Explore Staffy Trail in Stafford

Follow the Staffy Trail through Stafford town centre

Welcome! You’re now a Staffy Trail Trooper!

Enjoy my self-guided art and heritage trail through Stafford as I invite you to explore the county town through its green spaces, cultural landmarks and local stories.

Stafford is our county town, linking heritage sites to modern museums.  It’s a key gateway to many of the county’s attractions but also home to some of the oldest buildings in the country. Even if you think you know Stafford, my trail will reveal astounding history that you might not know is there.

From the oldest timber frame house in the county (the Ancient High House) to beautiful surrounds of Victoria Park and the intriguing Staffordshire History Centre.

On this walking trail you find out about people and places in history that have shaped Stafford and Staffordshire.

It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to walk and is accessible for people with most abilities.

Don’t forgot to sniff out my three individually designed Staffy sculptures – developed by local artists and schools- and win some great prizes and discounts. They’re pup-tastic!

You’re in for a real wag-tastic time. Enjoy!

Staffy x

Route description – Staffy’s Trail in Stafford

Thanks to our sponsors for the development of Staffy’s Trail in Stafford.

• Avanti West Coast
• Gatehouse Theatre
• Historic Stafford
• M6 Toll
• Staffordshire County Council Fostering & Adoption Service
• Albert's Cafe
• North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership
• Stafford Music School
• JMW Media

Here’s a step-by-step description for you to enjoy the Staffy Trail in Stafford, even if you don’t have the app or a printed map!

Click on the Staffy Trail Map image opposite to download PDF copy of the Map

Across the road from Stafford Railway Station is your first Staffy and the entrance to Victoria Park

Trail Stop 1 - Victoria Park

 The 'World-Famous Brands, Canals and Communities' Staffy. By Marshbrook First School and local artist Sarah Grateley, just outside Victoria Park. Sponsored by Avanti West Coast, North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, M6 Toll, Ancient High House and Heritage Stafford.

Don't enter the park just yet. Turn to your left and follow the pavement towards the road bridge for approx. 100m.

The Staffordshire County War Memorial will be on your right.

Trail Stop 2 - Staffordshire County War Memorial

Retrace your steps to the park entrance and go through the ornate gates into the park.

Follow the footpath through the park towards the white bridge, keeping the bandstand on your right. Cross over the bridge and you'll see the bowling green in front of you. Turn right and follow the path past Albert's Cafe.

Trail Stop 3 - Victoria Park Aviary & Glasshouse

Just ahead on the left is the Aviary, with the Glasshouse beyond. Why not refuel with a cup of coffee or refreshing cold drink at Albert's Cafe in Victoria Park?

Continue to follow the footpath past the Aviary and exit the park onto Mill Bank. 

Trail Stop 4 -  The Town Mill, Mill Bank

Next to the park exit you will see the remains of the water mill and the mill wheel.

With the mill wheel on your right, walk along Mill Street towards the town centre passing The Yard pub on the right and The Post House Bar & Grill on your left. Crossing the road by the mini roundabout, go straight ahead on to South Walls (Nationwide Building Society is on your left).and walk towards the tall cream coloured building (Staffordshire County Council offices).

Trail Stop 5 - Staffordshire Place

Cross the road into Staffordshire Place plaza. Here you will see the ‘Past & Present Staffy’ between Verso lounge and The Liquor Tank.  This was developed by pupils from Sir Graham Balfour High School and local artist Ruth Allen. Sponsored by JMW Media.

Walk through Staffordshire Place, passing Stafford Library on your right. Turn right onto Tipping Street. Walk along Tipping Street to the junction with Eastgate Street (Shrewsbury Arms pub on your left). Cross Eastgate Street and Staffordshire History Centre is directly in front of you.

Trail Stop 6 - Staffordshire History Centre.

The History Centre is a new cultural venue and museum that brings together three historic collections through exhibitions, heritage rooms and a dedicated space for researchers.

From the History Centre turn right and walk along Eastgate Street, passing the County Buildings on Martin Street on your left and The Colonnade shopping alley on your right. Cross over Eastgate Street to find the Gatehouse Theatre.

Trail Stop 7 - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

The former historic Borough Hall now houses Stafford's theatre and performance venue.

From the theatre turn left into Market Street. Walk along Market Street into the Market Square where you will find the 3rd Staffy sculpture.

Trail Stop 8 - Stafford Market Square

Located in the heart of our county town, with Shire Hall's impressive facade as backdrop, the 'Caring and Nuturing Staffy' by young people from the Voice Project and local artist Tom Edwards is sponsored by Foster for Staffordshire.

Head down Greengate Street (with Shire Hall on your left) towards the black and white timber framed building - the Ancient High House. Why not take a selfie with Ancient High House in the background?

Trail Stop 9 - Ancient High House.

Outstanding Elizabethan timber-framed townhouse with period rooms, exhibitions and centuries of stories (Note that the Ancient High House is open Thursdays to Sundays only).

Turn right out of the High House and continue along Greengate Street. St Chad's Church is opposite the Swan Hotel.

Trail Stop 10 - St Chad's Church

12th-century Norman church, St Chad's is Stafford’s oldest building.

Retrace your steps to the Ancient High House and turn left into St Mary's Place. Ahead on the right you will see the collegiate church of St Mary.

Trail Stop 11 - St Mary's Church

Historic 13th‑century church beside the Saxon St Bertelin’s Chapel site. In front of the church is a lovely green space.

Keep walking along St Mary's Place until you reach the Soup Kitchen. Turn left into Church Lane and follow this to the end, where it meets Mill Street / Water Street. Turn slightly right onto Earl Street and you will see the Almshouses across the road.

Trail Stop 12 - Martin Noell's Almshouses

Walk back towards Mill Street and turn right onto Water Street. Follow Water Street to the mini roundabout junction and you'll see Victoria Park in front of you across the road.

Trail Stop 13 - Victoria Park & River Sow

You are back in Victoria Park which has welcomed visitors for over a century, and many of its original Edwardian features, like the bandstand and riverside paths are still proudly preserved.

This is the end of the Stafford Staffy Trail

Help to get around

Remember that there are other Staffy Trails and Staffy’s to find – in Tamworth, Stoke, Lichfield and Uttoxeter.