Discover Staffordshire through its landscapes, crafts and wide range of experiences. The paths around The Roaches bring together hiking, climbing and wildlife watching; other experiences offer insights into ceramics, industrial history and historic railway journeys. This lets you shape your trip around your own interests, without any one theme taking centre stage.

Landscapes and Trails

The Staffordshire section of the Peak District National Park offers two distinct landscapes: the rugged rocks of The Roaches and the gentle hills of the Manifold Valley. The national park covers 555 square miles, about 20 percent of which lies in Staffordshire. Hiking and cycling are among the activities available in this section. The Roaches is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the South Pennine Moors Special Area for Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

You can hike, climb and observe nature on the public footpaths at The Roaches. Trail conditions may vary seasonally. Cannock Chase offers a different character: the area covers 69 square kilometres and is the smallest National Landscape on mainland England. Its network includes 157 kilometres of public rights of way, including sections of the Heart of England Way and the Staffordshire Way. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are also possible there; check access to individual routes before your trip.

The National Memorial Arboretum guide offers a guided introduction to its paths and stories: it highlights four circular trails and shares stories about some of the more than 400 memorials along the routes. This lets you explore the grounds not only as a walk, but also through the stories of selected memorials.

Ceramics and Industrial History

The Wedgwood Factory Tour takes you behind the scenes of Wedgwood’s Made-in-England production. The V&A Wedgwood Collection Tour offers a different perspective, exploring the story of Josiah Wedgwood I, his achievements and innovations, and his family life. At the World of Wedgwood’s Clay Studio, visitors can shape their own pot on a potter’s wheel with guidance.

Industrial history can also be explored in a variety of ways. Gladstone Pottery Museum is the world’s last fully preserved Victorian pottery; visitors can throw, make or decorate their own souvenir there. Etruria Industrial Museum offers insights into the development of Britain’s canal network and the role of pioneering canal engineer James Brindley. Apedale Heritage Centre explores the industrial heritage of the Apedale Valley and the history of the surrounding region. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery displays a significant collection of Staffordshire ceramics as well as objects from the Staffordshire Hoard.

Leisure, Gardens and Local Specialities

Rides and roller coasters are at the heart of Alton Towers Resort; CBeebies Land offers family-focused experiences there. Drayton Manor Resort combines rides with a large zoo. It includes Thomas Land, described there as the only Thomas Land in Europe. Trentham Estate offers the Italian Gardens, a lake and a shopping village. These destinations have different focuses, from rides and a zoo to gardens, water and shopping.

Churnet Valley Railway offers journeys on historic steam trains through Staffordshire’s striking countryside and hosts a range of events throughout the year. Check journey and event dates in advance. A local speciality is the Staffordshire oatcake, a savoury pancake made with oatmeal, flour and yeast, associated with Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. You can try one at traditional oatcake shops in Staffordshire, including several in North Staffordshire. Nelson’s Distillery & School offers tours and tastings; visitors can also create their own blend of gin, vodka or rum.

Plan Your Journey

The West Coast Main Line connects railway stations in Staffordshire—including Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Lichfield and Tamworth—with London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The M6 runs north to south through Staffordshire, with junctions at Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, and Cannock. It is worth checking current routes and junctions before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Kinver, Burton-upon-Trent, Trentham, Tamworth, Stafford, Rugeley, Penkridge, Pattingham, Newcastle Under Lyme, Long Compton, Lichfield, Ecton, Cannock, Brewood, Branston, Barton Under Needwood, Hanchurch, Himley, Gayton, Uttoxeter, Hatherton, Whitmore, Tutbury, Stone, Newport, Loggerheads, Drointon, Hilderstone, Combridge, Oakamoor, Hopwas, Leek, Ashley, Brocton, Perton, Coven, Silverdale, Hollington, Alton, Great Haywood, Longnor, Whittington, Meerbrook, Eccleshall, Cheddleton, Endon, Seisdon, Madeley, Hamstall Ridware, Wetley Rocks, Rolleston-on-Dove, Flash, Dunston and Burntwood.

For the broader travel overview: West Midlands.