Lichfield - Centre & Garrick Theatre

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Lichfield Centre and the Garrick Theatre, with Explorers sent by The Exploration Society to follow David Garrick's clue-filled trail around Lichfield and recover a set of lost Shakespeare manuscripts before anyone else can find them.

The quest covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll start at the main entrance to Lichfield's Garrick Theatre on the pedestrianised section of Wade Street, then explore the city centre and ancient streets, covered shopping areas, Cathedral-side pools, Beacon Park and peaceful historic corners before returning to the starting area in Wade Street.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route includes steps at one point, though a ramp is mentioned as an alternative. There are also covered shopping areas, a lane between houses, a footbridge, pavements beside main roads, several road crossings and one stretch with no pavement.

Take care at the road crossings, especially the one where traffic is described as very heavy, and keep Mini Explorers close on the section with no pavement.

Getting There

By car: Your quest begins at the main entrance to Lichfield's Garrick Theatre on the pedestrianised section of Wade Street (WS13 6HR). The recommended place to park is Bus Station car park, off Frog Lane (WS13 6HP), which is the closest car park to the start. If the Bus Station car park is full, Redcourt (WS13 6GF) is an alternative a 5 min walk away.

By public transport: Make your way to the main entrance to Lichfield's Garrick Theatre on the pedestrianised section of Wade Street to begin the adventure. The circular route returns to the same starting area once David Garrick's clue-filled Trail has led you through the city.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found in Minster Poole car park and the Memorial Gardens area, giving your expedition a couple of useful comfort-stop options during the manuscript hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the quest 🐾

The route is mostly on foot through the city centre and ancient streets, with road crossings, pavements beside main roads, a footbridge, waterside stretches around the pools, steps or a ramp, and one section with no pavement. Keep canine companions close around traffic, near the water and anywhere the route narrows.

Food & Drink Stops

Manuscript-recovery is hungry work, but Lichfield has a great number of cafes in the city, so Explorers should have plenty of chances to refuel.

There are also open spaces for picnics, and the Memorial Gardens are suggested as a peaceful place to rest and refuel halfway through the Trail.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Lichfield Cathedral

The three spires of medieval Lichfield Cathedral dominate nearly all aspects of the town and are known as 'The Ladies of the Vale'. Only two other cathedrals in the UK have three spires: Truro and St Mary's in Edinburgh, both built in the 19th century.

Stowe Pool

The route crosses to Stowe Pool by footbridge and follows the water's edge past the boathouse, making this a scenic stretch to enjoy at a slower pace once you are not busy tracking David Garrick's clues. Keep the water on your right and soak up the view as part of the adventure.

Minster Pool

Minster Pool is described as a haven of peace just a few strides from the busy city centre. Over the years it has served many roles, including water supply, power for mills and tanneries, and part of the defence for the Cathedral Close. Anna Seward landscaped it after seeing the Serpentine in London's Hyde Park.

Beacon Park

Beacon Park lies opposite Pool Walk and the route enters it from the road. The former library next to the park was built on the site of David Garrick's old house, and the gardens were once part of Minster Pool until it silted up and was filled in. The Trail also points you towards a bronze statue at the far end of the park.

Hospital of Saint John the Baptist Without The Barrs

The Hospital of Saint John the Baptist Without The Barrs is open as a haven of peace and tranquillity, and the chapel is also open. Visitors are asked to respect the residents' quiet existence, and the chapel has stained glass by John Piper, who also produced that in Coventry Cathedral.