Families looking for great value days out over the summer holidays are being reminded that there’s plenty of choice in Staffordshire!
To help families plan their days out, we've have revised our handy list of 30 family days out for less than £30. And, with a huge variety of things to do, there’s something for everyone.
Amongst the attractions mentioned are Apedale Valley Light Railway, near Newcastle where £19 will get a family ticket for the day and at the neighbouring Apedale Country Park people can roam and picnic to their hearts content.
At the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, near Tamworth, for £15 families can follow the story of the bravery and heroism of serving members of the armed forces over the last 300 years.
There’s free entry to the extensive riverside Pleasure Grounds at Tamworth Castle, and more great value family days out can be enjoyed at Churnet Valley Railway, near Leek, Lichfield Cathedral’s summer beach installation, and the World of Wedgwood in Barlaston.
Chasewater Country Park, near Burntwood, is a free admission local nature reserve with plenty of activities. Here families can see a whole host of wildlife along with well looked after walking routes. The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas has lots of fun activities such as free interactive trails and affordable land train tours for all the family and is free to enter.
For those families craving the great outdoors, they can also breathe in the fresh air and relax in the wide-open spaces of the Peak District National Park, Cannock Chase AONB, and the National Forest. Or even escape to one of the county’s numerous country parks.
Philip White, Chair of Enjoy Staffordshire and Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council said: “We know that many families still face extra pressures from the increasing cost of living which is why we’re promoting our 30 days out for less than £30 campaign.
“Keeping children entertained over the six-week summer holiday will be a challenge but there are lots of brilliant days out with lots of choice that don’t cost the earth. All the days out provide good value for money, and many are even free. And if you live nearby one of our larger paid-for attractions, or plan to visit them more than once, an annual pass can also help to keep the cost down.
“Whatever you decide to do, as the UK’s biggest and best playground, you’re guaranteed a great day out in Staffordshire.”
Staffordshire’s visitor economy is worth around £1.87 billion annually, attracting around 28 million day or overnight trips each year. Tourism is also the fourth largest sector and supports around 33,000 jobs.
People can find out more and read the full list of 30 days out here.
Amerton Farm
Farm
Plenty to see in lovely surroundings. Tea Room, Craft Centre, Bakery and Farm Shop. Wonderful gifts and working crafts. Indoor adventure play area, farm yard, wildlife centre, summer steam train, garden centre and Children's parties.
Ancient High House
Historic House
Take a walk through time in the largest remaining timber-framed town house in England which was built in 1595. Period room settings reflect the fascinating history of the house and also houses the museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry.
The Animal Zone
Zoo
The Rodbaston Animal Zone is home to more than 700 animals of 200 different species including rare breeds and endangered species. Animal encounters and "Meet the Keeper" sessions take place daily. Including a shop, tearoom and playarea
Apedale Valley Light Railway
Steam Railway
There is something for everyone at Apedale Valley Light Railway. Young and old will enjoy a great value trip on a narrow gauge steam or diesel train alongside the Apedale Community Country Park.
Apedale Community Country Park
Country Park
Once an Open Cast mining site this park now has 155 hectares of woodland, pools and pastureland. Though a young developing site it is an absolute haven for widlife.
Baggeridge Country Park
Country Park
Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside, providing an ideal setting for those looking for wildlife and those wishing to enjoy some peace and quiet in the great outdoors.
Brampton Museum
Museum
Brampton Museum consists of a number of galleries featuring collections telling the story of Newcastle-under-Lyme and its people from the Roman invasion onwards.
Cannock Chase Forest
Forest or Woodland
Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating woodland adventure on Cannock Chase. From the Midland’s best mountain bike trails or leisurely woodland walks, get the kids to let off some steam on one of the adventure play areas or take in the scenery up high from the platforms of Go Ape. Cannock Chase Forest has something for all the family.
Birches Valley Forest Centre
Visitor Centre
The Welcome Point at Birches Valley Forest Centre, Cannock Chase has all you need to plan your day out in the forest. Buy your Gruffalo Spotters Trail Activity packs here, find out more about the activities available onsite including where to walk, cycle and horse ride. Educational learning visits are also warmly welcomed at Cannock Chase Forest.
Cannock Chase Visitor Centre
Visitor Centre
The Cannock Chase Country Park encompasses 4.5 square miles and lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Visitor Centre provides an introduction to the area, acting as a starting point for the numerous walks through the Chase.
Museum of Cannock Chase
Museum
The Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich social and industrial heritage of the Cannock Chase area.
Chasewater Country Park
Country Park
An environmentally friendly attraction that includes a visitor centre, lakeside cafe, activities such as wake-boarding, sailing, water skiing, nature walks and nearby heritage steam railway.
Chasewater Railway
Narrow Gauge Railway
Enjoy a 4 mile return railway journey in Chasewater Country Park travelling in heritage steam and diesel trains. Great day out for the family with gift shops, cafes and fascinating railway museum.
Churnet Valley Railway
Steam 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.
Dorothy Clive Garden
Garden
Covering a total of 12 acres with woodland, waterfall, spring bulbs, rhododendrons, fabulous borders, alpine scree and gravel garden. Delicious food served in the tea room with views of 3 counties.
Emma Bridgewater Factory
Pottery Visitor Centre
Come and visit the Emma Bridgewater factory in the heart of the Potteries. Take a factory tour or decorate your own pottery then relax for lunch in our kitchen cafe and finally visit our gift shop
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Museum
The only complete Victorian pottery factory with original workshops, huge bottle ovens, cobbled yard, tile gallery, Doctor's House and Flushed with Pride - the story of the toilet. Visit the gift shop for handmade pottery, books and gifts.
Rudyard Lake Steam Railway
Narrow Gauge Railway
Take a magical 3 mile return trip alongside beautiful historic Rudyard Lake on our Victorian-style narrow gauge steam trains and are the best way to see and access the Lake's attractions.
Rudyard Lake
Lake
Rudyard Lake provides some of the most dramatic scenery to be found in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Over two miles long and surrounded by woodland.
Lichfield Cathedral
Cathedral
Lichfield Cathedral is a treasured landmark in the heart of the country that prides itself in offering a warm welcome to all our visitors.
The Beach at Lichfield Cathedral
Family Event
We're inviting everyone to come to the Beach outside Lichfield Cathedral and enjoy the space. Borrow a deck chair for a while and put your feet up, build sandcastles with the kids, grab a drink and some snacks, and while away the day.
Manifold Valley
Viewpoint/Beauty Spot
A deep limestone valley of steeply wooded slopes and towering rock pinnacles, perfect for walks and cycling, particularly along the accessible Manifold Track.
Manifold Track
Cycle Route
The Manifold Track, a favourite for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, follows the route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway, through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys from Waterhouses to Hulme End.
Middleport Pottery
Pottery Visitor Centre
Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh, is an exciting visitor destination in the heart of Burslem, the Mother Town of the Potteries. World famous Burleigh pottery has been created here using traditional methods since 1889.
National Memorial Arboretum
Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. The 150 acre site, located in Staffordshire, features nearly 400 thought-provoking memorials for both military and civilian associations.
Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway
Walking Route
Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway follows the route of a redundant railway line and provides opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding through the wooded Churnet Valley with some stunning views.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Museum
Discover the world famous Staffordshire Hoard along with the history of the Potteries, including the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire Ceramics. See a Spitfire and all sorts of art and craft.
Royal Air Force Museum
Museum - Military
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has a collection of 70 historic aircraft and the National Cold War Exhibition. Includes restaurant, shop hands on gallery, simulator and 4D experience.
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Museum
Discover the life and times of Samuel Johnson, the great man of letters most famously known for writing ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ in 1755. Explore five floors of displays in an atmospheric historic house, including period room settings, introductory film, interactive exhibits and hands-on fun for families.
Stafford to Newport Greenway
Cycle Route
The 14km Stafford to Newport Green Way follows the route of a redundant railway which runs from near the centre of Stafford to Newport. There is a well surfaced track from Stafford for cyclists.
Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Museum - Military
Come and see the Staffordshire Regiment Museum tell the story of the bravery, tenacity and heroism of all serving members over the last 300 years.
Tamworth Castle & Pleasure Grounds
Castle
A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating history, regular live events and a stunningly complete building.
Tittesworth Water
Reservoir
An ideal part of a great day out in the Peak District National Park. There's something for everyone to enjoy; visitor centre, restaurant, gift shop, children's play area and easy access walks.
Wolseley Centre
Visitor Centre
Wolseley Centre is a friendly award winning, welcoming visitor centre and headquarters for SWTwhich is set in 26 acres of beautiful grounds where you can explore interesting features and wildlife-friendly display gardens.
World of Wedgwood
Pottery Visitor Centre
The World of Wedgwood, a unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial and design heritage. Experience Wedgwood for the day through shopping, food and visitor tours.