Lichfield Carlisle Train

Lichfield is a cathedral city in Staffordshire and is located roughly 15 miles to the north of Birmingham and lies between the high ground of Cannock Chase on the west and the valleys of the Rivers Trent and Tame on the east. The city is known for its three spired medieval cathedral and also for being the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first Dictionary of the English Language. Modern day Lichfield retains its importance as an ecclesiastical centre and its city centre has many listed buildings and fine Georgian architecture.

Lichfield has many cultural events which includes the Lichfield Greenhil Bower which is a festival that dates back to the Middle Ages. The festival these days includes a procession from the Guildhall of marching bands, morris men and carnival floats. There is also usually a fun fair in the city centre and another and jamboree in Beacon Park. Also, there is the Lichfield Festival which is an international arts festival celebrating dance, classical music, drama, film, jazz, literature, visual arts, poetry and world music.

Lichfield is served by two railway stations, Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley. These stations are now on the Cross-City Line to Redditch via Birmingham. Additionally, Trent Valley station is on the West Coast Main Line with hourly direct semi-fast services to London Euston, and also to Stafford, Stoke and Crewe and many other local and regional destinations.

The city of Carlisle is ideally located between Scotland and the Lake District, and both within easy reach. It is situated on the path of Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle is a vibrant, cultured city and with direct rail links to the West Coast Main Line and M6 motorway, the city is an attractive base for visitors. Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress that has watched over the city for nearly a thousand years. The Castle is also home to the Border Regiment Museum which relates the history of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment, the Border Regiment and the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment and local Militia. Bothergate, the original southern entrance to the City, was replaced in the 16th century, and then again in the 19th century, with two new towers known as the Citadel. This was designed by Thomas Telford and Sir Robert Smirke, who also designed the bridge over the River Eden, as assize courts and a prison. The West Tower is now open to the public. Carlisle Great Fair is held in late August each year. It was originally established in 1353, and now runs as a sort of mini ‘Edinburgh Festival’.