6 Reasons to Visit East Staffordshire

The Borough of East Staffordshire is the home of brewing, the England football team, The National Forest and loads more, meaning it's a great place to visit for fans of walking, heritage, family fun, and sport.

Here are six reasons to visit this historic, tranquil, beautiful corner of Staffordshire.

1. Uttoxeter Racecourse

If you like exhilarating sporting action, live music from legendary acts, or uplifting family events, Uttoxeter Racecourse has to be on your list.

Soak up the atmosphere at the Midlands Grand National every March, along with thousands of other racegoers from across the country, or one of the other pulsating race days through the year.

Stick around after the racing in May and June for great bands and DJs, including Ocean Colour Scene, Scott Mills and Roman Kemp.

Image: Nigel Kirby Photography

2. National Forest Adventure Farm

One of the best family attractions in Staffordshire, the National Forest Adventure Farm offers huge indoor and outdoor play areas, furry and feathered friends, and a packed programme of events from March to December.

Meet the lambs, calves, piglets and other babies at New Life on the Farm every Spring, or the Easter Bunny and his friends at Easter Eggstravaganza.

Take on the challenge of the maize maze, which has a different theme every summer, or brave the chilling scare attractions for Screamfest at Halloween, if you dare!

Round off your year with a truly magical journey to the North Pole at Christmas, where you can help the elves get ready and meet a talking polar bear - not to mention Father Christmas himself!

3. Denstone Hall Farm Shop

Denstone Hall Farm Shop is everything you’d want and more in a farm shop.

It has the lovely charm of having local, award winning produce, made alongside being served by a team of extremely friendly and welcoming staff.

They put on such wonderful events also; for example they are soon doing Mother’s Day lunches and Easter events where you can meet Peter Rabbit too; and regularly do themed weeks in their menus too.

We enjoy tying in a visit to Denstone Hall Farm Shop with a walk around JCB Headquarters lake which is a mile-long flat pathed walk, great for taking the kids on bikes and scooters before heading to the farm shop for a well earnt hot chocolate.

For those who are dog walkers/bikers they have a lovely area around the back perfect for resting after enjoying the local trails or the nearby Staffordshire Way and the food and drink is always second-to-none.

Thanks to our friends at Family Adventures Let's Go for putting this together. Visit their Instagram to find more of their favourite days out in Staffordshire.

4. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance

Forget chasing cheese down a hill in Gloucestershire, or the bruising Shrovetide football match in Ashbourne, the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is undoubtedly the UK's quirkiest day out. 

This unique Staffordshire experience, which dates back to 1226, sees the Horn Dancers - including six Deer-men, Maid Marian, the Hobby Horse and the Fool - make their way around the village and surrounding hamlets, performing a ritual dance as they go.

There's plenty of other entertainment on the day too, with Abbots Bromley hosting a fair and Morris dancing.

Make a date in your diary - Monday 9th September 2024 is your next chance to see this amazing spectacle, which attracts visitors from all over the world. It's well worth a look and if you're feeling brave you can even have a go yourself!

5. Redfern's Cottage

Located in a 17^th century timber framed building, Redfern’s Cottage tells the stories of historic market town of Uttoxeter.

The Museum is named for the local historian Francis Redfern, who lived in the building during the 1800s, and did much to research the history of Uttoxeter - much of what we know about the history of the town today was first written by him.

The museum reopened in 2019 after a long period of renovation. Today, the museum tell the story of Uttoxeter from a small clearing above the River Dove to a 17^th century boom town and how it has subsequently changed into the modern town of today.

The museum also has a café, and courtyard garden and is open between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays – Saturdays.

6. The National Forest

If an escape from the hustle and bustle is what you're after, The National Forest is home to nine million trees in an area covering Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, which was once home to coal mines and other heavy industry.

Explore gentle walking trails, cycle secluded country lanes, spot wildlife like woodpeckers and deers, learn survival skills, or take to the water - the choice is yours!

Discover this huge, 200 square mile regeneration project at the National Forest Walking Festival in May, with walks for all abilities and interests including local wildlife, history, and Nordic walking.

Or take the family to the Timber Festival in July - a three-day extravaganza of live music, storytelling, circus skills and a host of ways to connect with nature.

Image: The National Forest Company & Jacqui Rock

More Things To Do in East Staffordshire

From a visit to St George's Park, home of the England football team, to a relaxing spa day at Hoar Cross Hall, soaking up some culture at The Brewhouse Arts Centre, or a day of shopping in the boutiques of Barton Marina, there are so many things to do in East Staffordshire!

Check out our section on Burton and The National Forest for ideas and inspiration on reasons to visit the borough: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/explore-our-destinations/burton-national-forest