Lichfield Cathedral
Lichfield Cathedral
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
An Ancient Cathedral Full of Life & Wonder There has been a Cathedral in Lichfield for over 1300 years and its story is one bursting with history, art, culture and life. If you're looking for rich heritage, ancient artefacts, and stunning architecture then Lichfield Cathedral has it all. Lichfield Cathedral's story doesn't end with its past, it is very much alive with a vibrant programme of services, events and art projects to capture the imagination of all ages.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- bryanmZ8311OL26 contributionsAmazing visit to the CathedralAmazing visit to the Cathedral There is a wealth of History in the Cathedral and the Exhibits are fantastic. They have a interactive board where you can learn about the Cathedral or the people that are statues or exhibits and you can play puzzles In late September to early November there is an Earth exhibition in the Cathedral and it makes you think that you are in space, it truly is fantastic and definitely worth a visit. In December the Cathedral put on a beautiful Christmas Light Show I give this a five star rating.. Taynie HopkinsonVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 October 2023
- Roger K2 contributionsLichfield and it's Cathedral.Such an interesting tour of Lichfield Cathedral. What an amazing building and our guide Malcolm was full of enthusiasm and memorable accounts of its turbulent history. We are planning a second visit already, next July for the music festival! Love Lichfield and it's imposing Cathedral.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 November 2023
- MR19702602Staffordshire, United Kingdom1,447 contributionsChristmas TreesVisited the cathedral whilst the Christmas tree event was on. Free to go in but please gift aid a donation. 51 trees on display for you to choose you’re fave and vote with the token. Stunning. So much effort gone into this. Well worth a visitVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 December 2023
- Cindy DWarrington, United Kingdom1,314 contributionsIn the area so thought I would pop inNever been to this Cathedral before, but have been to many others. I was greeted as soon as I entered and given an explanation of what was what. I didn’t have time for a guided tour so just wizzed round on my own. I am sure there is some great history, lovely architecture and stained glass windows. There was a very impressive Christmas Tree festival going on, you paid £1.00 to walk around and look at all the trees, you were given a token to vote for your favourite one. There was a nice buzz of people around. A gift shop selling some nice bits and pieces. If your in the area it’s well worth going into see this historic CathedralVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
- Anna J1 contributionExcellent day outThis was a fantastic day out, so much to see and learn. Knowledgeable volunteers added fascinating knowledge to our visit. Graham was about to run a tour but took the time to show us so many more unknown and hidden things to see. Highly recommend.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 December 2023
- Amy and the 3 barmy wenchesWalsall, United Kingdom10 contributionsBeautifully preserved timeless masterpieceI love Litchfield cathedral, it is very peaceful, so many things to see inside and out. Beautifully preserved and still an active place of worship. Highly recommend visiting the cathedral and the surrounding area. History fans will love this place!Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 8 February 2024
- EGM68Gateshead, United Kingdom213 contributionsImpressiveImpressive building with an interesting history and some stunning architecture. We paid for the guided tour which was excellent and really brought the history of the cathedral to life. Worth visiting for the superb stained glass windows alone.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 February 2024
- helensims61Wark, United Kingdom663 contributionsWhat a lovely cathedralI was at a loose end so took myself off to Lichfield for a day out on my buss pass. Made very welcome by the volunteers inside the cathedral, one pointed out things interesting . Lovely glass windows. You can spend as long as you like having a look around even have a sit if you want. It was nice and warm inside. No charge to go in just asked for donations, there is also a small gift areaVisited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 March 2024
- LyndaMWMacungie, Pennsylvania66 contributionsCandlelight library tourCheck the schedule to see if these tours are offered during your visit. Our tour lasted ~2 hrs & we were shown ~6 different books from the cathedral’s collection — medieval scribe-written on vellum, early illustrated texts, several different type-set texts, both a Wycliffe & Genevan Bible. Different books are chosen for the tours at least annually. One caution…we were standing the entire time while being shown the books.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 27 March 2024
- Gregory B1 contributionGood setting, good number of spiresI spent a couple of hours here and thoroughly enjoyed my time. The cathedral is in a nice setting with superb external stonework. There was a small exhibition of old books from the library on a variety of topics which was of interest. Took part in Evensong for the first time, very friendly staff/volunteers.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 29 March 2024
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4.5
2,146 reviews
Excellent
1,625
Very good
433
Average
58
Poor
13
Terrible
17
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK22,620 contributions
Mar 2022
Famous for its three spires, this Cathedral is really spectacular. The architecture and stonework are outstanding with many carved figures both inside and outside. The stained glass is also outstanding particularly at the right time of day when the light shines through. There's a lot to explore here, and you should calculate at least 1.5 hours to inspect most of the artworks and monuments. The entry is free, and you're allowed to take pictures at no extra cost. Take advantage of one of the free tours as your really will get the best out of your visit. Don't also miss the opportunity to explore the Cathedral Close which has a story entirely of its own.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Oxford, UK47 contributions
Jul 2021
We checked the cathedral web site and saw that the cathedral had restricted opening for a few days - no indication of why, so we went ahead with a visit. I wish we hadn't...
Most of the cathedral was inaccessible due to a music event. The rest of the cathedral was more like a warehouse than an historic place of worship, with chairs lined up to form a narrow one-way system for visitors. The chairs prevented close-up viewing of the historic features and the music event meant you couldn't appreciate the fantastic architecture.
When I mentioned this to one of the staff, I got an officious 'COVID' excuse. The cathedral needs to learn from other cathedrals how to properly manage visitors; the previous day we were in Chester and the cathedral, staff and COVID management were absolutely perfect! If you have the choice, go to Chester instead...
Most of the cathedral was inaccessible due to a music event. The rest of the cathedral was more like a warehouse than an historic place of worship, with chairs lined up to form a narrow one-way system for visitors. The chairs prevented close-up viewing of the historic features and the music event meant you couldn't appreciate the fantastic architecture.
When I mentioned this to one of the staff, I got an officious 'COVID' excuse. The cathedral needs to learn from other cathedrals how to properly manage visitors; the previous day we were in Chester and the cathedral, staff and COVID management were absolutely perfect! If you have the choice, go to Chester instead...
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheekycockney190757
Basildon, UK11,485 contributions
Oct 2021
Visited on Sunday 24th October 2021. Parked in Parking Lichfield opposite the Minster Pool, which was convenient for the Cathedral. The walk-up The Close Road provides a stunning view framed by the houses. We walked all the way around the Cathedral before walking in and this provides opportunities to view the building in all its glory as the surrounding buildings frame the Cathedral. Once inside the cathedral is similar to other major cathedrals in structure and unfortunately, the relationship with the visual artist the cathedral has didn't result in an interesting display on our visit but check the cathedral website to see what is on when you visit though some require payment I understand. Inside there are opportunities to make a contribution using contactless payment.
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjgb1009
Poole, UK901 contributions
Feb 2020
Lichfield Cathedral with its unique three spires may not be as large or as ornate at other UK cathedrals, but walking along The Close the first views of the cathedral is impressive, even dark. The closer you get you realise how spectacular it is, especially the front facade with its enormous number of statues. It definitely has its own specific beautiful. Walk around the outside the rest is equally as good.
Inside is just as impressive. The structure, columns, arches, roof stonework and the beautiful stained-glass windows put it on a par with many other cathedrals. It may not have the grandeur of many but it has its own grandness. The memorials on the walls are very interesting especially the military memorials of the various Staffordshire Regiments and the impact of the various local residents and dignitaries.
Entrance to the cathedral was free, brilliant, donations were discretionary but when given they are very appreciative. The free guided tours taking about 45 mins, at various times during the day are well worth taking if you have the time. The guides, taking small groups, are so knowledgeable and informative and seem happy in their job.
Well worth the visit and fi in Lichfield should not be missed. We will go back.
Inside is just as impressive. The structure, columns, arches, roof stonework and the beautiful stained-glass windows put it on a par with many other cathedrals. It may not have the grandeur of many but it has its own grandness. The memorials on the walls are very interesting especially the military memorials of the various Staffordshire Regiments and the impact of the various local residents and dignitaries.
Entrance to the cathedral was free, brilliant, donations were discretionary but when given they are very appreciative. The free guided tours taking about 45 mins, at various times during the day are well worth taking if you have the time. The guides, taking small groups, are so knowledgeable and informative and seem happy in their job.
Well worth the visit and fi in Lichfield should not be missed. We will go back.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeand1624
Lichfield, UK241 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
It doesn't matter how many times I visit this beautiful cathedral there is always something new to see. Christmas is an especially beautiful time with the gorgeous tree displays that have been decorated by people from schools and businesses in the community. There is the Lichfield Gospels exhibition and ofcourse the Lichfield Angel which was found in 2003 during excavations beneath the nave floor. You can sit quietly and reflect or just take in the architecture.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsB707
Birmingham, UK23 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We had tickets for the cathedral illuminated, unfortunately the organisers changed it to outdoor only due to Covid, which I could not really see why, on the original instructions it stated to wear a face mask and to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test, which we would have adhered to. Why then change it to outdoor only? The show outside lasted about 30 mins, all the children were bored.
Would not go again. Might have been a different story if it was also inside. Not worth the money.
Would not go again. Might have been a different story if it was also inside. Not worth the money.
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne T
Rugby, UK11 contributions
Sept 2020
We arrived at 11 am to find that under the current restrictions we couldn't visit the interior of the Cathedral until 1.30 which was a disappointment. There was an opportunity for quiet prayer at 11.30 and we sat quietly and peacefully in this beautiful building. We will return in due course to have a proper look around. But what was outstanding was the extremely warm welcome we received from the volunteers manning the door. They were obviously passionate about the building and apologetic that they were unable to welcome visitors in the normal way. They answered our questions and encouraged us to return, which we will. In these difficult times it was good just to 'be', and this was probably far more beneficial than seeing it a site seeing visit.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonandSimon87
Hertford, UK14 contributions
Nov 2020
We were looking forward to visiting the Cathedral while staying in Lichfield. So we arrived at 1545, with 15 mins left of admission time left (and 45 mins of visiting time), to be told quite abruptly that 'we're closing early today' and the door almost slammed in our faces. No hint of explanation or apology. We did email the Cathedral to explain our frustration and disappointment, but without any response so far.
From the outside it is a stunning structure with an unusual 3 spire design so should be well worth a visit.
From the outside it is a stunning structure with an unusual 3 spire design so should be well worth a visit.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff M
Paris, France197 contributions
May 2022
If you like wandering around English cathedrals, this one is pretty good. The interior is much as you'd expect. The welcome was friendly, and they didn't charge a fee, merely asked if we'd like to make a donation, which is fair.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TriciaBishop
Bradford, UK1,692 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Enjoyed a walk around this beautiful medieval cathedral whilst visiting Lichfield for the first time. Both the interior and exterior are amazing and you can see the different age of the various areas.
There was an exhibition of scientists through the ages which I really enjoyed. I would love to return and take more time. A small donation is desired as the up keep of the cathedral is £6000 a day I think.
There was an exhibition of scientists through the ages which I really enjoyed. I would love to return and take more time. A small donation is desired as the up keep of the cathedral is £6000 a day I think.
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
you lucky person going to lichfield, you will love it haha but not sure your dog will be allowed to go into the cathedral. better ask the clergy on that score, we only went for a look. enjoy.
Written 11 November 2021
I recently enjoyed a visit to this beautiful cathedral and was very impressed with internal and exterior architecture. Am I correct in observing that the apse/ choir part of the building is slightly out of line with the nave and is there a reason for this?
Thank you
Written 27 June 2016
Yes it is misaligned. When part of the cathedral was altered in the 1170s, the north wall of the choir was not built in line with the nave. The thinking is that the rebuilding was started before a nearby chapel was demolished so they were not quite in the right place!!
Well spotted.
Written 5 July 2016
Is access to the cafe wheelchair friendly?
Written 9 May 2016
It is well worth the visit as cakes and food generally are fantastic. Full facilities exist.
Written 10 May 2016
wedding47
Chester, United Kingdom
Is their a charge for entering the cathedral? We are hoping to come in September and stop for a coffee and visit you. Thankyou.
Pam
Written 29 June 2015
No, no charge at all, but if you can please leave a small donation, as it would help cathedral.
Written 10 April 2018
wedding47
Chester, United Kingdom
Is there a charge for entering the cathedral, as I am organising a trip in September?
Pam
Malpas
Cheshire
Written 29 June 2015
Lichfield C
Lichfield, United Kingdom
Hello, Pam! Thank you very much for getting in touch, we're so pleased to hear you're considering the Cathedral for your trip. We do not charge entry for the Cathedral (although donations are welcome!).
If you're interested, we do offer various tours here at the Cathedral, including Tower Tours, Library Tours and Herkenrode Tours. Details of these can found on our website. We also have a brand new Cathedral Highlight Tour which will be launching very soon, too!
We have Chapters, the Cafe in The Close, which is just next to the Cathedral and a great place to take a group for afternoon tea. Chapters also have a very pretty Tea Garden which is lovely when the weather's nice.
Finally, our Shop at No.9 is the perfect way to round off your trip! We have a handpicked selection of gifts for every occasion, including locally produced body care products, books, stationery,candles, gifts and more!
If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
We hope to see you in September!
Written 29 June 2015
Lichfield C
Lichfield, United Kingdom
Hello! Thank you for your enquiry. We do have a cafe next to the Cathedral in The Close. It's called 'Chapters, The Cafe in The Close.'
Chapters boasts a unique thirteenth century walled garden which is just beautiful in the nice weather! Visitors can enjoy locally sourced and freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. We offer cakes, pastries, sandwiches and paninis, soups, jacket potatos, main courses and more.
Gluten free diets are catered for, as are vegetarians and vegans.
We hope to see you soon!
Written 24 June 2015
How long does the tower tour take in the Cathedral?
Written 8 June 2015
Lichfield C
Lichfield, United Kingdom
Hello, Jennifer! Thank you for getting in touch, and apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
The Tower Tours take just over one hour, approximately. If you would like to know any more, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can also find information on our website.
Hope to see you soon!
Written 16 June 2015
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