Today (January 12th) marks the anniversary of the National Trust’s founding in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter, and Hardwicke Rawnsley.
From humble beginnings, it has grown into Europe’s largest conservation charity, caring for over 500 historic sites, miles of coastline, and thousands of acres of countryside.
Our county is home to six incredible National Trust destinations that combine history, nature, and family fun. Here’s your updated guide to make the most of the best National Trust places in Staffordshire.
1. The Shugborough Estate
Location: Milford, near Stafford
Step into Royal History and Countryside Charm!
Escape into 900 acres of stunning parkland or explore 300 years of history inside the elegant mansion, home to treasures from Patrick Lichfield—royal photographer and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
Things to Explore
- Historic Mansion: Discover opulent rooms, fascinating stories, and royal connections.
- Park Farm: Meet rare breeds and learn about traditional farming practices.
- Explorers’ Wood: Perfect for kids—zip wires, climbing logs, and outdoor fun.
- Walking & Cycling Trails: Scenic routes across woodlands, riverside paths, landscaped gardens, and across the historic Essex Bridge.
- Food & Drink: Enjoy hearty meals and sweet treats at the café or grab a snack from the tea rooms.
- Shopping: Browse the gift shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and unique homeware.
Facilities: Free parking - Changing Places toilet - Mobility scooters available - Dog-friendly (on leads)
Tickets: Adults: £15 - Children: £7.50 - Family: £22.50 - £37.40
Visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/shugborough-estate for more information.
Image: Jana Eastwood
2. Biddulph Grange Garden
Location: Biddulph, Staffordshire–Cheshire border
Travel the world without leaving Staffordshire!
Take a global journey through themed gardens—Chinese pagodas, Egyptian courts, Italian terraces, and Britain’s oldest stumpery. Kids will delight in the woodland play area, and plant lovers can uncover rare species and fossil displays in the Geological Gallery.
Highlight You’ll Love
- Picnic Area: Designated picnic site right next to the visitor car park—bring your own lunch and relax amid the scenery.
- On-Site Catering & Tea Room: Located in the former billiard room, the Tea Room serves hot meals, sandwiches, soups, cakes, and treats. Don’t miss the seasonal delights in the Camellia House, with views across the garden.
- Shop & Garden Centre:
- Gift Shop: Sells local gifts—from crafts, chocolates, jams, to Stoke-on-Trent pottery like gluggle jugs.
- Plant Centre: Features perennials, shrubs, garden accessories, peat-free compost—and expert advice to help you take the garden home.
- Second-hand Bookshop: Stocked with gardening, cookery, fiction, and more, located in the historic writing room.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy lovely views of compartment-style garden rooms, formal terraces, tunnels, and rockwork from vantage points like the Camellia House.
Facilities : Free parking -Play area for kids - Manual wheelchairs available
Note: steep paths, tunnels, gravel, 400+ steps
Tickets : Adults 18+: £15.40 – Children (5-17): £7.70 - Family (2 adults + up to 3 kids): £38.50
Visit now to fully enjoy the global gardens, family‑friendly features, and new visitor comforts all in one day out!
Further details are available at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/biddulph-grange-garden
3. Kinver Edge & Rockhouses
Location: Near Stourbridge
Step back in time and uncover hidden homes!
Discover the magic of Kinver Edge, where history and nature meet. Step inside the famous Holy Austin Rock Houses, carved into sandstone cliffs and restored to show Victorian and 1930s life, complete with authentic furnishings and fascinating stories from National Trust guides.
After exploring these unique homes, follow scenic trails along the sandstone ridge to the Iron Age hillfort and soak up panoramic views stretching across Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and even the distant Clent and Malvern Hills. Nature lovers can enjoy heathland and woodland habitats alive with wildlife.
When it’s time to refuel, relax in the cosy tea room nestled within the caves or enjoy a picnic outdoors. With easy-to-follow walks ranging from short loops to longer countryside routes, free lay-by parking, and dog-friendly paths, Kinver Edge is the perfect blend of heritage, adventure, and natural beauty.
Facilities: Free lay-by parking, tea room, accessible toilet. Dogs welcome on leads.
Tickets: Adults (18+) £9 | Children (5-17) £4.50 | Family £22.50
Find out more at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses
4. Ilam Park
Location: Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, Peak District
Your Gateway to the Peak District
Nestled on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, Ilam Park is the perfect starting point for exploring the White Peak. Enjoy stunning views of Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill as you wander through the formal Italian Garden and shady ravine woodlands. From here, head to Dovedale, a National Nature Reserve with limestone crags, wildflowers, ancient woodland, and its famous stepping stones, or venture to the dramatic Thor’s Cave.
After your walk, relax with hot drinks and cakes in the cosy Manifold Tea Room or browse the dog-friendly second-hand bookshop for hidden treasures. With easy-to-follow walks from short loops to longer countryside routes, Ilam Park combines natural beauty with great facilities.
Facilities: Grounds are free to enter - Changing Places - toilet, dog-friendly on leads.
Parking free for members; up to £6 for non-members (cash only).
Further information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
5. Moseley Old Hall
Location: Fordhouses, near Wolverhampton
Walk in the footsteps of a king!
Step inside this historic Elizabethan farmhouse where King Charles II hid after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Explore the secret priest hole, the chapel attic, and even the bed where the King slept, while friendly guides share fascinating stories about life in the 17th century. Outside, wander through the beautiful knot garden and heritage orchard filled with old varieties of apples and pears, or head into King’s Walk Wood for family fun with den building, a mud kitchen, and a three-storey tree hide—perfect for young adventurers. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy homemade cakes, light lunches, and savoury pasties in the cosy Orchard Tea Room, or browse the second-hand bookshop in the old barn for a great read.
Facilities: Free parking, accessible toilets, dogs allowed
Tickets: Adult: £6.75 Child: £3.35 Family ticket: £16.85
Full details are available here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/moseley-old-hall
Image: Phil Evans
6. Wightwick Manor & Gardens
Location: Wightwick Bank, near Wolverhampton
Step into Arts & Crafts Elegance
Visit this beautiful Victorian manor, once home to the Mander family, and explore rooms filled with William Morris designs and stunning Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Don’t miss the Malthouse Gallery, which displays the De Morgan collection of art and ceramics.
Outside, wander through peaceful Arts & Crafts gardens designed by Thomas Mawson, with orchards, pools, and a charming mathematical bridge. Explore the Victorian kitchen garden with its heated peach house and seasonal produce.
Families will love the woodland play area with climbing towers and balance walks. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy breakfast baps, light lunches, and sweet treats in the tea-room, or browse the Old Manor Shop for William Morris-inspired gifts and plants. There’s also a second-hand bookshop in the historic Apple Store for book lovers.
Facilities: Free parking - Accessible routes - Braille guides - Wheelchairs, and a buggy service -Dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens (except the kitchen garden).
Tickets: Adults £18 | Children £9 | Family £45
Standard admission prices are £14 adults, £7 children, and £35 families (£21 if only one adult), and parking is free (satnav postcode WV6 8BN).
Visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/birmingham-west-midlands/wightwick-manor-and-gardens for details.
Become a National Trust Member
Love exploring beautiful places? Join the National Trust and enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic houses, gardens, and stunning countryside across the UK. Your membership helps protect these special places for future generations.
Find out more and sign up at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership/enquiries#member-benefits
Historic houses in Staffordshire
If you would like to know more, our History and Heritage section features information on Staffordshire's historic houses, including Weston Park, Boscobel House and the Ancient High House, and other places to visit like Tamworth Castle and Lichfield Cathedral.