Looking for the best things to do in Staffordshire? From unique attractions and budget-friendly activities to outdoor adventures, this guide has you covered.
Landlocked in the heart of England, Staffordshire is a county full of history, natural beauty, and exciting experiences. Explore the rolling hills of the Peak District, discover the iconic pottery heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, or enjoy a fun-filled day at one of its top attractions.
I grew up here, so I may be a little biased; but I truly believe Staffordshire is one of the friendliest and most underrated counties in the UK. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, there’s plenty to explore for all interests and budgets.
And if you’re in need of accommodation recommendations, do check out my guide to the best hotels in Staffordshire for a memorable stay.
1. Alton Towers
Click here for more information
Often, when people think of Staffordshire, Alton Towers Resort is the first thing that comes to mind. As one of the UK’s most famous theme parks, it offers an adrenaline-fueled experience with world-class roller coasters; immersive attractions; and entertainment for all ages.
Thrill-seekers can take on iconic rides like The Smiler, Nemesis Reborn, and Wicker Man; while families and younger visitors can enjoy CBeebies Land and gentler attractions. Beyond the theme park, the resort boasts a large water park with slides, lazy rivers, and interactive play areas; making it a great spot for year-round fun.
Alton Towers is more than just a day out; it hosts seasonal events that transform the park. Autumn brings Oktoberfest with Bavarian-themed entertainment; followed by the spine-chilling Scarefest, featuring haunted mazes and late-night rides. The spectacular Fireworks weekend in November offers an unforgettable finale to the season; while Christmas sees the park twinkling with festive lights, Santa’s grottos, and magical experiences for families.
With on-site hotels, themed accommodations and a waterpark, Alton Towers Resort is a must-visit destination, whether you’re chasing thrills or looking for a fun-filled family getaway.
2. Trentham Gardens
Click here for more information
Trentham Gardens is such a lovely day out in Staffordshire and offers so much to do, including scenic walks, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Set around a mile-long lake designed by Capability Brown, the gardens provide a stunning backdrop for a relaxing day out. Visitors can explore the immaculate Italian Gardens, woodlands, and floral displays that change with the seasons.
The shopping village features 80 timber lodges, home to independent boutiques, gift shops, and artisan retailers. The monthly Makers Market is a highlight, showcasing local crafts, food, and unique handmade products. For families, the outdoor adventure playground provides plenty of entertainment, with climbing structures, sandpits, and space to run and play.
Trentham Gardens is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets on leads throughout most areas. There are several cafés and restaurants on-site, offering everything from casual bites to indulgent treats, with the Crêpe and Waffle House being a popular choice.
Whether visiting for a peaceful walk, a shopping trip, or a day out with the family, Trentham Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Staffordshire, offering something for all ages and interests.
3. Trentham Monkey Forest
Click here for more information
Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique wildlife experience and the only place in the UK where you can walk among free-roaming Barbary macaques. Home to 140 monkeys, the 60-acre woodland provides a natural environment where visitors can observe these fascinating primates up close, with no cages or barriers separating them.
As you stroll along the woodland path, you’ll see the monkeys interacting, playing, and foraging just as they would in the wild. Informative talks take place throughout the day, offering insights into their behaviour, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting this endangered species.
The Monkey Forest is a family-friendly attraction, with a play area, picnic spots, and a café on-site. It’s an unforgettable experience for animal lovers of all ages, providing a rare opportunity to see these incredible creatures in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat.
4. National Trust properties
Click here for more information
Staffordshire is home to several impressive National Trust properties, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Biddulph Grange Garden is a beautifully landscaped Victorian garden, featuring exotic plants and themed sections inspired by countries around the world. Shugborough Estate, once home to the Earls of Lichfield, boasts a stunning Georgian mansion, expansive parkland, and working historic farms.
For history enthusiasts, Moseley Old Hall is a fascinating 17th-century house known for sheltering King Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Downs Banks offers a more natural setting, with open countryside and woodland trails ideal for walking and wildlife spotting.
A visit to these Staffordshire National Trust sites provides the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s heritage and enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
5. Market towns
Staffordshire is filled with charming market towns and villages, each with its own unique character, rich history, and plenty to explore. From historic landmarks to independent boutiques and cosy cafés, these destinations offer the perfect mix of culture, shopping, and great food.
Leek is a haven for antique lovers, with a thriving market scene and a strong arts and crafts heritage. Longnor, set in the heart of the Peak District, is a picturesque village surrounded by stunning countryside. Stone is known for its excellent food and drink scene, with a monthly farmers’ market and a selection of great pubs and restaurants.
Lichfield impresses visitors with its stunning cathedral and vibrant cultural scene, while Stafford combines history with modern shopping and dining. Burton-on-Trent, famous for its brewing heritage, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and those looking to explore scenic riverside walks.
6. Artisan markets
Staffordshire is home to a thriving artisan market scene, perfect for those who love unique, handcrafted goods and locally produced food and drink. These markets bring together talented independent makers, offering everything from handmade crafts and homeware to gourmet treats and vintage finds.
Trentham Estate’s Makers Market takes place on the third Saturday of the month, showcasing award-winning local producers in a vibrant outdoor setting. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls featuring artisan food, drinks, artwork, and handcrafted gifts.
Another must-visit is the Artisan Market at World of Wedgwood, held on the second Sunday of each month. This market features over 30 independent traders from across Staffordshire, offering high-quality handmade goods, ceramics, and specialty foods.
These markets are a great way to support local businesses while discovering unique products and enjoying a lively atmosphere in some of Staffordshire’s most scenic locations.
7. Throw a pot in Stoke-on-Trent
Trying your hand at pottery is a must when visiting Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics. With a rich pottery heritage, the city offers a variety of hands-on experiences, from decorating studios to traditional potter’s wheel sessions.
For those keen to try throwing a pot, World of Wedgwood offers a guided taster session at The Clay Studio for £32.50 per person. Participants will learn to shape a cylinder pot on the wheel, which is then fired and ready for collection 4–6 weeks later.
Another great option is LoveClay Ceramics Centre, which provides workshops for all skill levels. Their beginners’ workshop, priced at £30, includes a one-hour pot-throwing session with expert guidance. They also offer seasonal classes, including wreath-making at Christmas.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, these pottery experiences offer a fun and creative way to connect with Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic heritage.
8. Decorating studios
If you would rather decorate your ceramics rather than make them from scratch, there are plenty of studios to choose from, each offering a selection of pottery pieces to paint, from mugs and plates to decorative ornaments.
Most studios charge a small studio fee plus the cost of the pottery you select, with some also offering extras like cake or afternoon tea to enhance the experience.
Popular decorating studios in Staffordshire include:
- Amerton Paint a Pot Studio
- Emma Bridgewater Pottery Painting Studio
- Royal Stafford Ceramic Café
- World of Wedgwood Studio
9. Go Ape at Cannock Chase
Click here for more information
Cannock Chase is not only a fantastic destination for walking and cycling, but it’s also home to Go Ape Cannock, an outdoor adventure centre featuring exhilarating high ropes courses for both kids and adults. If you’ve never tried a high ropes course before, this is the perfect place to start.
Go Ape offers a variety of Treetop Adventure courses designed to suit different ages and abilities. From beginner-friendly routes to more challenging obstacles, each course takes you high into the treetops, where you’ll navigate rope bridges, swinging logs, and thrilling zip lines.
It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, build confidence, and push yourself both mentally and physically. Whether you’re taking on the course as a family, with friends, or even solo, Go Ape provides an unforgettable adventure that leaves you with a real sense of achievement by the time you reach the finish.
10. Wild swimming
READ OUR GUIDE: Wild swimming in Staffordshire
From peaceful lakes to scenic rivers, Staffordshire has some wonderful spots for a refreshing wild swim. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next favourite location, here are three of the best places to take a dip:
Whitmore Lakes is the most popular spot for open water swimming in Staffordshire. Located near Newcastle-under-Lyme, this privately owned venue offers well-managed swim sessions for all abilities, with clean, clear water and safety measures in place. Plus, there’s even a lakeside sauna to help you warm up after your swim.
Pillaton Hall Farm, near Penkridge, offers open water swimming in a friendly, countryside setting. Sessions are open to everyone, but you’ll need to register with NOWCA (National Open Water Coaching Association) beforehand. With great facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to give wild swimming a go.
For something a little more adventurous, head to Three Shires Head, right on the Staffordshire border. This iconic spot, where Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire meet, features beautiful waterfalls and clear pools, offering a truly memorable wild swim in a stunning, remote setting.
As always, stay safe when wild swimming: check local conditions, never swim alone, and be mindful of wildlife and other visitors.
11. SnowDome
Click here for more information
The SnowDome in Tamworth is the perfect destination for year-round winter fun, offering a real snow experience for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced skier or snowboarder, the SnowDome provides a great alternative to the mountains, right in the heart of Staffordshire.
The main slope is covered in real snow and is open for skiing, snowboarding, and lessons. There’s also a Snow Fun Park, where families can enjoy sledging, tubing, and playing in the snow. For those looking for something different, the ice rink offers public skating sessions, while the climbing walls and gym provide even more activities under one roof.
With a variety of sessions, including taster lessons and freestyle nights, the SnowDome is a fantastic place to embrace winter sports and enjoy an action-packed day out, whatever the weather.
12. National Forest Adventure Farm
Click here for more information
The National Forest Adventure Farm, located in Burton-on-Trent, is a fantastic family-friendly attraction offering a mix of farmyard fun, outdoor adventures, and seasonal events. Visitors can meet and feed farm animals, enjoy tractor rides, and explore the outdoor adventure play areas, which include jumping pillows, go-karts, and a mini assault course.
The farm also hosts popular seasonal events, such as the Easter Eggstravaganza, Summer Maize Maze, Halloween’s Screamfest, and Christmas North Pole Adventure. With indoor soft play, hands-on animal experiences, and plenty of outdoor space to explore, it’s the perfect day out for families looking for adventure and farmyard fun.
13. Amerton Farm & Billy’s Farm Barn
Click here for more information
Amerton Farm is another fantastic day out for little ones. Here, children can meet friendly animals, bottle-feed lambs (seasonal), and take a ride on the farm’s tractor and trailer. There’s also an indoor play area in the barn, which provides an exciting soft play area with slides, climbing frames, and plenty of space for little ones to burn off energy. Outdoors, kids can enjoy go-karts, a sandpit, and adventure play areas.
With a tearoom serving homemade treats and a farm shop selling local produce, Amerton Farm is a great spot for a fun family day out.
14. Alpaca walks
Walking with alpacas and llamas is a peaceful and enjoyable experience, as these gentle animals are known for their calming nature and intelligence. They make excellent therapy animals and offer a unique way to spend time outdoors.
There are several locations in and around Staffordshire where you can enjoy an alpaca or llama walk. Rustic Retreats in the Peak District offers guided alpaca walks with stunning views of Carsington Water across 500 acres of countryside at Owslow Farm. Each booking includes a tree-planting initiative, and children receive a souvenir pack at the end of the experience.
Tunstall Farm Park also provides alpaca walking experiences, with seasonal events such as their Pumpkin and Alpaca Experience. They offer additional alpaca walks throughout the year, making it a great option for families looking for an interactive and memorable animal encounter.
15. Peak Wildlife Park
Click here for more information
Located close to the Peak District National Park boundary, Peak Wildlife Park offers an immersive animal experience where visitors can walk through large, open enclosures and get up close to a variety of species. The park is home to animals from across the world, including penguins, lemurs, wallabies, and giant tortoises.
One of the highlights is the walk-through enclosures, where visitors can interact with free-roaming animals. The park also offers daily talks, feeding sessions, and play areas for children to enjoy.
With a strong focus on conservation, Peak Wildlife Park supports various wildlife protection initiatives, making it an educational and inspiring place to visit. There is an on-site café serving refreshments, and plenty of outdoor seating to relax and take in the surroundings.
16. Paddleboarding
READ OUR GUIDE: The BEST places for paddleboarding in Staffordshire
While Staffordshire might not have a coastline, it more than makes up for it with some fantastic paddleboarding locations. From peaceful lakes to gentle rivers and scenic reservoirs, there are plenty of calm, beautiful spots to get out on the water; and, in many ways, paddleboarding inland can be much more relaxing than dealing with the waves at sea.
Favourite locations for paddleboarding in Staffordshire include, Pillaton Hall Farm, Chasewater Reservoir, and Whitmore Lakes, to name a few. Although do check out our paddleboarding guide for the full low down.
Please remember, you will need a waterways license if you plan to paddle on some waterways in England and Wales. The licence price starts from £47 for the year when you purchase through Paddle UK.
17. Cycling disused railway lines
Staffordshire’s network of former railway lines has been transformed into scenic cycling routes, offering a mix of leisurely trails and more challenging rides.
The Manifold Way (below photo), following the route of the old Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, is a popular choice for cyclists of all abilities. The Churnet Valley route also offers a peaceful ride along a dismantled railway, stretching from Denstone to Oakamoor.
For families and beginners, Cannock Chase provides a variety of well-maintained trails, while the repurposed South Staffordshire Railway route adds to the county’s excellent selection of scenic cycling paths.
18. Distillery tours
Staffordshire is home to several fantastic distilleries offering guided tours and hands-on experiences for gin, vodka, and rum enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, a unique celebration, or simply an insight into the craft of distilling, there are plenty of options to explore.
Six towns distillery, located at Wedgwood in Barlaston, provides an engaging distillery tour, perfect for groups, couples, or special occasions like hen and stag parties.
Nelson’s Distillery and school in Uttoxeter offers a variety of experiences, including a guided distillery tour and interactive gin, vodka, and rum-making sessions where visitors can craft their own spirits.
Castletown Distillery in Newcastle-under-Lyme is another great choice, producing Staffordshire gin and offering tasting experiences.
19. Try a Staffordshire oatcake
A visit to Staffordshire wouldn’t be complete without trying a Staffordshire oatcake; a local favourite with a rich history. This savoury pancake, made from oatmeal, flour, and yeast, has a soft, slightly chewy texture and is perfect for filling with delicious ingredients.
Popular toppings include sausage, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, eggs, and tomatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal, especially for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of traditional oatcake shops across Staffordshire serving them fresh and hot.
For those who want to recreate the experience at home, the Staffordshire oatcake company offers kits so you can make your own at home and enjoy this local speciality wherever you are.
20. Spa days
READ OUR GUIDE: The BEST spa days in Staffordshire
Staffordshire offers a range of spa experiences, from luxurious retreats to more affordable options, perfect for unwinding and recharging. Whether you’re looking for a half-day escape, a full-day experience, or a twilight spa session, there are plenty of choices to suit different budgets. Many packages include access to pools, saunas, and steam rooms, with options for meals, drinks, exercise classes, and treatments.
Keep an eye out for special offers on spa breaks and gift packages, making it easy to enjoy a well-deserved treat.
Moddershall Oaks and Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa are both excellent choices, offering tranquil settings and high-quality spa facilities.
21. Theatre
Staffordshire is home to several fantastic theatres, offering a great night out with a variety of performances. From touring West End productions to local theatre, stand-up comedy, and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Venues such as The Regent Theatre in Hanley, New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield Garrick, and Stafford Gatehouse Theatre host a diverse programme of events throughout the year.
During the festive season, you’ll find a range of Christmas productions, including the ever-popular pantomime at The Regent Theatre and the magical Father Christmas show at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, making it a perfect time for a family theatre trip.
22. Countryside walks
Staffordshire is a haven for walkers and nature lovers, offering a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, rivers, canals, and picturesque villages. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of routes to suit all ages and abilities.
Popular walking spots include Apedale Country Park, Keele University Grounds, Dovedale, Alton, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District, which extends into Staffordshire and offers some of the most spectacular walks in the country.
23. Festivals
Staffordshire hosts a fantastic variety of festivals throughout the year, from live music and arts to food and drink celebrations.
Trentham Gardens hosts an annual Summer of Live Music, featuring outdoor concerts in a stunning lakeside setting. Just beyond the Staffordshire border, the Just So Festival offers a magical family-friendly experience with music, arts, crafts, and immersive storytelling.
For food lovers, Staffordshire’s food and drink festivals are a must-visit, including the Stone Food and Drink Festival, Lichfield Food Festival, and Stafford Festival, showcasing the best of local produce, street food, and artisan drinks.
Cannock Chase also plays host to Forest Live, a series of outdoor concerts organised by the Forestry Commission, attracting big-name artists to perform in a beautiful woodland setting.
24. Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Click here for more information
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery celebrates the history of Stoke-on-Trent as the world capital of pottery, featuring pieces from iconic local brands such as Wedgwood, Spode, and Minton.
Beyond pottery, the museum houses fine art, natural history, and local archaeology, including the famous Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever discovered. Visitors can also explore recreations of historic streets, offering a glimpse into life in the region through the ages.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and special events, making it an engaging place for all ages. Free to enter, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover the history, creativity, and craftsmanship of Staffordshire.
25. Churnet Valley Railway
Click here for more information
The Churnet Valley Railway offers a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Staffordshire countryside aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. Running along a historic railway line, the experience captures the golden age of rail travel, taking passengers on a scenic route through the Churnet Valley, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its rolling hills and stunning landscapes.
Visitors can board at Froghall, Cheddleton, or Kingsley & Froghall stations, enjoying a relaxing ride past woodlands, rivers, and charming rural villages. The railway also runs special events throughout the year, including afternoon tea trains, dining experiences, and seasonal rides like the popular Santa and Polar Express trains at Christmas.
Advanced booking is recommended for special events and dining services.
26. The Haunted Museum, Stoke
Click here for more information
For those who love the paranormal, The Haunted Museum & Spirit Shop in Stoke-on-Trent offers a spine-chilling experience. Set inside a historic and atmospheric old cinema, this museum is home to a collection of haunted objects, eerie artifacts, and paranormal exhibits that will intrigue ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts alike.
Visitors can explore rooms filled with haunted dolls, cursed items, and ghostly memorabilia, with guided tours sharing the eerie stories behind the artifacts. The museum also offers ghost hunts, paranormal investigations, and immersive experiences, where brave guests can test their nerves in one of Staffordshire’s most haunted locations.
Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, The Haunted Museum provides a unique and thrilling experience, blending local folklore, history, and paranormal activity.