Staffordshire is a vision of quaint villages, sun-dappled woodlands and rolling farmland. The county is nestled in the heart of the West Midlands and combines history, culture and family-friendly attractions. Step back in time at stately homes, stretch your legs in the countryside and ride stomach-flipping roller coasters at the iconic British amusement park, Alton Towers.
Things to do in Staffordshire
Bustling Stoke-on-Trent is the largest settlement in Staffordshire. Nicknamed “The Potteries” by locals, the city has a proud history of ceramics. The Emma Bridgewater Factory is set on the banks of the Caldon Canal and offers fun-filled pottery painting workshops. After creating your own masterpiece, head to the garden café for a light lunch.
Alton Towers sprawls across more than 200 hectares and is one of England’s most iconic theme parks. There’s something for everyone at this family-friendly park, from white-knuckle roller coasters to colourful carousels. The legendary Wicker Man wooden roller coaster is one of the park’s most famous rides and hits speeds of more than 70 kilometres per hour. The Smiler coaster will flip your stomach with 14 loops.
Set in more than 400 hectares of parkland, Weston Park is one of Staffordshire’s most beautiful stately homes. The 17th-century mansion welcomes you with a handsome red-brick facade built in the Georgian style. Stroll around the rose-filled Formal Gardens, admire contemporary art at The Granary Gallery and enjoy tea and scones at the café. The Woodland Adventure Playground will delight younger kids.
From leisurely strolls to challenging day hikes, Staffordshire offers some of the best walks in the West Midlands. Cannock Chase is popular with families and protects a unique landscape of forest, heathland and farmland. The 66-kilometre-long Millennium Way meanders through the countryside and takes you past chocolate-box towns and villages. Be sure to stop for a pub lunch along the way.
Getting around Staffordshire
Staffordshire is well connected by road, rail and bus links. Stoke-on-Trent is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, with plenty of street parking for cars. Trains run between Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham in under one hour while rental cars offer the freedom to explore Staffordshire at your own pace. Birmingham Airport is a one-hour drive away.