Stafford - historic county town and surrounding area

County Town, market town, historic town. Guarded by Stafford Castle with its motte and bailey, a landmark to those travelling along the M6, the 26 acre site includes a visitor centre, woodland & herb garden. This side of town is also bordered by Doxey Marshes, which is now a noted nature reserve where over 200 species have been recorded. At the centre of the town is a riverside park that includes a glass house, aviary, raised sensory garden, play areas etc The town has a number of fine historic buildings, including the Ancient High House – there is also the Gatehouse Theatre which houses the town’s Visitor Information Centre and a coffee shop

Accessibility Local countryside accessibility information for the area may be found on the Accessible Countryside for Everyone website - www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk/staffordshire

 

The Ancient High House (reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Elizabethan period) it houses an interesting museum, in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury, the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features. It is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum
Accessibility - Because of the many steps, access to the house is extremely difficult for people with severe mobility impairment
staffordmuseums.co.uk/museums/ancient-high-house

 image of the Stafford Council Ancient High House webpage

 

 

 

 

 

Lower Drayton Farm an ‘open farm’ with animals to look at, an adventure playground, nature trail, a woodland walk, tractor and trailer rides. During the summer months, you can also enjoy pony rides and take on the challenge of the Maize Maze! - open on selected dates throughout the year -
Accessibility - visitors in wheelchairs and with pushchairs are welcome to Lower Drayton Farm, but please note that the attraction is on grass and some paths on the nature trail may be unsuitable for wheelchair access
playatthefarm.co.uk/whats-here

 image of the lower drayton farm website

 

 

 

 

 

Rodbaston Animal Zone has more than 700 animals of 200 different species including rare breeds & endangered species. It is part of South Staffordshire College’s Rodbaston Campus which specialises in agriculture, horticulture & animal care -
Accessibility - Hearing loops are available in the visitor centre, wheelchair hire, accessible toilets, not all areas are currently accessible to wheelchairs and scooters.
www.southstaffs.ac.uk/animal-zone

 image of the animal zone website

 

 

 

 

 

Shugborough Estate (NT)- 900 acres estate, ancestral home to the Earls of Lichfield, includes a Grade 1 Listed Park and Mansion and the Grade 2 Park Farm and Walled Garden, estate, canal and river walks, mill, cafe, shop, main house and servants quarters -
Accessibility - "Many steps to house entrance. Stairs to all floors" though a stair climber to entrance - disabled toilets & Changing Places facility in Park Farm courtyard changing places icon Mobility trampers available for hire from reception, Baby-changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

 image of shugborough hall

 

 

 

 

Stafford Castle – impressive example of the motte and bailey system, “after recent restoration work and a programme of archaeological investigation Stafford Castle is considered one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country”, 26 acres, Keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden, visitor centre, audio visual display of the castles history, items including arms, armour and costumes, events -
Accessibility - Visitor Centre is wheelchair accessible, accessible toilet, access to the grounds and the Keep is extremely difficult for people with severe mobility impairment.
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-castle-and-visitor-centre

 image of stafford castle

 

 

 

 

Staffordshire Gliding Club - Seighford Airfield offer -
1. Half-day course consisting of 3 aerotow flights or an equivalent number of winch flights lasting a total of about one hour in the air.
2. Aerotow launch behind a light aircraft to over 2000’ for a flight lasting about 20 minutes.
3. Winch launch for a flight lasting about 5 minutes. Climbing steeply to about 1000 feet in 30 seconds.
4. “taster session” for groups. They can provide 10-15 of you with a flight on a Wednesday evening in the summer months.
www.staffordshiregliding.co.uk

 image of gliders parked on the ground

 

 

 

 

The Owl Experience and Bird of Prey Rescue Centre Jolt Lane, Haughton nr Stafford
The centre rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured birds and return them back to the wild - visit and see the birds or enjoy a one of their hawk and owl walks
www.theowlexperience.net

 image of the staffordshire owl trust website

 

 

 

 

Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve wetland oasis near the centre of Stafford and one of the country's best bird watching sites -
Accessibility Flat surfaced paths cover most of the reserve, although access is occasionally reduced during periods of flooding, wheelchair accessible bird hide - however our inspection visit found unmade and very rough paths - robust equipment and assistance recommended
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/doxey-marshes

 image of Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve Aqualate Estate nr Gnosall
the largest natural lake in the West Midlands, internationally important wetland reserve for its habitats and overwintering wildfowl - car park is off Guild Lane a single track road (signposted Quarry) from the A518 Stafford to Newport road -
Accessibility wheelchair accessible bird hide - however our inspection visit found only standard gate latches and an unmade, very rough path from the car park - robust equipment and assistance recommended
www.gov.uk/government/publications/...

 image of aqualate lake

 

 

 

 

 

Norbury Junction on the Shropshire Union Canal, nr Norbury
The Junction is home to a wharf, boat yard, tea room and a traditional Canal Side Pub (The Junction Inn), Day boats can be hired at Norbury Wharf
www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

 image of Norbury Junction

 

 

 

 

 

Great Haywood Canal Junction The Junction of the 'Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal' and the 'Trent and Mersey Canal', walks, tea room, Day Boat Hire at the Anglo Welsh boat yard
www.anglowelsh.co.uk/...

Download a leaflet by the Canal & River Trust on the Great Haywood Canal Junction and local area from our archive - click here

 image of Anglo Welsh boat yard at Great Haywood Canal Junction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre - Eastgate Street, Stafford
a varied performance schedule of performing arts and film in the Gatehouse Theatre and MET Studio, coffee shop and bar
Accessibility - There is lift access to the Gatehouse Theatre and ramped access to the MET Studio as well as adapted toilets
staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

 

The Stafford Town Trail Leaflet can be downloaded from here

 

Visitor Information Centre

Local tourist information is available at Stafford Visitor Information Centre at the Gatehouse Theatre Box Office, Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LT
website - www.ourbeautifulstaffordborough.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

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