pic: Conduit Street
"I lately took my friend Boswell and showed him genuine civilised life in an English provincial town. I turned him loose at Lichfield."
These are the words of Lichfield’s most famous son, Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first English Dictionary; Boswell was his friend and biographer. There are statues of both literary figures in the city's Market Place.
Although these days Lichfield can become a bit lively and slightly less civilized on weekend nights, in many respects the quotation holds true more than two hundred years on.
Famous for its magnificent three-spired cathedral, Lichfield has retained its old world charm with lots of fine examples of Tudor and Georgian architecture in its charming centre.
And this small city of just under 28,000 inhabitants continues to practise many ancient traditions including the annual Bower festival which dates back around 800 years.
The city centre consists of a delightful market square and a few quaint streets featuring plenty of pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and estate agents.
Lichfield is considered 'posh' by those living in the surrounding towns, and average property prices are generally the most expensive in the county of Staffordshire.
But that doesn't seem to be deterring new arrivals to the city: Lichfield is expanding, with high-earning commuters choosing it as their base due to its good transport links and proximity to Birmingham.
Property in and around Lichfield
1. Lichfield
pic: Cathedral Close
Where is it? The central part of the city and the surrounding estates.
What’s there? Boley Park to the south of the city centre and Darwin Park to the west have a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.
There are large, post-war residential estates in the north of the city.
Older, more substantial properties are situated in Gaia Lane and Borrowcop Lane, and there are period properties near to the town centre.
Buyers: A range: families, couples and singles, and those down-sizing.
Pros: Attractive city with a good range of amenities.
Cons: Property is on average the most expensive in Staffordshire, so it may be difficult for first-time buyers.
2. Alrewas
Where is it? A village approximately five miles to the north east of Lichfield.
What’s there? Cottages and mature properties in the village centre together with post-war residential areas.
Buyers: Families, couples, singles.
Pros: Picturesque village conveniently situated next to the A38.
Cons: Expensive property, especially for first-timers.
3. Shenstone
pic: Shenstone
Where is it? Another village, located approximately three miles south of Lichfield.
What’s there? Some period homes, cottages, village terraces and rural developments.
There are some highly sought-after properties on exclusive St John’s Hill and Court Drive, and some ex-local authority housing.
Buyers: Families and professionals.
Pros: Good commuter links: Shenstone is close to the A38 and M6 Toll, and is on the Cross-city railway line to Birmingham.
Cons: Yes, you've guessed it: steep property prices.
4. Whittington
pic: Whittington
Where is it? Around three miles east of Lichfield city centre.
What’s there? This village has a wide property mix: period homes, cottages, farmhouses, village terraces, rural developments, post-war and newer housing.
Buyers: Families, couples and professionals.
Pros: Cosy, attractive village with a good primary school and welcoming pubs. It's close to one of the finest golf courses in the Midlands - Whittington Heath.
Cons: What do you reckon?!
5. Stonnall
Where is it? This village is roughly three miles south-west of Lichfield.
What’s there? Farmhouses, period property, and some newer homes.
Buyers: Mainly families and couples.
Pros: Good road links to the A38 and M6 Toll.
Cons: Same old story of pricey property.
Living Here
Transport:
Trains: The cross-city line connects Lichfield with Birmingham while commuters from Lichfield Trent Valley can be transported to London in just one hour 10 minutes.
Buses: The city bus station for local and regional services is located on Birmingham Road.
Road: Lichfield is situated about 16 miles north of Birmingham just off the A38 with convenient links to the national motorway network.
Air: Lichfield is a 30 minute drive from Birmingham International Airport and a 45 minute drive from East Midlands Airport.
Shopping:
pic: Bore Street
City shoppers have complained for years that Lichfield suffers in comparison with its neighbouring towns.
But in the last few years the city has attracted the likes of Waitrose, and plans for a new £95million retail development - Friarsgate - have been approved.
The city's Three Spires shopping centre has a mix of well-known stores and independent outlets set in an attractive pedestrianised environment.
Some of the names you'd recognize are: WH Smith, Superdrug, Argos, Sports World, M&S Simply Food, The Body Shop and Game.
There is also a pleasant range of specialist outlets around Lichfield such as antique shops, jewellers, delicatessens, and book and music shops.
On Fridays, a lively general market takes place in the city centre, and there are also monthly Antiques and Farmers' Markets.
There is a wide choice of restaurants in the city, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, Spanish and even Nepalese. Most establishments are situated in Bird Street.
Lichfield is not short of cafes: there are a number of long-standing tea rooms dotted about, and the big chains are beginning to move in.
Some city pubs have a rich history and retain their traditional character, and there are also, of course, the usual 'McPubs' offering similar beer, food and décor.
Recently, a few trendy bars have established a foothold, targeting moneyed twenty-somethings.
Sports:
King Edward VI Leisure Centre offers activities including a floodlit all-weather pitch, indoors sports hall and squash courts.
Friary Grange leisure centre has a swimming pool, sports hall, gym and aerobics studio.
Chasetown FC, which is located in the Lichfield district, plays in the British Gas League Midland Division. The club has been in the national spotlight in recent years due to its participation in the FA Cup.
There are also rugby and cricket clubs in Lichfield.
Whittington Heath Golf Club, one of the oldest in England, is just over two miles away from Lichfield.
Entertainment:
The Lichfield Garrick situated in the city centre offers a venue for touring productions as well the local arts scene. Well-known names who have made an appearance include Honor Blackman, Freddie Starr and Ann Widdecombe.
Each summer, the Lichfield Festival attracts a host of performers from around the world. Events take place at various venues throughout the city including the cathedral.
The annual Lichfield Greenhill Bower festival takes place in Beacon Park on the second May Bank Holiday, and usually involves fairground rides, exhibitions, stalls and a range of entertainment.
Parks and Open Spaces:
pic: Lichfield Cathedral and Minster Pool
Beacon Park is 78 acres of open space near the city centre featuring attractive formal gardens, a children’s play area with a range of swings and rides, an 18 hole pitch and putt golf course, nine football pitches, tennis courts and bowling greens.
Cannock Chase is just five miles away, and is a stunning area of woodland and heathland which stretches around 26 miles.
It's a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the smallest in England and Wales – and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
There are lots of scenic walks, a range of outdoor activities, a number of visitor centres, and Commonwealth and German war cemeteries.
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