Industry

Discover the hidden heart of England in South Staffordshire’s countryside

Captivating, surprising, waiting to be explored – this is the beauty of the South Staffordshire countryside.   

Tucked between the bustling West Midlands and the rolling Shropshire hills lies one of England’s best-kept secrets, a rich tapestry of dramatic sandstone escarpments, tranquil trails, ancient woodlands, wildlife‑rich heaths, and outdoor adventure. 

While many rush toward the well-known national parks or coastal retreats, South Staffordshire offers something more meaningful.  Here, you’ll find space to breathe, landscapes that tell stories, and a sense of discovery at every turn. Whether you're a weekend wanderer, a history buff, a family in search of new adventures, or simply someone in need of fresh air, this unspoiled region will surprise and delight you. 

It's so accessible, too.  Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Stafford are just a short hop away on the train, and the region lies within all the major motorway networks. Each destination is close to major towns and cities, with excellent roads, public transport, and visitor facilities. 

Here the lanes are quiet, there are no queues, it’s easy to find a car parking place, and there’s endless room to roam.  

It’s time to step off the beaten path, pack your walking shoes, and prepare to be surprised.   

Baggeridge Country Park – A former coal‑mining powerhouse

Baggeridge Country Park has been transformed into a vibrant 150‑acre countryside haven, celebrated for natural regeneration and ecological richness. Today, it proudly holds Green Flag status and is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Biological Importance. Wildlife flourishes here, from dragonflies and orchids in meadowlands to birds, bats, and newts in woodland and wetland habitats. 

Wander the well‑marked walking and mountain bike trails through meadows and historic woodland, climb the old pit mound, and take in the sweeping views toward the Welsh mountains from the toposcope, a powerful symbol of transformation from industry to serenity. 

Family-friendly facilities include a tearoom, miniature railway, a high ropes course, and a children’s play area. There’s camping here, too. 

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses – a National Trust treasure 

Step into the past at Kinver Edge, where sandstone escarpments, heathland, and woodland blend with a cliff‑carved history.  

Climb to ancient Iron Age ramparts for panoramic views across three counties.  Wonder at the intriguingly restored Rock Houses and hear tales of survival and adaptation.  

This place is quite unlike any other, anywhere.   

There’s even a delightful tea‑room perched amid the rocks. 

Pathways through time on the South Staffordshire railway walk 

Trace the course of history along the South Staffordshire Railway Walk, following the former Great Western Railway line, a key route for troops during WWII.  

Gentle, level, road-free, this 5.5‑mile canal‑side trail route teems with wildlife.   

A day out walking or cycling wouldn’t be complete without a coffee along the way. Luckily, there are a few along the South Staffordshire Railway Walk, including two super little eateries right on the line.  

CupCake Lane vintage tea room and cafe is set in the old Tettenhall station, serving breakfasts, home-cooked lunches, afternoon teas, and delicious home-made cakes. Make sure to take time to stop at the Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre located right next door to the café. 

Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire – a special area of outstanding natural beauty  

Cannock Chase may be England’s smallest National Landscape, but it packs big natural drama. Royalty once rode through this mosaic of heath, forests, plantations, and wetland, where rolling purple heather frames serene vistas, and herds of fallow deer wander among nightjars and woodlarks. 

There’s lots to do here. Walkers, bikers, and horse riders are spoilt for choice. 

Cannock Chase is easily accessible, just minutes from the M6 motorway, with railway links from Rugeley, Penkridge, and Cannock.