Day Trip to Lichfield Cathedral from Burton upon Trent

Discovering Lichfield Cathedral from Burton upon Trent

Staffordshire is steeped in heritage, and few landmarks capture the region's rich past quite like Lichfield Cathedral. Famous for being the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the United Kingdom, this breathtaking Gothic masterpiece is affectionately known as the 'Ladies of the Vale'. Located roughly 13 miles south of Burton upon Trent, it makes for an effortless and rewarding day excursion.

Whether you are visiting Staffordshire for a weekend escape or staying on business along the A38 corridor, setting aside a day to wander through Lichfield's historic streets and explore its cathedral is well worth your time. Based at the Three Queens Hotel on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, you can enjoy a comfortable base within easy reach of both the cathedral city and Burton's own historic attractions.

Travelling from Burton upon Trent to Lichfield

One of the finest advantages of staying at Three Queens Hotel is our prime location on the A38 corridor, making travel around the county swift and convenient.

• By Car: Driving from Three Queens Hotel to Lichfield takes around 20 to 25 minutes via the A38. Guests at our hotel benefit from free on-site parking, meaning you can set off at your own pace without worrying about finding or paying for hotel vehicle space upon your return. In Lichfield, several central car parks sit within an easy walk of the Cathedral Close.
• By Train: Burton train station is located just one mile from the hotel. Regular rail services connect Burton upon Trent directly to Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley stations, with journeys typically taking under 20 minutes.
• By Bus: Regional bus connections run between Burton town centre and Lichfield, offering a scenic and relaxed alternative for non-drivers.

What to See at Lichfield Cathedral

Dating back over 1,300 years to the time of Saint Chad, Lichfield Cathedral has weathered civil war, restoration, and centuries of worship. When you step through its doors, there are several remarkable highlights you should not miss:

• The Three Spires: Dominating the Staffordshire skyline, the three soaring spires are unique in British ecclesiastical architecture. Taking time to photograph them from the vantage point of Minster Pool or the tranquil Cathedral Close is a must.
• The Herkenrode Glass: The Lady Chapel houses 16th-century Renaissance stained glass originally created for the Abbey of Herkenrode in modern-day Belgium. Rescued during the Napoleonic Wars and installed in Lichfield, it represents some of the finest glasswork in Europe.
• The St Chad Gospels: Also known as the Lichfield Gospels, this illuminated Anglo-Saxon manuscript dates back to approximately 730 AD, making it older than the famous Book of Kells. The cathedral regularly displays this priceless national treasure.
• The Chapter House: Designed in an octagonal shape with a central stone pillar fanning out into delicate vaulting, the Chapter House is a triumph of medieval stone carving.

Exploring the Surrounding Historic City

While the cathedral is the centrepiece of the visit, Lichfield itself offers an afternoon of delightful heritage exploration. Surrounding the cathedral is the Cathedral Close, lined with picturesque Georgian and medieval houses that once accommodated clergy and canons.

Just a short stroll away is the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the compiler of the first comprehensive English dictionary, who was born in the town in 1709. Nearby, science and history enthusiasts can tour Erasmus Darwin House, the former residence of Charles Darwin's grandfather—a pioneering physician, botanist, and member of the Lunar Society.

For lunch and refreshments during your day trip, Lichfield’s historic streets are filled with independent coffee houses, traditional tearooms, and relaxed bistros where you can pause before continuing your tour.

Evening Dining Back in Burton upon Trent

After an afternoon soaking in culture and history, make the short journey back to Burton upon Trent. The Three Queens Hotel sits just a five-minute walk from the centre of Burton. Because our hotel focuses solely on comfortable accommodation, our central position gives you the freedom to explore Burton's celebrated dining scene.

As the brewing capital of the UK, Burton is home to welcoming traditional pubs serving historic real ales alongside classic pub meals. The surrounding streets also offer a wide selection of international cuisine, from Italian trattorias to contemporary Indian dining. After enjoying an evening out in town, you can simply stroll back to your room in minutes.

Unwind at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

Returning to Three Queens Hotel guarantees a peaceful night's rest after an active day on your feet. With 62 rooms available, we offer layouts to suit all styles of travel. You can browse our comfortable room types, which include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and our distinctive four-poster Suite.

Every bedroom features a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities for a hot evening brew, a direct dial phone, and a hair dryer. Stay connected with our free WiFi, and take advantage of our daily housekeeping and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

Our reception desk is staffed from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, supported by a dedicated night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to ensure your safety and convenience around the clock.

Ready to plan your heritage tour of Staffordshire? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel today and discover the wonders of Lichfield Cathedral from a convenient, welcoming home base.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.