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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Attractions > History & Heritage
History & Heritage
With majestic stately homes, medieval castles, fascinating museums and more, Staffordshire is known around the world for its history and heritage.
Immerse yourself in the history of the ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent, where you can discover awesome craftsmanship on the factory tour at World of Wedgwood, and one of the world’s most important industrial archives in The Wedgwood Museum.
Admire the world’s finest collection of Staffordshire pottery at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, plus a display of Anglo-Saxon treasure from the Staffordshire Hoard, and a Spitfire honouring designer Reginald Mitchell, who was born and raised in North Staffordshire.
Have a go on the potter’s wheel at Gladstone Pottery Museum, and hear the story of the humble loo at their Flushed with Pride exhibition.
Walk the cobbles at Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh Pottery and the BBC’s Great Pottery Throwdown, and watch the narrowboats chug past as you enjoy a brew and delicious cake at the canalside tea room.
Sample more of Staffordshire’s heritage in Burton-upon-Trent, where the UK brewing industry began in the 11th Century, when local monks first started producing their ales.
The National Brewery Centre offers a taste of how the industry developed, with the help of world-renowned breweries including Bass and Marston’s.
Try a tour of the museum, with its huge collection of industry equipment and memorabilia, before savouring local ales brewed on site at the William Worthington micro-brewery.
Unwind on a narrowboat voyage along our canals, including the Trent & Mersey Canal designed by engineer James Brindley in the 18th Century to help his friend Josiah Wedgwood move his wares from Stoke-on-Trent pottery factories to London and further afield.
Transport yourself back to the golden age of rail travel with a journey on the steam trains of the Churnet Valley Railway, Chasewater Railway, Apedale Valley Light Railway, and Leek & Rudyard Steam Railway.
Delve into the history of Staffordshire’s original tourist attraction, the 1300-year-old Lichfield Cathedral, known for stunning architecture and stone masonry, medieval wall painting, and the famous Herkenrode stained glass.
Try Anglo-Saxon armour and weaponry on for size at Tamworth Castle and hear tales of knights, princesses and ghosts, uncover secrets at the 900-year-old Stafford Castle, and visit the prison of Mary Queen of Scots at Tutbury Castle.
Reflect on our proud military history at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s thought-provoking Centre of Remembrance, and the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, complete with its replica World War One trench.
Historic Houses in Staffordshire
Follow in Royal footsteps at the Ancient High House, the largest surviving timber-framed townhouse in England, where King Charles I stayed on his visit to Stafford in 1642.
Roam the magnificent gardens and buildings at Boscobel House and Moseley Old Hall, and discover how they helped Charles II escape Cromwell’s soldiers in the 17th Century.
Explore more Royal connections at Shugborough Hall, the former home of Lord Patrick Lichfield, celebrated photographer and second cousin to The Queen, and get a glimpse of life in a real Downton Abbey at the majestic Weston Park.
And Izaak Walton’s Cottage offers a unique insight into the author’s illustrious life, with rooms dedicated to his famous works, including The Compleat Angler, his celebration of fishing.
Staffordshire is so rich in history and heritage that one visit is never enough.
HighlightsFind Something More
Churnet Valley Railway
The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a…
World of Wedgwood
World of Wedgwood is a world of luxury shopping, unique events, colourful dining, hands-on learning…
Tamworth Castle & Pleasure Grounds
A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating…
Boscobel House and the Royal Oak
Boscobel House and its famous Royal Oak tree draw you into one of the most dramatic adventure…
Weston Park
Weston Park is one of the most welcoming stately homes with as much character as any English castle…
Middleport Pottery
Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh, is an exciting visitor destination in the heart of Burslem,…
Landscapes of Life Exhibition at the National Memorial Arboretum
At the heart of the National Memorial Arboretum's new Remembrance Centre is the Landscapes of Life…
Lichfield Cathedral
Lichfield Cathedral is a medieval Cathedral with 3 spires set in its own Close and is treasured…
