Introduction and Overview
The Staffordshire Travel Guide examines the local attractions and places of interest for visitors and offers useful tourist information. The area guide includes travel information on local events, entertainment, nightlife and accommodation giving an insight in to the county.
Staffordshire is located in the West Midlands is synonymous with pottery with its long history and Stoke-on-Trent is the favoured destination for lovers of fine and collectible porcelain, and the major pottery firms have visitor centres and factory outlets in the area.
There is some great scenic countryside here, as well as a number of attractive towns to explore and Alton Towers, one of the most popular attractions in the UK.
There are a range of historical and contemporary attractions to enjoy in Staffordshire. Stoke-on-Trent is a unique UK city that is made up of six separate towns, namely Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton, these are known as 'The Potteries'.
The City now has acclaimed Visitor Centres at both Spode and Wedgwood, offering factory tours, craft demonstrations, museum collections and various shopping opportunities. Other factories also offer factory tours and be sure to look at one of the City's ceramic museums.
Lichfield has great appeal, during the medieval period this market town was a centre of trade and religious activity. The town has Lichfield Cathedral, and the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, as a tribute to the literary critic and dictionary author, who was born here in the 18th century.
The market town of Uttoxter is an ancient town, the town received a charter from Henry III and the Old Talbot pub in the Market Place dates back to this time. There is a kiosk in the market, as a memorial to Doctor Samuel Johnson. The town is also famous for its scenic racecourse that stages a number of races throughout the year.
Leek is a pretty town set in the most attractive countryside, most of the town is over 600 feet above sea level and so offers great views of the surrounding landscapes and makes for a popular base for a walking holiday. The town has had a regular cattle market for a long time and shows its importance to local farming. It was during the industrial revolution Leek became a major producer of textiles.
Rudyard Lake is a popular place to visit, the lake has a pathway, that makes it ideal for walks and bike rides. There is a miniature railway, which runs along the walkway, the lake is a popular location for fun family days out and water based activities such as boating and kayaking are possible for enthusiasts.
Cannock is located to the south of Staffordshire, the town is home to traditional markets including the Cannock Market Hall and Prince of Wales markets that include a variety of stalls. The Cannock Shopping Centre is located in the heart of the town and includes a number of high street shops and independent retailers.
The town centre includes a range of cafes and bars and is where visitors will find the Artworx Gallery home to both traditional and modern art. The Museum of Cannock Chase is located a few miles from Cannock, the museum showcases the history of the Cannock Chase area.
Burton-upon-Trent is a town located to the east of Staffordshire and is well known for its brewing heritage that has been part of the town for centuries. Local attractions include the National Brewery Centre museum that outlines the town’s rich brewing history and showcases brewing techniques.
The town is home to the Grade I listed Saint Modwen Church that represents one of the finest examples of Palladian style Gothic architecture.
Other notable buildings include the Victorian Town Hall that is acknowledged for its Gothic architecture, whilst the Brewhouse Arts Centre is an arts venue that includes a theatre, cinema, gallery and bistro.
Newcastle-under-Lyme is a market town located close to Stoke-on-Trent. The historic market in the town dates back to the 12th century and includes open air stalls with a general and antiques market. The New Vic Theatre is located close to the town centre and hosts a programme of classical and contemporary plays and concerts.
The Apedale Heritage Centre is located at Apedale Mine; visitors can take a tour of the underground mine to learn more about the mine and its local history with artefacts and displays in the museum.
The Borough Museum and Art Gallery is located in scenic parkland and includes art works by both local and national artists. The museum has a range of displays showcasing the civic history of the town.
Staffordshire is a county known for its association with pottery and the visitor attractions allow tourists to find out more about the association that has come to define its reputation. Whilst there are areas of lovely countryside here that give a tranquil rural feel for visitors there is plenty of excitement at Alton Towers where visitors are guaranteed an exhilarating time filled with excitement.
The county is characterised by some charming towns that make a pleasant visit, add the rich diverse history of the area making it a place of interest for tourists.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
