Alton Towers | Cannock Chase | Chillington Hall | Drayton Manor | Eccleshall Castle | Izaak Walton's Cottage | Moseley Old Hall | Shugborough Hall | Tutbury Castle | Wightwick Manor
This
19th-c neo-Gothic mansion was home to the Earls of
Shrewsbury, and was once the largest private house
in Europe. Today it is renowned for its contemporary
theme park and landscaped gardens, which attract over
2 million visitors every year. The theme park is a
Disneyland style fun and fantasy world for visitors
of all ages, filled with fairground attractions and
many white knuckle rides such as log flumes, corkscrews,
roller-coasters and other dramatic attractions with
varying degrees of terror! There are also gentler rides
for younger children, cinema shows, a cable car and
a boating lake with swan boats. A daily parade runs
from the main house with a host of decorated floats
and colourful characters. The parks extensive gardens
were landscaped by Capability Brown.
Opening times: open daily. Admission Charge
Location: Staffordshire, ST10 4DB - Tel: 08705
204060 - Website
Book Tickets Online: Attractiontix
An area of outstanding natural beauty and a haven for foxes, badgers, red squirrels, wild deer, grouse and green woodpeckers. This vast wooded area, with around 30,000 acres of wild parkland, was once the hunting ground of royalty.
The
house has been the home of the Giffard family since
the 12th-c. The hall was rebuilt during the 15th-c
in Georgian style. Historical tours and regular events
from April to August. The seasonal guided garden walks
are excellent, see website for details.
Location: Port Lane, Brewood, Wolverhampton WV8 1RE
Tel: 01902 850236
Website: chillingtonhall.co.uk
Image Credit: Mick
Malpass (CC2)
Drayton Manor Park is the perfect choice for a family day out, with some of Europe’s biggest, scariest and wettest rides and attractions, including:
As well as thrill rides and coasters, there’s also plenty for the little ones to enjoy, like the 4D Cinema featuring exciting kids shows with some very special effects! A highlight of any trip to Drayton Manor is a visit to Thomas Land, with 12 themed rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and even the chance to visit the Original “Thomas & Friends” TV show set!
Drayton Manor Zoo is perfect for taking some time out from the rides, and is home to over 100 species from around the world, including some endangered species.
Drayton Manor has everything you need for a fun-filled family day out, with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a museum and much more!
Book Tickets Online with AttractiontixOpening times: daily from 10am between 30th March to 29th October - Admission Charge
Location: Drayton Manor Drive Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW
Tel: 01827 287979
Website: draytonmanor.co.uk
The ruins of this 13th-c castle include an unusual nine-sided tower. The house is not open to the public but the magnificent gardens are opened now and again to raise funds for local charities.
Izaak Walton the author of the 'The Compleat Angler' (first published 1653), was the son of a Staffordshire inn keeper, and was born in Eastgate Street, Stafford circa 1593. The small timber-framed, wattle and daub, thatched cottage is indicative of 16th century cottages in this area. The cottage contains a small museum dedicated to Walton's life and works. There is also a small library containing historic works relating to angling, including a first edition of 'The Compleat Angler'.
Opening times: May~Aug: Sundays 1pm to 5pm. Admission Free
Location: Shallowford, ST15 0PA
Tel: 01785 760278
Image Credit: Mick Malpass (CC2)
An
modest Elizabethan house where King Charles was sheltered
in 1651, following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.
Set in lovely traditional old gardens. Run by National
Trust
Location: Featherstone, Wolverhampton WV10 7HY
Tel: 01902 782808
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Image Credit: © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Located
5 miles southeast of the county town of Stafford, The
white, colonnaded Shugborough Hall is a neo-classical
mansion built around 1693. It later became the ancestral
home of the Earls of Lichfield.
The house is currently open to the public and hosts the Staffordshire County Museum, devoted to arts and crafts, with heritage industry, agriculture and textile exhibits. It also contains outstanding collections of porcelain, silver, glass, furniture and fine art paintings.
The grounds and gardens contain many flamboyant follies such as a Triumphal Arch, exotic Chinese house and a Doric temple. There is also a County Museum and a rare breeds farm with a working corn mill. Run by National Trust.
Location: Great Haywood, Milford ST17
0XB - Tel: 0845 459 8900
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Image Credit: © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
A magnificent Norman motte and bailey castle built on a mound raised in 913 by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great. It was once the home of Staffordshire's royal elite. It is said to be haunted by two lady ghosts. A great family day out with puzzles, quizzes, dressing-up in period costume and brass rubbing, ideal for teaching children (and adults) about English history. Special events are provided throughout the year.
Location: Holloway, Ladybank, Tamworth B79 7NA
Tel: 01827 709626
Website: tamworthcastle.co.uk
Set high
on a steep escarpment, the castle ruins date from the
12th-c. Mary Queen of Scots was twice imprisoned
in its towers. Open all year round for ticketed events and private functions.
Location: Castle St, Burton upon Trent, Tutbury DE13 9JF
Tel: 01283 812129
Website: tutburycastle.com
Image Credit: Simon
Johnson (CC2)
This fine half-timbered manor house, built between 1887 and 1893, houses a collection of drawings by Burne Jones, watercolours by Ruskin and wallpapers and fabrics by William Morris. Run by National Trust
Location: Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton WV6 8BN
Tel: 01902 761400
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Image Credit: © National Trust/Robert Morris
Cannock, Lichfield, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Walsall, Wolverhampton
Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.