Best Family-Friendly Historic Sites in Staffordshire

Staffordshire boasts an abundance of historic sites that make for the ideal day trip for history enthusiasts and their families, from an amazing Norman castle to a heritage steam railway. There’s so much excitement packed into just one county!

Discover Hever Castle with its ivy-clad walls, get lost in one of Kent’s many mazes or let the kids burn off some energy at Carding Mill Valley Adventure Playground!

1. Stafford Castle

Stafford Castle has long been a symbol of Staffordshire. Constructed soon after the Norman invasion in 1066 by Robert de Toeni (also known as Lord Stafford), its purpose was to protect Robert’s lands from local Saxon rebels while also maintaining control over land, people, and tax collection.

Tower and Bailey: over time Lord Stafford and his family added these features as their fortunes changed. However, during the Wars of Roses Henry Tudor met Lord Stanley here to form an alliance against Richard III that ultimately resulted in his demise at Bosworth Battleground thereby safeguarding Tudor dynasty’s continuation.

Today Stafford Castle is open to visitors and in the process of being restored by Stafford County Council who have also created a heritage trail around it to demonstrate its importance and provide visitors with information boards showing life during medieval times at this historic site.

At Stafford Castle there are plenty of family-friendly activities, from visiting the medieval herb garden and exploring the keep, to picnicking at its grounds or visiting its cafe – there’s even a gift shop and cafe on site. A five mile walking trail starts here too with bird hides and children’s play area nearby at Shugborough Hall where staff in period costume offer information about its rich history as well as an authentic Victorian kitchen containing rare breeds farm.

2. Mow Cop Castle

Staffordshire is famous for its ceramics, with Stoke-on-Trent becoming home to world-renowned artisans such as Spode and Royal Doulton producing outstanding work. However, there are plenty of stately homes, medieval castles, ancient Roman sites, and an impressive military museum to discover as well.

Mow Cop Castle sits atop a scenic cliff edge in Staffordshire and boasts panoramic views of its rolling moorlands for miles around. Although its current motte and bailey castle was constructed during the mid 18th Century by Randle Wilbraham of Rode Hall, its history dates back centuries with archaeological digs uncovering remnants of prehistoric camps near Mow Cop. Furthermore, this area was known for quarrying millstone grit for local potteries.

Early 1800’s this area became home to Primitive Methodist camp meetings inspired by those held in America. The castle served as the meeting place, with an engraved stone commemorating this significant movement. On this walk you can discover why this landmark holds such significance, along with seeing its remnants and landmarks such as Old Man o’Mow in its landscape setting.

The castle can be visited for free and offers a two hour stay limit car park on site, as well as a footpath that leads directly into its core – making this an excellent way to experience both its ruins and breathtaking vistas from atop of the hill!

3. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

Stoke-on-Trent Museum boasts an abundance of offerings for all members of the family. This museum houses collections including Staffordshire ceramics, fine and decorative arts, costume, local history archaeology and natural science collections that will keep everyone busy for hours!

The museum features many interactive and hands-on exhibits for young visitors to enjoy, many of them suitable for younger kids. You’ll find everything from an array of frog mugs and cow creamer jugs to displays featuring industrial themes to keep young visitors busy at this museum.

Staffordshire is known for its beautiful stately homes that are open to the public. The National Trust holds several properties here, such as Shugborough Hall with its stunning Rococo gardens.

Churnet Valley Railway provides another exciting day trip for families: located near Leek and offering a wonderful steam train ride through Staffordshire’s countryside, passing over some of its iconic bridges which were once bloodiest battleground of the Wars of Roses (over 3,000 men died here!).

The Wall Roman Site in Staffordshire is another captivating historical location worth visiting, housing what remains of a Roman military staging post along the Wall Roman Road used by troops heading north toward Wales. A large area has been restored, providing plenty for visitors of all ages to do and see; kids will especially love feeding the ducks and exploring trails while picnic tables and cafes make for convenient outings with your dog!

4. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum chronicles 300 years of county regiment history from its formation in 1705 up until today – including 13 men who received Victoria Crosses. Its exhibits span from its initial days until today.

Shugborough Hall was once home to the bishops of Lichfield and is considered one of England’s finest Georgian country houses, boasting an outstanding Rococo garden featuring ornamental lakes, bridges and monuments.

As another way of experiencing Staffordshire, steam railway is an enjoyable and unique way to see its landscapes. The Churnet Valley Railway line travels 10 1/2 miles through the Staffordshire Moorlands between Kingsley, Froghall, Consall, Cheddleton – perfect for families looking for something active to do together with kids!

Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire offers other family-friendly historic sites. Situated within an 86-acre woodland, the spectacular Hall features seasonal trails and natural play as well as pampering spa and pool services for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Are you in Staffordshire looking for ideas of where and what to do? Check out this site, which lists all of the best attractions. It’s free and great way to see what there is available nearby, with most attractions free or costing no more than PS30 per family of four entry. Plus, each attraction on this list has been reviewed by other visitors to ensure you receive value and quality for your money!

5. Ilam Church

Ilam is always a delight, with its alpine cottages and church overlooking the valley providing an idyllic place to spend some time. Ilam church features stunning Saxon crosses, Norman font and Saint Betram’s Shrine in addition to an imposing memorial carving by Chantrey of Watts himself.

It is an exquisite example of an Anglo Saxon cross, likely used for preaching purposes during its use during its period in Staffordshire. Carved carvings on its south side depict Christ and Adam being led out of Hell; its design could have been inspired by Mercian mystery plays and this piece stands as one of a few remaining survivors from that era in Staffordshire.

Church also houses an exquisite Norman font with panels depicting events from St Betram’s life. Set against a picturesque parkland setting near Ilam Hall with its Italianate gardens nearby, Ilam Church makes for an idyllic and relaxing day trip in Staffordshire.

There are also several National Trust properties nearby, including Biddulph Grange Garden and Shugborough Estate with Southdown sheep and longhorn cattle. Biddulph Grange offers beautiful historic garden with lots of activities for children such as an edible woodland, rose walk and quarry with waterfall.

With so many wonderful places to see, bringing along a picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy nature. Take family walks or safe off-road cycling routes for exercise; or find an adventure playground just waiting for your children!