What to do in Staffordshire
Staffordshire is another county we have spent a lot of time in growing up as it neighbours our home county in the midlands.
Tittesworth Reservoir
Situated near to Leek, on the edge of the spectacular Peak District National Park, Tittesworth offers plenty of activities for those who enjoy the great outdoors, as well as walking you can partake in water sports and fishing.
The car park at the Visitor Centre is charged at £3 for up to 2 hours or £5 for the whole day.
Shugborough Estate
A rich blend of landscape, monuments, gardens and architecture, shaped by exploration and global encounters. Dogs are welcome in Park Farm Café and all outdoor areas of the estate, including the Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds. Shugborough is also putting on an illumination display this winter!
Entry to Shugborough is £13 for adults and £6.50 for childrens. Free entry for National Trust members.
Biddulph Grange Gardens
This amazing Victorian garden was created by James Bateman for his collection of plants from around the world. A visit takes you on a global journey from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China, and a re-creation of a Himalayan glen.
To enter the gardens adults are charged £11 and children £5.50. Entry is free to anyone with a National Trust membership.
Trentham Gardens
Whether you’re looking for a garden with peace and tranquility, or fun and action you will find it all here at Trentham Gardens. There is a large aray of things to do at Trentham Gardens, theres lots of garden variety, a maze, and Phoebe’s favourite thing as a child the barefoot walk. And the best thing yet, dogs are welcome here.
Trentham Gardens entrance fees start at £9 for children over 5 and £12.50 for adults. They also offer a family ticket which covers two adults and two children for £37.
Monkey Forest
Walk amongst monkeys and enjoy a unique day out for all the family. Monkey Forest is home to 140 free-ranging Barbary macaques. Visitors walk along the 3/4 of a mile pathway. Walk, watch and be AMAZED as the endangered monkeys live as they would in the wild.
Adult entry to the Monkey Forest is £9.90 and child entry is £7.65.
Peak Wildlife Park
Set on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak District; Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience. Its large walk through exhibits allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!), the park has something for you.
National Memorial Arboretum
The Arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 25,000 trees and a large collection of nearly 400 memorials. The 150-acre site is a living, growing tribute to those who have served and continue to serve the country.
We visited the National Memorial Arboretum at Christmas, they hold a light festival through the festive period. Normally entrance to the arboretum is free but this event is charged and very popular, you need to book well in advance.
Cannock Chase Forest
From a gentle stroll around the Ladyhill Trail with lots to see and do, to a longer walk around the picturesque Fairoak there's a great day out for everyone. And if you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump in to Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson's classic story. We spent around 40 minutes wondering around, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
Parking starts at £3 for one hour, £5 for two hours or £8 all day.
Alton Towers
With over 40 rides and attractions at the UK’s biggest Theme Park there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Phoebe gets travel sick on rides so doesn’t go on many but still enjoys her time. Chris however has always gone on anything.
Hawksmoor
In the beautiful Churnet valley sits Hawksmoor. The ancient woodland is an excellent place to spot green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens. The wild flowers and archaeology of Gibriddingt Wood are so special that they have attracted artists and photographers for many years. We really didn’t spend long enough exploring here, parking is free.
