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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
The Nicholson War Memorial
Sir Arthur Nicholson presented the memorial to the town in memory of his son who was killed in…
Ancient High House
Take a walk through time in the largest remaining timber-framed town house in England which was…
Shugborough Estate
An oasis of Grade 1 listed parkland in the heart of Staffordshire, Shugborough provides a great day…
Museum of Cannock Chase
The Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich social and industrial heritage of the Cannock…
Izaak Walton's Cottage
Thatched timber framed 16th century cottage bequeathed to the people of Staford by the celebrated…
Amerton Farm and Craft Centre
Plenty to see in lovely surroundings. Tea Room, Craft Centre, Bakery and Farm Shop. Wonderful gifts…
Kedleston Hall
Administered by The National Trust. Take a trip back in time to the 1760s at this spectacular…
Apedale Valley Light Railway
There is something for everyone at Apedale. Young and old will enjoy a great value trip on a narrow…
Middleport Pottery
Winner - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Experience of the Year 2019. (Historic Narrowboat…
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Winner - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019. Winner -…
Etruria Industrial Museum
Etruria Industrial Museum and Heritage Centre, the home of Jesse Shirley’s Bone and Flint Mill -…
The National Brewery Centre
The National Brewery Centre celebrates Burton upon Trent's proud brewing heritage and its influence…
Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre
An impressive example of the motte and bailey system. The site itself extends to over 26 acres and…
World of Wedgwood
The World of Wedgwood, a unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial…
The Old Guildhall Prison Cells
Explore the city's old prison, on this site since 1548. See original cells, discover the inmates'…
Weston Park
Weston Park is one of the most welcoming stately homes with as much character as any English castle…
Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
The Nicholson Gallery is housed within the Nicholson Institute and is a living example of late…
Emma Bridgewater Factory
Highly Commended - Enjoy Staffordshire Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019. Come and visit…
- 1The Nicholson War Memorial
- 2Ancient High House
- 3Shugborough Estate
- 4Museum of Cannock Chase
- 5Izaak Walton's Cottage
- 6Amerton Farm and Craft Centre
- 7Kedleston Hall
- 8Apedale Valley Light Railway
- 9Middleport Pottery
- 10Gladstone Pottery Museum
- 11Etruria Industrial Museum
- 12The National Brewery Centre
- 13Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre
- 14World of Wedgwood
- 15The Old Guildhall Prison Cells
- 16Weston Park
- 17Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
- 18Emma Bridgewater Factory
