Group Travel in The Staffordshire Moorlands

Thinking about planning a group trip and looking for inspiration?

The Staffordshire Moorlands is a fantastic destination for groups of all interests and ages to explore.

Whether you’re a club leader, a group of friends or a teacher considering an educational and informative trip, the Staffordshire Moorlands has a wealth of discovery and experience to offer.

The Moorlands has a wide range of historical sites, heritage trails, quirky towns and villages, beautiful gardens and attractions for thrill seekers too with the UK’s top theme park right here - we have something for all groups to enjoy. 

Coach groups are spoilt for choice. Centrally located in the heart of the Midlands, within easy reach of all the major motorways and just a 90-minute drive from Manchester and Birmingham, your group will be able to spend more time enjoying your planned activities and less hours on the road.

So, whether you’re a large group of garden enthusiasts or a small team of treasure hunters, take a look for yourself.

What is there for groups to see and do in the Staffordshire Moorlands? 

The thrilling Alton Towers Resort has something for everyone and has been a world-renowned haven of fun and adventure for almost 200 years! Experience over 40 rides, attractions and world-beating rollercoasters, as well as famous faces from children’s TV at CBeebies Land.  The tranquil Grade I listed gardens, abundant with wildlife and water features, are more than worth a stroll through, and date back to 1810. Students get discounted entry to Alton Towers Theme Park with Student Beans.

More water fun can be found at the Alton Towers Waterpark, located within the Splash Landings Hotel. Dive into a wonderful world of water at one of Europe's biggest and best waterparks. Splashtastic giggles are guaranteed, whatever the weather, because the park is both indoors and outdoors and is open all year round.

For a more sedate day out, hark back to the classic days of rail travel on a scenic and relaxing heritage steam train through the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside. The Churnet Valley Railway offers a great day out for groups of 15 or more and welcomes corporate groups for team-building days or company retreats, students exploring the Churnet Valley on a field trip, social clubs that take a heritage train ride part of a bigger day out and so much more.

With comfortable seating for up to 64 passengers, the leisurely train rides are the perfect way for groups of all sizes to explore the beautiful countryside of the Churnet Valley and the Caldon Canal in style. You can also add a delicious Cream Tea Box to complete your experience - with out-of-the-oven scones, jam, clotted cream, and hot drink, as well as guidebooks and children’s activity packs.

The trains run from February to October and discounted rates are offered for groups of 15 or more. A complimentary ‘meet and greet’ service is extended to all groups of 25 or more passengers. The large car park features a designated coach bay for easy and convenient parking, and they will even treat your driver to a free drink and train ride.

Foxfield Steam Railway at Blythe Bridge is also worth a trip, with coach tours and group visits welcome. The 50 minute ‘Standard Steam’ journey is a return ride through Staffordshire countryside, steeped in history and full of fun.

For something extra special, the Knotty Heritage Train is one of the oldest standard gauge trains in regular passenger service anywhere in the world and comprises three original North Staffordshire Railway carriages dating from the 1870s.

Foxfield has a delicious Station Buffet as well as The Foxfield Arms bar and refreshments on the train too – including the special Afternoon Tea trains. Booking for food and rail services is required for groups of 10 or more.

Garden lovers will love Biddulph Grange Garden, which offers one of the most exciting survivals of the great age of Victorian gardening. There’s so much to do with your friends on a group visit to this Grade I listed masterpiece.

The garden’s design leads the visitor through different areas in a journey of discovery and exploration. Each garden room is separated by hedges of yew and beech, banks and rockwork, with paths, steps and tunnels leading from one enchanting horticultural space to another. Central to the garden are the rare and exotic plants from all over the globe from monkey puzzle trees to Wellingtonias, as well as unusual features, a geological gallery and historic Grade II listed sculptures. This is truly a quirky Victorian paradise for anybody, any season.

The gardens are open daily from February to October and five days a week in winter. Groups of all sizes are welcome, and discounts apply to groups over 15. A visit can last from a few hours to a full day. Short, guided tours can also be booked, subject to the availability of the volunteers.

Get back to nature at Peak Wildlife Park and come face to face with some of the world’s most endangered animals. This unique wildlife attraction combines conservation, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages and makes an unforgettable school trip. Nestled in the picturesque heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands near Leek, the park is committed to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices and offers a range of animal-based activities as well as educational packs from early years to KS2.

• School activities are further supported at Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, which provides a range of activities for groups and schools, with ages ranging from four years old to retirement. The centre – which has resident rescue owls - is set in 30 acres, with some of the county’s most diverse woodland and offers activities including caving, abseiling, raft building and paddleboarding.
• Set in the stunning National Trust Ilam Park, YHA Ilam Hall is a Victorian gothic mansion that is full of character just a 25-minute walk from the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones. With a number of food options, including a self-catering kitchen, plus meeting rooms, parking and sole-use options, this can be a fantastic option for a group budget break.

You’ll find more group travel ideas and itineraries covering all interests and budgets across the Moorlands including the Heritage Trail, and Pugin’s Gem Trail in Discover a Day in Cheadle, the Take a Trip on our Three Town Tour and a 72 Hours in the Staffordshire Moorlands.