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Great Outdoors

Staffordshire can offer lovers of the outdoors stunning panoramic views that take the breath away. Dramatic gritstone crags that test the most serious climber, caver, abseiler or rambler. Challenging mountain bike trails. Picturesque lakes and reservoirs to get wet in. Huge tracts of quiet, undisturbed cycleways. Leafy bridleways and scenic routes through ancient wood and heathland. And endless miles of some of the best walking you can imagine.

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The Staffordshire Way

The route takes you the entire length of the county and explores some of Staffordshire's loveliest countryside and scenery, linking country parks and many interesting towns and villages.

You'll pass close to Rudyard Lake, Leek, and the Churnet Valley and miles of quiet canal towpath. You'll see magnificent Shugborough Estate, the endless heather and quiet forest on ancient Cannock Chase, ending with the historic rock houses of Kinver Edge.

Read more about The Staffordshire Way
92 miles / 147 km. Mow Cop (OS ref SJ 857 573) to Kinver Edge (OS ref SO 829 822)

The Way for the Millenium

A transverse route across the county from west to east designed for easy walking, much of which takes you along peaceful towpaths, overgrown old railway lines and rustic footpaths, and through attractive countryside, farmland and green spaces.

You'll pass through or close to Stafford Castle and Berry Ring, the county town of Stafford, Shugborough Estate and Rugeley, as you thread your way between small villages before reaching Shobnall on the edge of Britain's brewing capital, Burton upon Trent.
Read more about The Way for the Millenium
41 miles / 65 km. Newport (OS ref SJ 785 186) to Burton upon Trent (OS ref SK 232 234)

The Peak District

The Staffordshire Peak District is truly a walkers paradise with a fantastic selection of beautiful scenic walks, rugged mountain trails, hikes through long tracts of forest and rambles over broad, atmospheric moorlands.

Five of the best circular walks:
Lud's Church and The Roaches
A 7 mile / 11 km walk taking in some of Staffordshire's most spectacular scenery

Peak Practice
A circular walk from the ancient market town of Longnor through Hollinsclough. 6miles / 10 km

Beyond Ilam Park
A 5 mile / 8 km walk from the National Trust managed Ilam Park through Musden Wood

Churnet Valley Challenge
A strenous 4.5 mile / 7 km circular walk from Froghall Wharf taking in Ipstones and the wooded Churnet Valley

Cheddleton and Deep Hayes
A short, easy walk from Deep Hayes Country Park through Cheddleton and along the Caldon canal

The National Forest

You'll need your boots and perhaps a picnic, because this is the perfect place to enjoy both short walks and long rambles starting at a couple of miles and ending at well over ten.

Five of the best circular walks:
Monks and Moorings
By following this 6.5 mile walk, you will encounter the past and future of Burton and the surrounding area

Needwood Circular
a 9 mile walk where you can enjoy the strong rural and historic character of ancient woodland, old parklands, rich farmland and estate forestry blended together

Beyond the National Memorial Arboretum
An easy 4 mile walk exploring some of the older and more recent history of part of the Trent Valley

The secret of the Hanbury Crater
An easy 4 mile walk with lovely views and a surprising discovery

Abbots Bromley Circular
A 5 mile / 8 km walk around the countryside surrounding the village mage famous by its quirky annual Horn Dance

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Boscobel House and The Royal Oak

Discover the romance of Boscobel House and The Royal Oak which saved Charles II after defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Explore Boscobel's more recent past as a hunting lodge complete with farmyard, dairy and smithy.

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station

Claymills has four large beam engines, two working, five Lancashire boilers, steam powered engineering workshops with blacksmiths forge and steam hammer, early steam powered dynamo house and fourteen other auxillary steam engines.

Moseley Old Hall

Moseley Old Hall is steeped in 17th Century atmosphere and its richly panelled walls conceal an ingenious secret priest hole in which Catholic priests hid.

Museum of Cannock Chase

Interactive museum including the history of toys and Coal Face Galleries. Changing exhibition programme and tourist information onsite.

Royal Air Force Museum

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has 70 historic aircraft. On display in three wartime hangars and within National Cold War Exhibition.

Shugborough Estate

Step back in time at the historic working estate of Shugborough and enjoy a living experience brought to life by costumed characters straight from the pages of Shugboroughs very own history books.

tafford Castle and Visitor Centre

Discover 900 years of history. Originally a Motte and Bailey castle, the stone keep was destroyed during the Civil War.

Staffordshire Regiment Museum

The museum tells the story of the soldiers of Staffordshire Regiment and its predecessors. Exhibits include vehicles, weaponry and memorabilia.

Churnet Valley Railway

The Churnet Valley Railway runs through delightful hidden countryside between Cheddleton, with its grade II listed Victorian station and Froghall, with its newly built station.

Chasewater Railway

Volunteer-run former colliery railway operating heritage trains in Chasewater Country Park.

Tamworth Castle

Tamworth Castle is the number one heritage attraction located in the town centre of Tamworth.

Tutbury Castle

Tutbury - The Historic village on the banks of the River Dove, is dominated by the remains of the imposing Tutbury Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned three times. Today the Castle offers new and exciting attractions.

Shop at Wedgwood Visitor Centre

The Wedgwood Visitor Centre is not just a tribute to the history of a remarkable man and the company he founded - it's a shopping heaven! There are three opportunities to stock up on gifts for loved ones or self-indulgent treats.

Rode Hall and Gardens

An 18th century house set in a Repton landscape containing fine furniture and porcelain. Renowned for the Snowdrops in February, Rhododendrons and Azalaes in May. Other features include a kitchen garden, Italian garden and cafe.

Weston Park

The beauty and tranquility of the House is the result of centuries of creativity, collecting and patronage of artists and craftsmen, by generations of one family, the Bridgemans, Earls of Bradford.

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Animal Zone at Rodbaston Visitor Centre

The Rodbaston Visitor Centre is home to more than 750 animals of 200 different species including rare breeds and endangered species. Animal encounters and "Meet the Keeper" sessions take place daily, and various special events take place throughout the year.

Amerton Farm

Visit our farm animals including Dexter cows, pigs, goats and ponies. Chickens and ducks run freely in the traditional farmyard environment which children love. Children are free to feed and pet the animals as animal food is available from the Farm Shop with hand washing facilities in the farmyard.

The National Forest Maize Maze

Mosey on down to the National Forest Maize Maze for a summer packed with fun and adventure in our "Beach" themed maze! Admission includes entry to the Fun Field Play Park with farm animals, tractor and trailer rides, go-carts and lots more.

The Threshing Barn

A beautiful 17th Century Grade 2 listed farm provides a stunning location for day courses in a wide range of textile and country crafts. An Aladdin's cave of inspirational crafts and supplies. Also available our award winning farm meats, sausages and bacon, ideal for holiday breakfasts, meals and barbecues.

Essington Fruit Farm

Our 50-acre Pick Your Own site grows around 30 different crops throughout the season, all available to pick your own. Crops include berries, soft fruits, beans, peas, root vegetables, sweetcorn, spinach, pumpkin, squash and rhubarb.

Fletchers Garden and Leisure Centre

Garden Centre Includes Train Ride, Crazy Golf and a large Children's play area as well as the Gentleshaw Animals!

Kingsley Bird & Falconry Centre

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Churnet Valley, a "little piece of heaven" is taking shape for a couple who have invested the last seven years of their lives on an incredible project. Their task has been to transform a 30-acre site, much in need of some tender loving care, into a unique habitat for some very special birds.

Lower Drayton Farm

This working farm in the heart of the Midlands provides entertainment for all ages. Take part in paintballing, explore the maize maze and feed the emus and rheas.

Drayton Manor Zoo

The Palms Tropical Oasis at Stapeley Water Gardens

With tropical temperatures all year round, the Palms is the perfect place to visit at any time of year. Here at the Palms Tropical Oasis we have a variety of endangered and tropical animals to discover.

National Forest Llama Treks

We offer guided nature walks in beautiful surroundings. Our llamas carry a buffet picnic and chairs to make the stroll more enjoyable. You feel calmer when you walk with a llama.

Twycross Zoo

Come and see wild animals from across the world at Twycross Zoo, the centre for conservation, education and family fun. Don't miss the new elephant walkway and the chance to meet the pets at Twycross.

Park Farm at Shugborough Estate

Experience life on a farm just as it was in 1805 with milling demonstrations, cheesemaking, baking and farm cooking demonstrations, agricultural exhibits and lots of animals to enjoy.

Trentham Monkey Forest

A unique experience for everyone - come to the only place in Britain where you can walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques

Hoo Farm

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Biddulph Grange Garden

Owned by the National Trust, one of Britain's most exciting and unusual gardens, with a series of connected compartments. Features a Chinese garden, Italian garden & Scottish Glen.

Dorothy Clive Garden

An 12-acre hillside garden with choice and unusual plants. Features include a quarry with spectacular waterfall and a magnificent display of flowers.

National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum's vision is to become a unique haven of remembrance, contemplation and the United Kingdom's living and lasting national memorial.

Rode Hall and Gardens

An 18th century house set in a Repton landscape containing fine furniture and porcelain. Renowned for the Snowdrops in February, Rhododendrons and Azalaes in May. Other features include a kitchen garden, Italian garden and cafe.

David Austin Roses

David Austin's beautiful Rose Gardens are home to over 700 rose varieties, displayed in five superbly fragrant gardens. The plant centre offers a large collection of container roses, along with perennials, clematis, shrubs and trees.

The Trentham Estate

Trentham offers a great day out for the whole family. With stunning gardens and lake, unique Barefoot Walk, Monkey Forest, Aerial Extreme, a shopping village, range of cafes and garden centre.

Shugborough Estate

he UK's only complete working historic estate with Mansion House, Walled Garded, Servants' Quarters. Working Farm, Riverside Gardens brought to life with living history charcaters. Also Play Park, Train Ride, Craft Shops and Restaurant.

Weston Park

The beauty and tranquility of the House is the result of centuries of creativity, collecting and patronage of artists and craftsmen, by generations of one family, the Bridgemans, Earls of Bradford.

Sugnall Walled Kitchen Garden

Traditional Walled Garden of great character that makes its own jams, chutneys, soups etc. with guided tours, tea room, gift shop, plant sales, forge, walks through the woods and facilities for groups and schools indoors and outside.

Conkers

Over 100 interactive exhibits, the enchanted forest adventure play, cafes, gift shop, 120 acres of maturing woodland and lakes, adventure play, assault course, picnic areas, ranger activities and covered amphitheatre with live shows. New for 2010 the barefoot walk.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

The grounds are always open. Explore our visitor centre with children's interaction station. The environmental education facility is available for school groups or conference centre for meetings.

Yoxall Lodge Woods

The Bluebell Woods of Yoxall Lodge in Staffordshire offer visitors idyllic bluebell walks in Spring. Yoxall Lodge nestles in some of Staffordshires prettiest and most unspoilt countryside in the heart of the ancient Needwood Forest.

Ilam Park

Managed by the National Trust, a beautiful area of open park and woodland, running on both banks of the River Manifold and with spectacular views towards Dovedale. Open all year. Youth Hostel, NT shop, tearoom and small caravan site.

Deep Hayes Country Park

Deep Hayes Country Park has a visitor centre and a small shop, with self-guided trails in and outside the park and around its three ponds.

Park Hall Country Park

Park Hall Country Park is one of the city's most important natural sites. It was declared as Stoke-on-Trent's only National Nature Reserve in 2002, and the sandstone canyons are a Site of Special Scientific Interest for their geology.

Barlaston Downs

An ancient parish and large village of Stafford overlooking the Trent valley. The name is of Anglo Saxon origin. Barlaston is the gateway to the Downs Banks - owned by the National Trust.

Marquis Drive VC at Cannock Chase

Hanchurch Hills

Hanchurch Hills is a picnic area situated around 2 miles west of Trentham, which provides the setting for 3 circular walks, linking the villages of Hanchurch and Swynnerton, and offering views of the surrounding countryside.

Hanbury Common

Hanbury Common Picnic Site is a 2 hectare area with beautiful views over the Dove Valley. There are a number of walks starting nearby that take in much of the local history.

Highgate Common

Baggeridge Country Park

Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country. Being set back from the roads, its secluded delights are revealed to you as you explore further.

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Aerial Extreme

Tree top rope adventure course, set within the tranquil grounds of Trentham Gardens. Whether you are a novice adventurer or a serial adrenalin junkie the courses, which can vary from 3m to 14m above the ground, will certainly delight and challenge you.

Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure

Bring Out Your Inner Ape! Think you, your friends and family can handle 3 hours of tree top adventure? Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees.

Peak Pursuits at Tittesworth Water

Choose from over a dozen activities including climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, abseiling, scrambling, with equipment and local transportation.

Peak Pursuits at Audley

Peak Pursuits at Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase Trekking Centre

Lisa and her team provide a memorable and enjoyable trek through some of the most spectacular countryside you will see. No previous horse riding experience is neccessary and Trek riders must be over 7 years old.

Delta Force Paintball

You are securely positioned behind the driver's seat of a miliary vehicle, your team are holding the perimeter, Tense with anticipation, your squad await your signal to attack. If this is your idea of excitement you are in the right place.

Driveme.net

Driveme.net are one of the leading suppliers of the driving experience in the UK. We give adults and children the chance to drive cars they dream of owning!

Lower Drayton Farm Entertainment Hub

Team Action

We offer off road karting, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and other country and team building pursuits. Ideal for special occasions, hen/stag parties, corporate events. Over 16 years only. Booking essential.

Northfield Farm Riding & Trekking Centre

Ride the old packhorse trails and see the stunning Peak District countryside in comfort! All standards and ages (8-80 years) catered for. Individuals and groups welcomed here at Northfield Farm. Hourly, daily and weekend trail rides.