There is so much to see and do in the UK – we really have the most beautiful beaches, some wonderful attractions and some really great places to visit right on our doorstep. As a family we try to make the most of the weekends, summer evenings and school holidays and we have soon come to realise that there are so many lovely family friendly places to visit within less than an hour away from our home. We have put together a list of 10 our favourite family days out in Staffordshire. Read on for more….
There is so much for families to do at the World of Wedgwood. Not only can you enjoy a factory tour, visit to the museum, try your hand in the decorating studio, design studio and the master craft studio but children can also enjoy hours of fun in the outdoor and indoor play areas. There is a fabulous tearoom, and the relaxed dining hall has a wonderful menu supporting local produce… not to mention the Wedgwood flagship store … we really enjoyed our visit.
Trentham Estate is a wonderful day out with children. Visit the garden centre, the aware winning Gardens, or enjoy a stroll through the shopping village with an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants. For families, Children can enjoy a walk around the lake, spot the fairies dotted around the estate, have fun in the outdoor adventure playground, experience the barefoot trail, get lost in the maze or enjoy a boat ride on the lake. We do visit Trentham frequently and have enjoyed many an afternoon here. Trentham hosts a number of events througout the year – check the website before you visit.
Trentham Estate Monkey Forest.
Home to 140 Barbary macaques at the Monkey Forest, it is a wonderful family day out. Take a walk amongsts the monkeys and observe their antics as they live freely in 60 acres beautiful woodland. Children can enjoy a picnic or a bite to eat in the restaurant, and have fun in the outdoor playground outside the banana cafe. Please see website for opening times and admission prices.
Rudyard Lake in the Staffordshire Moorlands covers some 168 acres and is over 2.5 miles long. There is an array of things to do and is a great family day out. Enjoy the various walks, take a boat trip on the lake , simply enjoy a picnic or experiencing the Rudyard Steam Railway which runs along the side of the lake.
CBeebies Land is a pre-school attraction at Alton Towers offering In the night garden… Mr Bloom..Charlie and Lola… and more. It will leave children squealing with excitement at the various well thought out themed rides and attractions. Alton Towers hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Santa sleepover stay. We also enjoyed a day at Splash Landings Waterpark during our stay. Visit the website for details and special offers.
Blithbury Reindeer Lodge is a 30 acre working farm in Rugeley, Staffordshire and home to England’s largest working Reindeer herd. The Reindeer lodge opens for special events throughout the year and last year we enjoyed a wonderful and magical Christmas experience. Please see the website for special events to find out more.
A must see attraction for any little Thomas the Tank Engine fan – Thomas land promises fun and adventure for all. Set in 6,000 square metres of parkland, Thomas Land boasts twelve wonderful Thomas themed rides, an indoor play area, and a shop filled with Thomas merchandise. Each ride features one of Thomas’s friends, like Bertie Bus and Rosie; there is most certainly something for everyone. Our little one adores Thomas the Tank and really enjoyed her visit.
Please check websites for offers and events.
Cannock Chase Forest is an ideal location to enjoy a woodland walk, try out one of the many bike trails, or enjoy the adventure play and Go Ape. From the 20th February 2017 you can visit Cannock Chase and bring the Gruffalo, little brown mouse, fox, owl and the snake to life with the new Gruffalo Spotters trail and exciting augmented reality app – we can’t wait to try this out.
Please see website for details, events and parking.
Emma Bridgwater
Visit the Emma Bridgwater factory in Stoke-on-Trent and families can spend time in the decorating studio, creating a masterpiece to take home. During your visit you can take the factory tour, enjoy a spot of shopping in the Emma Bridgwater gift shop or factory outlet, and end the day with a bite to eat and some fabulous cake in the cafe and walled garden.
Please see website for special events and to details.
Finally, Churnet Valley Railway is a lovely family friendly day out with the kids – especially for any train obsessed kiddies. Enjoy a ride on a steam train at Churnet Valley Railway, taking a picturesque journey through countryside on an 11 mile return journey. Churnet Valley holds a number of special events throughout the year – Please see website for details.
There are so many wonderful days out in Staffordshire, and I am sure I could add many more to this list. Have you enjoyed any days out with the kids in Staffordshire?
**Disclosure – We were given complimentary tickets to enjoy days out at the Monkey Forest and World of Wedgwood. All other attractions have been paid for by ourselves. All views and opinions are of my own and my family. **
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What a beautiful, and very informative account of available ‘to do’s ‘ in staffordshire! Clearly described, and all sounding very inviting! Tha children obviously had some very enjoyable days out!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, we do enjoy our family days out- there are so many beautiful places to see on our doorstep. 🙂 xx
Love the sound of Rudyard lake – it looks very peaceful 😀
I loved your Wedgewood post, and it looks as though there’s plenty more to do up there. I must admit, it’s a part of the country I know very little, but it’s very appealing!
Love this post! We are also huge fans of Staffordshire as there are so many things to do with kids. Completely agree with you re: CBeebies Land and Thomas Land, my boys absolutely love them both:) Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes, I’ll tweet and pin now;)
I love the idea of going to see the reindeer any time of year 🙂 You’ve got so many lovely things to do close to you. Thanks for sharing them on #MondayEscapes