An 8th-century angel, a medieval pilgrimage shrine and extensive open spaces: Lichfield offers a variety of options for your trip. You can tailor your focus on cultural history, museum visits and outdoor activities to suit your interests. The city’s history can also be explored in different ways – in historic buildings, public spaces and on a smartphone-based walk.
Cathedral and literary heritage
Lichfield Cathedral houses the 8th-century sculpture known as the Lichfield Angel. Treasures from the Anglo-Saxon period include the St Chad Gospels. The shrine of St Chad became one of the country’s three most important medieval pilgrimage centres. These historical connections give you several distinct ways to explore the cathedral: early art, an important Gospel book and the history of pilgrimage.
Another way to explore the city’s history is through Samuel Johnson and Erasmus Darwin. The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is the writer’s former family home. Erasmus Darwin House was once the family home of Erasmus Darwin and is now an independent, accredited museum in Lichfield’s Cathedral Close. Younger visitors can also enjoy the free Herb Garden Explorer Trail, which focuses on insects. This brings together two historic family homes associated with different figures, while Erasmus Darwin House also offers a specific activity for younger visitors.
Industrial history and the Friary Remains
Sandfields Pumping Station also offers a glimpse into the city’s history. The 19th-century complex is Grade II* listed. The Engine House at Sandfields Pumping Station is also recorded in the National Heritage List for England. The pumping station is usually open on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. During these times, volunteers may be able to offer tours to small groups of visitors. If you are planning a tour, check the visiting hours in advance.
At the Friary Remains, historical traces meet modern-day use. The area around the remains was home to a flourishing monastery from 1237 to 1538. The largely hidden remains are protected as a Scheduled Monument. Today, the Friary Remains are a public garden owned and managed by Lichfield City Council. The site therefore connects the history of the monastic grounds with their present-day role as a garden.
City views, architecture and events
Minster Pool Walk offers lovely views across the pool towards the Remembrance Gardens and Lichfield Cathedral. Speakers’ Corner Lichfield is located on Dam Street, beside Minster Pool Walk. Opened in 2009, it has since been a venue for lively debates, celebrations and performances. The walk offers a way to take in the city, while Speakers’ Corner focuses on public culture in an urban setting.
Another architectural landmark is St Mary’s Church: the present building was completed in 1870 and built from Derbyshire sandstone. The Hub at St Mary’s offers a flexible space with seating for 140 for performances, art exhibitions and workshops. For your choice of cultural activities, the focus here is both on the building’s history and on a space for a variety of events.
Parks, open spaces and sailing
Beacon Park covers more than 70 acres of gardens and open spaces and is within easy reach of Lichfield city centre. Activities available there include walking, golf, a children’s play area, crazy golf, tennis, basketball, bowls, Play-Disk and footgolf. The options range from walks to a variety of sports and leisure activities.
Stowe Pool offers something different: the body of water covers 14 acres, and sailing takes place there during the summer months. The difference is clear for trip planning: Beacon Park offers a wide range of activities in gardens and open spaces, while Stowe Pool adds a seasonal waterside activity with sailing.
Discover history on your smartphone
Lichfield Time Travellers is a smartphone-based walk through the city streets that introduces historical figures. At a dozen locations, you can open Time Portals by scanning your surroundings with your smartphone. This experience combines a walk with a digital encounter with historical figures. It adds another way to engage with Lichfield’s past alongside visits to museums and historic sites.
Explore more destinations: Eccleshall, Drointon, Loggerheads, Tutbury, Cheddleton, Longnor, Branston, Long Compton.
For the broader travel guide: Staffordshire.
