Local Reviews
In August 2018, EwanE1 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Set in Johnson's original Lichfield house, the museum attempts to create the different phases of Johnson's life in different rooms. The display's were interesting, but it did seem to gloss over the dictionary and his other famous writings.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, DorianBlue said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
This is a free museum and provides some interesting insights into the life of Samuel Johnson. Dr. Johnson was the author of a famous 2 volume English dictionary. There is a copy you can check out here on site. This building originally housed the book store that Samuels father ran, and the living quarters where he grew up. Takes an hour or so to go through the museum. One warning: lots of step stairs to climb, and no elevator.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, lindens43 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Although I studied the life and work of Dr. Johnson many years ago as part of my English degree, I remembered very little about him apart from his famous dictionary, and his habit of writing very long sentences! Visiting his house was first on our list of things to do in Lichfield, and we were not disappointed.
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, 141ken said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Worth a visit but the stairs can be difficult to navigate for anyone having difficulty in walking. Best to take one flight slowly. Staff very helpful. Some very interesting items on display which provides a better understanding of Mr Johnson's work. He must have been a formidable person to have met in those far off days.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, philipp961 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Right in the centre of Lichfield's market place is this
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, Diane P said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Ok its not the biggest museum ever but very interesting and the staff were really helpful. The gardens were a treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, alistairrobinson1977 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
I have to say this is a pretty average museum. It is certainally interesting and a diverting place to spend half an hour and if you have any interest in the good doctor do visit. It is set over several floors and does offer an oversight into his life.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2018, Sarah B said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Great place to while a way an hour or two and brush up on your history and knowledge about Samuel Johnson
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2013, David said about National Memorial Arboretum
The staff fell over themselves to make us welcome and be helpful and we had a wonderful day. The site was much bigger than we anticipated and, although we we still need to go back to see bits we missed, we walked miles. For those who can't, other forms of transport are available. Before the visit we thought that it was purely a war memorial and were presently surprised to find that although it involved every branch of the forces as well as individual incidents and campaigns like D Day and Gallipoli, it also included hundreds of auxiliary services as well as other organisations such as SANDS, Toc H, RNLI and even private individuals.
While we were there we had coffee, lunch and afternoon tea - not too expensive - excellent sandwiches.
As the site matures it will also expand in area and there are plans to rebuild the centre building to cater for the number of visitors.
While we were there we had coffee, lunch and afternoon tea - not too expensive - excellent sandwiches.
As the site matures it will also expand in area and there are plans to rebuild the centre building to cater for the number of visitors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2013, 2701ChristineH said about National Memorial Arboretum
this is a real must see place the atmosphere is something else so so moving the act of remembrance is carried out everyday at 11am and the grounds are just beautiful and beautifully cared for. The garden for the men shot at dawn is really moving the trees look so ghostly its hard not to visit and be moved.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk