Stafford - historic county town and surrounding area

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

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

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

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 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.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-castle-and-visitor-centre

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

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

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

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/...

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

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

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