With majestic stately homes, medieval castles, fascinating museums and more, Staffordshire is known around the world for its history and heritage.
Immerse yourself in the history of the ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent, where you can discover awesome craftsmanship on the factory tour at World of Wedgwood, and one of the world’s most important industrial archives in V&A Wedgwood Collection.
Admire the world’s finest collection of Staffordshire pottery at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, plus a display of Anglo-Saxon treasure from the Staffordshire Hoard, and the Spitfire Gallery honouring designer Reginald Mitchell, who was born and raised in North Staffordshire.
Have a go on the potter’s wheel at Gladstone Pottery Museum, home of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown, and hear the story of the humble loo at their Flushed with Pride exhibition.
Walk the cobbles at Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh Pottery and watch the narrowboats chug past as you enjoy a brew and delicious cake at the canalside tea room.
Sample more of Staffordshire’s heritage in Burton-upon-Trent, where the UK brewing industry began in the 11th Century, when local monks first started producing their ales.
Unwind on a narrowboat voyage along our canals, including the Trent & Mersey Canal designed by engineer James Brindley in the 18th Century to help his friend Josiah Wedgwood move his wares from Stoke-on-Trent pottery factories to London and further afield.
Transport yourself back to the golden age of rail travel with a journey on the steam trains of the Churnet Valley Railway, Chasewater Railway, Apedale Valley Light Railway, and Rudyard Lake Railway.
Delve into the history of Staffordshire’s original tourist attraction, the 1300-year-old Lichfield Cathedral, known for stunning architecture and stone masonry, medieval wall painting, and the famous Herkenrode stained glass.
Try Anglo-Saxon armour and weaponry on for size at Tamworth Castle and hear tales of knights, princesses and ghosts, uncover the secrets of the 900-year-old Stafford Castle.
Reflect on our proud military history at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s thought-provoking Centre of Remembrance, and the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, complete with its replica World War One trench.
Historic Houses in Staffordshire
Follow in Royal footsteps at the Ancient High House, the largest surviving timber-framed townhouse in England, where King Charles I stayed on his visit to Stafford in 1642.
Roam the magnificent gardens and buildings at Boscobel House and Moseley Old Hall, and discover how they helped Charles II escape Cromwell’s soldiers in the 17th Century.
Explore more Royal connections at Shugborough Hall, the former home of Lord Patrick Lichfield, celebrated photographer and second cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, and get a glimpse of life in a real Downton Abbey at the majestic Weston Park.
And Izaak Walton’s Cottage offers a unique insight into the author’s illustrious life, with rooms dedicated to his famous works, including The Compleat Angler, his celebration of fishing.
Staffordshire is so rich in history and heritage that one visit is never enough.
Museums & Galleries
Come to The Creative County and explore 1000 years of history and creativity in our museums and galleries.
We’re very proud of our heritage and our museums tell the story of how Staffordshire became home to the World Capital of Ceramics and the brewing industry, plus the county’s contribution to the nation’s military, mining and literary history.
Browse the works of Staffordshire artists at art galleries which showcase world-famous potters and the very best contemporary painters, sculptors and photographers
