Destination guides > Europe > England > Heart of England > Staffordshire > Lichfield
Lichfield
This small city boasts a beautiful triple-spire cathedral dating from the 11th century. Charles Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus, lived here and it was also the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, who wrote the first English dictionary.
Practical information
Lichfield Tourist Information Centre
Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield
Tel (01543) 308209
Website www.visitlichfield.com
Open Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm
Coming & going
BUS & COACH
Buses stop at Levetts Field Bus Station. National Express has coaches to Birmingham, Burton-upon-Trent, Derby, London and Sheffield.
TRAIN
Lichfield has two train stations. Lichfield City station is the most centrally located but many trains use Lichfield Trent Valley station north of the city centre. Both stations have trains from Birmingham, Burton-upon-Trent and Derby and Trent Valley station has trains to Tamworth, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Darwin House
This restored Georgian house was the home of Charles Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus. A leading doctor and scientist, Dr Erasmus Darwin was a major figure in the Lunar Society and he came up with the theory of evolution 70 years before his grandson refined it.
Beacon Street, Lichfield
Tel (01543) 306 260
Website www.erasmusdarwin.org
Admission £3
Open Thu-Sat 10am-3.45pm, Sun noon-3.45pm
Lichfield Cathedral
Lichfield's major attraction is its triple-spire cathedral that dates from the 11th century.
19A The Close, Lichfield
Tel (01543) 306 100
Website www.lichfield-cathedral.org
Admission by donation
Open 7.30am-6.15pm daily
The Lichfield Story
This heritage centre on the Market Square has displays about Lichfield's history and it features audio-visual presentations and the Staffordshire Millennium Embroideries, which represents 1000 years of Staffordshire's history.
Market Square, Lichfield
Tel (01543) 306 100
Website www.lichfieldheritage.org.uk
Admission £3.50
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5pm
Samuel Johnson Museum
Samuel Johnson, who wrote the first English dictionary, was born in this house that is now a museum focusing on Samuel Johnson's life and work.
Breadmarket Street, Lichfield
Tel (01543) 264 972
Website www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
Admission free
Open Jan-Mar noon-4pm daily; Apr-Sep 10.30am-4pm daily; Oct-Dec noon-4pm daily
