Lichfield - Heart & Cathedral Close

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Lichfield’s historic heart, Cathedral Close and Beacon Park, with Agents racing to crack the deactivation code for Professor G. Reese’s Oil-Sucker 3000 before it drains every last drop of cooking oil from the city.

The mission covers approximately 2.25 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You’ll follow clues from Lichfield Library and The Hub at St Mary’s, along Market Street and Dam Street, around Lichfield Cathedral, into the Herb Garden, through Beacon Street, Beacon Park, Christ Church Lane, Walsall Road, Lower Sandford Street, Minster Pool, Bird Street, Bore Street and Breadmarket Street.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route is on foot throughout, using city pavements, park paths, cathedral close paths and pedestrianised areas, though there are some roads to cross, narrow sections and busier city-centre stretches. Keep Mini Agents close, especially near traffic, the park car parks, road crossings and Minster Pool.

Getting There

Time to assemble your Agents and begin this slick operation:

By car - Park the spy-mobile at Bird Street car park (WS13 6AB), using ///straw.lift.detail.

Once you’ve secured the vehicle, slip through the access beside B&M onto Market Street and turn left. Your mission begins outside Lichfield Library and The Hub at St Mary’s, at the old St Mary’s Church (WS13 6NB), using ///unique.spite.stared.

By public transport - Make your way into Lichfield city centre, then head for Lichfield Library and The Hub at St Mary’s to begin the mission. The route starts right in the heart of the city and loops back towards the same central area at the end.

Need the Loo?

Even elite Agents need a tactical comfort break before tackling a cathedral-sized chip crisis. Toilets can be found near Clue 03, after solving Clue 16, and in Beacon Park, so you’ve got several chances to regroup during the mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the outdoor operation 🐾

This route includes city pavements, park paths, churchyard sections, road crossings, Cathedral Close and busier central streets. Keep canine recruits close throughout, especially near traffic, Minster Pool, park car parks and any narrow sections. Dogs with a nose for chip fat may need extra supervision around suspicious takeaway aromas.

Food & Drink Stops

Saving Lichfield’s crispy bits is hungry work.

There are plenty of shops and cafes along the route where Agents can top up supplies or grab a quick refuel. If you’d rather pack rations, Beacon Park makes an excellent picnic stop while you keep watch for greasy drones, slippery sidekicks and any suspiciously humming spires.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is the headline extra for this mission. Built between 1195 and 1340, it is England’s only medieval cathedral with three spires, affectionately known as the “Ladies in the Vale.” A proper visit makes a brilliant add-on once the Oil-Sucker 3000 is under control.

Erasmus Darwin House and Herb Garden

The route visits the Herb Garden beside Erasmus Darwin House, a fascinating extra for curious Agents. Darwin was a doctor, inventor and grandfather of Charles Darwin, making this a fine spot for anyone who likes their intel with a scientific flourish.

Beacon Park

Beacon Park is a strong day-extender, especially for families. It gives the mission a big green breathing space, with room for a picnic, a wander and a post-operation debrief after all that code-cracking and oily peril.

Minster Pool

Minster Pool gives the later stretch a scenic pause, with views back towards the cathedral’s three spires. It’s a good place to slow down, admire the city and pretend you’re not checking the water for chip-fat residue.