It's Enjoy Staffordshire Moorlands Week (17th-23rd April), so here's our round-up of five great reasons to visit this thrilling, captivating and stunning corner of Staffordshire, including unforgettable family days out, mouth-watering menus, and luxurious hotels.

Ramblers Retreat

The beautiful gardens at Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room, StaffordshireA family-run tea-room, nestling in the stunning Dimmingsdale valley, the Ramblers Retreat has been offering traditional fayre for more than 40 years.

Devour a satisfying, homemade sweet or savoury treat, before a stroll or bike ride along the Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway, a journey to the mysterious Chained Oak, or a hectic day at Alton Towers Resort.

Canine companions will love the water bowls and free biscuits, and there's even special dog ice cream if they've been extra good!

The Manifold Valley

A couple cycles along the Manifold Track, StaffordshireA popular destination for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, the Manifold Valley makes a perfect, leisurely day out.

Home to the imposing Thor's Cave, the valley is one of the most scenic spots in the Staffordshire corner of the Peak District, and the climb to the cave is rewarded with some fabulous views.

On 27th April, as part of the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival, there is an intriguing linear walk exploring the history of the Leek and Manifold Railway, which became the Manifold Track in 1937.

Find out more at https://staffsmoorlandswalkingfestival.co.uk/thu-27-april

The Tawny Hotel

The beautiful pool and Plumicorn Restaurant at The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire, all lit up as night fallsThe Tawny, Staffordshire's deconstructed hotel, is unlike any other hotel in the UK.

Enjoy a blissful stay in a treehouse, shepherd's hut, lakeside cabin or one of the other quirky options, at this luxurious retreat in the heart of the Moorlands.

Escape from the hustle and bustle and explore the beautiful gardens, full of incredible follies and hidden gems, before relaxing in the pool, or with a spa treatment, or private yoga session.

Win afternoon tea for two at The Tawny Hotel in our #EnjoyStaffsMoorlands competition! Find out how to enter at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/photography-competition

The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa

A beautiful afternoon tea, laid out on the terrace at The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa, Staffordshire, with The Roaches in the backgroundA renowned spot for traditional cuisine, whether you fancy a hearty meal or dainty afternoon tea, The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa has a great reputation and is dog-friendly too!

Tuck in on the terrace, with its breath-taking vistas, before a day walking on The Roaches, or at Tittesworth Reservoir - or perhaps a day of adventure, rock-climbing, kayaking or paddle-boarding.

Or stay a little longer, and treat yourself to a sumptuous spa day at The Mill Wheel Spa, followed by a restful night in one of the boutique bedrooms.

Alton Towers Resort

The Wicker Man, surrounded by smoke and flames, as night falls at Alton Towers Resort, StaffordshireNo visit to the Staffordshire Moorlands is complete without a trip to Alton Towers Resort!

Thrill-seekers will be spoilt for choice with so many world-class rollercoasters and rides, like Wicker Man, and The Smiler, celebrating its 10th birthday this year.

New for 2023 is The Curse of Alton Manor, the haunting journey through the abandoned mansion.

And for younger visitors, the attractions of CBeebies Land offer a much gentler experience, in the company of well-loved children's characters.

Other things to do in the Staffordshire Moorlands

With animal attractions, steam trains, beauty spots, and award-winning eateries, the Staffordshire Moorlands is blessed with everything you need for a short break.

Visit Peak Wildlife Park to get up-close-and-personal to all kinds of exotic and endangered species, chug through the Staffordshire countryside on the steam trains of Churnet Valley Railway, take a relaxing stroll at Rudyard Lake, or book in at The Flintlock at Cheddleton.

And why not take a trip to the historic town of Leek, renowned for its markets and antique stores, the garden town of Biddulph, or the picturesque town of Cheadle?

Find out more about things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in the Staffordshire Moorlands, visit https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/explore-our-destinations/staffordshire-peak-district

Related

Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room
Tea/Coffee Shop
Ramblers Retreat tea room nestled in the Churnet Valley at Dimmingsdale

We are a family run country tearoom nestled in Dimmingsdale, in the heart of the beautiful Churnet Valley in Staffordshire. For over 40 years, we have offered a range of high quality, traditional home-made food – from hearty breakfasts, to delicious three course lunches to tasty snacks – not to mention our extensive range of mouth watering home-made desserts!

Manifold Valley
Viewpoint/Beauty Spot
Walking with a dog in the Manifold Valley, Peak District, Staffordshire.

A deep limestone valley of steeply wooded slopes and towering rock pinnacles, perfect for walks and cycling, particularly along the accessible Manifold Track.

Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
Inn
Garden Room Bedroom

Winner - Silver Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Small Hotel of the Year 2019. Within the picturesque Staffordshire Peak District, 26 Bedrooms, garden rooms, Mill wheel Spa and an award winning restaurant, the Three Horseshoes provides an experience for guests with well-being benefits and relaxation second to none.

Alton Towers Resort
Theme Park
Wicker Man wooden rollercoaster at Alton Towers resort, Staffordshire, England.

Alton Towers Resort is Britain’s Greatest Escape and home to the UK’s favourite theme park with endless family fun and ground-breaking rollercoasters.

Peak Wildlife Park
Wildlife Park
Watching the penguins fly underwater

Winner- Bronze Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Experience of the Year 2019. Set on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak District; Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience.  Its large walkthrough exhibits allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!), the park has something for you.

Churnet Valley Railway
Steam Railway
Churnet Valley Railway

The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the 1950s and 1960s. Take a break from busy urban life and hop on board a heritage steam train to ride through delightful countryside with riverside views and the Caldon Canal.  Why not join one of our First-Class dining train experiences? Choose from breakfast, lunch or afternoon cream tea.

Rudyard Lake
Lake
Rudyard Lake, photo by Martin Sykes

Rudyard Lake provides some of the most dramatic scenery to be found in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Over two miles long and surrounded by woodland.

The Flintlock at Cheddleton
Restaurant - Fine Dining
A view across the canal to The Flintlock at Cheddleton, Staffordshire

A seasonally-inspired and locally-sourced relaxing dining experience, with some special touches.

Leek
Town
Leek on a winter evening

An historic market town with a reputation for unusual shops, antiques, good food and award winning teashops. With connections to William Morris, James Brindley, Thomas Wardle and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Biddulph
Town
Artisan Market in Biddulph

Overall Winner of the Heart of England in Bloom competition, from Spring right through to Autumn Biddulph is awash with colour. Flower beds, troughs and baskets line the streets making this an extremely pretty town.

Cheadle
Town
High Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire

Cheadle is an ideal base for exploring local attractions including the wooded Churnet Valley, Alton Towers Resort which is only 4 miles away and in the town centre is the famous church St Giles Catholic Church (Pugin's Gem), designed and built by Augustus Pugin, who also designed the interiors of the Palace of Westminster.