sounds of our wartime history are brought to life at the museum.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 3.55 miles

 

This country shopping village is situated on the A38 towards Lichfield and has art galleries, gift shops, furniture and interior shops plus a creperie and restaurant.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 4 miles

 

Situated between Burntwood, Brownhills and Norton Canes, the picturesque Chasewater Country Park is perfect for a gentle stroll, bird watching, picnicking, cycling or even a steam train ride. Featuring a play area, crazy golf, tennis and basketball area, it’s a perfect place to bring the children.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 7.2 miles

 

The Chasewater Railway is home to a large selection of both steam and diesel locos and operates heritage steam and diesel trains on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the year, most Saturdays and certain weekdays throughout the summer.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 6.5 miles

 

Steeped in history and legend, this dramatic Norman motte and bailey castle is set in an attractive town centre park noted for its magnificent floral terraces.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 7.83 miles

 

The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s year-round place of Remembrance. The Arboretum is just a short drive away from The Cathedral and comprises of 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of Remembrance.

Image: Armed Forces Memorial

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 7.62 miles

 

Drayton Manor is less than 25 minutes drive from The Cathedral and is one of the country's most exciting adventure parks.

Please note, when planning your visit to Drayton Manor be sure to check that the park is open on the specific day you wish to visit. Please click here to check the opening hours.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 9.06 miles

 

Snow Dome is the UK's premier real snow centre, with skiing and snow boarding, snow play area,  an ice skating rink and a 170 metre slope covered in real snow all year round!

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 8 miles

 

Set in beautiful Cannock Chase, Go Ape is an award winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides. Open March – October and weekends in November.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 10 miles

 

For the first time in Europe, Thomas and his friends have their very own home at Drayton Manor Park.

Set in 6,000 square metres of beautiful parkland, Thomas Land is a multi-million pound attraction promising fun and adventure for the young and young at heart. It boasts 12 wonderful themed rides, a spectacular indoor play area and a shop filled with fantastic Thomas & Friends merchandise.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 9.06 miles

 

If you’re looking for an action-packed day out, you’ll love the National Forest Adventure Farm! Perfect for children and adults of all ages, there’s a Fun Field with go-karts, tractor trailer rides, pig racing, indoor play barn, a fossil pit and so much more.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 12.9 miles

 

The New Art Gallery Walsall presents, collects and interprets historic, modern and contemporary art in innovative and challenging ways. The gallery is open 7 days a week.

Click here for full opening times.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 11 miles

 

Bull Ring shopping centre complex boasts more than 140 shops including an iconic Selfridges store.

The National Sealife Centre in Brindley Place allows you to explore the ocean depths with over 60 displays of marine life from sharks to turtles, rays to octopus, jellyfish, otters and much more.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 20 miles

 

Discover the history, art and fun of the brewing experience at the National Brewing Centre at Burton upon Trent. The centre incorporates the original Bass Museum, and celebrates the social history of the development of brewing. There’s even an opportunity to sample some great local ales brewed on site – definitely a must for beer enthusiasts!

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: 13.9 miles

 

The hands on experience in the heart of the National Forest, is open all year round and is only five miles from Junction 11 of the M42.

Suitable for a day out anytime of the year – whatever the weather, CONKERS keeps the family engaged for hours!

In the Discovery and Waterside Centres you can explore the interactive exhibits, including a simulated tree top walk and play in the Enchanted Forest Adventure Play area – it’s high, it’s challenging and sometimes scary!

Outdoors you can explore over 120 acres of woodland, lakes and gardens. Where you can play on an assault course (13+), climb a viewing tower, take a ride on our Conkerchoo train linking the Waterside and Discovery Centres and lose yourself in the Playdale adventure play park. CONKERS also has a covered amphitheatre which hosts a range of music events and activities for all the family throughout the year.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 23.8 miles

A large zoo with 500 animals of almost 100 species, including a world class monkey and ape collection, birds, reptiles and many endangered species which makes Twycross Zoo a fun and educational day out for all the family.

The zoo is located on the A444 which can be accessed via the A5, and the M42, Twycross Zoo and is signposted on brown attraction signs.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 21.9 miles

For family fun and, you can escape for days at the Alton Towers Resort, there's so much to do, you'll be spoilt for choice. With Britain's best theme park, splash yourself silly in the waterpark or play a round on our Extraordinary Golf course.

Distance from The Cathedral Hotel: approx 39.63 miles

 

Staffordshire Walks

Staffordshire has some amazing countryside to discover, from the towering crags of the Peak District to the unspoilt ancient heathland of Cannock Chase, to the secluded byways of South Staffordshire. To discover more about the range of wonderful Staffordshire walks available, visit www.walkinginstaffs.co.uk or www.enjoystaffordshire.com

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