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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Museums & Galleries
Staffordshire Museums & Galleries
You’ll uncover more than 1000 years of history and creativity in museums and art galleries in Staffordshire.
Since the first recorded mention of Staffordshire in 1016, the county has forged a reputation as The Creative County.
From ceramic museums and visitor centres to collections showcasing our industrial heritage and Staffordshire’s best artists, our fascinating story offers plenty to discover whatever your passion.
Explore the life and work of Josiah Wedgwood and his family at the Wedgwood Museum at World of Wedgwood, home to the priceless Portland Vase dating back to 1790.
Lose yourself at the world’s last complete Victorian pottery factory, the Gladstone Pottery Museum, home to iconic bottle kilns and skilled craftspeople making clay pots, flowers, animals and more.
Have a go at throwing, making or decorating a unique souvenir of your visit.
Experience life in a World War One trench at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, dedicated to the people of Staffordshire who have served the UK in conflict, and hear re-enactments of ancient battles.
And the Etruria Industrial Museum offers a fascinating insight into the growth of the UK canal network, thanks in no small part to Staffordshire’s own James Brindley, the pioneering canal engineer.
Free museums in Staffordshire
Admire the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world, a World War Two Spitfire fighter plane – designed by Stoke-on-Trent’s own Reginald Mitchell – and items from the Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest ever find of Anglo-Saxon gold, at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
Dig deep into Staffordshire’s mining heritage at the Museum of Cannock Chase, which is packed with tales of how the area developed into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and contributed to Britain’s war efforts in the early 20th Century.
Delve into the history of the Royal Air Force at the RAF Museum Cosford, and get up close to restored military planes including the world’s oldest Spitfire.
Learn about our cultural heroes Samuel Johnson and David Garrick on a visit to the historic city of Lichfield.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum reveals all about the creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, while one of the best theatres in Staffordshire, the Garrick Theatre, is a hotbed of cultural activity which the celebrated 17th Century actor would have been proud of.
Galleries in Staffordshire
Get to know artists old and new, including The Lowry of The Potteries Arthur Berry, in the outstanding collection at Barewall Gallery.
The Art Deco talents of potters Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper are on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, while Trent Art specialises in modern British painters, particularly those depicting scenes from North Staffordshire.
Emporium Art Gallery is a favourite with fans of contemporary textile artists, ceramicists, photographers and jewellers, while The Trentham Estate is a joy, with numerous galleries and boutiques to explore in their shopping village.
And at Weston Park, the Granary Art Gallery is an uplifting space which showcases contemporary artists from across the UK throughout the year.
HighlightsFind Something More
Leek and Rudyard Lake Steam Railway
Take a magical 3 mile return trip alongside beautiful historic Rudyard Lake on our Victorian-style…
Ford Green Hall
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse, complete with period garden offering…
Shugborough Estate
An oasis of Grade 1 listed parkland in the heart of Staffordshire, Shugborough provides a great day…
Ancient High House
Take a walk through time in the largest remaining timber-framed town house in England which was…
Museum of Cannock Chase
The Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich social and industrial heritage of the Cannock…
Apedale Valley Light Railway
There is something for everyone at Apedale. Young and old will enjoy a great value trip on a narrow…
Weston Park
Weston Park is one of the most welcoming stately homes with as much character as any English castle…
Tamworth Castle
A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating…
Izaak Walton's Cottage
Thatched timber framed 16th century cottage bequeathed to the people of Staford by the celebrated…
Rode Hall and Gardens
An 18th century country house set in a Repton landscape containing fine furniture and porcelain.…
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Discover the life and times of Samuel Johnson, the great man of letters most famously known for…
Granary Art Gallery At Weston Park
The Granary Art Gallery is the venue for monthly selling exhibitions by acclaimed artists from the…
Amerton Farm and Craft Centre
Plenty to see in lovely surroundings. Tea Room, Craft Centre, Bakery and Farm Shop. Wonderful gifts…
Erasmus Darwin House
Elegant Georgian home of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, leading doctor, scientist,…
The Old Guildhall Prison Cells
Explore the city's old prison, on this site since 1548. See original cells, discover the inmates'…
Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
The Nicholson Gallery is housed within the Nicholson Institute and is a living example of late…
Emma Bridgewater Factory
Come and visit the Emma Bridgewater factory in the heart of the Potteries. Take a factory tour or…
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Fantastic steam beam engines. Stoke our steam boiler. Visit our steam driven workshop. Children…
- 1Leek and Rudyard Lake Steam Railway
- 2Ford Green Hall
- 3Shugborough Estate
- 4Ancient High House
- 5Museum of Cannock Chase
- 6Apedale Valley Light Railway
- 7Weston Park
- 8Tamworth Castle
- 9Izaak Walton's Cottage
- 10Rode Hall and Gardens
- 11Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
- 12Granary Art Gallery At Weston Park
- 13Amerton Farm and Craft Centre
- 14Erasmus Darwin House
- 15The Old Guildhall Prison Cells
- 16Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
- 17Emma Bridgewater Factory
- 18Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
