Visit Lichfield celebrates English Tourism Week

English Tourism Week, organised by Visit England, ran from 22 to 31 May 2021. The annual celebration highlights the importance, value and vast contribution tourism makes to the UK economy. 

To show they are ‘here for tourism’, the MP for Lichfield, Michael Fabricant, and the MP for Tamworth, Christopher Pincher, got a closer look at some of the district’s unique visitor attractions.

At the first trip of the week Michael Fabricant was joined by Councillor Iain Eadie for a race round the tracks at Midland Karting, followed by a visit to the picturesque Fradley Junction on Tuesday 25 May.

At Fradley Junction, Michael was joined by James Dennison from Canal and River Trust, Christine Bull from Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, and Julie Arnold from Staffordshire Waterways.

They took a ride on a narrow boat provided by Streethay Wharf, and talked about the importance of the canals for our tourism industry and the hard work by volunteers to restore more canal routes in the area.

Michael Fabricant said:

“There are some wonderful venues in the West Midlands, but Lichfield District is the hidden gem with Lichfield City’s 800 year old cathedral and medieval streets packed with restaurants and bars and the nearby National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas.

“But to mark English Tourism Week this year, I wanted to do something different, so I had a drive on a go-kart at Midland Karting in Fradley and then went to Fradley Junction which is a beautiful confluence of two canals and features waterfront cafes and a fabulous Victorian pub.

“Lichfield District has so much to offer. My aim is for it not to be such a well-kept secret!”

On Friday 28 May, Christopher Pincher was joined by Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, for a behind the scenes tour of Drayton Manor Zoo.

William Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, introduced both Christopher and Doug to zoo keepers at the park, who showed them some of the animals and discussed how they take care of them.

Christopher Pincher commented:

“A fantastic experience to learn more about the behind the scenes work the team do at Drayton Manor Theme Park. From the zoo to the theme park and Thomas Land, this is a real tourist attraction that not only brings in visitors from across the United Kingdom, but also from other shores.

“I know the last year has been difficult for our tourism sector and as we shed those final restrictions, thanks to the exceptional work of our vaccination programme and medical teams, I am looking forward to seeing places like Drayton Manor Theme Park roar back better and stronger than ever.

“Staffordshire has so much to offer and by highlighting our attractions this week, during English Tourism Week, it will remind and reignite these local experiences.”

Councillor Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Economic Development, added:

“Our district has so much to offer visitors, as our Visit Lichfield team has been showcasing during English Tourism Week, with the help of Michael and Chris.

“We are all passionate about encouraging more visitors to come and have a look at some of our exceptional visitor attractions, whether that be for the day or a short break.

“Alongside Drayton Manor, our canals and river ways, not to mention Midland Karting, anyone coming to our district can also visit the likes of the National Memorial Arboretum, Chasewater Railway, Lichfield Cathedral, the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, our varied museums and our local independent shops.”

For attractions, events, tours, where to eat and shop and much more go to Visit Lichfield's website.