GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Lichfield City Walk

2 miles (3 km)

This fascinating city walk explores the area around the magnificent cathedral in the Staffordshire city of Lichfield. There's much to enjoy with interesting architecture, historic sites, pretty parks and lakeside trails.
The walk starts from the tourist information centre on Market Street and heads north west to the lovely Minster Pool. The pool lies directly south of Lichfield Cathedral with views over the water to the wonderful building. It's a beautiful spot with an ancient avenue of lime trees that are lit up at night. The trails pass along the pool before entering Beacon Park. There's 69 acres to explore here with the pretty Museum Gardens, Beacon Pool Lake and interesting sculptures including Captain Smith of the RMS Titanic and King Edward VII.
After exploring the park the walk turns to the north east passing Erasmus Darwin House and the cathedral. The building dates from the 12th century and is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. Highlights include a medieval wall painting, the famous Herkenrode stained glass and the Lichfield Angel. There's also a nice cafe which is a good place to stop for refreshments. Entry to the cathedral is free but you are encouraged to make a donation.
You can also visit Erasmus Darwin House the home of Charles Darwin's Grandfather. Erasmus led a scientific revolution, founding the Lunar Society in the 18th century. There's a museum where you can explore Darwin's work through interactive exhibits, replica costumes and historical objects. There's also a restored Georgian herb garden that has been faithfully recreated with plantings of the period and features a relief sculpture of Erasmus Darwin.
After exploring the cathedral area the walk heads to the delightful Stowe Pool reservoir. Nice footpaths take you around the water before returning to the tourist information centre.
Just to the south of the tourist information centre you will find the Garrick Theatre, which is also well worth a visit. Also near here is the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum which is dedicated to the life and works of the author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson who wrote the first authoritative Dictionary of the English Language.
Two long distance trails pass through the city so you can easily extend your walk. Heading north west along the Heart of England Way or the Two Saints Way will take you to the splendid Cannock Chase Country Park. Here you will find miles of great walking and cycling trails in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Heading south east takes you through the countryside to Kingsbury.

Postcode

WS13 6NB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Lichfield City Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lichfield City Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Lichfield City Walk

  • Heart of England Way - Follow the Heart of England Way through the Midlands of England
  • Coventry Canal - Enjoy waterside cycling and walking along the 38 mile long Coventry Canal towpath
  • Lichfield Canal - Enjoy an easy walk along a section of the Lichfield Canal Heritage Trail
  • Two Saints Way - Travel through Cheshire and Staffordshire on this wonderful long distance walking trail
  • Cannock Chase Country Park - This huge country park has 3000 acres of cycling and walking trails to explore
  • Chasewater Country Park - Enjoy a lovely waterside walk or cycle around Chasewater in Burntwood, near Lichfield
  • National Memorial Arboretum - This peaceful circular walk takes you through the National Memorial Arboretum and its surrounding countryside in Alrewas, near Lichfield in Staffordshire
  • Birmingham and Fazeley Canal - Enjoy a walk or cycle along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal from the city centre of Birmingham to the town of Fazeley in Staffordshire
  • Shenstone - This Staffordshire based village is located just south of the city of Lichfield.

Pubs/Cafes

The King's Head is a historic pub of some note. The inn dates from the 15th century and is the oldest coaching inn in the city. You can find them at 21 Bird Street, with postcode WS13 6PW for your sat navs. The pub is also dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.

Dog Walking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your walking in the area pick up the Lichfield Canal Walk and enjoy an easy waterside walk and a pretty canalside park.
To the south there's the village of Shenstone where you can pick up the Shenstone Walk to the Wall Roman Site. The English Heritage run site includes the ancient remains of the town and an interesting museum.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Staffordshire Walks page.

Photos

Lichfield, Garden of Remembrance and cathedral - geograph.org.uk - 493394

Lichfield: Garden of Remembrance and cathedral

Lichfield, lake and cathedral - geograph.org.uk - 499188

Lichfield: lake and cathedral. The central tallest spire is 258' high (rebuilt after the Civil War). The other pair of spires are the originals, built in 1320AD.

Beacon Park Museum Gardens

Beacon Park Museum Gardens

Erasmus Darwin House

Stowe Pool. Picture taken from the central spire of Lichfield Cathedral.

Stowe Pool

Stowe Pool

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Garrick Theatre

Johnsons Birthplace

Johnsons Birthplace

St. Chad's Church and Stowe Pool - geograph.org.uk - 121236

St. Chad's Church and Stowe Pool. The Grade II* Listed Building dates back to the 12th century.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lichfield City Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Lichfield City Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)