Staffordshire – Home to Historic Cities, Rolling Countryside and Back-To-Nature Excursions

Staffordshire is well connected via major roads. The M42 meets up in Tamworth while the M6 runs north to south through Staffordshire serving towns such as Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Lichfield and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Staffordshire’s picturesque towns provide charming shopping experiences, featuring high streets, markets and independent stores. You can also find national chains and convenience stores at its larger malls.

Shopping

Staffordshire (or ‘Staffs’) is home to historic cities, rolling countryside and back-to-nature excursions. Stoke-on-Trent is famous for its pottery industry; you can visit the Potteries Museum there to gain more knowledge on companies like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Emma Bridgewater. Lichfield Cathedral City boasts historic streets where medieval buildings await discovery; nearby the Peak District National Park provides scenic canal hikes as well as unique activities – perfect for any visit!

Staffordshire provides shoppers with ample and diverse shopping opportunities, from modern high-street shops and bargain factory stores to farmers and artisan markets where local produce and unique souvenirs abound. Furthermore, shoppers can explore Stoke-on-Trent’s famed ceramics at The Potteries with factory tours offering opportunities to buy end-of-line and exclusive pieces.

Visit Affinity Outlet Staffordshire for retail therapy – big brand names such as TK Maxx, Clarks and Debenhams can be found there alongside independent boutiques that sell designer fashion at reasonable prices. Beauty Outlet and Bonmarche provide up-to-the-moment products while Bonmarche helps empower women to look and feel fabulous!

Affinity is home to some iconic restaurant chains such as McDonald’s and Cafe Espresso/Nero which serve up delicious flame grilled burgers and fries in an unfussy environment. If you want a more luxurious dining experience, visit either these establishments where barista quality coffee and exquisite handmade savouries are served up in relaxed settings.

Staffordshire is a prime location for filming with several studios such as Shepperton, Pinewood and Shenstone located here. Spider-Man actor Tom Holland often brings his Staffy dog Tessa along to premieres and events where they appear together; moreover a TikTok clip of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier watching Frozen went viral recently; click here to witness this adorable moment! The majority of residents in Staffordshire reside in cities such as Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham and Wolverhampton while it offers excellent bus and rail links throughout its territory.

Nightlife

Trinity Street in Hanley once became so busy that police had to close it – with queues outside bars and promoters yelling their promotions. Nowadays however, Trinity Street seems much different, with many venues either closed down or sitting empty; although there remain clubs and independent bars as there is less need for students to go out as often.

Liquid has earned itself the reputation as the premier club in town with three floors catering to different music tastes – always providing something to get people dancing! Creation used to be better before they started admitting children as young as 10, though it remains an acceptable alternative as long as you enjoy cheesy tunes and can dance for at least an hour without experiencing headaches.

For an easier evening, Fluid or Tube are both popular bars popping up around town that feature popular tunes while offering affordable drinks – perfect for students looking to get in some rounds before hitting the clubs! And don’t forget those old timers that dance with you – surefire ways of having a laugh!

Outside of clubs and bars, there are also some quality restaurants and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat or simply relax. One such example is The Market Vaults where their delectable burgers and an extensive range of ales on tap make for an amazing dining experience.

Staffordshire is an ideal location for football fans, boasting two professional clubs (Stoke City and Port Vale), as well as England’s national stadium St George’s Park. Not just about sport though – Staffordshire boasts an abundance of museums dedicated to pottery and ceramics as well as green spaces ideal for leisurely strolls if sports isn’t your forte!

Outdoors

Staffordshire boasts an abundance of historical landmarks, verdant landscapes and unique activities for any taste or preference. From historic market towns like Lichfield and Uttoxeter to Stoke-on-Trent’s lively culture – with historic canal networks providing scenic backdrops for leisurely walks – while challenging terrain like Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District offer outdoor adventures such as hiking and mountain biking – an experience not to be missed in Staffordshire!

Explore Staffordshire’s heritage on a guided tour with one of its local history societies. The Staffordshire Museum & Art Gallery hosts an impressive collection of local and national artwork, while nearby Stafford Castle provides insight into its Norman origins.

Experience Staffordshire’s outdoor beauty by hiking Government Island, a 17-acre park boasting native plants and animals from throughout Staffordshire. Government Island also houses a historic site which supplied Aquia sandstone for some of Washington, DC’s most notable buildings.

Staffordshire theme parks provide ample opportunities for adrenaline junkies. From Drayton Manor’s Ben 10 Ultimate Mission rollercoaster to Shugborough Revisited exhibition, Staffordshire theme parks offer thrills galore for family visitors.

Explore Anglo Saxon history on an exciting tour that showcases some of the beautiful items from the Staffordshire Hoard at various sites throughout Staffordshire County – Shire Hall Gallery, Lichfield Cathedral and Tamworth Castle are among the venues for this remarkable event!

When looking to relax, the county’s parks and gardens provide ideal spaces to do just that. The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ at The Wolseley Centre is an excellent way to learn more about its wildlife inhabitants; while Biddulph Grange Garden boasts walking routes through Chinese garden, Italian garden, and Scottish Glen – offering visitors plenty of tranquil spaces in which to unwind.

Staffordshire’s 43 libraries provide an abundance of resources for exploring its outdoors. Local history books and maps are ideal for uncovering its heritage while walking guides and travel books help plan trips in advance.

Sport & Adventure

Staffordshire offers nature lovers an ideal setting, offering scenic walks, hiking and biking routes in Cannock Chase or through the Peak District. In towns throughout Staffordshire you will also find attractions and museums devoted to famous pottery brands like Spode, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton; Stoke-on-Trent’s Potteries Museum is another must visit spot!

Staffordshire is widely renowned as ‘The Creative County’ and features an impressive heritage and vibrant cultural life. You can enjoy admiring its medieval High House in Stafford, exploring its Castle Ruins or discovering historic working estates like Shugborough Hall.

Staffordshire offers thrill seekers some exciting attractions, with Alton Towers being one of the country’s premier theme parks attracting over 400,000 visitors each year and featuring rides, flumes and activities for all members of the family. You could also splash around in Waterworld indoor tropical water park; trek with Llamas through Barton-under-Needwood forest or climb Kilnworx climbing wall at Burslem!

Staffordshire was established as an industrial area during the 19th century and today its economy is based around manufacturing and services. Coors Brewery calls Staffordshire home while Burton-on-Trent is home to many health supplement and food manufacturing facilities like Marmite, GNC UK and Branston Pickle manufacturers.

Staffordshire boasts an abundance of sport and leisure facilities designed to meet community demand. Home to two national sports centers as well as several golf courses, Staffordshire County Cricket Club has produced notable international cricket players like Sydney Barnes and Bob Taylor from its ranks.

Staffordshire Council Leisure Centres provide an array of children’s active camps throughout the school holidays, from sports and crafts to creative arts. To find out more or book, click here. In May half term, Wolves Soccer Schools provide two-day sessions for children from reception through year 7. Click here for more information and booking.