Lichfield Swansea 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 Swansea, located in South Wales, has a sweeping waterfront that leads to Mumbles and then on to the beautiful Gower Peninsular. Visitors to the city will find many attractions ranging from galleries and museums, waterparks and beautiful countryside. The City Centre is a vibrant hub with over 230 shops and a fabulous market that’s home to all sorts of local delicacies. There are loads of places to visit including the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Museum and the National Waterfront Museum to name but a few. One of Swansea’s museums is Wales’ newest and the other is Wales’ oldest – Dylan Thomas even described it as a “museum that belongs in a museum.” For outdoor activities why not explore some of Swansea’s many parks and gardens – 5 of them (Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park, Cwmdonkin Park and Brynmill Park) have a Green Flag Award and are great places to go with the family. Venturing slightly further afield, take a trip to Mumbles If you feel the urge for a bit of retail therapy. There is a range of high end shops, independent boutiques and quirky galleries, you can really spoil yourself when you visit Mumbles. You will find everything from designer labels, handmade crafts or surfing gear.