Five Great Bank Holiday Days Out in Staffordshire

This weekend is your last chance this Summer to enjoy all of what Staffordshire has to offer!

Here are some great ideas for things to do this Bank Holiday.

Don't forget to plan ahead - some of these days out need you to book in advance, and you may be required to wear a face covering.

Check individual event/business websites for details.

Cathedral at Night, Lichfield Cathedral

A rare chance to explore the majestic Lichfield Cathedral after dark is on offer on Saturday 29th August, at Cathedral at Night.

From 6.30pm-10.00pm, you'll be able to experience the wonder of the Cathedral out of hours.

You're invited to take a candle-lit stroll around this medieval masterpiece, admiring the awesome architecture and pausing at the spaces set aside for quiet contemplation.

Make your mark by adding a flower to the colourful display in the Crossing of the Cathedral. Place a stone on a cairn to represent your concerns and thanksgiving.

See the West Front illuminated from 8.45pm, as you bring your visit to a spectacular close.

The free Cathedral at Night event is part of a packed weekend programme.

Watch sculptor Peter Walker as he starts work on a brand new statue of St Chad, and learn about The Hope Garden, comprising 50,000 spring flowers planted as a gift of remembrance and hope to the city.

Summer Unlocked, Lower Drayton Farm

A brand new farm attraction, with huge indoor play barn, fun outdoor activities, and friendly animals to meet, is now open at Lower Drayton Farm.

Summer Unlocked is your chance to experience it for yourself!

Until Wednesday 2nd September, you can bring the family and take on the slides, climbs and challenges of the play area, with plenty for children of all ages to enjoy. There's a dedicated space for the under 1s, role play fun for toddlers, and a huge play frame for older visitors.

Outside, there are bouncy pillows, pedal tractors, electric ride-on diggers, go-karts, and a giant sand pit (although you'll have to bring your own bucket and spade). And there are cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, meerkats and more in the viewing area.

Visitor numbers are strictly limited, and by advance booking only, so please plan ahead before your trip.

Dino Summer, National Forest Adventure Farm

The Bank Holiday Weekend is your last chance to test your mettle against the fearsome predators at the National Forest Adventure Farm, where Dino Summer comes to a close on Tuesday 1st September.

The Dino Maize Maze features twists and turns to navigate, and hidden dinosaurs to discover, as you wind your way along the three metre paths, widened this year to aid social distancing.

Dare you tackle the Raptor Run? See if you can evade the velociraptor and bring back the dinosaur egg!

And take a permanent memento of your day at the Dino Meat & Greet, where the T-Rex and Spinosaurus will be ready for a selfie.

Away from the dinos, there are tractor rides, sheep races, outdoor adventure play, and the animal barn and paddocks - a perfect family day out to round off the summer holidays.

Record Fair, Newcastle-under-Lyme

There's a real treat in store for music collectors at Newcastle-under-Lyme Market on Sunday 30th August, when the Record Fair spins into town.

Browse thousands of records and CDs on The Stones in the historic town centre, where there will be dealers from all over the country specialising in every genre including soul, jazz, rock n roll, metal and classical.

There is bound to be something for every taste, and rarities for vinyl collectors too.

Entertainment comes from Hitmix Radio's roadshow, and there will be hot and cold refreshments for when you need a break.

And as it's a Sunday, parking is free on all Council-run town centre car parks, leaving you spare cash for those all-important purchases.

Summer Food & Craft Market, Weston Park

There will be bargains galore at Weston Park too, at their Summer Food & Craft Market on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August.

There will be more than 30 artisan traders on hand at this pop-up event, offering tasty treats like gin and cakes, to ideal gifts like jewellery and quirky crafts.

And away from the stalls, there are 1000 acres of Capability Brown parkland to explore, plus the enchanting Temple Wood, the miniature railway, and the thrilling adventure playground with zip wire, cargo nets, swings and more!

The Summer Food & Craft Market is Weston Park's first event of the summer and extra measures have been put in place to aid social distancing. Visitor numbers are restricted and tickets must be booked in advance.

Eat Out To Help Out

The nationwide Eat Out To Help Out offer, which gives you 50% off meals in participating eateries, ends on Bank Holiday Monday.

Take your last chance to indulge at one of Staffordshire's best restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and pubs - there are more than 30 to choose from on our Eat Out To Help Out blog.

Click here for details: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2020/07/eat-out-to-help-out-half-price-deals-in-staffordshire-b505

Things to do in September in Staffordshire

As Summer turns to Autumn, there are plenty of events and other things to do in Staffordshire this September.

Alton Towers Resort hosts its very first Oktoberfest, with Lederhosen-clad hosts, oompah bands and evening rides, while there are over 100 attractions to tackle at Drayton Manor Park, home of Thomas Land.

Brave the chutes and flumes at Waterworld's Tornado Alley, or hit the slopes at the SnowDome, where there is fun on real snow or the ice to choose from.

For something more chilled out, relax and revitalise at Hoar Cross Hall, or witness the seasons changing at Cannock Chase, Stafford Castle, and the National Memorial Arboretum. 

Enjoy fine dining from the warm and dry of a classic steam train, courtesy of Churnet Valley Railway, or if you'd rather find something to prepare at home, browse the stalls at the World of Wedgwood Artisan Market and discover a locally-made treat to tuck into.