Living in Lichfield

Lichfield enjoys a strong community feel, driven by a blend of heritage, local pride, and regular events. City traditions are celebrated with annual events like the Lichfield Festival, Heritage Weekend, and seasonal markets in the Market Square. Local groups and societies, from book clubs to walking groups, provide opportunities to connect with others.

The city benefits from green open spaces including Beacon Park, a popular spot for sports, picnics, and family gatherings. Lichfield’s rivers and canals offer picturesque walks and cycling routes, complementing the relaxed pace of community life. Local centres, churches, and the Guildhall host everything from fitness classes to art exhibitions, making it easy to engage in the city’s active and inclusive lifestyle.

Crime rates in Lichfield are generally lower than those found in many other urban centres in the West Midlands. The city is perceived as a peaceful and safe place to live, benefitting from a strong sense of community and active local policing. Residential neighbourhoods, especially those on the outskirts, are favoured for their safety and family-friendly environment.

Lichfield city centre has visible security measures and community safety initiatives, especially during busy events and evenings. While occasional incidents can occur, as with any town, the overall trend is of relatively low crime, with measures in place to ensure public safety. The local Safer Neighbourhood policing team provides a reassuring presence and works actively with residents to maintain secure living conditions.

Parking in Lichfield is generally considered straightforward, with several council-run car parks located throughout the city centre, as well as designated on-street parking. Residents in certain parts of the city may require permits, particularly in zones closest to shops and transport hubs, but outside these areas, on-street parking is usually available without significant difficulty.

Lichfield enjoys convenient road access via the A38, which links north to Derby and south to Birmingham, and the A5, connecting to Tamworth and onto the M6 Toll for long-distance travel. Traffic congestion is moderate, with peak times seeing some build-up near main routes but manageable compared to larger cities. The city’s layout and transport planning make it easy to navigate by car as well as on foot.

Nearby destinations:

• Birmingham – approx. 35 minutes via A38 (16 miles)
• Derby – around 45 minutes via A38 (33 miles)
• Tamworth – about 15 minutes via A51/A5 (8 miles)
• Stafford – approx. 30 minutes via A51/A518 (22 miles)

Lichfield offers a varied food and drink scene reflective of its historical character and cosmopolitan influences. The city centre is home to several acclaimed gastro pubs such as The Owl and The Plough, and a lively mix of restaurants including Italian trattorias, Indian curry houses, and stylish bistros. Cafés and tea rooms line the high street and Cathedral Close, making the most of Lichfield’s picturesque setting.

There are plenty of traditional pubs such as The Kings Head and The Angel Inn, each with their own historic quirks. For those looking for evening entertainment, Lichfield’s nightlife is more laid back than neighbouring cities, centred on friendly bars and occasional live music events. The Garrick Theatre is a cultural hub, offering plays, comedy nights, and other performances. Takeaways, artisan bakeries and microbreweries further add to the city’s diverse culinary offering.

School quality: Families in Lichfield have access to highly-rated schools at both primary and secondary levels, making the city attractive for those prioritising education.

Parks and green space: The area offers extensive green spaces, including Beacon Park and Minster Pool, ensuring plenty of room for outdoor play, sports, and family picnics.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders serve Lichfield, catering to working parents and families with younger children.

Safety: With lower crime rates than much of the wider region, Lichfield is seen as a safe location to raise children.

Family activities: The city features playgrounds, museums, sports clubs and a year-round programme of family events, offering an environment well suited to young families.

Lichfield is a pet-friendly city with a wealth of green spaces ideal for dog owners and pet lovers alike. Beacon Park, Stowe Pool, and the surrounding countryside provide spaces for walking, running, and outdoor play. The Cathedral Close and various parks feature dog-friendly paths and seating areas. The neighbouring rural villages offer footpaths and trails that appeal to those who enjoy exploring the countryside with pets.

Local veterinary practices, pet shops, and dog grooming services are easily accessible. Many cafés and pubs also welcome well-behaved dogs, making social outings with pets flexible and enjoyable. Rental properties often allow pets with landlord approval, and the city’s general culture is accommodating towards responsible pet ownership.

Lichfield is well connected through road, rail, and bus links, making commuting straightforward for residents and visitors. The city benefits from two train stations: Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley, both providing direct rail services to Birmingham, Stafford, and London. The West Midlands Trains line offers frequent connections, and the station at Trent Valley sits on the West Coast Main Line for rapid access to the capital.

Bus services in Lichfield operate frequently to local villages, nearby towns such as Tamworth and Burton upon Trent, and regional hubs. For drivers, the A38 and A5 provide quick access to the Midlands motorway network, including the M6 Toll. Birmingham Airport is around 25 miles away, reachable in about 35 minutes by car or direct train from Lichfield Trent Valley.

Commute times to key destinations:

• Birmingham – approx. 40 minutes by train
• London Euston – around 1 hour 50 minutes by train
• Stafford – about 25 minutes by train
• Birmingham Airport – approx. 35 minutes by car/train

Schools in Lichfield are widely regarded as high quality, making the city a popular choice for families. The area provides a diverse range of educational options including well-regarded primary, secondary, independent, and specialist schools.

Primary schools:
- St Chad's CE (VC) Primary School – Popular for its welcoming ethos and good Ofsted rating (last inspected 2023).
- Chadsmead Primary Academy – A large, inclusive school with a good rating from Ofsted (2022).
- St Michael's CE (C) Primary School – Noted for its community involvement and quality learning environment, rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- Willows Primary School – Known for pastoral care and broad curriculum, Good by Ofsted (2021).

Secondary schools:
- The Friary School – A mixed comprehensive secondary with consistently strong GCSE results, rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- King Edward VI School – One of Staffordshire’s leading state schools, recognised for academic achievement, rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- Nether Stowe School – A well-established academy, offering excellent student support, Ofsted Good (2022).

Colleges and Sixth Forms:
- South Staffordshire College (Lichfield Campus) – Provides a broad range of A-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships.
- King Edward VI Sixth Form – Highly regarded for university progression and a wide subject choice.

Universities:
There are no universities within Lichfield itself. However, the city is within easy commuting distance of several major institutions including the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Staffordshire University, making it a practical base for students.