Attractions and Places To See around Alrewas - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Alrewas offer a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. The village is situated where the Trent and Mersey Canal meets the River Trent, providing opportunities for walking and nature observation. Nearby, visitors can explore significant sites like the National Memorial Arboretum and various nature reserves. The area features a mix of historic buildings, waterways, and natural landscapes, making it suitable for outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Alrewas
- The most popular attractions is Minster Pool, a viewpoint that is a reservoir located south of Lichfield Cathedral. It offers views over the water and the cathedral, and has historical significance as a defensive feature.
- Another must-see spot is Beacon Park, a public park in Lichfield featuring formal gardens, woodland walks, and various recreational facilities. It includes monuments and floral displays.
- Visitors also love Lichfield Cathedral, a medieval church with three spires. This Grade I-listed building has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years and was restored in the 19th century.
- Alrewas is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and scenic waterways. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to peaceful canal paths.
- The attractions around Alrewas are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 100 upvotes and over 90 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Lichfield Cathedral
Highlight • Historical Site
You can visit the cathedral from 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 12.30pm - 5pm on Sundays. For more information, visit: lichfield-cathedral.org
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Minster Pool
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Beacon Park
Highlight • Monument
It also offers woodland walks, a community garden, a food kiosk and bistro overlooking the pool.
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Gentleshaw Common Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
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Gentleshaw Service Reservoir
Highlight • Rest Area
River Blithe scheme
The River Blithe Scheme was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1939, giving the company permission to carry out a significant amount of work including:
• Impounding the water in the River Blithe
• Constructing Blithfield Reservoir
• Creating a number of road diversions, including Admaston Road and Watery Lane
• Constructing the Seedy Mill Purification Works
• Extending the existing service reservoirs at Barr Beacon and Gentleshaw
• Laying a trunk main between Blithfield Reservoir and the Seedy Mill works
Replacement for Scout House Reservoir.
In 1928, the Company had to consider an alternative scheme for providing a new reservoir in a favourable site to replace Scout House Reservoir, Hednesford. Several schemes for the reparation of the doomed reservoir had been prepared, but owing to the excessive cost, ranging from £35,000 to £75,000, the Engineer considered the advisability of choosing an entirely new site.
A careful survey of the district near Chestall was made and a probable site selected at a favourable altitude. In order to avoid another white elephant, with coal mines affecting the works, a mining consultant was engaged to report on geological conditions. Negotiations were carried out with the Marquis of Anglesey's Agent for purchase of the ground at Gentleshaw near Cannock. An area of land, six acres, three roods, was secured for £2,000 which included the rights to mines and minerals lying under an area of seventy acres.
Thomas Lowe and Sons of Burton on Trent submitted the winning tender £37,191, to construct the five million gallon, reinforced concrete, covered reservoir on similar principles to Shavers End Reservoir. The site was situated 746 feet above sea level and acted as a balancing reservoir for the Cannock area pumping stations. Its dimensions were length 252 feet, breadth 216 feet, depth 15 feet and it was brought into commission in 1930.
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Tips from the Community
Gentleshaw Common offers a network of walking and hiking trails, making it a great place for leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. The diverse terrain provides options for different levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
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Beacon Park features the formal Museum Gardens with floral displays and avenue of trees, along with a fountain, and statues to check out. It also offers woodland walks, a community garden, a food kiosk and bistro overlooking the pool.
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Opening Times Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 12:00-17:00
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The first church was built here in about 700AD. Then the Normans built the first cathedral soon after the invasion of 1066. This was then rebuilt in a gothic style in 1340. The building has been besieged several times during the English Civil War it suffered great damaged but was mended soon after the war finished. The cathedral was then restored again in the 19th century to roughly what you see today. It's the only English medieval cathedral with three spires. The cathedral is normally open to visitors from 10:00 - 17:00 on Mon to Sat and 12:00 - 17:00 on Sundays.
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Apart from the obvious, this is just a nice place to stop for a rest.
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Minster Pool is a pretty reservoir situated to the south of Lichfield Catherdral. From the banks, you get a lovely view over the water and cathedral. The pool is fed by Leomansley and Trunkfield brooks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Alrewas?
Alrewas is ideally situated where the Trent and Mersey Canal meets the River Trent, offering peaceful towpath walks and opportunities for nature observation. Nearby, you can visit Gentleshaw Common Nature Reserve, one of Staffordshire's largest lowland heaths, or explore Croxall Lakes, a haven for wildfowl and wading birds with bird hides available for observation.
What historical sites can I visit in and around Alrewas?
Just outside Alrewas, the National Memorial Arboretum is a significant site of remembrance. Within the village, you can explore All Saints Church, with parts dating back to the 12th century, and various historic buildings as Alrewas is a designated Conservation Area. Further afield, Lichfield Cathedral, a medieval church with three spires, and Erasmus Darwin House Museum and Herb Garden offer rich historical insights.
Are there good walking or cycling routes near Alrewas?
Yes, the flat terrain around Alrewas, including canal towpaths and riverside paths, provides numerous easy to moderate routes. You can find various options for cycling around Alrewas, including touring, road cycling, and mountain biking. For specific routes, explore the Cycling around Alrewas guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Alrewas guide.
What is the significance of the National Memorial Arboretum?
The National Memorial Arboretum, located just outside Alrewas, is the UK's year-round Centre of Remembrance. This 150-acre site features nearly 400 memorials dedicated to military and civilian associations, including the Armed Forces Memorial. It offers a peaceful and reflective experience with its woodlands and monuments, and also includes play areas for families.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Alrewas?
Absolutely. The National Memorial Arboretum offers play areas for children. Beacon Park in Lichfield provides formal gardens, woodland walks, and recreational facilities, including play areas. Additionally, the trails at Gentleshaw Common Nature Reserve are suitable for family strolls.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting near Alrewas?
Croxall Lakes, near Alrewas, is an excellent spot for wildlife, particularly dabbling ducks, wildfowl, and wading birds, with bird hides available for observation. Gentleshaw Common Nature Reserve is also home to diverse wildlife, including common lizards, skylarks, and green hairstreak butterflies.
What is Alrewas village known for?
Alrewas is known for its charming English community character, with a Main Street lined with half-timbered cottages and Georgian houses. It's a designated Conservation Area, recognized for its wealth of historic buildings and its picturesque setting where the Trent and Mersey Canal meets the River Trent.
What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2637336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minster Pool</a>?
Minster Pool is a historic reservoir located south of Lichfield Cathedral. It offers lovely views over the water and the cathedral and has historical significance as a defensive feature for the Cathedral Close, dating back to the 11th century.
Are there any historic buildings to see within Alrewas village itself?
Yes, Alrewas is a designated Conservation Area with many historic buildings. Examples include Shakespeare Cottage, a 17th-century timber-framed house, and various other listed timber-framed structures and Georgian houses that line the peaceful lanes of the village. All Saints Church, with parts from the 12th century, is also a prominent historic landmark.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond exploring the attractions, the area around Alrewas is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpaths, cycling on various routes, or even mountain biking. For detailed routes, check out the MTB Trails around Alrewas guide.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the attractions around Alrewas?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. The area's scenic waterways, such as the Trent and Mersey Canal, are popular for peaceful walks, while sites like Lichfield Cathedral and the National Memorial Arboretum offer rich historical and reflective experiences. The diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts are also highly valued by the komoot community.
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