Lichfield

Lichfield is located in the British Midlands in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful country in all of Britain. There are more miles of canal than in any other in the Shire country and a can have a pleasant afternoon just by walking the towpaths and enjoying the surroundings. It is interesting to see how the locks of the canels work, and if you are adventurous, you can hire a narrowboat for a short break or holiday and discover the canal network on your own.

Lichfield is also in close proximity to the 200 mile National Forest, where you can hike, cycle, or ride horseback or see the forest from above in a hot air balloon. You can also bring your dog, but he must be in your control at all times, especially around the numerous llamas who aren't afraid of anything. If you enjoy riding your bike, you'll find plenty of paths and roads on which to cycle. Buy some wonderful cheese from the local shops, and bring some bread and wine for a lovely afternoon picnic. At the end of your ride, you can stop off at a local pub and have a bite to eat. The locals are particularly accommadating to hikers and cyclists.

If you're a history aficionado, you'll definitly want to stop by the the Lichfield Cathedral. This beautiful, three-spired building looks like a fairy tale castle from a distance. It is the only three spired medieval cathedral in English. It was completed in the 1330's and is covered with intricate carvings in native Lichfield sandstone from which it is built. The windows in the Lady Chapel contain some of the finest medieval Flemish painted glass in existence. The interior to the High Altar is a huge, cavernous place, and the altar itself has more intricate woodwork. You'll also want to see the octagonal Chapter House, which was completed in 1249 and is one of the most beautiful parts of the Cathedral. It houses an exhibition of the Cathedral's greatest treasure, the Lichfield Gospels, a manuscript copy of the gospels of Matthew, Mark and the early part of Luke which were written in 730. There is also a beautiful marble statue called "The Sleeping Children" portraying two young sisters who died tragically in 1812. Visiting hours are from 7.30AM to 6.15PM. There is no entrance charge, but a donation is requested if you can afford it.

If the children are bored by hikes and visiting historical churches, you may wish to visit the ''Best UK Attraction for Children', Drayton Manor Theme Park, which boasts some of Europe's best white-knuckle roller coaster rides. It is the UK's leading family run theme park and the fourth most popular theme park in Britain in terms of visitor numbers. The theme park also has a Zoo and Garden Centre.

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See a Map of Lichfield