lichfield cathedral tour

Lichfield Cathedral

Top choice in The Midlands & the Marches

Crowned by three dramatic towers, Lichfield Cathedral is a Gothic fantasy, constructed in stages from 1200 to 1350. The enormous vaulted nave is set slightly off line from the choir, creating a bizarre perspective when viewed from the west door, and carvings inside the cathedral still bear signs of damage caused by Civil War soldiers sharpening their swords.

Check schedules online for 45-minute tower tours climbing 160 steps for sweeping views from the central spire.

In the octagonal Chapter House, you can view the illuminated Chad Gospels, created around AD 730; an ornate Anglo-Saxon bas-relief known as the Lichfield Angel; and a faded but glorious medieval wall painting above the door.

The grand west facade positively bows under the weight of 113 statues of bishops, saints and kings of England. Be sure to stroll the delightful, once-fortified Cathedral Close, ringed with imposing 17th- and 18th-century houses.

19 Cathedral Close

Get In Touch

01543-306100

https://​www​.lichfield-cathedral​.org​​/

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Take a 3D tour of Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral has introduced a new initiative to help people explore the cathedral online.

The cathedral has used technology to keep the public engaged in its activities since closing due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions, launching a virtual prayer wall and also hosting more than 60 live-streamed or pre-recorded videos.

The latest venture is a 3D Virtual Tour of the cathedral, allowing people from all over the world to explore the cathedral at their own pace.

The tour has been created by Lichfield-based UK Surveyors, experts in 3D virtual tours, who digitally mapped the internal and external areas of the cathedral from multiple angles.

The virtual tour will include key points of interest, an opportunity to explore St Chad's Head Chapel and hear a piece of organ music and view the organ loft.

Rev Adrian Dorber, the dean of Lichfield, said he was delighted that the cathedral could offer a virtual tour to the public.

He said: "These last few weeks have been challenging, as we’ve learnt to live, worship and socialise in a different way.

"Like many of our regular visitors and worshippers, I have missed taking a walk around the cathedral and soaking up the atmosphere of this sacred site.

"I am delighted that we are able to offer a virtual tour so that people can access the majesty of the cathedral and the services we have to offer to the wider community."

To take the 3D virtual tour of Lichfield Cathedral, go to lichfield-cathedral.org/visit-the-cathedral/a-virtual-visit , where a guide will be provided on getting the most out the visit.

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Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield cathedral has a splendid setting and a fascinating history. its three spires are unique amongst medieval cathedrals and are often referred to as 'the ladies of the vale'..

The church's history begins in the 7th century when Bishop Chad moved the seat of his diocese to Lichfield. Although only Bishop for three years, Chad converted many to Christianity and after his death he remained a popular figure inspiring many miracles. From 700 his body was interred in a Saxon cathedral which lies beneath the present building. In the latter years of the 11th century a Norman building began to replace the Saxon one and a few pieces of the Norman stonework are still visible in Consistory Court. At about the same time Bishop de Clinton fortified the Close and laid out the City to cater for the pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Chad. Within a century, however, work began on the Gothic cathedral, which we see today. The Choir dates from 1200, the Transepts from 1220 to 1240 and the Nave was started in 1260. Through the next hundred years, additions were made, including the Vestibule which leads from the north Choir Aisle to the Chapter House and contains a unique medieval pedilavium where, following the example of Jesus at the Last Supper, feet were washed on Maundy Thursday. The octagonal Chapter House, which was completed in 1249 and is one of the most beautiful parts of the Cathedral with some charming stone carvings, houses an exhibition of the Cathedral's greatest treasure, the Lichfield Gospels, an 8th century illuminated manuscript.

In 1285 the nave was rebuilt and then the Lady Chapel, completed in 1330, was built to contain the shrine of St Chad. Today it contains the 16th century Herckenrode glass. During the English Civil War in the 1640's the destruction was intense as the Cathedral was at the centre of some of the fiercest fighting of the war. At the end of three bitter sieges the church had been devastated by war damage, troop garrisons, and vandalism. After the Restoration of Charles II, Bishop Hacket and his prebendaries began a long process of restoring the Cathedral to its former glory. Although the 18th century was a Golden Age for the city of Lichfield, it was a period of decay for the Cathedral. The 15th century library, on the north side of the nave, was pulled down and the books moved to their present location above the Chapter House. Most of the statues on the West Front were removed and the stonework covered with Roman cement. At the end of the century James Wyatt organised some major structural work, removing the High Alter to make one worship area of Choir and Lady Chapel and adding a massive stone screen at the entrance to the Choir. In the early years of the 19th century the Cathedral acquired two of its most famous treasures. In 1803 Sir Brooke Boothby bought the magnificent Flemish stained glass from Herckenrode Abbey which was placed in the windows of the Lady Chapel. Then in 1820 at the request of Ellen Jane Robinson, Francis Chantry sculpted his monument to her dead daughters known as 'The Sleeping Children'. It was only 60 years after Wyatt's work that Sir Gilbert Scott was commissioned to undertake his own programme of restoration. This was carried out with great sensitivity, working with original materials where possible and creating fine new imitations and additions when the originals were not available. Wyatt's choir-screen had utilised medieval stone-work which Scott in turn used to create the clergy's seats in the sanctuary. The new metal screen by Francis Skidmore and John Birnie Philip to designs by Scott himself is a triumph of High Victorian art, as are the fine Minton tiles in the choir, inspired by the medieval ones found in the Choir foundations and still seen in the Library. Fresh restoration work continued throughout the 20th century. In 1957 extensive work was carried out on the roofing and spires, a process which began again in 1987 with a ten year programme of repair and cleaning. Facilities for visitors in the Close have been improved by a Visitors' Study Centre, a tea room and a bookshop. Today concerts and major artistic events are often held in the Cathedral, especially in July when the annual International Lichfield Festival is held. Visitors for twelve hundred years have been coming to the Cathedral and visitors will continue to be attracted. You can visit the Lichfield Cathedral website .

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Lichfield Cathedral

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The Cathedral is among the earliest centres of Christian worship in the UK. A cathedral was built to house his remains in 700 the first shrine is mentioned by the Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People in 731. Pilgrims continued to come and a new, larger cathedral - the current Cathedral - was completed in the 14th Century. It subsequently underwent significant restoration by Sir Gilbert Scott in the 19th Century. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires and is the only cathedral in the UK to have been fortified with walls and a moat, traces of which remain in the landscape today.

Today, people continue to come in their thousands for all sorts of reasons: to admire the architecture, to explore the building and its towers, to pray, to ask, to be silent, to study, to worship.

The place of Chad continues to draw people to engage with some of the most fundamental questions of human and divine life. Visitors leave comments such as beautiful, peaceful, calm, wonderful atmosphere. On one level they are encountering a Christian holy house; on another, they are experiencing the transforming love of God.

We hope and pray that all our visitors will become pilgrims, not just visiting the shrine of Chad and leaving their prayers, but taking something with them on their own spiritual journey and making a real difference in the world in the name of Jesus Christ and the gospel of justice, reconciliation and peace.

When people come in great numbers, they realise, just like the earliest pilgrims, that they do not make this journey alone, but with friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, and God himself journeying with God towards the loving heart of God.

The mission of Lichfield Cathedral is to live and proclaim the transforming love of God. Through the fullness of its life in the Spirit, it seeks to be a sign of friendship and freedom that God in Jesus Christ has given the whole world to enjoy. The Cathedral provides a glorious focus for worship and reaches out to communities across the Diocese, providing support to a wide range of missional and charitable activities. The Cathedral provides space for worship, community and cultural events. This follows a tradition that has been handed down through the generations since the first Cathedral was founded in AD 700 on the burial site of St Chad.

For information about our life, worship and events see our website: www.lichfield-cathedral.org

Lichfield Cathedral

Welcome to Lichfield Cathedral, where you can discover over 1300 years of history in the only medieval three spired Cathedral in the UK! See a medieval wall painting, the famous Herkenrode stained glass, the Lichfield Angel and much more.

Lichfield, Staffordshire

Opening times

We are free to enter, however donations are encouraged. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6.15pm and Sunday 12.30pm to 5pm.

The Close  Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 7LD

52.6851918, -1.8304452

Lichfield Cathedral has been a place for worship and learning for around 1300 years, and it continues in that tradition to this day. Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three spired Cathedral in the UK, and is a treasured landmark in the heart of England. It is one of the oldest places of Christian worship, and the burial place of the great Anglo Saxon missionary Bishop, St Chad. This magnificent building has a rich history, reflected in its architecture and treasures. As a place of great beauty, it continues to inspire and encourage all who visits it as tourists, pilgrims or worshippers. We are committed to the daily offering of worship and prayer to God, and offer spiritual nourishment and welcome all who come on their own journey of search and discovery. The Cathedral is situated in a picturesque close, one of the best preserved in the country. In addition to daily services, the Cathedral also acts as a stunning venue for a range of events including concerts, gala dinners, festivals, awards ceremonies, performances, debates, educational forums and more.

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01543 306100

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You are here > Home > Things to do > Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral

Tel: 01543 306 100

Book Tickets Online

Lichfield Cathedral is a hidden gem in the heart of the country. We invite you to come and discover it for yourself…

Book Tickets

Tripadvisor, map & directions.

Click here to view map

Road Directions

By car Please note there is no parking in The Close - car parks are detailed on the map below. From the South Leave the M42 at Junction 9 and take the A446. Follow the A38 to Lichfield and then follow the brown signs for Lichfield Cathedral. From the North Leave the M6 at Junction 12. Follow the A5 and then A38 to Lichfield and then follow the brown signs for Lichfield Cathedral.  

Public Transport Directions

By TrainThere is a regular train service every 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City station but we advise visitors to check for the most up-to-date train times (check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the most up-to-date train times). Mainline services also serve Lichfield Trent Valley on the West Coast main line.By AirThe nearest airports are Birmingham International and East Midlands, and both are within about 45 minutes drive of the City.By CoachPlease note, coaches are not allowed in the Cathedral Close. They are advised to turn round at the Morrison's roundabout and drop visitors at the bus stop. There is a further dropping off point just down from the Registry Office on Beacon Street near the Pelican Crossing.Lichfield's bus station (opposite the City railway station) offers coach parking and is also a dropping-off point.

• Accessible toilets - Accessible toilets are available in the Cathedral Coffee Shop, and opposite The Old Stables. Public toilets are also available on these sites.
• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Most of the building and the entire Close is accessible to wheelchair users.
• On-Site café/restaurant

Parking & Transport

• Parking (charge) - There are numerous car parking areas surrounding the Cathedral.

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• In town/city centre

Target Markets

• Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups - We welcome group visits throughout the year, but, as the Cathedral gets very busy, these do need to be booked in. The Life of Lichfield Cathedral Guided Tours are, normally, arranged between 10.00am and 12.00pm, and 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Standard tours introduce the visitor to the long history of the Cathedral, highlight some of its more important moments, and visit the main places of interest. You should allow at least one and a quarter hours for your tour. Please contact [email protected]

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Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour Review

• Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour…

One sunny day in October 2022, Team Hedgehog decided to take part in Lichfield Cathedral’s Hidden Heights tour – a tour which takes visitors into the roof spaces above the cathedral and reveals some little-known facts about the Cathedral’s history.

About Lichfield Cathedral

St. Chad arrived in Lichfield at around 669 AD, making Lichfield one of the earliest centres of Christian worship in the UK. So venerated was St. Chad, that on his death Lichfield became a place of pilgrimage for those of the Christian faith.  Lichfield’s first consecrated cathedral was built around 700 AD and by 1340, the cathedral had been rebuilt in a Gothic Style.   Almost destroyed by 3 sieges during the civil war, the cathedral carried on as an important place of worship. In the 19 th century English Gothic Revival architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, restored Lichfield Cathedral to the building we see today.  The only English medieval cathedral to have three spires – known locally as the ‘Ladies of the Vale’.

Our Hidden Heights Tour Experience

The tour was booked online, at the time of booking, tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children.  As this is a medieval cathedral and lifts had not been invented in the middle ages, the booking conditions clearly specified some restrictions including..

Everyone taking part in the visit must have both hands free for the climb of 90 spiral steps to the roof

As we considered ourselves fit and healthy, we continued the booking and the E- tickets arrived promptly.

Being locals, getting to the cathedral was straightforward, for those not familiar with Lichfield Cathedral, parking can be problematic.  The cathedral is situated in an historic close more suited to a horse and cart than  a modern-day car, so parking nearby is non-existent.  The best advice is to park in one of the town centre car parks and walk up to the cathedral, but be warned they get full quickly especially at weekends. To help with accessibility there are a couple of blue badge spaces in the close but these are often taken.

Team Hedgehog gathered at the Cathedral just before our allotted tour time. Entering the cathedral we arrived at a check in desk where we were directed to wait in the centre of the cathedral for our tour guides – Graham and Malcolm.  We were not the only  people on the tour and a few other people soon joined the group.  It was good to see around 20 people of varying ages. Our Guides are cathedral volunteers and are as passionate about the cathedral as they were about giving the tour guests a good time. Graham and Malcolm made quite the double act, with funny dad jokes and one liners flowing. After they had given us a safety brief and checked for suitable footwear, it was time to start the tour.

Our guides led us through an old wooden door, and we started the 90-step spiral climb.  Once we had completed the stairs we found ourselves behind a large ‘Wheel’ window.  So called because it is in the shape of a large cartwheel, complete with spokes. We stood here for few minutes listening to insights about World War 2 , how all the glass had to be removed to protect it, and how the cathedral was used as a navigation tool by the Luftwaffe who went on to bomb Birmingham and Coventry. As our eyes adjusted, we could then see the vast roof space in front of us.  What was surprising was just how warm this void was, the 1960’s insulation seemingly doing a great job. Our guides then talked about this roof space and how engineers had added a concrete ceiling to the cathedral that allowed the roof to float on top. Standing inside the cathedral itself and looking up, one can see an ornate roof with sculptures and gold leaf, standing in the roof void you get to see the other side of rough curved shaped concrete.  It’s truly marvellous what George Gilbert Scott’s engineers achieved. Carrying on the tour, we found ourselves at the base of the middle spire, a large square room containing some statues covered in Roman Concrete and a small exhibition of the cathedral. Here our guides talked about the cathedral’s construction, showing us some of the medieval stone mason markings that adorn the cathedral.  Its amazing to think that after all these years they still leave their mark. We then left the room into another section of the cathedral’s roof.  Each time we entered a roof section we couldn’t help to be amazed at the size of the Oak roof trusses and the fact they still look brand new hundreds of years later.  At the end of this void Graham and Malcolm introduce us to St. Chad and give a talk on how important he is to both the Cathedral and Lichfield. St Chad’s life is fascinating. Having been made a Bishop in 669AD and charged with bringing Christianity to Mercia, people travelled far and wide to hear his teachings. Upon his death his relics were taken across Europe. St Chad’s story is one that continues to this day, bringing together both the Catholic and Christian faiths with the installation of a new Shrine to St Chad within the cathedral  (read more in the review extras) .

After a chance to ask any questions we were given the opportunity to stand outside on a balcony section that reminded me of a castle rampart.  Due to the height (the Cathedral is quite tall, the Central Spire stands 76.8 m (252 ft) tall , much to the excitement of the bishop who is reported to have said that he is closer to Head Office when standing on the roof!) we could see for miles.  The Cathedral does supply an amazing view.  After a few minutes of trying to work out if we could see our house, it was time to retrace our steps and head back into the Tower Room (at the base of the Central Spire).  Here, our guides talked about the near destruction of the cathedral in the civil war and handed out some actual canon balls and shot from that time for us to handle.  The weight of those things, wow, just by holding them you really get the sense of how much damage the royalists did to the cathedral.

The Hidden Heights Tour then continued west towards the main façade of the cathedral. Once through the roof space we exited onto another rampart, this time facing the two west spires. The sun was shining, and it made for a spectacular sight. We entered a small doorway into the right hand spire.  We looked up and found that we were actually standing at the base of the spire itself, this was an amazing sight and a little windy too!  Our guides gave us some more information on how the cathedral was built and asked if anyone had any questions they wanted to ask.  With that our tour came to a close. A short walk down some spiral stairs and we found ourselves back by the welcome desk.  Just as our guides departed they encouraged us to go and explore the Cathedral while we were there. I thought this was a nice touch and shows how welcoming the cathedral is to visitors.

Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour Overall Thoughts

The Hidden Heights Tour was a wonderful experience.  The route is well worked out and the guides made it both safe and enjoyable. The information and stories that the guides told was both easy to follow and interesting (even though historical). It was fascinating to hear about the life of St. Chad.  It was a privilege to stand on the balconies of this ancient building and look towards the city from a different view point. Team Hedgehog felt that the price the cathedral charged for the tour was fair for the experience provided.  The cathedral only runs the tours for a few dates per year, so we would suggest that you keep an eye on their website and book early to avoid disappointment.  We can’t wait for what the cathedral comes up with next it really is the jewel in Lichfield’s crown.

The Silver Hedgehog Rating:

Value for money - 10, visit experience - 10, attraction facilities - 5, recommended.

The Hidden Heights Tour was a wonderful experience.

Find Out more about our ratings here

Words Garry

Photos, JJ and Garry

Review Extras

Lichfield cathedral history, st. chads new shrine, siege of lichfield.

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Historic Walking Tours

Looking for something different to do around lichfield then why not buy a jono’s tourism guided history tour..

Tours are available for a traditional general history of Lichfield or can be a themed tour, choose from:

A Victorian Promenade: Trains, statues and buildings

Georgian greats: johnson, garrick, seward and darwin, a city ravaged: lichfield in the english civil war, what lies below: the churchyard of lichfield cathedral, or request a tailor-made tour of your own – ask me to put a history tour together on a special topic, designed just for you prices for a standard history tour for two people start from £50, but for further information, details on how to book vouchers and costs please contact me.

Gift Vouchers

Lichfield Guildhall and Council Chamber – Exclusive Access tour – 7th March – 3pm

Lichfield guildhall and council chamber – exclusive access tour – 7th march – 6pm, privacy overview.

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Adele by Candlelight

An unforgettable night of live music, featuring J’Adele, the UK’s leading Adele tribute and her incredible live band!

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Join us for the ultimate afternoon tea experience featuring a live performance from one of the UK’s leading Jersey Boys Tribute Shows.

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We are ‘all shook up’ with our smash-hit show, Elvis by Candlelight.

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This unforgettable afternoon tea experience will take you straight to ‘New York, New York’, with one of the UK’s leading Sinatra tribute acts!

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We ‘Knew You Were Waiting’ for this incredible night of George Michael Hits, performed by Rory Phelan.

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Join us for an incredible night of Meat Loaf Anthems, performed by candlelight.

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Family / Arts & Culture Threads through Creation

‘Threads through Creation’ is a spectacular textiles exhibition by Jacqui Parkinson

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About this event

Wednesday 17 April – Sunday 2 June Open during visitor opening hours

‘Threads through Creation’ is a spectacular sequence of twelve huge textile panels. It’s an exuberant retelling of the creation story in the book of Genesis, a retelling which many visitors will find both moving and breath-taking.

Viewers are treated to a wonderful variety of colours, shapes, patterns – and of course lots of creatures!

The exhibition is one of the largest textile projects by a single artist, ever. It has taken Jacqui nearly three years. It follows on from ‘Threads through Revelation’, her first huge exhibition which visited 14 cathedrals from 2016 to 2018 and was seen by more than 500,000 visitors.

Free entry, donations gratefully received.

Lichfield Cathedral The Close Lichfield WS13 7LD

Location Details

Nearby accommodation.

From cosy farmhouse bed and breakfast to stylish contemporary hotels, we've got a range of accommodation to suit all tastes.

The Cathedral Hotel

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The George Hotel

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Whilst you are here...

Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop is only a few minutes away

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