Lichfield Cathedral
A magnificent Gothic cathedral, unique for its three spires, boasting centuries of history and treasures like the Saint Chad Gospels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Lichfield Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Gothic cathedral, unique for its three spires, boasting centuries of history and treasures like the Saint Chad Gospels.
"Lichfield Cathedral truly is a hidden gem, a real pleasure to walk around and visit."
🎯 Book Tower Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book your Lichfield Cathedral Tower Tour online to secure your place and enjoy breathtaking views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Minster Pool
After your visit, stroll around the scenic Minster Pool next door. Great for photos and feeding ducks!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Spires
Exterior
The only medieval cathedral in the UK with three spires, earning it the nickname 'The Ladies of the Vale'.
Herkenrode Glass
East End
Exceptional 16th-century stained glass, a rare survival, offering vibrant storytelling through light.
The Sleeping Children Monument
Lady Chapel
A poignant sculpture commemorating two children, a testament to grief and artistic expression.
Saint Chad Gospels
Chapter House
An Anglo-Saxon treasure, this illuminated manuscript is a significant historical and religious artifact.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Tours
Embrace the History & Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tower Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book your Lichfield Cathedral Tower Tour online to secure your place and enjoy breathtaking views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Minster Pool
After your visit, stroll around the scenic Minster Pool next door. Great for photos and feeding ducks!
💰 Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain this historic gem.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details. Great for photographers!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tower Tours in Advance
Limited spots! Book your Lichfield Cathedral Tower Tour online to secure your place and enjoy breathtaking views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Minster Pool
After your visit, stroll around the scenic Minster Pool next door. Great for photos and feeding ducks!
💰 Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain this historic gem.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details. Great for photographers!
🎶 Enjoy Choral Evensong
Experience the beautiful acoustics and spiritual atmosphere during choral evensong.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lichfield Cathedral for its stunning Gothic architecture, unique three spires, and rich history. The Herkenrode glass and the Saint Chad Gospels are highlighted as significant treasures. While general entry is free, many recommend the Tower Tour for its views and historical insights, though it requires advance booking and good fitness.
"Lichfield Cathedral Tower Tour
Lichfield Cathedral Tower Tour is a great experience. Tours must be booked in advance from the Cathedrals website, but they are very reasonably priced for what you get to see. You must be reasonably fit, and good with heights, as there are some steep narrow staircases to negotiate, and small gaps to fit through. Our guide Graham was very knowledgeable, and great at explaining a lot about the history of the Cathedral. When you reach the highest point, there are some stunning views to be had. I highly recommend this tour. We loved it and will do it again at different times of the year for some differing views."
Rob Clayton
"A very good cathedral for visiting with family and friends. You will enjoy the outside area as well Inner sanctuary.
Very well maintained. We visited during the time when there was a showcase of wild life photographers photo’s."
Nagaraj Tantri
"Lichfield Cathedral truly is a hidden gem. Although it’s only a short drive from the M6 motorway, it’s like stepping back in time. The cathedral itself has a grandeur to it which is unlike many other, smaller, more modern cathedrals. The outside of the cathedral is beautifully designed, in proportion, and well appointed with a variety of statues. The West door is huge and impressive with a variety of ornate Victorian carvings outside. Once you enter the cathedral, the visitors’ desk is staffed by polite and helpful members of staff who will guide you around the cathedral. The ceiling of the nave is particularly impressive and the grand arches are second to none in the UK. The stained glass throughout the cathedral is particularly impressive. However, when you get to the far east end of the cathedral, you will see the Herkenrode glass which is unlike anything you will see in any other cathedral in the UK. There were several treasures contained within the chapter house, such as the Saint Chad Gospel which make this cathedral a real pleasure to walk around and visit. There is parking nearby in Bird Street car park and the public toilets are easily accessed. The Minster Pool next door is also worth a visit to feed the ducks. Although Lichfield is not on the usual tourist trail, it is worth a detour. I can’t recommend this cathedral strongly enough."
James Valente
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lichfield Cathedral is easily accessible. If driving, Bird Street car park is nearby. For public transport, Lichfield has a direct train line to Birmingham, making it a convenient day trip.
Yes, Lichfield Cathedral is a short train journey away from Birmingham, making it a popular day trip destination for those in the city. 
Bird Street car park is a convenient option for visitors driving to Lichfield Cathedral.
Absolutely! Lichfield Cathedral is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially from cities like Birmingham, offering a rich historical and architectural experience.
Lichfield is considered a lovely little city with a beautiful cathedral and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a worthwhile place to explore. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to Lichfield Cathedral is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support its upkeep. Special events or tours, like the Tower Tour, may require advance booking and a fee.
Lichfield Cathedral typically opens for visitors around 10:00 AM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for specific services or events.
While general admission is free, a voluntary donation of around £5 is suggested to help with the maintenance of the cathedral.
Yes, for special events like concerts, it is recommended to book tickets in advance through the cathedral's website.
Yes, guided tours are often available, including the popular Tower Tour which requires advance booking and offers fantastic views.
📸 📸 Photography & Architecture
Lichfield Cathedral is a photographer's dream, with its stunning Gothic architecture, unique three spires, and beautiful stained glass windows, both inside and out.
Its most distinctive feature is being the only medieval cathedral in the UK with three spires, often called 'The Ladies of the Vale'.
The Herkenrode glass, located at the far east end, is a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained glass, renowned for its beauty and rarity.
Photography is generally permitted inside Lichfield Cathedral, but it's always respectful to check for any specific restrictions, especially during services.
Lichfield Cathedral has a long history dating back to the 7th century, with its current Gothic structure evolving over centuries, making it one of the earliest centers of Christian worship in the UK.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the cathedral itself may not have extensive dining options, the city of Lichfield offers various pubs and cafes nearby for refreshments.
Typically, dining facilities within the cathedral are limited to cafes for light refreshments. For full meals, explore the surrounding city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the cathedral is a place of worship, so encourage respectful behavior. The city of Lichfield itself offers other attractions like the Johnson Birthplace Museum, which might appeal to families looking for a broader historical experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Inside, the Herkenrode glass provides incredible opportunities for capturing light and color. Consider visiting during different times of day to capture varying light conditions. The Tower Tour offers unique aerial perspectives of the city and the cathedral itself.
+2🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Explore the Lady Chapel where Saint Chad established his shrine, a significant pilgrimage site. Appreciate the evolution of its architecture, from early foundations to the magnificent Gothic structure with its iconic three spires.
+1 The Herkenrode glass and the Sleeping Children Monument are also key historical and artistic elements to discover. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Lichfield's Rich History
+1 The site was established by Saint Chad, who moved his episcopal see here. Over the centuries, the cathedral has seen significant development, including Norman and Gothic phases. The current magnificent structure, with its iconic three spires, is a testament to medieval craftsmanship and architectural ambition. +1Key historical artifacts housed within the cathedral include the Saint Chad Gospels, an illuminated manuscript of immense historical and religious importance, and the Herkenrode glass, a stunning collection of 16th-century stained glass that survived centuries of turmoil.
Beyond its religious significance, Lichfield Cathedral has also been a venue for significant cultural events, including concerts and light shows, demonstrating its continued relevance as a community hub and a landmark of national importance.
+1Architectural Marvels and Photographic Opportunities
+1 These spires, often referred to as 'The Ladies of the Vale', create a distinctive silhouette against the sky. The exterior features impressive carvings, particularly around the West Door, while the interior showcases soaring arches, intricate stonework, and magnificent stained glass windows. For photographers, Lichfield Cathedral offers endless opportunities. The Herkenrode glass at the east end is a particular highlight, bathing the interior in vibrant colors.
+2Beyond the main structure, the surrounding Minster Pool provides a picturesque setting for capturing the cathedral's reflection and offers a different perspective.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit