Welcome to District Lichfield is a picturesque, compact and historic city nestled Design your visit in the heart of scenic , just a short drive from Why not pick a morning and afternoon Birmingham. The city has a rich and thrilling history that is activity from the list below and turn to evident from the many heritage attractions, including its pages 6 & 7 to select your lunchtime stunning three-spired cathedral and museums that and evening meals. celebrate the life and times of Dr Johnson, , the Lunar Society and other notable characters. Great days out Choose your Allow for Facilities onsite attraction your visit Easy to reach 2 - 3 hours Guided Cathedral tours*, Library Within easy access from the Midlands tours*, Herkenrode tours*, motorways and major roads, Lichfield caf é, gift shop

is ideally situated. Turn to the back National 3 - 4 hours Guided* & self-guided tours, page for more travel info. Memorial (15 mins drive caf é, gift shop, train tours*, Arboretum to Lichfield City) coach parking Erasmus Darwin 1 - 2 hours Museum, guided tours*, book & Fantastic festivals House gift shop, refreshments on request* Lichfield is fast becoming known as the Samuel Johnson 1 - 2 hours Guided* & self-guided tours, festival city - from our world renowned Birthplace Museum book & gift shop Lichfield Festival in July, through to the 2 - 3 hours Caf é, tourist information, much loved Food Festival in August, gift shop, chapel, spire climbs* we’ve got a year round calendar of Curborough Hall 2 - 3 hours Tea rooms, shopping, falconry events to tempt you back again and Farm Countryside (10 mins drive centre*, angling on site, garden again. See page 9 for more info. Centre to Lichfield City) centre, coach parking Arthur Price 1 - 2 hours Factory shop, talks*, Factory Shop (5 mins drive coach parking Plan your trip to Lichfield City) From booking guided tours through to Heart of The 3 - 4 hours Unique shopping, crêperie restaurants, we can help you plan your County Shopping (10 mins drive restaurant, woodland walk trip. Call 01543 308210 or email Village to Lichfield City) gallery, coach parking [email protected] 1 - 2 hours Caf é, golf, mini golf, p étanque, www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk bowls, formal gardens, tennis, woodland walk & play area City shops and 3 - 4 hours Unique & high street shopping, restaurants galleries, antiques, great eateries

*please book in advance Atmospheric evenings Lichfield Garrick Theatre and music shows* With great hotels, Lichfield Arts Music performances and fantastic evening www.lichfieldarts.org.uk shows throughout the year* entertainment and The George Darwin’s in-house eateries, why not Hotel restaurant and bar extend your visit and pick from this table. The Cathedral Onsite bar serving food Lodge Hotel *please book in advance 1 Great to visit with a group Great to visit with a group LLichhfieflide Cladth eCdral thedral Drayton Manor Theme Park Visit Lichfield Cathedral and discover over 1,300 Make fun family memories with a thrilling group years of history in the only medieval three-spired visit to Drayton Manor Park. With white knuckle cathedral in the UK! See a medieval wall rides, 15 acres’ zoo, a 4D Yogi Bear Cinema painting, the Herkenrode stained glass, Lichfield Adventure, and the newly expanded Angel and more. The Close surrounding the Thomas Land TM , two family restaurants and an Cathedral has its own story to tell, with onsite four star hotel, you need look no further picturesque gardens, stunning buildings and for an awesome day out. a vibrant history. Open Monday to Friday 7am -6.15pm, Saturday 8am -6.15pm, Sunday 7.30am -4.30pm Open March to October (selected dates see (7.30am -6.30pm in spring/summer) website for details). t 01543 306100 e [email protected] t 0844 4721950 e [email protected] www.lichfield-cathedral.org www.draytonmanor.co.uk National Memorial Arboretum Lichfield Museum The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s Discover Lichfield in our museum and walk year-round centre of remembrance and home to through 2,000 years of history, with artefacts, the nationally-important Armed Forces information boards and more. Climb our spire Memorial. Situated alongside the river Tame, for spectacular views of the city and cathedral it features 150 acres of parkland, 30,000 (booking essential). See our breathtaking maturing trees and over 300 memorials, each collection of Lichfield silver. Or, why not take rich in symbolism and with a story waiting to be a break in our spacious café with home-made discovered. food cooked daily? More than a museum - a great place to visit with a group!

Open Everyday 9am -dusk Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am -3.30pm t 01283 245143 e [email protected] t 01543 256611 e [email protected] www.thenma.org.uk www.stmaryslichfield.co.uk Lichfield Garrick

Stunning Georgian home of Erasmus Darwin, The Lichfield Garrick is a thriving theatre in the grandfather of Charles Darwin and leading 18th centre of Lichfield, attracting well over 100,000 century doctor, scientist, botanist, inventor and people each year. Boasting an auditorium of 560 poet. There's something for everyone in his seats, a 150 seat studio theatre and a wide restored Grade l listed home - period furnishings, variety of entertainment to suit all - from comedy interactive displays, video, and fun children's to drama, music to opera and dance to activities. There is a stunning herb garden pantomime. Pick up your free theatre brochure inspired by Darwin’s 18th century botanic garden. at the Garrick or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Open Monday to Sunday 11am -5pm (Apr -Oct) Open 11am - late (performance days) Thursday to Sunday 11am -4pm (Nov -Mar) 11am - 5pm (non-performance days) t 01543 306260 e [email protected] t 01543 412121 e [email protected] www.erasmusdarwin.org www.lichfieldgarrick.com Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Explore the family home that inspired an 18th century literary giant. Five floors of displays in a beautiful historic building transport you through the life and times of Samuel Johnson, writer of the Dictionary of the English Language and famous wit. Entertaining guided tours available.

Open Daily 10.30am -4.30pm (Apr -Sept), 11am -3.30pm (Oct -Mar). Late opening for groups available. Group capacity: 20 in each tour group t 01543 264972 e [email protected] www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk 2 3 Shopping in a group Shopping in a group LHiecahrt foife thlde C Counattryh Sehodprpainlg Village The Shop at No9, The Close Heart of the Country is the original rural The Shop at No.9 is a quaint and unique gift shopping village. Visitors can enjoy lunch in emporium positioned opposite Lichfield courtyards surrounded by flourishing fauna and Cathedral. Come and explore our treasure chest gardens, take a relaxing stroll through woodland, of hand-picked goods and one-of-a-kind gifts and shop in peace. There is a large free car park including beautiful products for the home, with disabled parking on site. Groups and locally produced treats to tickle your taste buds, coaches are always welcome. and high quality souvenirs.

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Open Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12 noon - 5pm t 01543 481612 e [email protected] t 01543 306150 e [email protected] www.heartofthecountryvillage.com www.lichfield-cathedral.org Tudor Row Shops Lichfield Markets Step back in time along Lichfield’s Tudor Row Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (except and find a secret gem tucked away behind the Spring Bank Holiday Tuesday) Lichfield’s Market Tudor of Lichfield on Bore Street. Tudor Row has square comes alive with the buzz of the a selection of 12 individual shops selling a variety flourishing traditional markets, with established of gifts and treats in a unique and charming market traders, selling a wide variety of quality setting not to be missed. items and fresh produce at value-for-money For a refreshing break call into the Tudor of prices. A must for entertaining coach parties Lichfield (see page 7). and groups.

Open Various times Open Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 9am -4pm t 01543 263951 e [email protected] .uk t 01543 309853 e [email protected] www.tudorrow.com www.lichfield.gov.uk Arthur Price Lichfield Farmers’ Markets

Visit the UK’s largest cutlery factory shop, with Every first Thursday of the month (except an unrivalled choice of fine cutlery and gifts, at January). A great visit for groups is our popular prices you won’t find anywhere else! Free onsite Farmers’ Market situated in the Market square parking with coaches welcome. Don’t miss our in the centre of the city. Offering a wide selection joint group visits, a tour of Lichfield Cathedral of fresh tempting produce – locally grown, baked followed by a presentation and shopping brewed or pickled! Plus art and craft stalls and experience at Arthur Price. Please note the seasonal demonstrations. factory shop is on the first floor. Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 5pm Open First Thursday of the month 9am -3pm t 01543 267324 e [email protected] t 01543 309853 e [email protected] www.arthurprice.com www.lichfield.gov.uk Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre Plant Plot Garden Centre With plentiful free car parking and room for The Plant Plot Garden Centre is the ideal stop off coaches, the Countryside Centre has a lovely for your coach group. Our charming traditional range and mixture of businesses selling products nursery and award-winning coffee shop is such as antiques, furniture and bespoke gifts. situated on the outskirts of Lichfield, with easy There’s a farm shop, garden centre, talented access and spacious free parking - a perfect place artists and crafts people, as well as Mabel’s for people who love their gardens. It also has a Tearoom. There is also a health and beauty working model allotment, fresh home-grown section. plants and welcoming, knowledgeable staff. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm & Bank Holiday Mondays (closed Christmas to New Year) Open Monday to Saturday 9am -5pm, t 01543 262595 Sunday 9.30am -4.30pm e [email protected] t 01543 262805 e [email protected] www.curboroughcountrysidecentre.com www.theplantplot.com 4 5 Eating in a group Eating in a group National Memorial Arboretum Chapters ‘The Cafe in the Close’ Located slightly north of Lichfield, just off the Chapters, ‘The Café in The Close’ boasts a A38, the National Memorial Arboretum is the unique thirteenth century walled garden in an perfect place for groups to enjoy a wholesome idyllic setting, as well as a delicious and varied lunch or afternoon tea. Two dining outlets are menu. Enjoy locally sourced and freshly prepared available: the Pavilion Lunch Room serving a dishes for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. warming daily roast and the Café Bar offering a Gluten free diets are catered for, as are variety of homemade treats, tasty soups and vegetarian and vegan. quick snacks. Group dining packages are available. Open Monday to Saturday 9am -4pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. From 1 April Chapters will be open until 5pm Monday to Sunday Open Lunch Room 11am -3pm, Café Bar 9am -5pm Capacity 70 inside, 60 outside t 01283 245143 e [email protected] t 01543 306125 e [email protected] www.thenma.org.uk www.lichfield-cathedral.org The Bowling Green Ristorante Sorrento Situated to the south side of the city centre, with Ristorante Sorrento, now established in Lichfield easy access and free onsite parking for coaches. for nine years, is the only authentic Italian family The Bowling Green offers a personal welcome, restaurant in the city. Umberto & Vincenzo private function room, an excellent menu, with welcome parties and groups to enjoy a wide a delicious selection of morning coffee, tasty selection of authentic Italian dishes, all freshly lunches and afternoon snacks. Great for a group prepared to order, with daily specials available. looking for a shorter stop en route or full evening meal. Open Lunch - Wednesday to Saturday 12noon -2.15pm Open 11am -midnight Evening - Tuesday to Saturday 5pm -10.30pm, Capacity seated 50, casual 80 Sunday open for special events & pre-booked parties t 01543 257344 Capacity 50 e [email protected] t 01543 3007890 www.emberinns.co.uk www.sorrento-italian-restaurant.co.uk McKenzies Restaurant Tudor of Lichfield McKenzie's Restaurant is situated in the heart of Open to groups for morning coffee, lunches Lichfield. It is a superb steak house restaurant, and afternoon teas. Lichfield’s historic (built however it also offers other selections for 1510), licensed tea and coffee shop is one not to non meat lovers. Aubrey Allen is their meat miss with your group. Make your visit extra supplier and everything is made onsite or with special with a champagne breakfast or afternoon agreement with suppliers for quality. It is ideal for tea and choose gifts from our large selection of any type of experience whether a quick brunch, delicious luxury chocolates, novelties, biscuits, lunch or the famous afternoon tea. teas and jams. Open Monday to Thursday 11am -10pm, Friday & Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 11am -11pm, Sunday 11am -9pm Sunday 10am - 4pm t 01543 417371 e [email protected] t 01543 263951 e [email protected] www.mckenziesrestaurant.com www.tudorrow.com The Malt Bar Centrally located and ideally situated for groups to grab a bite to eat before a performance at the Garrick Theatre. Malt Bar offers a comfortable and friendly family environment with wholesome homemade food, produced from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a selection of quality casks, beers, ciders and wines.

Open Monday to Thursday 10.30am -8.30pm, Friday & Saturday 10.30am -9pm, Sunday midday -6pm, 7pm on theatre evenings t 01543 415524 e [email protected] www.themaltbarlichfield.co.uk 6 7 Antique shopping in a group Richard Winterton Auctioneers The Festival City Based in a modern city centre showroom, January august Richard Winterton is one of the UK's leading Winter Beer Festival Lichfield Food Festival family-run auctioneers and valuers. Established www.lichfieldarts.org.uk www.lichfieldfood.co.uk in 1864 with a strong national and international reputation. April Monthly auctions for affordable jewellery, gold, september silver, pictures, ceramics, glass, collectables, St George’s Court Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park furniture and furnishings. www.lichfield.gov.uk www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/proms may The Sheriff’s Ride Open Monday to Friday 9am -5pm www.lichfield.gov.uk t 01543 251081 e [email protected] Lichfield Mysteries www.richardwinterton.co.uk www.lichfieldmysteries.co.uk Heritage Weekend www.visitlichfield.co.uk/ Lichfield Antiques Centre June heritageweekend This smart, modern centre featuring many times Shakespeare in the Park october on BBC’s “Antiques Road Trip”, holds a wide www.sitp.org.uk range of vintage, antique, collectable and period L2F Lichfield Festival of Folk items from up to 60 dealers. The ideal place to Blues & Jazz Festival www.lichfieldarts.org.uk find that unique gift or special piece for your www.lichfieldarts.org.uk house. Find us at the entrance of the Bird Street DECember car park - follow cathedral parking signs. July Christmas Lights Switch On Open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 10am -5pm, Lichfield Festival www.lichfield.gov.uk Saturday 10am -6pm, Sunday & bank holidays www.lichfieldfestival.org 11am -5pm t 01543 416 306 Lichfield Christmas Festival e [email protected] Lichfield Fuse Festival www.visitlichfield.co.uk/ www.lichfieldantiquescentre.co.uk www.lichfieldarts.org.uk christmasfestival Staying in a group BEST WESTERN The George Hotel This charming 18th century coaching inn is set in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the cathedral. The hotel offers 46 well equipped bedrooms and a choice of dining options, including a cosy bar for snacks and afternoon teas, a lunchtime carvery and Darwin’s modern British restaurant. Open daily for food from 7am -10pm Capacity 45 bedrooms, function suite -100, restaurant -60 t 01543 414822 e [email protected] www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk The Cathedral Lodge Hotel The Cathedral Lodge is a friendly, family run hotel, specialising in group bookings. Set in the heart of the city and a short walk from the cathedral, guests enjoy comfortable, en-suite accommodation with restaurant and bar, free car and coach parking and Wi-Fi. Single occupancy, double, twin and family rooms available. Ideally situated for coach groups visiting the city centre, local attractions and events. Capacity 36 bedrooms, function suite -150 people t 01543 414500 e [email protected] www.cathedrallodgehotel.com 8 9 We’re just a short drive away!

Lichfield is in the heart of the country, so whether you are visiting for the day, overnight or just passing through, we’re a great place to stop.

Lichfield is only... 20 mins _ Birmingham 45 mins _ Warwick 1 h 30 mins _ Sheffield 1 h 40 mins _ Oxford 2 h _ Manchester 2 h _ Bristol 2 h 25 mins _ Liverpool Come by train Lichfield City Station direct to Birmingham (40mins) and Redditch (1h 15mins) Lichfield Trent Valley Station (5mins from Lichfield City) to London Euston (1h 50mins), Liverpool (1h 40mins), Crewe (1h). Come by coach Main coach park at Birmingham Road Bus Station: WS13 6LG (Dash reference: 0465). Park up and buy your parking permit from the Tourist Information Centre at St Mary’s in the Market Square (map in station) or online at www.dashpark.co.uk Parking bays near Premier Inn: The Friary WS13 6QE Drop offs/pick up (20mins stop) at the cathedral: Beacon Street WS13 7AD Coach parking www.visitlichfield.co.uk/coachparking Car parking www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap Welcome Driver Pick up a 10% discount card off all food and drink at St Mary’s Café when you buy your coach parking ticket.

For help planning your trip or for more driver and group organiser special offers, call 01543 308210 or email [email protected]