Awe inspiring gothic cathedral, soaring architecture, every surface, inside and out, intricately decorated. Built to the glory of God and a must visit for everyone else passing near Lichfield. Set in a beautiful quiet close and near to the houses of Erasmus Darwin and Samuel Johnson, great minds who changed the world!

Used to live in this city for half a year and always liked walking around calm and decent city centre and The Cathedral which is very impressive, one of the best I have even seen + helpful staff.

You can pop in if you are around and also visit Dr. Samuel Johnson Birthplace, will not be disappointed, good afternoon out!

This hidden gem in Lichfield sums up how lovely Lichfield is. On first sight of The medieval Cathedral, with three spires it reminded us of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which had four spires.
Lichfield is a peaceful and historical place to visit, with legendary celebrities - Dr Samuel; Erasmus Darwin, physician; Statue The Captain of the sunken RMS Titanic Ship Captain Edward Smith, British naval officer @ Beacon Park; Statue of Boswell, (Dr Johnson's close friend), in the Market Square @ Lichfield.

I live in Lichfield and am still in awe every time that I see our beautiful cathedral. It is elegant and inspiring and is one of only three cathedrals in Britain to have 3 spires. It is easy to find as it dominates the city.The surrounding area is also beautiful; with Minster pool, Darwin House,Samuel Johnson House and Beacon park to name just a few. The whole of the city is steeped in history with lots of genuine Tudor buildings ( AND A FEW MOCK TUDOR- SEE IF YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE). There are good and varied restaurants and bars to accommodate every taste. A very biased opinion but the truth.Come and see for yourself.

My title to this review quotes from 'The Woman In Black' which I saw this weekend at the Garrick Theatre in my home city of Lichfield. They have made a splendid Garrick out of what was the Civic Hall of many years ago in my youth!
Situated right slap bang in the middle of town, close to the busy shopping and restaurant areas, the Garrick Theatre is a lovely intimate venue with its own Green Room Cafe and Bars.
Staff are friendly, atmosphere is warm, all in all a lovely theatre with excellent facilities and a studio theatre to boot.
Only half an hour from Birmingham, Lichfield is a gorgeous Cathedral City and the Garrick Theatre is a perfect theatre experience.
Although Garrick was not born in Lichfield he spent a lot of time there, making it his second home and a theatre in his name is very apt, Dr. Samuel Johnson is the most famous son of the city.
Check out the city, the theatre and believe me, I enjoyed the Garrick so much I have booked for next weeks show 'Little Shop of Horrors'!!!

Lichfield City is a pleasant half-hour train ride north out of Birmingham in the Staffordshire countryside, and home to one of England’s great old cathedrals. With its unmistakable three spires (“Three Sisters”), Lichfield Cathedral is a magnificent sight to behold as you approach the historic city center. The environs of the cathedral are a pleasure to explore as is an unhurried walk through the cathedral itself. Lanes leading to the cathedral offer welcoming small-scale cafes, restaurants, and other inviting businesses and attractions, such as museums honoring Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles, and Samuel Johnson, compiler of an important early English dictionary. There is a lovely pond you can stroll beside, pubs offering traditional refreshment, and a village market outside St. Mary’s Church, all just minutes from the cathedral by foot.

The exterior stonework of the cathedral is an imposing dark reddish hue. Its three sky-piercing spires are a unique feature among English cathedrals. It’s easy to spot many interesting and intact gargoyles mounted at various levels on the outer walls of the church, particularly at the east end. Watch out for an especially horrifying one of Medusa’s head. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a session of change-ringing in the bell tower, the cascading sound of bells mightily rolling around upon themselves with subtle, ever-shifting changes of bell sequence. Change-ringing is one of the aural wonders of English cathedrals and never fails to give me goosebumps and make time seem to stand still. Have a seat on one of many benches placed along the perimeter of the cathedral and enjoy gazing upon any of the many different views of this grand edifice.

A wander through the interior will provide you with several hours immersion in a serene yet historical and awe-inspiring cathedral environment. Lichfield Cathedral traces its origins back to the legend of St. Chad in the 600’s. The present cathedral took about 150 years to build and is largely Gothic. It contains all the major styles within that broad category of time stretching from the 1200’s through the 1300’s and beyond. The crossing and western end of the choir date from 1200 and show both Norman Transitional and Early English work. The Lady Chapel and eastern choir are in the Decorated style, and there are examples of Perpendicular style.

The cathedral suffered much damage at the hands of Henry VIII and during the English Civil War so had to undergo quite a bit of rebuilding in subsequent ages, which continues to the present day. Lichfield and the cathedral close were a battleground during the Civil War in the 1600’s. If you look closely at the many carved heads decorating the side aisles in the nave, you can see slash marks on some of them where swords were sharpened during that upheaval!

History washes over you as you explore this ancient building and marvel over the monuments, effigies, stained glass windows, tiled floors, organ pipes, chantry chapels, massive doors, iron and metal-work, the complex tracery, and myriad of architectural features from the smallest detailed wood and stone carvings to the soaring arches, breathtaking ceiling vaulting, and herculean pillars. One of the cathedral’s treasures is the St. Chad Gospels, an eighth-century Gospel Book with 236 surviving folios, eight of which are illuminated. Priceless exhibits such as this along with the vast cathedral fabric that envelopes and transports you make for a profoundly rewarding experience.

There are two cathedral gift shops. Purchases benefit the cathedral and help you remember your lovely sojourn at Lichfield’s “Three-Sisters” cathedral.