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Recommended Reviews - Lichfield Cathedral
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Lichfield Cathedral is an absolutely stunning church, the only medieval cathedral with three spires in England [Truro in Cornwall has one with three spires, but it's not medieval]. Visitors will find this place in an utterly beautiful state of conservation, including the simply marvelous painted glass windows. There's a lot to explore here, and you should calculate at least 1.5 hours to inspect most of the artworks and artifices. The entry is free, and you're allowed to take pictures at no extra cost. Donations are suggested of course, but unlike the people at e.g. Salisbury Cathedral, they don't hammer the point home. Having visited maybe two dozens of these Big Kahuna churches over the course of then years, I would rate Lichfield Cathedral 9 out of 10 [My personal favourite is Ely Cathedral]. If you ever come to this city, a visit is mandatory.

A beautiful building with lots of interesting features inside and outside. Regularly hosts choirs and recitals but you are welcome to go and sit in and listen to the rehersals. The interior of the cathedral is stunning, the acoustics fabulous, as you might expect. A great place for art students to sketch as you have many vistas on the building with very nice backgrounds.

Spectacular dominating towers, designed to fill the ordinary folk with awe - and it works, even now in the age of jumbo jets and Kettles Crisps. Excellent skylines from all angles, the city centre, the adjoining lakes and parks and from Stowe Pool and St Chads church beyond. Can't add much more than the existing reviews, apart from a couple of additional snaps to try and tempt wanderers to make a worthwhile detour to get a little dose of awe.
I was visiting family in Lichfield and they said this was a must stop and they were right. Magnificent architecture, and a rich history. The volunteer guides were excellent. They explained the past and made sure we saw all the features of this landmark cathedral. The cathedral dates back to the 7th century. Originally built with sticks, the current Gothic cathedral was re- built in stone between 1195 and 1340. During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the cathedral was heavily damaged and later restored in the Victorian era. This beautiful cathedral features 3 spires. The central spire and two western spires are a distinctive feature, earning the nickname "Ladies of the Vale. The inside boasts over 100 statues of saints and biblical figures, and truly is one of the most elaborate in England. The stained glass windows from the 16th century are beautiful examples of fine Renaissance glass. read more
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Over 1,300 years old - this is a remarkable and truly unique cathedral - the only one in the UK with 3 spires. It is what makes this small town a CITY.... I cannot do the history and the story justice so let me share this link: https://www.lichfield-cathedral.org/ Make sure that you visit to admire the beauty, the architecture and the history. If possible visit while the choir is singing (either in practice or in a service. As a family with US visitors we attended a Christmas Eve service and it was wonderful - the choir (spoiled only by us joining in ;-) ) and the service itself. The reverend was very down to Earth (started by asking who in the congregation had already had a drink that evening - I, half or more of the congregation and he himself raised our hands!! And make sure you bring your camera - it is beautiful close up, far away and from almost anywhere nearby. read more
Stopped into the cathedral this morning before work to have a look and this cathedral is amazing. Although I'm certain there are others much larger, this cathedral was amazing. From what I could tell it dates to the 14th century. From the spires, tombs, later and stained glass, I was in awe. What a beautiful symbol of faith. read more
7 years ago
Lichfield Cathedral is an absolutely stunning church, the only medieval cathedral with three spires in England [Truro in Cornwall has one with three spires, but it's not medieval]. Visitors will find this place in an utterly beautiful state of conservation, including the simply marvelous painted glass windows. There's a lot to explore here, and you should calculate at least 1.5 hours to inspect most of the artworks and artifices. The entry is free, and you're allowed to take pictures at no extra cost. Donations are suggested of course, but unlike the people at e.g. Salisbury Cathedral, they don't hammer the point home. Having visited maybe two dozens of these Big Kahuna churches over the course of then years, I would rate Lichfield Cathedral 9 out of 10 [My personal favourite is Ely Cathedral]. If you ever come to this city, a visit is mandatory. read more
Gorgeous three spired cathedral, steeped in history. I wrote one of my university pieces on the architecture of British cathedrals, and this one is certainly remarkable, especially to fit so much into one so small. I especially love it as my grandparents married here in the 50s, as my grandfather was a chorister, and they regularly host choirs etc still now. read more
18 years ago
A beautiful building with lots of interesting features inside and outside. Regularly hosts choirs and recitals but you are welcome to go and sit in and listen to the rehersals. The interior of the cathedral is stunning, the acoustics fabulous, as you might expect. A great place for art students to sketch as you have many vistas on the building with very nice backgrounds. read more
16 years ago
Whenever any of my friends come visit from the US, instead of showing them around Tamworth or Spark Hill and letting them think I live in a bit of a dump, I take them to Lichfield, let them soak in the history and feel the moneyed atmosphere, and remind them that it is the UK's second smallest city. They are unfailingly delighted and thrilled when they find out that England and Wales reward city status based on a place having a cathedral -- and that a town could have 100,000 residents, but (said in Eddie Izzard style), "I'm sorry, but do you have a Cathedral? No cathedral, no city! Those are the rules that I just made up!" Lichfield Cathedral is a medieval cathedral, oddly, with three spires, instead of the traditional one, typically at the base of the transept, near the entrance. It has two spires of roughly the same size, and one large one. The Cathedral is a gothic monstrosity of hugeness -- dark, intimidating and looming, it's spires can be seen from nearly any point in Lichfield. The site has always been a point of worship for Christians, since the age of St Chad, but the Gothic touches that we can see now were begun in the late 12th century. The Cathedral was very damaged during the English Civil War (thank you Cromwell, you turd), but has since been repaired completely. The Cathedral seems to go on and on and on, similarly to York Minster, and its beauty seems to grow with each new thing to take in. The tiles in the main sanctuary/transept are awe-inspiringly lovely. There are so many details to discover. I've been there five times, and always enjoy discovering something new, and savouring the peaceful atmosphere. There are illuminations of the Gospels possibly dating from the late 9th century, and containing some of the first examples of written Welsh (the language, interestingly, in which most of the legends of King Arthur were recorded). The Lichfield Angel is a great example of Anglo-Saxon/Mercian sculpture, and probably dates from the early 9th century. For an extra treat, go when the Boy's Choir is singing -- it's the prettiest sound I've ever heard. The Lichfield Cathedral is free to visit, but, like York Minster, it survives purely on charitable donations, so do pop a fiver in the basket when it passes. You won't regret helping keep this magnificent piece of English history alive. read more
7 years ago
Lichfield cathedral is a wonderful old building. It's history and tours are amazing and fully deserved a full five stars. I was a chorister here so it wasn't much to know when I've spent so long in the building but all of my family full appreciate the dedication and efforts they put into the tours and the information they provide. read more
17 years ago
Spectacular dominating towers, designed to fill the ordinary folk with awe - and it works, even now in the age of jumbo jets and Kettles Crisps. Excellent skylines from all angles, the city centre, the adjoining lakes and parks and from Stowe Pool and St Chads church beyond. Can't add much more than the existing reviews, apart from a couple of additional snaps to try and tempt wanderers to make a worthwhile detour to get a little dose of awe. read more
16 years ago
The Cathedral is amazing. It's open to the public and was busy when we visited. It's a truly awesome building in its size and beauty and it is full of local and religious history. We could easily have spent even longer in there than we did. They have activities for children to look for certain items in the Cathedral to make it a bit more interesting for them but my 4 year old was quite content not doing it. I think there is enough there not to need that kind of thing but it's good that kids are encouraged to discover. It's great whether you are religious or not as it's easy to appreciate the architecture. There was work being done when we went but there was still plenty to explore and discover. read more
17 years ago
It's old. It's big. And it's got three spires. It's easy to find (Go to Lichfield. Look up) but parking in Cathedral Close is a bit of an issue. As far as Cathedrals go, it's a nice one. But nothing spectacular. Admission is free, but there's a donation box by the door. read more
16 years ago
Lovely place. Beautiful frontage. No entry charge. Visit!
17 years ago
I try and get here once a year at least. The cathedral is beautiful and well worth a visit. The stained glass windows are stunning and the place is full of history. They seem to attract a lot of visitors all year round and in school time they have a lot of trips. There is a lot of information boards placed around the cathedral and no matter how many times I visit, I still read everything. read more
11 years ago
The Cathedral is amazing. As West Midlanders we're very lucky to have such a place in our midst. Awe inspiring, however many times you visit. read more
18 years ago
Lichfield Cathedral is the only cathedral in the UK with 3 spires, which gives reason alone for anyone interested in ancient buildings or religious sites to visit. It was started in 700, during Saxon times, and had Norman as well as Gothic rebuildings - some remains from these earlier buildings still exist. Much of the work stems from the 1200's, with the part known as the Choir dated at 1200. It's a beautiful sandstone building, and you can see the towering spires for miles around, with Lichfield set in a valley. The Cathedral sits next to Minster pool where, in olden times, there used to be a ferry taxi service to carry you across. The city, like many others in England, used to be surrounded by protective walls, pieces of which still remain and can be viewed around Cathedral Close, the small road that leads to and goes around the cathedral. There is a suggested donation that greets you when you enter, although this is a voluntary offering - as you can expect from such an old place the upkeep and restoration costs are enormous. Some of the beauty inside comes from the colourful stained glass windows, as well as the many statues and tombs that lie there. One of my favourites is the 'Sleeping Children' statue, which commemorates two children who died. A short walk around Stowe Pool from the Cathedral takes you to St Chads church, named after St Chad, the founder of the cathedral, who was original Bishop there in, where his body was interred in 700 (his body was later removed). There's a coffee shop in Cathedral Close, which serves main meals, as well as teas, coffees and snacks. Otherwise the city has many restaurants and coffee shops. Thrales is a delightful old restaurant, which serves incredibly good food, and offers lunch and dinner fixed price deals, as well as a la carte dining. So, take a visit to Lichfield Cathedral to marvel at its wonders, or include it within a few hours trip to the city. read more
17 years ago
This is an absolutely stunning place to visit, it is teemed in history and is a pleasure to walk around. The locals are very friendly and love talking about the cathedral. We normally go around christmas time for mass as the setting is beautiful and it is a one off experience. You can park easily anywhere around Lichfield in NCP car parks. read more
14 years ago
excellent place to visit better on sunny day read more
17 years ago
this is a truely beautiful cathedral with absoultly breath taking features, it is relly a place to go and see and the area aound is also full of such culture you just have to love it, lichfield hasnt been changed so much that you cant see the beauty that once was there. i recommend going and seeing the cathedral and apreciating the hard work and labour that went in to building this cathedral. read more
17 years ago
lichfield cathedral is really beautiful!! with lots of interesting things to see! it is also set in beautiful surroundings!! so its even better if its a beautiful day!! the coffee shop near by is lovely with lots of things to choose from!! read more
16 years ago
this so beautiful inside it defys words, it is magical, a great place to visit.
17 years ago
visit the beautiful gothic cathedral,the only three spired medieval english cathedral.its such a lovely place to wander round.the architechture and the stone carvings are amazing,theres so much detail all over the building.the surrounding close also has some lovely old buildings.also visit the cathedral cafe.during december they hold some lovely services,especially the shoppers afternoon carol service. read more
15 years ago
What a wonderful, tranquil place to lose yourself for a few hours. When I have the time, and my business allows, I love to attend the Sunday evensong, which is I think best during the cathederal school term times, when the choir is in attendance. Heaven on earth, as it was always intended to be. read more
17 years ago
this is a lovely cathedral, I come here a few times a year to take photos. its got plenty of character, its built wonky, it curves markedly when you look down its length. nice frontage, shows off Gothic as its best. not the most beautiful thing around but still lovely. read more
More info about Lichfield Cathedral
19 The Close
Lichfield WS13 7LD
United Kingdom
Directions
01543 306140
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com
Hours
What time does Lichfield Cathedral open?
What time does Lichfield Cathedral close?
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Does Lichfield Cathedral have free WiFi?
Yes, Lichfield Cathedral has free WiFi.
Review Highlights - Lichfield Cathedral
“For an extra treat, go when the Boy's Choir is singing -- it's the prettiest sound I've ever heard.”
Mentioned in 4 reviews
Lichfield Cathedral - elementaryschools - Updated May 2026
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