Campsites in Staffordshire

Boasting world-renowned ceramics, beautiful natural landscapes and splendid architectural enticements among its many charms, Staffordshire could be the perfect holiday all-rounder. There's space to switch off completely on its steam railways, or with the chugging of a heritage boat through the West Midlands' canals. Not only that, but it's hard to think of the county without thinking of its incredibly popular theme parks, so fans of a wild ride will be in their element. 

Don’t Miss

• Gladstone Pottery Museum
• Lichfield Cathedral
• The Roaches
• Trentham Gardens

Peak attractions

Staffordshire boasts a number of beautiful gardens, so plan for leisurely strolls with plenty of nature to feast your eyes on. Trentham Gardens have unusual features including an Italian garden, show gardens and a lake, while Biddulph Grange Garden is a stunning Grade 1 listed Victorian garden. Since it's home to plants from around the world, you can consider it a tour of the world's gardens. 

A visit to The National Memorial Arboretum is a moving experience and a tranquil space for remembering people who have served in both the Armed Forces and civil services. Away from this calm space, some of Staffordshire’s wilder areas can be found in a luxurious stretch of the Peaks that lies inside the county - the Staffordshire Peak District - and country parks such as Deep Hayes Country Park or Ladderedge Country Park. The stunning Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty also offers enticing landscapes. From woodland to heathland there's all that nature lovers could need.

When it comes to magnificent architecture, Shugborough is a great place to start. It's a complete working historic estate that features a grand Georgian mansion, a Georgian Park Farm, an informative museum and pretty gardens. It's all brought to life by demonstrations from characters in costume, so you can really immerse yourself in times gone by.

The stately home of Weston Park with its art gallery and gardens also offers a pleasant day of exploring. For a taste of something even older, roam the remains of Stafford Castle and Tutbury Castle, which has been occupied since the Stone Age and once imprisoned a queen. The Ancient High House - the country's largest remaining timber framed house is also immensely photogenic. Then, polish off a day steeped in history with Lichfield Cathedral which has three spires and a history spanning more than 800 years has some fascinating stories to tell.

For something a bit different, a visit to Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses combines the chance to explore beautiful natural landscapes along with rock houses that were carved into the hillside and inhabited as late as the 1960s. For something new to tempt your tastebuds, the National Brewery Centre allows visitors to learn about the history and skill in brewing, plus sample some of the best.

Ceramics and porcelain from Staffordshire are famous, find out what all the hype is about at the incredible Gladstone Pottery Museum and get hands-on at their daily demonstrations. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery also offers an abundance of attractions including a superb collection of Staffordshire ceramics, a WWII Spitfire and enticing works of art, while the Dudson Museum provides visitors with the chance to learn about pottery while also exploring inside a Grade II listed bottle oven. Wedgwood have a factory tour and museum, and the Etruria Industrial Museum showcases Britain’s last steam-powered potters’ mill.

Acres to explore

The Roaches, with eclectic neighbours Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks create an alluring gritstone craggy range in the Peak District. It's an unmissable spot because The Roaches offers not only superb views but is also an enticing spot for rock climbing and walking. There's plenty of other fascinating rock formations that will make you stop and stare too, when exploring the region.

If you'd rather not face the great outdoors, there's plenty of indoor climbing space to enjoy courtesy of Awesome Walls Stoke, the biggest dedicated bouldering centre in England, which can have you practice climbing skills on any surface imaginable.

There are several fun walks to enjoy at Fradley Junction and the Fradley Pool Nature Reserve as well as the Consall Nature Park, and for a ramble that gives you an entire long-distance footpath complete with Staffordshire’s rolling hills and a nice cross-section of towns and villages you can't beat the Staffordshire Way.

Pleasant walks can be found at Rudyard Lake and Dovedale, Ilam Park and Kinver Edge. If it's spectacular eye candy you are after, head to Clent Hills, Walton Hill or the Clee Hills. The Wyre Forest offers cycle paths and bridleways too.

There's nothing like the leisurely freedom of self-drive boating excursions, so why not hire a boat and discover Staffordshire’s canals at a leisurely pace, either as a day trip or a relaxing break spread over a few days. The likes of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Caldon Canal all offer great surroundings for a boating expedition.

Rudyard Lake is the place for fishing, rowing and cruises, or make all your dreams come true with the chance to drive one of the endearing engines on the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway. As you puff around, keep an eye out for the lake's incredible local wildlife and birds.

Chasewater Country Park is another picturesque spot for wildlife watching and train rides courtesy of Chasewater Railway. Make time here for enticing walks, watersports such as sailing and wakeboarding and cycling, especially along the 4 mile family route around the lake. If kids start to get tired, perk up their interest with the Treasure Trails detective mystery trail, or settle down with a picnic or BBQ by the shores.

Sometimes only the most stunning of views will keep your aching legs going up a hill, but theManifold Way cycle trail which follows the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway route won't let you down. Afterwards, reward yourself and your muscles with a more relaxed ride full of superb sightseeing opportunities through the Churnet Valley by bike.

Fancy discovering Cannock Chase forest on horseback? Cannock Chase Trekking Centre offers treks to suit all levels of riding ability, from beginners to experienced riders, so there's no excuse not to take the plunge.

 

Family rides

It's not just adults that can feel the thrill of Staffordshire's theme parks. They're packed full of fun to suit youngsters, so don't forget to scream if you want to go faster! There are exciting attractions aimed specifically at young fun seekers and the opportunity for waterpark adventure among the enticements at Alton Towers Resort.

Alternatively race over to Drayton Manor Theme Park where the zoo's critters are waiting to meet you and stop off at Thomas Land which will bring all the magic of Thomas the Tank Engine to life.

If an active outing is in order, head up high for a treetop adventure courtesy of Go Ape Cannock Chase which accommodates kids and adults alike. SnowDome is the spot to test out your skills in skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing from the comfort of the indoors. Finding snow on tap has never been so easy!

Steam railways can be found throughout the count, so try the Churnet Valley, Chasewater or Apedale Valley Railways for a truly retro day out. Time your visit to hit one of their theme days and you can spoil the kids with a teddy bear outing or a recreation of wartime history. 

Staffordshire has plenty to enchant animal lovers, young and old. Pop into the Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre and discover the sanctuary’s diverse residents which include birds of prey, meerkats, monkeys, wildcats, iguanas, snakes and raccoons to name a few.

Take a walk on the wild side at Trentham Monkey Forest with its free-roaming Barbary macaques or swoop into the Owl and Falconry Centre with its magnificent birds of prey and flying displays, as well as a pets corner and a range of handling experiences to choose from.