Weekend break in scenic Staffordshire
A UK weekend break in Lichfield
Wednesday, 01, Jul 2009 11:01
With temperatures climbing this summer, it's time to take a break from the city heat. Travelbite.co.uk's Sasha Butkovich discovers that you don't need to travel far - there are some fantastic UK holiday ideas in the Midlands.
As an American in the midst of a love affair with London, I was a bit sceptical but ultimately curious about visiting an area of rural England. What I found was that the people of Staffordshire are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I've met, and that made visiting all the more enjoyable.
Staffordshire is just a couple of hours north of London by train and it's the perfect location for a quiet, relaxing weekend break in the UK with its quaint towns, rich history and picturesque rural scenery.
The city of Lichfield is a great first stop in Staffordshire and a nice base from which to visit the surrounding area. I recommend staying at the George Hotel because it has historic character and charm, as well as comfort and modern amenities.
Lichfield is fairly small, and you really only need an afternoon for a walking tour of the city's charming sights. The city was a bustling stagecoach stop in its heyday, and it is proud of its history as the birthplace and home of Samuel Johnson and Erasmus Darwin.
The houses of these historical figures have been converted into small museums with free admission that are worth a quick visit.
Lichfield also boasts an impressive cathedral with three spires and 113 statues adorning the façade. Upon entering, you can see the beautiful architecture and find peace and quiet enough to actually hear yourself think.
Lichfield hosts a variety of festivals and events, so check out the city's website to see what's on.
A short drive from Lichfield is one of Staffordshire's most significant attractions, the National Memorial Arboretum. Opened in 2006, the Arboretum covers 150 acres of land within the National Forest and offers a restaurant, conference centre, gift shop and chapel.
It is the home of the Armed Forces Memorial, a remarkable stone structure dedicated to those who died in military service or as a result of terrorist action since World War II.
The names of the fallen are carved into the walls, and it's a powerful reminder of their sacrifice. Family and friends of those who passed only last year leave flowers and cards at the base of their section of the wall, and it is an especially moving sight.
A walk through the rest of the Arboretum offers visitors a chance to see the many other memorials and trees devoted to remembering and honouring lives lost to military conflict or other causes.
Another attraction at the arboretum is the Far East Prisoners of War museum, a graphic but important tribute. Though a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum is a sobering experience, it is also an enjoyable way to spend some time in Staffordshire's lovely scenery.
The arboretum caters to all age groups, including families and some areas are designed especially for children to run around and play.
For even more of the scenic outdoors in Staffordshire, visit Cannock Chase, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958. The area is protected by law as the largest surviving area of lowland heathland in the Midlands.
Cannock Chase is also home to forests, woodlands and designated parks that are perfect for exploring and hiking in the fresh air. The woods are majestic and peaceful; it just makes you want to lose yourself in them.
If you're a little more adventurous, you may just want to Go Ape. For this activity, guests suit up in harnesses and make their way through a high wire course in the treetops. This adventure isn't for the timid, but it is a fun way to get closer to the scenery.
Some areas of Cannock Chase also host outdoor concerts and events in the summer months. Visit the website to learn more.
A visit to Staffordshire wouldn't be complete without witnessing history in action at Shugborough, a complete working historic estate located about a half hour's drive from Lichfield. It's a truly unique and interesting place that all ages are sure to enjoy.
The manor house and extensive surrounding gardens are beautiful, and you can tour them at your leisure. The historically-costumed guides actually tend to the walled garden, cook in the kitchen, and brew beer at the brewhouse much like they would have in Victorian times.
Some of them have even adopted the names of people who were known to have worked at Shugborough hundreds of years ago, and they play the character when they interact with guests. It can be a bit intimidating when the stern housekeeper criticises you for not having clean fingernails, but it's all in good fun.
Local craftspeople and artisans make and sell their wares in shops on the property, and the restaurant serves historically-inspired food made from products grown or made on site.
The Shugborough estate is quite large so it offers a shuttle bus to transport guests to the various points of interest. For more information on the many attractions and events at Shugborough, visit the website.
Sasha Butkovich