Historic Properties and Gardens

The Ancient High House – Stafford – the largest remaining timber framed town house in England, ” in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury, and the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features”, a museum with Civil War Room, Edwardian Shop, Victorian Room, Georgian displays with the attic floor being home to the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment Museum -
Accessibility - with many steps, access to the house is extremely difficult for people with severe mobility impairment
www.historicstafford.co.uk/whatson-venue/ancient-high-house

Bethesda Methodist Chapel this 19th century gem can be found in the Cultural Quarter of Hanley, Stoke on Trent, designed to seat 2,000 people, this 'Cathedral of the Potteries' has been under a long term restoration
www.bethesda-stoke.info

Biddulph Grange Garden (NT) - Biddulph, Stoke on Trent - Victorian garden, “created by James Bateman for his collection of plants from around the world…A visit takes you on a global journey from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and a re-creation of a Himalayan glen”
Accessibility - "Narrow gravel paths, over 400 steps and tunnels throughout the garden...Access toilet adjacent to the visitor reception", Baby-changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulph-grange-garden

Croxden Abbey (EH) - Croxden, Uttoxeter – ruins of 12th century abbey including towering fragments of its 13th century church, infirmary and 14th century abbot’s lodging, small visitor display.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/croxden-abbey

Ford Green Hall - Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent - This is a timber-framed yeoman’s farmhouse of 1624 with 18th century brick additions, complete with period garden, visit for an insight into 17th century life, rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of textiles, ceramics and furniture, shop and tea room
fordgreenhall.org.uk

Izaak Walton’s Cottage – Shallowford, Stafford – thatched 16th century half-timbered cottage “offers a marvellous insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Stafford’s famous son”.period rooms are furnished to reflect the rural trappings of the 17th Century, knot garden, cafe, shop
Opening hours: Sunday’s 1.00pm to 5.00pm May Through September
Accessibility - "With support the Cottage ground floor and some of the grounds are wheelchair accessible"
www.historicstafford.co.uk/whatson-venue/izaak-walton-cottage

St Giles Catholic Church (Pugin’s Gem) - Cheadle, Staffordshire - considered to be the finest of all the churches built by A W N Pugin, completed in 1846, of unique importance in the history of the Gothic and Catholic revival and is popularly known as ‘Pugin’s Gem'” He was a master of detail and with the wealth of the Earl of Shrewsbury behind him he indulged to make this his masterpiece

Pugin was responsible for the Gothic interiors of the Palace of Westminster when Parliament was rebuilt in the 1800’s and his work can also be found at nearby Alton Towers
www.stgilescheadle.org.uk

Shugborough Estate (NT) - Milford, nr Stafford - 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 Mobility trampers available for hire from reception, Baby-changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

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.historicstafford.co.uk/whatson-venue/stafford-castle

Trentham Gardens an award winning garden the Italian Gardens, landscaped parkland and a mile long Capability Brown designed lake, offer the visitor enjoyable gardens to wander through, picnic and play in. There is an adventure playground, hide and speak maze and miniature train ride along the lakeside. The estate also has a Retail Village, Garden Centre, Monkey Forest and Aerial Extreme
Accessibility - All on one level with low ramped access to most facilities, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. There is a Changing Places facility in the Shopping Village
www.trentham.co.uk