Here at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, we strive to provide the best access possible to visitors from all backgrounds. This passage will provide a step by step guide to approaching the Museum, and explore its layout in detail.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is located on Lichfield’s Market Square, meaning that we do not have any car parking facilities available for visitors. There are disabled parking bays on Market Street in front of the NatWest Bank, which is just opposite the Market Square. Disabled parking bays are also located on Bore Street in front of the Tudor Café.
The nearest public car park is the Bird Street Car Park. This is a short stay car park that charges £1.00 per hour for parking up to 4 hours. Once parked, if you follow an alleyway at the top of the car park you will emerge on the Market Square. Turn right and the Museum is in front of you.
We do not have a visitor toilet at the Museum, so it is worth noting that our nearest public toilet is in the top left-hand corner of the Bird Street Car Park.
You may also wish to use the Lombard Car Park, which has an upper level for short stays and a lower level for long stays. Upon leaving the car park, head forward towards another alleyway. This will also emerge onto the Market Square. Once here, walk straight on across the square and we are located at the top of it opposite Waterstones.
For more information about local car parks, including price lists, please click here.
Please note that the Market Square and the pavement around it is cobbled, making the surface uneven to walk on.
Once at the entrance of the Museum, you must navigate five steps to reach the Bookshop. Upon entering, there will be an Attendant sat at the desk in front of the door, who will be more than happy to assist with any queries and provide information about the Museum and its layout. Please note that the Museum is set across five floors, with one below the ground floor and three above it. The staircases in the house are rather old and narrow so those with mobility restrictions may find it difficult to navigate. It is also worth noting that the floorboards in the house can be quite uneven in places due to the age of the building.
Alternatively, there is a touchscreen computer next to a chair in the bookshop, which can be used to watch our introductory film (which also plays on the first floor) or to take a virtual tour of the Museum. The Museum Attendant will be more than happy to assist with navigating this if you wish to remain in the Museum shop.
