Visit Lichfield with a Group 2010

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Lichfield District really is at theheart of things and has so muchto see and do. From thebreathtaking National MemorialArboretum, and the thrills andspills of Drayton Manor Park,through to discovering moreabout the secrets of theStaffordshire Hoard, which wasfound just outside of LichfieldCity.

As Staffordshire’s premierheritage city, Lichfield is avisitor’s delight. With greatmuseums and stunning historicalbuildings, all in easy walkingdistance - from Dr Johnson’sBirthplace, and the home ofErasmus Darwin, through to thecity’s most famous landmark - thebreathtaking Lichfield Cathedral.

A warm welcomeWith a Silver Service Mark forcustomer service, and a pastwinner of the Coach TourismAwards, we’re sure to give you awarm welcome. Our TouristInformation Centre is located inthe Lichfield Garrick, so makesure to visit us when you arrive.

Green Badge guided toursAn absolute must for thosewishing to explore Lichfield! Ourfully qualified guides know moreabout the city than anyone elseand are happy to share their

Nestled in the heart of the country, just north of Birmingham,Lichfield District has something to suit all tastes.

Visit Lichfield District the perfect group destination

knowledge with you. See pages4 - 7 to find out more about therange of tours on offer. All tourscan be tailored to your needs,and can last from just an hour toa whole day. Some tours areavailable in overseas languages.

A helping hand - whateveryour enquiryOur Travel Trade Officer is onhand to help plan your visit andmake sure you get the most outof your time with us. Fromadvice on parking, tours andrestaurants, through to designingbespoke tour packages,including tours with nearbyattractions, such as theNational Memorial Arboretumand Shugborough Hall.

Call 01543 308216 to findout more about this freeservice.

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Here’s a taster:Following the death of St Chadin 672AD, Lichfield was rebornas an ecclesiastical centre. In2003, excavations in the Naveof the Cathedral uncoveredremains of a Saxon Church andthe Lichfield Angel, which isbelieved to be part of St Chad’sShrine built in 700. Around thistime, the stunning StaffordshireHoard, reputed to be ‘theequivalent of finding a newLindisfarne Gospels or Book ofKells’ was buried near the city,possibly after a battle betweenwarring kingdoms. There werethree Christian crosses,discovered as part of the hoard.Two were bent into folds, as wasa strip of gold with a biblicalinscription in Latin, ‘Rise up, OLord, and may they enemies bedispersed and those who hatethee be driven from thy face’.

But, why were the crossesfolded?Who wanted theinscription and why?Whywas the hoard buried? And,what are the stories of thepeople and places behindthe find?

According to Dr Leahy, from theBritish Museum, the historybehind the hoard and how itcame to be buried just outsideLichfield ‘will be debated fordecades’.

So, come along and join in thedebate on this thrilling tour.

This tour will take in the delightsof the city, and will explore theimportant role LichfieldCathedral and the St ChadGospels played in Anglo-SaxonBritain.

To find out more, callour Travel Trade Officeron 01543 308216. Wewill also be offeringtours linking Lichfield toTamworth, the AncientSeat of Mercia.

An angel, a book and a crock of gold New tour for 2010

To celebrate the stunning find of Anglo-Saxon gold just outside of Lichfield, we’ve teamedup with Lichfield Cathedral to offer this new tour. Taking in the city and Lichfield Cathedral,it will offer visitors a glimpse into the thrilling history of the Staffordshire Hoard - a time ofbattles, honour, plunder and warfare that marked the country’s thorny transition frompaganism to Christianity.

Hoard images courtesy of www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk

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Blood Thirsty Lichfield - designed with children in mindThis thrilling tour, designed especially for children, is back due topopular demand. This tour is ideal for cubs, brownies and schoolgroups, and children must be accompanied by the appropriatenumber of adults.

The Tale of Three PoetsIn 1767 Samuel Johnson received a pension from the king, whichenabled him to travel more. That same year he stayed in Lichfield,where Erasmus Darwin was a well established physician in thecity. Anna Seward knew both men and wrote a ‘mutual andstrong dislike subsisted between them’. Find out about the life ofthese three well revered poets.

Alrewas Village TourA walking tour around this pretty and historic village. Take in thecanal side walk and visit the church to ‘Look for the mole’. Thistour is a must for history lovers.

Pubs, Priests and ProstitutesThis tour provides a very different look at Lichfield’s history. Hearabout some of the city’s historic and interesting characters. Findout about the Franciscan Friary founded in 1230 and destroyedon the orders of Henry VIII in 1538.

Explore Lichfield Water and PoolsThe magnificent Minster and Stowe Pools are fed by two streams.This walk follows the source of the pools, and on the way you’llhear about the Conduit Lands Trust, which was set up to look afterthe supplies of fresh water to the city, plus lots of snippets of localhistory.

Gruesome and GhostlyThis spooky tour will make your blood curdle and your spinetingle - and is not for the faint hearted among us. The tour isrounded off with a visit to a local pub for a glass of mulled wineand a sausage roll. Only available from September to March.

Guided Tours available in 2010We offer a wide range of fantastic Green Badge guided tours throughout the year,including the much loved Gruesome & Ghostly tours, as well as Blood ThirstyLichfield, which gives children (and adults) a thrilling insight into Lichfield’s past.


Tavern TalesThis tour will amaze you with some of the tales about the pubs ofyesterday, and the changes today.

Stroll Around the Gardens of LichfieldEnjoy a relaxing stroll through Lichfield’s heart. Park’s, greenspaces and secret gardens, hidden away from the bustle of thecity, are yours to explore.

The Civil War in LichfieldThis walk circles The Close and tells you all about the Civil War inLichfield from the moment the citizens were summoned to theGuildhall to hand in their weapons. Hear about the bloodybattles that ensued and the events that had a huge impact on thecity and left the cathedral in ruins.

Georgian GemsIn the 18th century Lichfield was a leading intellectual andcultural centre, and prospered from its central location on busycoaching routes. Home to many famous people, includingErasmus Darwin, David Garrick, Samuel Johnson and AnnaSeward, this tour charts their history.

Self guided toursHeritage Trail and Children’s Heritage TrailLichfield is one of the smallest cathedral cities in England and hasa rich and varied past. These self guided walks follow Lichfield’sfascinating trail of history and heritage, from architecture tomarkets, and inns to beautiful parks. Each trail has a full colourleaflet available from the Tourist Information Centre for a smallcost. The children’s trail, was recognised as a top day out byThe Little Chef in 2009, and asks children to answer fun andfascinating questions about the city. A guide can also be bookedto accompany the children’s trail.

Private tours for groups cost £2.95 per person, basedon a minimum of 12 people. For more informationand to book your tour call 01543 308216.

These tours can be booked throughthe award winning Tourist InformationCentre on 01543 412112.


A Premier Heritage Day OutPerfect for history lovers, this full day visitincludes a guided tour of the cathedral andcity..Cup of tea or coffee.Guided tour of Lichfield Cathedral.Free time for lunch or shopping.Green Badge guided tour of your choice.Cup of tea or coffeeCost adults £11.20Senior Citizens £10.70

Lichfield TreasuresPerfect for lovers of fine art..Cup of tea or coffee.Guided tour of Lichfield Cathedral toinclude the silver collection.Free time for lunch or shopping.Visit the Lichfield Heritage Centre.Cup of tea or coffee and biscuitsCost adults £10.60Senior Citizens £10.10

City of PhilosophersA fascinating tour to find out more aboutthe life and times of members of the notableLunar Society..Guided tour of Samuel JohnsonBirthplace Museum, including tea orcoffee.Visit Erasmus Darwin House.Green Badge guided tour of your choiceCost £7.45

A Civil War ExperiencePerfect for all Civil War history lovers..Cup of tea or coffee and biscuitsat the Heritage Centre.Visit the Lichfield Heritage Centre.Free time for lunch or shopping.Green Badge Guided tour - Civil Wartheme.Cup of tea or coffeeCost £8.80

A Tale of Two Lichfield’sOption oneVisit two of Staffordshire’s most stunningbuildings..Cup of tea or coffee in the Close.Guided tour of Lichfield Cathedral.Lunch at Shugborough Hall.Visit Shugborough Hall.Cost £17Option twoVisit one of Staffordshire’s most stunningbuildings and historic cities..Cup of tea or coffee in the Close.Guided tour of Lichfield City.Lunch at Shugborough Hall.Visit Shugborough Hall.Cost £14.95

Suggested ItinerariesTo make life a little easier for you, we have put a few packages together to giveyou an idea of what’s available. Please note that all costs listed are per person, based ona minimum of 12 people unless otherwise stated.


Heritage and HonourExperience the splendour of LichfieldCathedral, the history of Tamworth Castleand reflect on the symbolism of the NationalMemorial Arboretum.

Option one.Visit the National Memorial Arboretum.Cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.Guided tour of Lichfield Cathedral.Lunch in the Cathedral Close.Guided tour of Tamworth Castle includingtea or coffee.Cost includes Guide CourierPrices to be confirmed

Option two.Cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.Guided tour of the Cathedral.Visit the National Memorial Arboretum.Lunch - either bring your ownpicnic or pre-order a Ration Pack(additional £6 per person) before arrival.A guided tour of Tamworth Castleincluding tea or coffee.Cost includes Guide CourierPrices to be confirmed

To book your day out in LichfieldDistrict, contact our Travel TradeOfficer on 01543 308216, andwe’ll do all the hard work for you!

Please note that the cost of all toursdoes not include coach hire either toor between venues.

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Familiarise yourselfWe hold several familiarisationvisits for group organisers andcoach companies. These giveyou a taster of the delights wehave to offer. The first visit of theyear will be held on Friday 12March 2010.

Coach parkingAll our coach parking is greatvalue and centrally located,within easy reach of the maincity attractions. Choose fromlong-stay spaces, and droppingoff and collecting points. Whenyou book your coach parkingspace in advance, we’ll sendyou maps and driver discountvouchers.

Wings of a DoveThis tour combines a message of hope,peace and trials of humanity - bringingtogether the social and military history ofconflict from 1914 to the present day.

Option one.Visit the Staffordshire Regimental Museum.Visit the National Memorial Arboretum.Cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.Lunch - either bring your ownpicnic or pre-order a Ration Pack(additional £6 per person) before arrival.Visit Commonwealth & German WarGraves.Visit the Museum of Cannock Chase.Cup of tea or coffee.Cost includes Guide Courier £11.20(based on a min. group of 20)

Option two.Visit the National Memorial Arboretum.Cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.Lunch - either bring your ownpicnic or pre-order a Ration Pack(additional £6 per person) before arrival.Visit the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.Visit Commonwealth & German WarGraves.Cup of tea or coffee at the Roman WayHotel in Cannock.Cost includes Guide CourierCost to be confirmed

Suggested Itineraries

Please note that the cost of all toursdoes not include coach hire either toor between venues.

To book your day out in Lichfield District, contactour Travel Trade Officer on 01543 308216,

and we’ll do all the hard work for you!

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.Explore the historic city of Lichfield withattractions and shops all within easywalking distance

Group Tour TimesMonday - Saturday 10am - 4pmSunday 12 noon - 2pm

Choose from a standard or a specialist tourwith a fully trained Cathedral guide.Specialist tours include Spire Climbs, TheClose tour, Stained Glass, the Life of St Chadand the Treasures of Lichfield Cathedral.

2009 Group Tour Rates fromAdults £5 (+ VAT)Concessions £4.50 (+ VAT)School children £3 (+ VAT)

For further information contact:Sue Evans (Education andOutreach Officer)e: [email protected]: 01543 306240

Lichfield Cathedral - standing elegantly inSouth Staffordshire, Britain’s only medievalthree-spired cathedral is the glory of earlyEnglish architecture and a treasure trove ofinternational importance.

Enjoy your visit and see for yourself.St Chad Gospels from the 8th century.The ‘Lichfield Angel’ carving.The 1660 ‘Hacket Silver’ and the 1991‘Lang Collection’.Three rare medieval wall paintings.16th century Flemish ‘Herkenrode’windows (please note restoration on thistreasure commenced in April 2009).Kempe and Clayton & Bell glass.Sculptures by Sir Jacob Epstein andSir Francis Chantrey

Facilities.Browse in the Cathedral gift and bookshop or relax in ‘Chapters’ coffee shop.Group catering is our speciality

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Lichfield Markets

Weekly General MarketTuesday, Friday & SaturdayA wide range of quality items and freshproduce at value-for-money prices availablefrom established market traders.Time: 9am-4pm

Monthly Farmers’ MarketFirst Thursday of the month (except January).An established Farmers’ Market with a wideselection of fresh tempting produce – locallygrown, baked, brewed or pickled! Plus artand craft stalls andseasonal demonstrations.Time: 9am-3pmVenue:Market Square, Lichfield

Rachel Clive – Markets Officer, Lichfield City Council53 Wade Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6HLt: 01543 309853e: [email protected] www.lichfield.gov.uk

Coach parking nearby on BirminghamRoad Bus Station (see city map pages10/11). A must market visit for all groupswith level access for wheelchairs.Interesting and varied stalls in apleasant central location.

The volunteer-run Chasewater Railwayoperates vintage steam and diesel trains inChasewater Country Park, just off the A5.Trains run between Brownhills West andChasetown (Church St.) with stations atNorton Lakeside and Chasewater Heaths(adjacent to the Burntwood Bypass).

Operating dates: Sundays & Bank HolidayMondays from 28 February to 28November. Also Saturdays from 22 May to11 September. Tuesdays & Thursdays from27 July to 2 September 2009, and onWednesdays during the school holidayperiod.

Santa Specials throughout December.Check our website for timetable information.

Chasewater RailwayBrownhills West Station, Chasewater Country Park,Brownhills, Staffordshire WS8 7NLt: 01543 452623 f: 01922 648380Group bookings: 01543 679548e: [email protected] www.chaserail.com

Admission: Adult £3.45, Child £2.45. FamilyTicket (2 adults and up to 4 children) £8.45.Tickets valid for unlimited rides on day ofissue. Group rates on application.

Coach parking available at Brownhills Westand Chasewater Heaths Stations. All stationsand trains are accessible for disabledvisitors.

www.visitlichfield.co.uk

Bar, café & wine barWith hot and cold food served everyday, fully stocked bar and Fairtrade teaand coffee, there’s never been a bettertime to come to the Green Room at theGarrick. Ideally located with coachloading bay directly outside.

Enjoy free live music every Fridayfrom 4.45pm-6.45pm

Open:

10am- late (performance days)10am-5pm(non- performance days)

Restaurant - ItalianRistorante Sorrento now establishedin Lichfield for 2 years. Umberto &Vincenzo welcome you to sample awide selection of authentic Italiandishes which include pasta, fresh fishand meat dishes, all freshlyprepared to order. Daily specialsare always available to tempt you.Vegetarian dishes are also availableand there is a delicious selection ofhome-made desserts. Fine wines areon the menu to compliment yourfavourite dish and of course you are

guaranteed warm Italianhospitality. Groups welcome.Please ring for special groupmenus. Lunch meals from £6.95,2 course lunch from £7.95,Special evening menu - 2courses £14.94Maximum seating: 70Open: Lunchtimes Tuesday toSaturday 12noon-2pm.Evenings Monday to Saturday6pm-10.30pm. Open from 5.30pmfor pre-theatre menu. Sunday openonly for large booked privateparties.

Ristorante Sorrento28 Bird Street, LichfieldStaffordshire WS13 6PR

t: 01543 300789f: 01543 300789

www.sorrento-italian-restaurant.co.uk

Open for all special occasions.No smoking, major credit cardsaccepted, children and groupswelcome. Coach parties welcomeby prior arrangement. Coachloading bay nearby. Good friendlyatmosphere - good value fresh food.

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The Green Room atthe GarrickCastle DykeLichfield WS13 6HR

t: 01543 412121e: [email protected]


*subject to availability

Accommodation TariffSingle ensuite 12 £50-£130Twin ensuite 8 £68-£130Double ensuite 25 £68-£130Single occupancy of twin/double £68-£130Family ensuite by arrangement (sleeps 3-4) £88-£130Four Poster Rooms £150

Best WesternThe George HotelBird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6PRwww.thegeorgelichfield.co.ukt: 01543 414822 f: 01543 415817e: [email protected]

A charming 18th century coachinginn set in the heart of Lichfield, justa short walk from the Cathedral and theGarrick Theatre. Enjoy the well equippedbedrooms (most are air conditioned),carvery restaurant and cosy lounge barfor snacks and afternoon teas. Themagnificent Regency Garrick room andadjoining private bar caters for privatedining of up to 100 guests. Free wi-fiinternet access in all bedrooms andpublic areas. Regular Murder Mysteryevenings.

Special weekend rates available*.

All rates include full English breakfast.

Best Western The George Hotel is part of Webb Hotels & Travel. www.webbhotelsandtravel.co.uk


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Accommodation TariffSingle room 12 £65.00Double room 25 £79.50

Cathedral LodgeHotelCathedral Lodge Hotel 62 Beacon Street, LichfieldWS13 7ARwww.cathedrallodgehotel.comt: 01543 414500e: [email protected]

Set in the heart of Lichfield, just a short walk fromthe city centre and 300 yards from the magnificentCathedral.

The hotel offers newly refurbished rooms with flatscreen Plasma TVs with sky channels and freewireless internet, all rooms are en-suite with powershower over bath, tea and coffee making facilities.The hotel offers a comfortable licensed bar andrestaurant offering a two course £9.99 specialsmenu and a la carte menu, our friendlystaff will ensure your stay is relaxing andcomfortable.

The hotel is ideally located for groups visitingthe National Memorial Arboretum,Whittington Barracks and ideally situatedfrom the major motorways and surroundingareas central to the midlands including theNEC and NIA.

Discounts for large groups are available;please contact the hotel for prices.


Accommodation TariffSingle room 12 £59.50Double room 25 £69.50Double room no breakfast subject to availability £69.50

Cedar Tree HotelMain Road, Brereton, RugeleyStaffordshire WS15 1DYwww.cedartreehotel.comt: 01889 584241e: [email protected]

The Cedar Tree is situated just 5 miles down theA51 Straight road from the attractive city ofLichfield and is an attractive alternative to LichfieldHotel

All Rooms are Comfortable and excellentlyequipped having, colour TV with sky sports, freewireless internet, tea and coffee making facilities,all rooms are ensuite with shower or bath.

The Hotel offers a comfortable licensedbar and superb restaurant: our friendlystaff will ensure your stay is relaxing andcomfortable.

The Hotel is ideally located for Groups visitingthe national arboretum, also an ideal venuefor conferences discounts for large groups areavailable please contact hotel for prices.

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Designed and produced by Lichfield District Council February 2010. Photography bytomallwood.com, Chris Findon - Red-Devil Photography and by kind permission of The LichfieldMercury. Copyright of maps to Malcolm Barnes, Cartographer. No copying or reproductionwithout prior permission. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in thisbrochure at the time of publication (February 2010). However Lichfield District Council cannot be heldresponsible for any loss or disappointment arising from misinterpretation or any error, omission orsubsequent change of information.

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Visit Lichfield with a Group 2010