Staffordshire is a historic county situated in England’s West Midlands region. A landlocked area, it is surrounded by Cheshire to the northwest, Shropshire to the west, and Worcestershire in the south. The eastern part is bordered by Leicestershire and Derbyshire while the southeastern side is bordered by Warwickshire. It is a popular family-friendly tourist destination that is dotted with historic towns and cities. The region, especially the areas comprising Stoke-on-Trent, is also home to England’s pottery industry, so it offers many pottery-related attractions. Additionally, it abounds with natural beauty and attractions, such as River Penk, River Sow, and The Roaches. It also houses the attractive theme park, Alton Tower Resorts. Go ahead and plan a visit to this exciting county. While at it, read on and try these top things to do in Staffordshire, UK.
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1. Ride the thrilling roller coasters at Alton Towers Resort
Occupying around 500 acres (202.3 hectares) of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers Resort is among the most visited theme parks in the United Kingdom. It boasts over 40 rides, a water park, a theme park, mini-golf, a spa, and a hotel complex. Often referred to as ATR or simply Alton towers, the resort has plenty to offer for any kind of visitor. The highlight is its thrilling rides, especially the roller coasters. So, include this must-visit theme park in your Staffordshire trip itinerary.
Book Tours : Alton Towers Resort 1 Day Admission Ticket
2. Stroll with monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke-on-Trent
Situated in an ancient forest, Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique attraction located in Stoke-on-Trent city of Staffordshire county. Home to around 140 Barbary macaques, the forest provides an exciting opportunity to view the monkeys up close without any cages or bars. An ideal way of spending a relaxed outing with family or friends, the forest also provides patrons with an opportunity to learn more about these species. One can also learn about the efforts being undertaken for the conservation of endangered species of monkeys.
Trentham Monkey Forest
Address: Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9HR, United Kingdom
Website: Trentham Monkey Forest
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12.5 USD (9 GBP)
3. Step back in time at Tamworth Castle
This historic 12th-century castle, overlooking River Anker, is situated in the beautiful town of Tamworth. It is a well-preserved castle that served as a residence of the Mercian Kings during the Anglo-Saxon times. It was refortified by the Normans in later years. With its chambers, hallways, and rooms, it takes one back in time and recreate the days of earlier times. The adjoining tower offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding castle grounds. People who are more inclined towards history will enjoy gaining insights into the history of the place, as well as browsing interesting displays.
Tamworth Castle
Address: Lady Bank, Holloway, Tamworth B79 7NA, United Kingdom
Website: Tamworth Castle
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 13.80 USD (9.95 GBP)
4. Enjoy a great meal and beer at The Boat Inn Village Pub and Kitchen in Penkridge village
A popular eatery in the beautiful Penkridge village, The Boat Inn Village Pub and Kitchen enjoys an ideal setting on the banks of Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Its lively ambiance, delicious food, and lovely surroundings make for a worthwhile visit. It is no wonder that it is highly recommended by locals. Aside from the traditional array of dishes, such as steaks, pies, and burgers, the eatery boasts an eclectic ale collection.
The Boat Inn Village Pub and Kitchen
Address: Cannock Rd, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 10:30pm; Tue - Thu: 12am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10:30pm
5. Go for a stroll at Biddulph Grange Garden
This marvellous garden in Biddulph, a town near Stoke-on-Trent, is operated by the National Trust. It is a membership and charity organisation for the conservation of heritage in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Encompassing a wide range of designs, such as Victorian, Historicist, or eclectic styles, the garden is truly a prime example of mixed styles. It boasts Italian and Chinese gardens, a pinetum, and a Himalayan glen. It also has a cherry orchard, a stumpery, and an arboretum.
Biddulph Grange Garden
Address: Grange Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 7SD, United Kingdom
Website: Biddulph Grange Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
6. Visit the mysterious Doxey Pool in The Roaches
Lying 1,600 feet (487.7 metres) above sea level, this mysterious small pool has been the subject of many unusual folklores. It derives much of its mystery from the fact that the pool is always brimming despite the absence of any visible catchment area. This has often led to some accounts that the pool is bottomless. Some attribute the mystery to its water level, which is shallow because it is somehow fed by an underground water system and its underground connection to Blakemere, another pool around 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) away. Common folklore claims that the bottomless depths of the pool are home to a wicked mermaid, Jenny Greenteeth, who is known to entice unsuspecting travelers into its depths. The pool is situated in The Roaches, a rocky ridge in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Doxey Pool
Address: The Roaches, Staffordshire, England, ST13 8UB, United Kingdom
7. Tour the breathtaking Lichfield Cathedral
A historic cathedral in the city of Lichfield, a civil parish 16 miles (25.7 kilometres) from Birmingham, Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval English cathedral that has three spires. These three spires are often referred to as “Ladies of the Vale”. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Chad and Saint Mary. The origins of the cathedral date back to the 7th century, with the movement of the seat of the diocese of Bishop Chad to Lichfield.
Lichfield Cathedral
Address: The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD, United Kingdom
Website: Lichfield Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 6:15pm; Sat: 8:30am - 6:15pm; Sun: 7:30am - 6:30pm
8. Go mountain biking in Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase, also referred to as Chase, is an ideal spot for those seeking to add an extra bit of outdoor thrill to their Staffordshire vacation. An expansive countryside area, the region is dotted with deciduous woodlands, small lakes, coniferous plantations, and open heathlands. Besides its natural beauty, Chase is quite popular for its mountain bike trails. These range from family-friendly green trails to extreme black trails.
Cannock Chase
Website: Cannock Chase
9. Learn about the history of pottery at Gladstone Pottery Museum
Aside from being famous for Trentham Monkey Forest, the city of Stoke-on-Trent is home to England’s pottery industry. This distinction has earned the region the moniker, the “Potteries,” with residents being known as “Potters.” Naturally, attractions related to the pottery industry are a common sight in the region. One such attraction is Gladstone Pottery Museum, a coal-fired working museum. The building consists of biscuit ovens, glost ovens, enamel kilns, compound steam engine, and muffle kilns. A visit to the museum allows patrons to experience the myriad facets of pottery, explore the kilns, and view the ancillary rooms, such as a slip room, an engine house, and a saggar-making workshop.
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Address: Uttoxeter Rd, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ, United Kingdom
Website: Gladstone Pottery Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10.75 USD (7.75 GBP)
10. Create your own pottery masterpiece at World of Wedgewood
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another unique tourist spot in Stoke-on-Trent is World of Wedgwood. Ideal for exploring the rich British design and industrial heritage, World of Wedgwood features multiple attractions. These attractions include a factory tour, a Wedgwood store and factory outlet, shopping options, a contemporary tea room, and a UNESCO-recognised V&A collection. Patrons have the unique opportunity to create some pottery of their own. The clay studio allows guests to get behind the potter’s wheel and make a pot or two. It also allows them to create their unique Wedgwood designs.
World of Wedgewood
Address: Wedgwood Dr, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9ER, United Kingdom
Website: World of Wedgewood
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 17.34 USD (12.50 GBP) (Factory tour)
Explore Staffordshire, a historic county
Staffordshire is a historic county that has something to offer any kind of traveler. Do check out these top activities to do in the region while planning your vacation.
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