With our county town at its heart, Stafford Borough is absolutely packed with things to see and do! In addition to historic Stafford, you’ll find the pretty market towns of Stone and Eccleshall, the magnificent Shugborough Estate, the glorious Trentham Estate and a raft of heritage attractions.
Things to Do in Stafford
Look out across four counties from the vantage point of Stafford Castle, experience the fascinating heritage of The Ancient High House, England’s largest Elizabethan town house, or delve deeper into our county’s past at the newly opened Staffordshire History Centre.
Savour a bit of culture by taking a seat at the critically acclaimed Stafford Festival Shakespeare in its new home at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, or you can enjoy other top-class performances at the Gatehouse and adjacent MET Studio. stroll by the river in Victoria Park right in the heart of Stafford.
The lively Canalside market town of Stone offers artisan monthly markets, regular Farmer’s Markets and one of the county’s biggest foodie events the fabulous Stone Food and Drink Festival. The Trent & Mersey Canal flows through Stone town centre, past the Crown Wharf, the Joule’s Brewery flagship Brewery Tap built in the shadow of the original Brewery and on to nearby Aston Marina.
While picturesque Eccleshall gives you an alternative to the high street brands with gorgeous independents and a leisurely café culture. For an enlightening culinary learning experience book onto one of the cookery school courses at Perry’s Field to Fork, you can gain skills ranging from artisan butchery to Mediterranean cookery.
Ideas for Family Days Out in Stafford Borough
A short drive from Stafford, explore the sweeping parkland and formal riverside gardens of the Shugborough Estate. Maintained and managed by the National Trust, Shugborough is the ancestral home of the Earls of Lichfield, and you can visit the Georgian mansion to learn more about the life of the Anson family and tour the private apartments of Patrick Lichfield, 5th Earl and fashion photographer.
Round the day off by experiencing what life was like 'below stairs' in the servant's quarters and meet the animals at the estate’s Park Farm.
For a fun family day out you can’t beat the Trentham Estate. Stroll around the mile-long lake keeping your eye peeled for beavers and fairies! Admire the stunning award-winning gardens, let off some steam in the playground, experience the barefoot walk and browse the shops in the Trentham Shopping Village.
Or for a complete contrast take a walk through 60 acres of English woodland and see the captivating Barbary macaques roaming freely in Trentham Monkey Forest.
Shopping in Stafford Borough
Browse Stafford’s high street stores and picturesque side streets, brimming with character, stylish independent shops and welcoming eateries. Further afield, there’s Amerton Farm, the World of Wedgwood in Barlaston and Trentham Shopping Village.
Stafford Food & Drink
If it’s food you desire, then Stafford Borough won’t disappoint, as well as pubs, cafes and restaurants with menus featuring local produce, you’ll find everything from casual waterside venues such as the Plume of Feathers, No 26 at Aston Marina and Canalside Farm to contemporary town centre eateries like The Post House in Stafford and Little Seeds in Stone.
Stafford Accommodation
Why not stay over and give yourself more time to explore Stafford Borough?
There are plenty of hotels in Stafford, ranging from budget hotels through to period properties and Spa accommodation. In Stafford town centre you’ll find The Swan Hotel, while The Little George and Eagle House are both in Eccleshall and close to Stone there’s Moddershall Oaks Spa Resort, the Dog & Doublet Inn and the Upper House Hotel.
Further field try Fitzherbert Farmhouse, Weston Hall or hire a holiday boat from Canal Cruising Company.
Other places to stay around the borough, include bed and breakfast accommodation, self-catering properties and caravan & camping sites.
For more information visit https://www.ourbeautifulstaffordborough.co.uk/
