UPDATED FOR 2023: Six Reasons to Visit Stafford

It's Enjoy Stafford Week (12th-18th June) so let's have a look at some of the best things to do in and around our county town.

Stafford is packed with things to do, places to eat and accommodation to suit everyone - whether you're on a budget or looking for something more exclusive.

Here are six great reasons to visit.

1. Trentham Estate

Trentham Estate is a jewel in Staffordshire's crown and worth a visit all on its own!

Combining spectacular natural beauty with a unique outdoor shopping experience and events all-year round, The Trentham Estate is one of the top-paid for garden attractions in the UK.

Unwind with a relaxing stroll beside the Capability Brown lake, explore the award-winning gardens and ancient woodland, and look out for the enchanted fairies as you go - can you find them all?

See if you can spot Trentham's newest residents - a family of beavers introduced in Spring 2023 - or head next door and meet the macaques at the unique Trentham Monkey Forest, the only place in the UK where you can walk among the free-roaming monkeys.

Enjoy a summer of live music featuring some of the country's top tribute acts, or see the real deal at Trentham Live featuring chart-toppers Olly Murs, Kaiser Chiefs and McFly!

You can win tickets to American Divas, the tribute to Tina Turner, Madonna and Cher, or a family pass for a day exploring the estate, in our Enjoy Stafford Week competition.

Find out more at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/photography-competition 

For more things to see and do in Stafford, visit our Attractions in Stafford listing.

2. Love Cheese Live

One of the biggest food and drink events in the country, Love Cheese Live brings well-known chefs, artisan producers, and family fun to Staffordshire's County Showground every summer.

See demonstrations from the likes of James Martin and Will Holland, and browse the stalls offering cheese and every accompaniment you can think of, ranging from beer, wine and gin, to artisan crisps and delicious desserts.

And there's plenty more to enjoy including milkshake masterclasses, street food, wine and cheese pairing sessions, and live music!

We have 20 pairs of tickets to give away in our Enjoy Stafford Week competition - there's more information on how to enter at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/photography-competition

And find out more about the 2023 event, on Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July, at https://www.lovecheeselive.co.uk/

You'll find a full list of great events in Stafford here.

3. Stone Food & Drink Festival

Later this summer, the Stone Food & Drink Festival offers another fabulous foodie day out in Stafford!

Staffordshire's original gastronomic gathering began in 2004 and brings thousands of food lovers to the delightful canalside town of Stone every year.

With demos, talks and tastings from some of Staffordshire's brightest culinary talent, stalls offering some of the county's best produce, and events across the town adding to the festival atmosphere, it's definitely a date for your diary.

This year's event takes place, on the new site at Kibblestone Scout Camp (ST15 8UJ) on 15th and 16th July - visit https://stonefooddrink.org.uk/ for more information and to snap up your tickets.

You can also win two adult weekend passes for this year's festival, just by sharing your images of Stafford Borough on social media. Here's how to enter: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/photography-competition

Click here for more events in Stafford.

4. The Dog & Doublet

Why not linger longer at The Dog & Doublet and delve into everything Stafford and the rest of the county has to offer?

The Dog & Doublet is one of our most stylish and comfortable inns, with 11 welcoming rooms offering a great night's sleep - not to mention flatscreen tellies and free wifi - in the peaceful surroundings of Sandon.

A quintessentially English village which is a popular spot for walking, Sandon is also well-placed for exploring Staffordshire, with Stafford, Stone, Lichfield and Stoke-on-Trent just a short drive away.

And downstairs, the gastro pub is perfect for fuelling up, whether you're relaxing after a day of discovery or preparing for the adventures to come.

Find other great places to stay in Stafford here.

5. Aston Marina

For a well-earned treat, make a beeline for Aston Marina, one of Staffordshire's best independent restaurants.

Aston Marina is renowned for great food, great service and a beautiful waterside backdrop, which makes it the perfect setting for a special occasion, or a real feast, just because - does there have to be a reason?

Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace, or take cover in the sumptuous restaurant, cosy Potting Shed, or the stunning domes on the decking, as you savour fine cuisine showcasing the very best in locally-sourced produce.

Click here for a list of other Places to Eat in Stafford.

6. Moddershall Oaks

If you need to escape and recharge, there is nowhere better to reinvigorate than the fabulous Moddershall Oaks.

Escape the everyday and find sanctuary in the soothing spa, home to a selection of packages, ideal for a refreshing few hours after work, a day of pampering, or the extended indulgence of a classic spa break.

Away from the spa, enjoy the woodland trail on foot or two wheels - cycles are available for complimentary hire.

Head for the tennis court, or the boutique gym if you fancy something more strenuous, before rounding off your day in style at the recently-refurbished Oak House Restaurant. 

Here's a full list of suggestions for Things to Do in Stafford.