Lichfield 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Lichfield: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Lichfield Heritage Centre and Market Square

A free exhibition on Lichfield's history in the old Guildhall, plus the daily market on the square (Fri, Sat).

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun closed

Free entry

💡 The heritage centre has a small viewing platform with a good rooftop view of the cathedral. Ask staff to unlock it.

Hotels near Lichfield Heritage Centre and Market Square →
Afternoon
Lichfield Cathedral

A medieval three-spired cathedral with stunning stained glass and the 8th-century St Chad's Gospels. Entry is free, though donations encouraged.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:30-15:00

Free entry

💡 Visit during a choral evensong (usually 5:30pm weekdays) for the full atmospheric experience without crowds.

Hotels near Lichfield Cathedral →
Evening
Where to eat

Queens Head · ££

Laughing Duck Cafe · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Lichfield

Morning
Beacon Park

A 70-acre Victorian park with a boating lake, playgrounds, and open lawns. Good for a walk or picnic.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Head to the café near the park's east end for decent coffee at reasonable prices, much cheaper than city centre chains.

Midday
Stowe Pool and Minster Pool

Twin lakes with a mile-long walking path around Stowe Pool, offering one of the best views of the cathedral from the water's edge.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Best at dawn or dusk when the light hits the cathedral spires—bring binoculars to spot waterfowl.

Evening
Dining tonight

Costa

The Duke of York

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Erasmus Darwin House

The former home of Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather), with exhibits on his medical and scientific work. Entry is £5 for adults, under-16s free.

💡 Combine with a walk through the adjacent garden and cathedral close—often missed by tourists.

Final meal

George & Dragon

The Fountain

Getting Around Lichfield

Avanti West Coast / London Northwestern Railway From £12 30 min

Free shuttle bus runs from airport terminal to Birmingham International station; buy an off-peak return for best value. Alight at Lichfield Trent Valley for direct link to Tamworth side, but if staying nearer B&B, use Lichfield City and catch the 765 bus to Harlaston.

Arriva Midlands 765 From £2.50 20 min

Buy a day rider for £4.50 if you’re doing more than one bus journey; the bus is reliable but can be 5 mins early – wait at the stop. Ask the driver for a ‘request stop’ at The Green if it’s your first time.

Lichfield Cars or A2B Taxis From £45 35 min

Pre-book with a fixed fare to avoid surge pricing; ask for a sedan rather than an estate car if you have less luggage – cheaper. The B&B has a narrow lane approach, so confirm driver knows the postcode DE13 8BP.

National Express From £8 40 min

This is slower but cheapest; from Lichfield bus station take the 765 or 765A bus towards Tamworth, get off at The Green in Harlaston, then 5-min walk. Check if your B&B can pick you up from that stop – they often do if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Lichfield?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Lichfield Heritage Centre and Market Square and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Lichfield?

See our full best time to visit Lichfield guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Cathedral Lodge Hotel, Mainview Alrewas, George Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.