Nestled in the picturesque village of Hopwas near Lichfield, Staffordshire, St Chad's Church is an active Anglican parish church that offers a delightful stop for travelers exploring England's historic religious architecture. Built in 1881, this charming place of worship was designed by the renowned Chester architect John Douglas and is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England. When you visit, you will appreciate its striking construction of red brick complemented by timber framing on the upper sections, all topped with a traditional plain tile roof.
As you admire the exterior, look up to see the octagonal flèche perched dramatically between the five-bay nave and the single-bay chancel. Famous architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner famously described the structure as "certainly an ingenious and entertaining building," making it a fascinating point of interest for design enthusiasts. Inside, the footprint thoughtfully incorporates a southern vestry and a northern annex housing the organ.
St Chad's remains a vibrant community hub, holding regular services on Sundays as well as hosting weekly events for adults and children. It is a lovely local gem to experience during your journey through the Lichfield diocese.
What to see at St Chad's Church, Hopwas
- Designed by Chester architect John Douglas in 1881
- Grade II listed building featuring red brick and upper timber framing
- Distinctive octagonal flèche positioned above the nave and chancel
- Described by historian Nikolaus Pevsner as an "ingenious and entertaining building"
- Houses an organ annex to the north and a vestry to the south
Visiting tips
Plan your visit to coincide with a Sunday service or mid-week event to experience this active parish church in full swing.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Sunday morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
St Chad's Church, Hopwas is easy to reach on Lichfield’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Letocetum and All Saints Church, Alrewas. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lichfield travel guide.
See the full Lichfield travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.