Lichfield has a wide variety of attractions, all of which are just a short distance from the Coach House. From dining establishments to theatre and cultural attractions to days out at many different places, there are always places to go and things to see – and the Coach House is just a stone’s throw away from most of them.
There are also many different places in the Staffordshire area that you can visit. Two notable examples are the National Memorial Arboretum and Shugborough Hall, along with shops, amusement parks, zoos and much more.
The Garrick Theatre
The Garrick seats 480 in its main auditorium and 157 in the Studio theatre. In addition to hosting numerous touring productions throughout the year, the Lichfield Garrick produces in-house performances via the Garrick Rep Company.
On several occasions, the Coach House has been a temporary home for actors whose productions are playing at the Garrick.
For more information about the Lichfield Garrick, including the latest events, click here.
The National Memorial Arboretum
Ten minutes away from the Coach House is the National Memorial Arboretum in nearby Alrewas. Set in 150 acres of land dedicated to the concept of remembrance, the site features the Armed Forces Memorial.
The memorials cover significant moments in British military history over the years and remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country.
The National Memorial Arboretum’s website can be found here.
Shugborough Hall
The house also contains a set of photographs taken by its most recent resident – the 5th Earl of Lichfield, the world-renowned photographer and first cousin once removed of the Queen.
Shugborough Hall’s website can be found here.
Lichfield offers a variety of shops from the Three Spires Shopping Centre to the quaint shops on Dam Street. A short drive away from the city, Curborough has a craft centre while south of the city the Heart Of The Country Shopping Village contains 15 specialist shops and boutiques. Birmingham is a short train ride away on the Cross City Line and provides a wide range of modern shopping and cultural experiences.
The town of Tamworth, 10 minutes away from the Coach House, has an interesting historical background from the impressive 12th century Tamworth Castle to the story of Sir Robert Peel, who in 1834 issued the Tamworth Manifesto that laid down the principles upon which the modern Conservative Party is based. More modern attractions include the UK’s first indoor ski slope at the Snowdome. Nearby, Drayton Manor Park mixes the thrills of family rides with a zoo experience, while Twycross Zoo down the road in Atherstone includes a world-class array of primates.
Sensation seekers can easily access the UK’s major theme park at Alton Towers.
The local canals offer a variety of walks and leisure possibilities from Fradley Junction at the convergence of the Coventry and Trent and Mersey Canals. Barton Marina will hire narrowboats for trips on the water for short and long journeys. The waterside shops provide an enterprising day out and the Waterfront pub/restaurant presents an ideal opportunity to wine and dine. Trout up to 15lbs can be caught at the 13-acre fishery close to the marina. Further north, the National Brewery Centre will be opening at Burton-on-Trent in the spring of 2010.
In addition to Shugborough Hall, there are a number of National Trust properties within easy reach including the following:
- Attingham Park, Shropshire
- Birmingham Back to Backs
- Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire
- Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire
- Wightwick Manor & Gardens, Wolverhampton
- Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
- Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
- Calke Abbey, Derbyshire