Staffordshire FAQ

Staffordshire attracts millions of visitors each year who often have similar questions about planning their trips. The county offers diverse attractions ranging from medieval cathedrals and Norman castles to theme parks and natural landscapes.

 

What are the top-rated historical sites to visit in Staffordshire?

Lichfield Cathedral stands as the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK. The cathedral dates back over 1,300 years and serves as the burial place of St Chad, an Anglo-Saxon missionary bishop. Visitors can view the Lichfield Gospels from 700 AD, the Lichfield Angel, and Herkenrode stained glass.

 

Stafford Castle represents one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in England. The site spans 26 acres and includes the Keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, and woodland areas. Recent restoration work has made the castle's 900-year history more accessible to visitors.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas contains over 400 memorials across 150 acres. The site honors military personnel, emergency services, and other groups who have served the country. New memorials are added each year to this place of national remembrance.

 

Can you recommend family-friendly attractions in Staffordshire?

Alton Towers Resort welcomed 2.3 million visitors in 2023. The theme park features popular rides like Wicker Man, Galactica, Nemesis, and Oblivion. The resort operates seasonally from mid-March to early November and hosts special events including Scarefest and Christmas celebrations.

 

Drayton Manor brings in over one million visitors annually. The park offers more than 50 rides across 113 hectares, plus a zoo with big cats and primates. Thomasland provides attractions themed around Thomas the Tank Engine for younger children.

 

Trentham Estate combines gardens, woodland, and the Monkey Forest in one location. The Monkey Forest houses 140 Barbary macaques that roam freely in their habitat. Visitors can watch feeding sessions and explore nature trails and picnic areas.

 

What are the best outdoor activities available in Staffordshire?

Cannock Chase Forest covers eight miles and serves as a designated National Landscape. The area includes mountain bike tracks, including the course used for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Go Ape offers aerial adventure courses, and the forest hosts the annual Forest Live concert series.

 

Chasewater Country Park features a 96-hectare reservoir and attracts 600,000 visitors yearly. The park provides facilities for watersports and hosts open water swimming events. Dog walkers use the extensive trails around the reservoir throughout the year.

 

Kinver Edge contains 600 acres managed by the National Trust. The site includes two Iron Age hillforts and walking trails through ancient woodland. Visitors can explore the landscape that was once part of the Mercian forest.

 

Are there any notable gardens or parks for visitors in Staffordshire?

Trentham Estate features award-winning gardens across 725 acres. The gardens combine formal plantings with natural woodland areas. The estate attracts 3.2 million visitors who come for the gardens, shopping village, and festivals.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum includes 25,000 trees in its 150-acre grounds. The evolving woodland landscape provides peaceful walking paths. Each season brings different colors and atmospheres to the memorial gardens.

 

Birches Valley in Cannock Chase offers managed forest walks. The valley provides easier walking routes than other parts of the Chase. Families use the area for picnics and gentle nature walks.

 

Where can I find the best examples of local Staffordshire culture and art?

Stoke-on-Trent is famous for its pottery heritage and ceramics industry. The city's museums and working potteries demonstrate traditional and modern pottery techniques. Visitors can see how Staffordshire pottery shaped British manufacturing history.

 

Lichfield Cathedral displays medieval art including wall paintings and stained glass. The cathedral hosts concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. The Cathedral Close provides a historic setting that shows medieval urban planning.

 

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands has drawn over 10 million visitors since opening in 2021. The outlet includes 65 designer brands and 10 dining options. While primarily a shopping destination, it represents modern Staffordshire commerce.

 

What unique museums or educational attractions does Staffordshire offer?

Kinver Edge Rock Houses show the last troglodyte dwellings occupied in England. Holy Austin rock houses were inhabited until the 1960s. The restored cave houses contain period furniture, stoves, and fixtures carved into sandstone.

 

Lichfield Cathedral houses the Lichfield Gospels and the Lichfield Angel. These artifacts date back over 1,300 years. The cathedral offers educational programs about Anglo-Saxon Christianity and medieval life.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum provides education about military history and national service. Over 400 memorials represent different branches of service and civilian organizations. Each memorial tells specific stories about sacrifice and service to the nation.