Summary
Travelling from the south to the north of Staffordshire, it becomes apparent that you are transitioning from the Midlands to the North of England.
The scenery evolves from lush dairy pastures to the rugged sandstone moors of the Peak District.
Staffordshire’s cities, Stoke and Lichfield, contrast sharply: Stoke is earthy and industrial, boasting a well-earned reputation for craftsmanship, while Lichfield is steeped in history and culture, recognized as the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.
For families with teenagers, the theme parks at Alton Towers and Drayton Manor rank among Britain’s most beloved destinations, while ale enthusiasts can appreciate the generations of brewing expertise in Burton and Stone.
Let us explore the best places to visit in Staffordshire:
1. Lichfield
One could argue that Lichfield is among England’s most picturesque towns.
The town showcases numerous streets adorned with magnificent 18th-century architecture and the stunning Lichfield Cathedral, constructed in the 13th century and notably the only medieval cathedral to feature three spires.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Lichfield is intellectually rich, with ties to two of 18th-century Britain’s literary titans.
The esteemed writer Samuel Johnson was born here in 1709 and is regarded as one of Britain’s most significant literary figures.
Johnson’s birthplace has been maintained as a museum, while the residence of the polymath Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin) has been transformed into a captivating museum, situated in an exquisite property.
2. Stoke-on-Trent
In stark contrast to Lichfield, Stoke, located in the northern region of the county, has a robust character that has its own appeal for those who appreciate its unique vibe.
Stoke is, in fact, a consortium of six distinct but neighboring towns, and its long-standing reputation is primarily tied to the pottery industry.
This legacy has diminished since the Second World War; however, prestigious brands like Royal Doulton and Wedgwood continue to operate here.
The Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton serves as an operational traditional pottery with iconic bottle kilns, which once dotted the landscape.
Enhance your understanding at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, which features stunning displays of local ceramics and houses part of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork ever unearthed.
3. Stafford
The county town, while modest in scale, is charmingly filled with historic architecture and is in close proximity to elegant country estates like Shugborough Estate and Sandon Hall.
Situated along the pedestrian-friendly Greengate Street, Stafford’s principal shopping thoroughfare, one can admire the Ancient High House.
This remarkable four-storey cantilevered structure dates back to 1594, and the carpenters’ marks etched into the woodwork suggest that it was once part of an even older building.
Notably, Charles I resided at this property in 1643, shortly after the onset of the Civil War.
A siege occurred at Stafford Castle during this conflict, and once it was captured by Parliamentarian forces, it was demolished.
4. Tamworth
Staffordshire’s second-largest town has a rich history, previously serving as the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, which dominated a significant portion of central England in the 8th century.
The majestic Tamworth Castle, situated above the junction of the Anker and Tame rivers, boasts Anglo-Saxon origins and was enhanced by the Mercian Queen Æthelflæd before it was reconstructed by the Normans.
Today, it stands as one of the most well-preserved original motte and bailey castles in England.
The old town of Tamworth is filled with charming period properties, many of which house independent retail establishments.
5. Peak District
Staffordshire comprises the southwestern section of this National Park, identified as the Staffordshire Moorlands.
The region features numerous stunning locations to visit and offers an abundance of footpaths, bridleways, and cycling routes meandering through the expansive moors.
Rudyard Lake, an 18th-century water reservoir created to supply the Caldon Canal, was transformed into a leisure resort by the Victorians and continues to attract visitors with its wooded hillsides and miniature steam railway. The renowned writer Rudyard Kipling, whose family often frequented the area, was named after Rudyard Lake.
6. Leek
As the final town in Staffordshire before the Peak District, Leek is a welcoming destination for tourists, particularly those enticed by the combination of lush countryside and wild moorland surrounding it.
The town has a historical significance as a former centre for the silk and textiles industries.
These industries provided Leek with numerous elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, especially noticeable in the Market Place, which invites leisurely exploration.
The grand old Nicholson Institute stands as Leek’s most prominent structure, housing a museum that exhibits an array of embroideries that made the town renowned in the 19th century.
For thrilling rocky landscapes, visitors can explore the Roaches, a sandstone ridge above Tittesworth Reservoir, and the Manifold Way, a path tracing an old railway line alongside limestone formations.
7. Cheadle
Cheadle, a coal town for centuries, transitioned to high-tech manufacturing in the 1990s, yet the scenic town centre remains untouched by industry.
The focal point of Cheadle is St Giles’ Catholic Church, a prime example of 19th-century Gothic revival architecture.
Designed by Augustus Pugin, who was also responsible for the architectural details of London’s Houses of Parliament, this building reflects a level of coherence that is rare.
Positioned on the edge of the Peak District, Cheadle is surrounded by excellent walking trails, and the old Foxfield Steam Railway runs through the area, providing a charming way to experience northeastern Staffordshire’s countryside.
8. Burton upon Trent
Beginning in the 1700s, Burton’s strategic position on the navigable Trent River and England’s expanding canal network catalyzed its rise as one of Europe’s prominent brewing towns.
Burton’s ales gained popularity and were distributed throughout the country and exported to the Baltic states.
The National Brewery Centre, located within the historic brewery of Bass ale, offers captivating insights into the evolution of beer production in this region of England.
Visitors can also see stables housing shire horses, renowned for their ‘feathered legs’ and originally bred to transport barrels of ale.
On the northern side of the town stands a rather unique attraction: a meticulously restored Victorian public utility.
The Claymills Pumping Station, which once cleared sewage using four large beam pumping engines, is accessible for exploration.
9. Newcastle-under-Lyme
Newcastle has hosted a market since 1173, and it thrives in the 21st century.
This bustling market scene is vital to the town’s character, with the high street market operating six days a week.
Notably, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are ideal days to visit, as the general market features a range of goods, including cheese, meat, fruit, vegetables, and delectable hot food options such as freshly baked pies.
Expansive green spaces surround the town, which has received accolades from the Britain in Bloom initiative for its flourishing parks and floral roundabouts.
Drama enthusiasts might take interest in the New Vic Theatre, recognized as the first purpose-built Theatre in the Round (a stage entirely circled by seating) upon its inauguration in 1986.
10. Trentham
Situated on the southern outskirts of Stoke, the village of Trentham is famed for the Trentham Estate, which was historically home to a magnificent hall until its demolition in the 20th century.
Nonetheless, the clock tower, church, and sculpture gallery remain, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the estate.
The Italianate gardens, which adjoin the River Trent, are equally impressive, featuring formal lawns, stone vases, and balustrades.
Moreover, the Trentham Monkey Forest is a popular attraction, showcasing around 140 Barbary macaques living semi-freely among the trees.
11. Barlaston
Founded in 1759, Wedgwood is arguably the most esteemed name in English ceramics, specializing in porcelain and fine china.
The Wedgwood Estate spans nearly 100 hectares, offering an immersive experience for those passionate about decorative arts.
Visitors receive guided tours of the factory, witnessing traditional craftsmanship while learning about the rich history of the Wedgwood family at the on-site museum.
The estate also features a factory shop offering discounted prices, along with tea rooms serving refreshments in Wedgwood china.
A short drive away lies Barlaston Golf Club, renowned as one of the top courses in the county, nestled along the banks of the River Trent.
12. Stone
Similar to Burton, the town of Stone has a brewing heritage dating back to the 1700s.
Two major breweries in the area capitalized on the exceptional water quality of Stone’s springs and utilized the Trent & Mersey Canal for distribution.
While the original breweries have ceased operations, the architectural vestige of Joule’s Brewery along the canal remains notable, attracting narrowboat holidaymakers.
The craft beer movement has revitalized the brewing scene in Stone, with the new Lymestone Brewery eager to demonstrate their brewing techniques, utilizing the former facilities of Bents, one of Stone’s past breweries.
13. Haughton
Annually, a competition is held across the county to determine Staffordshire’s “best-kept” village, with Haughton claiming victory in both 2015 and 2016.
This spirit of community pride is evident, particularly during Christmas when residents illuminate their homes with elaborate light displays for charitable fundraising.
The surrounding countryside consists of dairy pastures lined with hedgerows.
The Red Lion Farm produces ice cream made with milk sourced from its local Jersey cattle herd.
Moreover, children can interact with the farm’s cows, goats, horses, and alpacas, while enjoying a meal in the restaurant featuring a menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
14. Uttoxeter
Located in the eastern part of the county, Uttoxeter is a market town nestled alongside the River Dove, surrounded by a lush, green landscape.
The meadows by the river are notably verdant, and a jaunt through the local countryside will reveal the significance of dairy farming to Uttoxeter’s economy.
One notable individual hailing from here is Joseph Cyril Bamford, whose initials are synonymous with the JCB construction machinery company, recognized for their excavators and established shortly after the Second World War.
The JCB factory in Rocester, near Uttoxeter, offers insightful tours.
For visitors in March, the Midlands Grand National steeplechase takes place at Uttoxeter Racecourse, marking it as one of the year’s standout events.
15. Alton
Nestled in hilly north Staffordshire, Alton features quaint old sandstone cottages lining a few gentle slopes, concealing a massive attraction right nearby.
Alton Towers is located on the grounds of the historical residence of the Earls of Shrewsbury and occupies the site of the former copperworks.
While typically regarded as one of Europe’s top ten theme parks by attendance, it faced a notable incident in 2015. Nevertheless, those undeterred can take advantage of generally shorter queues for an extensive range of water rides, roller coasters, themed performances, and an indoor water park, for the foreseeable future!
