National Memorial Arboretum A special place that honours those who have served and who continue to serve our Nation. The 150-acre site is home to over 400 memorials including the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations. Their stories of extraordinary acts of bravery, camaraderie and selfless service and sacrifice are remembered and shared here.

Entrance to the Arboretum is free. We will have up to 2 hours here for you to explore at your own pace, before moving on to Lichfield for the rest of the day. In addition to the expansive grounds and beautiful gardens, there is a café/restaurant, shop and chapel on site. There is a daily Act of Remembrance at 11am in the chapel, space is limited with seats being issued on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to attend, you need to be seated for the service by 10.50am.

Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK, known locally as the ‘Ladies of the Vale’. It is one of the oldest places of Christian worship and the burial place of the great Anglo-Saxon missionary bishop, St Chad. Admission to the cathedral for sightseeing is by voluntary donation.

Erasmus Darwin House is an independent museum which was once the family home of doctor, inventor and published poet Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802). It showcases the breadth of Darwin’s interests and achievements which laid the foundations for his grandson and evolutionary biologist Charles. Learn about the medicinal qualities of plants with which Erasmus treated his patients, look through his personal journal to get a sense of his mind and uncover what inspired his many theories and inventions including a flushing toilet and a speaking machine. Entry £5.00.

Samuel Johnson’s Birthplace Museum Best known as the author of A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), Dr Samuel Johnson was also a playwright, poet, journalist, editor, critic and biographer. He is one of the most quoted people in the history of the English language and remains one of the greatest literary figures of all time. Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in this atmospheric trader’s townhouse. Admission is free, donations are welcome. NB: The Museum is a Grade I listed building with many stairs. There are five floors to explore and the entrance is accessed via five steps. As a listed building it is not possible to install a lift or ramp, widen doorways, or modify the handrails. If you are concerned about access please contact the museum directly.

Beacon Park More than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space within easy reach of the city centre. Visit the park for a leisurely walk, crazy golf, foot golf and more. Beacon Park is steeped in history and heritage with information boards around the site giving you a glimpse into the area's rich historical past. Refreshments and ice cream are available in the bistro and the café next to the children's play area during peak season. Toilets are also available next to the children's play area.

Cost: £16.50.

Booking: Starts at the DDu3a Monthly Meeting on Wednesday 10th June 2026. Places must be booked and paid for in advance.

Departure and return times: Coach will leave from outside Dronfield Sports Centre at 09:00 prompt and we will leave the destination at 17:00 unless advised otherwise.

Before booking, please see our Booking Arrangements and Terms and Conditions.

This trip is open primarily to DDu3a members – spare tickets will be offered to friends of DDu3a members (who must be u3a members somewhere in the UK).