Getting here
Lichfield is ideally positioned in the heart of the country in South Staffordshire, with direct rail links bringing you from London, Liverpool and Birmingham.
On Foot: Pedestrian entrance to The Close is via Dam Street or Beacon Street.
There are various pilgrimage walks to Lichfield Cathedral:
The Pilgrim Way: https://www.pwct.co.uk/
The Two Saints Way: https://www.twosaintsway.co.uk/
By Cycle: Lichfield is located on the National Route 54 of the National Cycle Network which runs from Stourport to Parsley Hay via Kidderminster, Dudley, Lichfield, Burton and Derby. There is a cycle rack located near the cafe and toilets in The Close (nearest the Dam Street entrance).
By Bus: Lichfield, Burntwood and the district’s main villages are served by several bus companies who provide a range of services. We advise looking at route and timetable information before travelling. There is a helpful local journey planner on the West Midlands Travel website: https://journeyplanner.tfwm.org.uk/
By Train: There are two train stations in Lichfield; Lichfield City (10 minute walk to the Cathedral) and Lichfield Trent Valley (30-minute walk to the Cathedral). There are regular trains from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City and to Lichfield Trent Valley.
General train enquiries: 08457 484950 or visit www.rail.co.uk
By Car: We are conveniently situated close to the main motorway network.
From the south: Leave the M42 at Junction 9, then take the A446. Follow the A38 to Lichfield and then follow signs for the city centre.
From the north: Leave the M6 at Junction 12. Follow the A38 to Lichfield, then follow signs for the city centre.
Parking in the Close is restricted to permit holders only. Please do not attempt to park in the Close as it is regularly patrolled, and parking tickets are issued to cars not displaying a valid Cathedral permit. There are a limited number of spaces at the west front for blue badge holders.
A number of car parks are available around the city, within walking distance. Click here for more information.
Coach Parties: Please note, it is not possible for coaches to come through The Close. Coaches are advised to use the drop-off point near the Registry Office on Beacon Street.
See the Visit Lichfield website for more information on coach parking - HERE.
The Close
The Close surrounding the Cathedral has its own story to tell, with picturesque gardens, stunning buildings and a vibrant history.
Many of the buildings here were constructed in the middle ages, however some were altered in the 18th or 19th centuries, and their fronts hide the original structures.
A visit to Vicars' Close will leave you feeling like you've stepped back in time as you take in the row of quintessential medieval houses.
Facilities
Public toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available , through the gates next to Bistro Number 19, and the Dam Street entrance in The Close.
Two Saints Way
Follow in the footsteps of Pilgrims who, in the Middle Ages, travelled the 92-mile route between the cathedral cities of Chester and Lichfield. Some of those pilgrims would have been Irish since Chester was the main port for those in the northern half of the island, so the favoured route to Canterbury, or even to Rome or Jerusalem, would have included visiting the shrines of St Werburgh at Chester, St Wulfad in Stone and St Chad here in Lichfield. Find out more...