Why move to Lichfield?

Having not long moved house I still completely remember the stress. The days I cried and the nights I just wanted to throw it all away and start again or give up moving all together. But moving has made such a difference to me and I am so glad that in the end we did it.

I’ve lived around Lichfield since I was 12 either here in the city itself or in an outlying village. I did tend to up and move a lot in my late teens / early 20s and while sometimes I might moan about where I live (don’t we all?) I’m really quite lucky when it comes to the area. There are so many things to do in Lichfield.

History

I grew up loving history and so this was one of the things that most fascinated me about Lichfield. From its beautiful three spired award winning Lichfield Cathedral which is covered in such intricate carvings to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Then there’s the Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin) museum that includes herb gardens restored as much as possible and include Dr Darwin’s medicinal herbs and Mrs Darwin’s culinary ones. All of these places are inspired by these 18th century giants of English culture. 

In fact Lichfield has over 230 listed buildings on the city streets, some of which you can enter and explore. You could even stop off at the Tudor of Lichfield cafe for a much needed refill as you look around the city.

There are also lots of art galleries and museums including The Hub at St Mary’s. This is a multi-use arts and heritage venue in the heart of Lichfield, providing performing arts, heritage and culture for the people living in the city.

Just outside of Lichfield in Alrewas is the National Memorial Arboretum – a site of national remembrance to honour the fallen and recognise the service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces and civilians who have died during conflict. If that’s not enough military history for you, there’s also the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Lichfield.

If ancient history is more your thing, Wall Roman Site is a ruin in Lichfield which was an important staging post on the Roman military road to North Wales. Today it’s an English Heritage site where you can see the remains of an inn for travellers and the public baths.

Countryside

I often forget just how near we are to the countryside here. Lichfield itself boasts a lot of green land. There’s a 69 acre public park – Beacon Park – that includes facilities such as an 18 hole golf cause, tennis courts, football pitches, bowling greens and a children’s play area alongside statues and monuments to figures such as King Edward VII, Captain Edward Smith and the relatively new Erasmus Darwin statue. There is also Erasmus Darwin House to explore – the former home of the English poet and physician.

Just 30 minutes away from Lichfield is the National Forest – 200 square miles of forest in the Midlands. There’s rolling farmland, ancient forest and newly planted woodlands for you to explore and enjoy. Alternatively, nearby Chasewater Country Park is a great place to do some outdoor activities like bird watching, cycling and walking.

Lichfield city centre

The city centre hosts a few shops which include all the necessities. If you are a shopaholic, the city is located just 16 miles from Birmingham and you can pick up the train straight through for either of the cities train stations, allowing you to be in Birmingham in just 35 minutes without having to drive yourself. In fact you can get to London in as little as an hour from Lichfield Trent Valley when picking up a pendolino which runs via Lichfield between Manchester and London Euston.

If thrill seeking is more your thing, Drayton Manor Theme Park, a world famous theme park, is just a 15 minute drive away from Lichfield. It has something for both big kids and little kids with adrenaline pumping rides and Thomas Land – inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine.

The average price of a house in Lichfield is £209,303 which puts it below the national average of £238,976. In the past year the growth in house pricing in the area has been just over 2% higher than the national rates.

While a dip in housing sales has hit the country over the past few years I have noticed that although slightly slowed down the housing market in Lichfield has still kept flowing. I can only assume that is due to the nature of the location and the great ability to travel across the country from the city as well as the character of the city, excellent communications, and proximity to Birmingham.

One day I would love to have the security of owning my home and if you’re thinking of looking to take a step up the ladder once you know where you would like to go, using a mortgage calculator can help you have the peace of mind you can afford to buy just what you are looking for.

What’s your favourite things about where you live?