The Best Staffordshire Villages

Shenstone Village in Staffordshire is currently reveling in being recognized by The Telegraph as its premier village, boasting three pubs within its village center as well as numerous independent businesses.

Stafford is home to numerous historic structures. Shugborough Estate and Sandon Hall offer luxurious country estates just a short drive away.

Longnor

Longnor, or Longenalre as recorded in the Domesday Book, is an idyllic village situated high on a ridge over looking the valleys of Dove and Manifold rivers. Once an important market center for its area, Longnor still has an active cobbled marketplace and Victorian market hall which now functions as a craft centre / cafe shop with long-forgotten toll charges nailed to its doors as reminders.

St Bartholomew Church dates from the Middle Ages but was rebuilt in the 1870s to its current austere style with an imposing square tower featuring eight pinnacles atop an austere facade. Additionally, its graveyard contains interesting burial plots including one for an individual who served under Marlborough for 110 years!

Longnor is home to several traditional pubs, such as Ye Old Cheshire Cheese which once operated as a cheese store and The Horseshoe Inn. Longnor has become popular among walkers because of its scenic countryside surroundings; Blakemere Pond provides stunning views across the Peak District from where one can walk nearby.

Peak Practice made the village famous and attracted numerous visitors, but unfortunately affordable housing remains scarce; one resident told me his daughter cannot move back from London as cottages cost too much to relocate back home.

Ilam

Ilam is a picturesque Staffordshire Peak District village nestled along the River Manifold and limestone hills, adjacent to Dovedale – an immensely popular beauty spot known for its river, waterfalls, and towering limestone cliffs. Visitors are also welcome at Ilam Hall estate house and grounds – which features neo-Gothic architectural elements reminiscent of classical European styles.

Alpine-style cottages in the village date back to 1820s when Jesse Watts-Russell, an industrialist and owner of nearby Trentham Gardens, purchased the estate. He wanted to recreate the Alpine feel, so had a number of cottages constructed in Swiss style as part of his plan – he even established and founded a village school!

At present, Ilam Village boasts many picturesque pubs and restaurants, such as The Manifold Tea Room located within Ilam Park Stables – a popular place for lunch and drinks with hot and cold food served daily, grab-and-go snacks available and dogs on leashes welcome as customers.

Ilam is home to more than just pubs and restaurants; it boasts several interesting sites as well. Ilam boasts an ancient church dating back to Saxon times; however, major restoration work during the 17th and 19th Centuries altered much of what remains. Ilam’s churchyard features notable attractions like its carved Saxon font and two stone cross shafts as well as being the location for Staffordshire Moorlands Pan; an attractive 2nd-century bronze trulla covered with vitreous enamel adornment!

Haughton

Haughton is a small town situated in Bossier Parish, Louisiana and situated near the northwest corner of Shreveport-Bossier City’s metropolitan area. Home to 3453 inhabitants, it is governed by Kim Gaspard as mayor; central departments include police, fire, and public works services as well as agricultural practices that thrive here. Haughton remains predominantly agricultural but more businesses have expressed an interest in moving there in recent years.

Haughton derives its name from two Old English terms – “huau,” which refers to a corner or Dale; and the Old French term, “tun,” which denotes settlement. Haughton boasts an interesting history, culture and heritage.

Haughton is also home to several notable people and places. Haughton Manor, its oldest house and Grade II listed building is home to both a church with several historic headstones in its churchyard as well as an 1841 school built adjacently.

Staffordshire Villages offer rich histories and charming atmospheres. Church monuments display medieval effigies and inscriptions. Notable families such as that of famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus call the village home, along with strong senses of community that strive to maintain rural family-like environments. Furthermore, low crime rates and outstanding schools make the village an excellent location to raise children; local schools even provide programs specifically targeted toward these young learners.

Barston Lane

Barston Lane, situated in Staffordshire county, is an affluent village boasting an average house price of PS1.1 Million. Boasting stunning scenery and an ideal location, Barston Lane has quickly become a highly desired place to reside.

The village was given its name by the Saxons, believed to come from Anglo-Saxon words beornstan (fort or manor) and stoun (“stone”). Situated along a natural boundary between Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire it once formed part of West Midlands conurbation before remaining rural over time due to these natural boundaries.

East Staffordshire is a bustling region full of exciting attractions and world-class sporting venues, from historic landmarks and charming villages, to miles of breathtaking walks and cycle routes. Additionally, East Staffordshire features numerous restaurants and bars serving locally sourced cuisine as well as beer.

East Staffordshire boasts a rich culture and heritage, from industrial history to a vibrant arts scene, museums and art galleries as well as parks. Home to numerous shopping outlets as well as llama trekking adventures and local culinary treats like Staffordshire Oatcakes (a traditional dish similar to Lancashire Hotpot stew) Lobb (another version of hotpot), it hosts many festivals and events year-round.

Hoar Cross

Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire’s National Forest offers more than just hotel and spa services; it is an elegant retreat that will leave you rejuvenated. Boasting 104 luxurious bedrooms, an award-winning subterranean spa (complete with 26 metre saltwater vitality pool with whizzy volcano and jet massage, as well as 40 treatment menu items from Clarins, Elemis Spa Find Jessica products etc), Hoar Cross Hall provides plenty of entertainment.

Hugo Meynell Ingram built his current building in 1871, and it still showcases some beautiful architectural details like corniced ceilings, wood panelling, 48 chimneys, mullioned windows and two water towers – it makes a peaceful environment in which to spend your nights.

At its heart lies an award-winning subterranean spa. Here you will find an award-winning 26 metre saltwater vitality pool complete with whizzing volcano and jet massage, plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool and Snooze Room designed to help reach “earth nirvana.” Additionally there is also a range of holistic therapies on offer here that may assist in reaching this state of peace.

Hoar Cross Restaurant makes dining out an enjoyable experience, offering delectable and innovative fare like Ham Hock and Smoked Chicken Terrine or Slow Braised Blade of Beef with Black Garlic Mushrooms and Asparagus; followed by mains such as Market Catch of the Day from Brixham; all prepared using locally-sourced ingredients.

Barton Under Needwood

Barton Under Needwood, situated in East Staffordshire district in Staffordshire, lies nearby both Burton upon Trent and Lichfield. This village is served by infant/junior schools and John Taylor High School – it also has several shops and pubs as well as open land managed as hay meadows to maintain views and habitats such as its large pond – while in 2002 a 46ha site was planted at its edge to recreate former Barton Park from visibility along the B5106 between Barton and Yoxall using broadleaved woodland and trees planted individually into individual crates to recreate its historical landscape.

“Barton Under Needwood” takes its name from its location on the edge of Needwood Forest, serving as one of its entranceways – perhaps having some influence in shaping how Saxons named this village.

St James’s Church is a Grade II* listed building and is open daily to visitors and families alike. Additionally, there is a Family Trail created specifically to assist families and visitors learn more about St James’s. This trail was funded through Heritage Lottery Fund grants – making this an excellent way to maximize your visit to Barton Under Needwood!