Between Birmingham And Burton Upon Trent Is A Charming Town With A Vibrant Culture, Shopping, And Local Eats

Birmingham and Burton upon Trent are often the most recognizable heavyweights of England's West Midlands, so it's easy to overlook the quieter spaces in between. Birmingham is known as the country's second city and the childhood home of legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien, while Burton upon Trent is celebrated as the brewing capital of the U.K. Yet, nestled right between these two bustling hubs lies Lichfield, a city with a sprawling cathedral at the heart of the city and a population under 35,000 which trades big city chaos for a charming walkable town with a vibrant culture, shopping, and lots of local eats. 

While the Lichfield Cathedral and Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum highlight the town's rich past, Lichfield's vibrant culture today thrives through a modern arts scene and bustling community events throughout the year like Lichfield Proms, an outdoor concert that happens on the first weekend every September. A trip to Lichfield also isn't complete without catching a show at Lichfield Garrick Theatre, where you'll find local productions, professional touring plays, workshops, and open mic nights. 

If you visit in July (one of the best times to visit England for optimal weather), you'll get to experience the lively Lichfield Festival. The multi-arts celebration transforms the city for nearly two weeks, where attendees can choose from more than 60 events taking place across venues throughout the town. Just 20 milesfrom Birmingham, you can easily reach Lichfield by taking the free Air-Rail Link mono tram from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham International railway station, followed by a quick train ride with one transfer.

Lichfield just might surprise you in its retail offerings. While exploring modern shopping malls is always a fun addition to a travel itinerary, sometimes you just want to step back in time. Similar to The Shambles in York (the charming city halfway between London and Edinburgh), Lichfield's shopping heart lies in Bore, Dam, and Conduit streets. You'll see centuries-old timber-framed buildings housing modern cafés and independent boutiques, which is perfect for those wanting a distinct shopping experience rather than the usual brand-name storefronts one would find at a standard indoor shopping center. 

For instance, stepping into Vintique Lichfield at the Corn Exchange on Conduit Street offers a treasure trove of re-loved designer fashion and statement accessories. Reviewers on Google frequently praise the boutique's selection of unique statement pieces at an affordable price, making it a must-visit for vintage lovers. Just down the road, local visitors alike rave about Fortescues, an independent boutique on Dam Street proudly showcasing handpicked unique clothing pieces from different countries. Reviewers love it because of it's family-run charm and the welcoming atmosphere.

There's also the iconic Three Spires Shopping Centre near Bore Street, which is easy to navigate and boasts an open-air layout right in the center of town. Beyond grabbing your usual Starbucks latte or dropping by the local Tesco Express for travel essentials, you can also shop for a cashmere sweater at The Edinburgh Woolen Mill or pop into Holland & Barrett for health and wellness essentials. 

It's not a proper vacation without good food. And Lichfield just may be the culinary treasure you never knew existed. Despite being a small town, two Michelin-starred restaurants call Lichfield home, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd and The Boat, and it has everything from fine dining and lively local food festivals to casual neighborhood bistros that boast the culinary creativity of the region.

If your budget allows, you can dive right into this modern culinary scene at the intimate UPSTAIRS by Tom Shepherd, which is in the same building Shepherd's father's jewelry shop used to be in. Here, you'll be able to experience exquisite, intricate dishes like their signature pan-seared Orkney scallop or the chef's famous take on Thai green curry called "Transition." For something more traditionally British and relaxed, The Whittington Arms is a charming local gastropub offering items like Sunday roasts and fish and chips. Alternatively, casual comfort food lovers can check out the Patty Freaks, an easygoing burger joint that is praised for their creative burgers like the Cinnamon Roll Burger. 

And, being the U.K. and all, Lichfield is full of fantastic local pubs and independent breweries like Brewhouse & Kitchen, where you can grab a proper cask ale. To top it all off, Lichfield hosts food festivals twice a year in May and August. The countless vendors that showcase everything from gourmet dishes to artisan bakes are proof that the town is a haven for foodies. For more delicious eats, about an hour north is Stoke-on-Trent, offering a vibrant food scene.