VISIT
Stafford and the surrounding area
Mini Guide and 2009 Events
Leisure Services
www.visitstafford.org
VISIT!
Stafford & the Surrounding Area Whether a day visitor, staying a weekend or en-route to other destinations, Stafford has much to tempt you to stay and so much more to discover if you do. The area is served by M6 junctions 13 and 14, and is only 12 miles from the M6 Toll. Few towns in the UK could claim to be so centrally located, with such good road and rail access combined with proximity to several major cities, and a choice of airports. Stafford Railway Station is on the West Coast Main Line with excellent links to London, Birmingham and Scotland.
EXPLORE! Town & Country
Surrounded by thriving market towns, delightful villages and hamlets, the county town of Staffordshire gives you the best the region has to offer. A lively network of waterways links towns and villages, taking cyclists, walkers and boaters through stunning countryside, and the Town’s Nature Reserves and Cannock Chase offer a fantastic stomping ground for all lovers of the outdoors. Stafford’s villages and hamlets are to be found in some of England’s prettiest countryside, their picturesque streets, traditional pubs and welcoming accommodation are waiting to be enjoyed.
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Stafford
Try the Stafford or Stone Town Trail, Stafford’s Ghost Trail, The Churches Trail or alternatively, book a tailored Stafford Town Tour for groups of 15 or more by phoning 01785 619131.
Teddy Bears Picnic at Izaak Walton's Cottage
INDULGE!
Shopping & Eating Out Browse through markets, designer outlets, high street names and side streets full of character… break for lunch at one of the many restaurants, bars, cafés or coffee shops. Shop in the ‘piazza-style’ square adjacent to the Shire Hall Gallery and in the modern Guildhall Shopping Centre. Wander away from the main street and discover picturesque streets and lanes with individual designer shops and interesting eateries. The market town of Stone boasts a thriving café culture, market and riverside location whilst Eccleshall offers an alternative to the High Street brands. Choose from the many bars and restaurants waiting to tempt you with award-winning food and wines.
ENJOY!
Festival Family Fun
There’s plenty to keep you entertained all year round with a calendar of festivals and events that will appeal to all. Starting with the Music Festival in May, a symphony of music from classical to contemporary. Summer brings the bandstand to life with brass and jazz from May to September. Stafford Festival treats visitors to free family entertainment in July. A series of Summer events sponsored by the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be held in Stafford Market Square culminating in a Childrens Fun Week 24 to 28 August. The year ends with events including a Victorian Market, Christmas Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-on with a Firework extravaganza. Sandon Hall, Shugborough, Weston Park and Stafford Showground all host large-scale events from pop festivals to parrot shows, classic cars to classical music.
STAFFORD FESTIVAL 4 to 12 July 2009
A series of exciting events for all ages including; Raw Talent music competition, Street Theatre Extravaganza, Party in the Park, Mayor’s Festival Parade, live music and comedy with Live @ the Castle and a Teddy Bear's Picnic at Izaak Walton's Cottage. Live music and co med at Stafford Castly e
WWW. TEL
staffordbc.gov.uk/staffordfestival
01785 619619
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Pantomine
ENJOY!
A bit of culture STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE Eastgate Street | Stafford | ST16 2LT
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is an accessible, thriving venue, which offers a full and exciting programme of entertainment plus a wide range of modern facitities in the heart of Stafford. From conference facilities to studio theatre, recording space to theatre Coffee Shop, Stafford Gatehouse is one of the best-equipped and most versatile venues in the region. WWW. TEL
staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk 01785 254653 EMAIL gatehouse@staffordbc.gov.uk
Photograph by Sam Carpenter
SHIRE HALL GALLERY
Market Square | Stafford | ST16 2LD
An exciting and innovative contemporary visual art gallery hosting a diverse programme of lively and family friendly art and craft exhibitions throughout the year with a registered craft shop stocking one-off work by British designermakers and a coffee shop. Visitors can explore the historic Victorian Crown Court which still stands within this listed building, learn about the fate of the people who stood in the dock and see the holding cells where prisoners would await trial. Admission is free. OPEN
Mon
& Wed to Sat 9.30am - 5pm, Tue 10am - 5pm, Sun 1pm - 4pm. Closed Bank Holidays & during exhibition changes.
WWW.
staffordshire.gov.uk/sams 01785 278345
Stafford Festival Shakespeare
Open Air at Stafford Castle, Thu 25 June to Sat 11 July 09 The beautiful surroundings of Stafford Castle makes the perfect backdrop to enjoy Shakespeare's plays. This summer Twelfth Night, a comedy of infatuation, deception and broken hearts takes centre stage. Enjoy a picnic with friends on a balmy summer's evening before taking to your seats under the covered grandstand and delight in Shakespeare under the stars. WWW.
TEL
TEL
staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk 01785 254653
Stafford Festival Shakespeare Photography by Robert Day
EXPERIENCE! History comes to life! THE Ancient High House Greengate Street | Stafford | ST16 2JA
Built in 1595 the Ancient High House is the largest timber framed town house in England, and one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Fully restored the superb period room settings reflect its fascinating history. Room settings include the Tudor Bedroom, Civil War Room, Georgian Room, Victorian Room and Edwardian Shop. Admission is free*. The top floor houses the museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment. * except for some events, workshops and guided tours OPEN WWW. TEL
For
opening times please visit: staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage 01785 619131
STAFFORD CASTLE
Newport Road | Stafford | ST16 1DJ
The Castle has dominated the Stafford landscape for over 900 years of turbulent history. William the Conqueror first built Stafford Castle as a fortress to subdue the local populace. Visitors today will find a more peaceful setting, where you can discover for yourself the dramatic history behind the Castle walls. The visitor centre has an audio-visual display, museum exhibits and a souvenir gift shop. Reproduction period arms and armour is available to try out - a fun hands-on experience for all the family. There is a full events programme and coaches / group tours are welcome. Admission is free*. * except for some events, workshops and guided tours OPEN WWW. TEL
For
opening times please visit: staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage 01785 257698
IZAAK WALTON’S COTTAGE
Worston Lane | Shallowford | Near Stone | ST15 0PA
A thatched timber-framed 17th Century cottage bequeathed to the people of Stafford by Izaak Walton, the author of the Compleat Angler. The cottage is decorated in period style and is home to a small angling museum. Throughout the opening period staff are on hand to give an insight into both this unique property and the great man himself. Wander around the rose and herb garden or linger over a pot of tea or refreshments from the tea-room. A gift shop is available to purchase souvenirs to remind you of your visit. Admission is free*. * except for some events
OPEN
WWW. TEL
For
opening times please visit: staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage 01785 760278
DISCOVER! Historical houses SHUGBOROUGH
Milford | Stafford | ST17 0XB
Shugborough boasts a fine mansion house, servants’ quarters, farm and walled garden set in 900 acres of parkland, woodland and riverside gardens. Visitors can get stuck into dollypegging, cheese-making and baking and watch as flour is milled, butter is churned and beer is brewed in the original servant’s workplaces. Today Shugborough is the UK’s only Complete Working Historic Estate and a fun day out for all the family with friendly farm animal characters, a colourful land train, new playground, licensed tearoom serving homemade food, old fashioned sweet shop, ice cream parlour and craft workshops. Shugborough also hosts a range of exciting events throughout the year. OPEN WWW.
11am
- 5pm, 20 March to 29 October shugborough.org.uk TEL 01889 881388
WESTON PARK
Weston-under-Lizard | Near Shifnal | Shropshire | TF11 8LE
THRILL SEEKERS For sheer, wide-eyed excitement, nowhere else comes close to Staffordshire. This is where you’ll find Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Family Theme Park, Tamworth SnowDome and the subtropical aquapark Waterworld, with rides, rapids and flumes. Enjoy all four of these great family attractions with a Thrill Hopper ticket. WWW. thrillhopper.cm TEL 0844 888 5205
An Award winning 17th century stately home set amidst 1,000 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown parkland with a woodland adventure playground, miniature railway, shop, gallery, Stables coffee bar, auditorium, formal gardens, Medieval deer park, woodland walks, maze, orchard, lakes, follies and much more. Weston Park was the family home of the Earls of Bradford for over 300 years and is now held in trust for the nation by the Weston Park Foundation, a Charitable Trust. Boasting a unique heritage, the land surrounding Weston Park was mentioned in the Domesday Book whilst the house itself was built in 1671 by Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham. OPEN
WWW.
Admission
prices and opening times may vary, please call or check online weston-park.com TEL 01952 852100
ENJOY!
Wonderful wildlife Amerton Farm & Craft Centre Stowe by Chartley | Stafford | ST18 0LA
On site are the British Wildlife Rescue Centre, Amerton Railway, toy shop, playbarn, farm shop, hot air balloon flights, bakery, jewellery shop, glass studio, garden centre, pottery studio, celebration cakes and bed and breakfast accommodation. Farm animals and horses can be found in the farmyard where children can feed and pet them. The welcoming Tea Room is particularly impressive.
Cannock Chase
Between Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley
OPEN
WWW.
9am
- 5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. General admission and car parking are free amertonfarm.co.uk TEL 01889 270294
Staffordshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, once a royal hunting forest is rich in local history. The chase trail links visitor centres offering well marked pathways. WWW. TEL
forestry.gov.uk/cannockforest 01889 882613
EXPLORE!
Gardens, woodland & more Trentham
Stone Road | Trentham | Stoke-on-Trent | ST4 8AX
Young families will enjoy the ‘hide and seek’ hedge maze, the children’s adventure play area, lakeside train, electric catamaran, and regular programme of family fun activities. Take a joint ticket with the Italian Gardens and the Monkey Forest and you’ll discover the Barbary Macaque as they exhibit their natural behaviour with no bars or cages to hinder your view. Also at Trentham Estate you will find a quaint shopping Village, huge Garden Centre, restaurants including the new Garden Room Restaurant, cafés, and the new Premier Inn Hotel. A recent addition is the 60 metre Observation Wheel where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of this beautiful 750 acre estate. WWW.
trentham.co.uk
TEL
01782 646 646
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Wolseley Centre | Wolseley Bridge | Stafford | ST17 0WT
Set in 26 acres of former landscape gardens which were the ancestral home of the Wolseley family; the site has a number of easily accessible walks taking in the three lakes, riverside and many other habitats. An impressive range of birds inhabit the site as well as aquatic mammals and reptiles. There is a Visitor Centre with a shop. OPEN
9am
- 5pm Mon to Fri and 11am - 5pm Sat to Sun [Weekends Easter to November]
WWW.
staffordshirewildlife.org.uk
TEL
01889 880100
TRENTHAM monkey forest
Stone Road | Trentham | Stoke-on-Trent | ST4 8AX
Visit the Monkey Forest at Trentham and you'll discover the Barbary Macaque as they exhibit their natural behaviour in 60 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows where 140 monkeys live in total freedom. WWW.
monkey-forest.com
TEL
01782 659845
EVENTS Calendar 2009 All of the events were correct at the time of entry but may be subject to confirmation. Call Stafford Tourist Information Centre: TEL 01785 619619.
04 - 19 Easter Aviator Trail | RAF Cosford 07 Easter Extravaganza | Amerton Farm
07 apr Tudor Stafford Exhibition - 22 aug The Ancient High House
11 Easter Eggcentrics | The Ancient High House
11 - 13 Craft Fair | Trentham 11 - 13 West Midlands Antique Fair
Staffordshire County Showground 12 Easter Egg Treasure Hunt | Amerton Farm 12 Easter Eggscapades | Stafford Castle 12 - 13 Midlands Festival of Transport | Weston Park 13 Plant Hunters Fair | Dorothy Clive Garden 14 A Head for Hats! | Shire Hall Gallery 18 Paper Garments | Shire Hall Gallery 25 - 26 29th International Classic Motorcycle Show Staffordshire County Showground 25 St George’s Day | Ancient High House 26 St George’s Day | Stafford Castle
03 Kite Flying | Stafford Castle
08 - 24 Stafford Music Festival
Various locations in and around Stafford 10 Bluebell Walk and Lunch | Weston Park 16 Wildlife Watch Group. RSPB Bird Walk at Croxall Lakes | National Memorial Arboretum 16 - 17 Craft Fair | Trentham
17 Poisons and Potions: Herb day | Ancient High House
24 What the Butler Saw - Behind the Scenes Tour
APRIL
MAY
24 - 26 26 26 - 29 27 - 28 31
Weston Park Great Garden Weekend | Trentham Mini County Show | Amerton Farm Search and Rescue, Children’s Event | Cosford Staffordshire County Show Staffordshire County Showground Jazz Sunday Roast Lunch | Weston Park
JUNE
06 Food and Beer Festival | Wolseley Centre 07 What the Butler Saw - Behind the Scenes Tour
07 - 14 11 12 - 13 12 - 14
Weston Park Stone Festival | Stone Plantsmans Workshop | Trentham Steam Rally | Shugborough Bowman Antiques Fair Staffordshire County Showground
14 Go Wild at the Castle, guided walk | Stafford Castle
14 RAF Cosford Air Show
14 Weston Park Cycling Fun Day | Weston Park
20 - 21 International Model Air Show | Weston Park
21 Fathers Day Roast Lunch | Weston Park
JUNE
continued
25 jun Twelfth Night, Stafford Festival Shakespeare - 11 jul Stafford Castle
27 Veterans Day | National Memorial Arboretum
27 - 28 Garden Show | Shugborough
27 Midsummers Nights Dream Play in the Park Weston Park
28 The Parrot Society Show Staffordshire County Showground
JULY 25 jun Twelfth Night, Stafford Festival Shakespeare - 11 jul Stafford Castle
01 National Gardens Scheme Open Day
02 Garden Tour | Trentham
Weston Park
04 Stafford Festival: Street Theatre Extravaganza
Town Centre, Stafford 04 Stafford Festival: Raw Talent Music Competition Town Centre, Stafford 05 Stafford Festival: Party in the Park Victoria Park, Stafford 10 - 13 Stone Music Festival | In and around Stone 11 Stafford Festival: Mayor’s Festival Parade Town Centre, Stafford 11 - 12 Pets and People Show | Shugborough 12 Teddy Bear’s Picnic | Izaak Walton’s Cottage
12 Stafford Festival: Live @ The Castle music and
comedy | Stafford Castle 22 - 23 V Festival | Weston Park 25 - 26 Medieval! History brought to life with combat finale | Stafford Castle 26 - 27 Cycling Fun Day | Weston Park 27 jul Amerton at the Circus - 28 aug Amerton Farm
AUGUST
27 jul Amerton at the Circus - 28 aug Amerton Farm 01 - 02 Silk Art to Wear Festival | Rodbaston College 01 - 31 Garden Tour | Trentham 09 Classic Car Show | Stafford Castle 06 - 13 Plantsmans Workshop | Trentham 14 - 16 Triumph Sports Six Club International Weekend Staffordshire County Showground 23 - 25 Childrens Garden Treasure Hunt | Trentham 24 - 28 Children’s Fun Week Guildhall Shopping Centre, Stafford 30 - 31 Planters Hunters Fair | Dorothy Clive Garden 30 aug Scope Festival - 05 sep Staffordshire County Showground
SEPTEMBER 30 aug Scope Festival - 05 sep Staffordshire County Showground 01 sep Stafford at War Exhibition - 23 dec The Ancient High House
07 Horn Dance | Blithfield Hall
07 - 09 Bowman Antiques Fair
Staffordshire County Showground 12 Hands On Costume | Ancient High House
12 - 13 Stafford Borough Horticultural Show Staffordshire County Showground
12 - 13 National Chrysanthemum Show Staffordshire County Showground 12 - 13 Children’s Activities | RAF Cosford 13 Hands On Arms and Armour | Stafford Castle 19 Autumn Chocoholics Fair | Ancient High House 19 - 20 Midland Game Fair | Weston Park 19 - 20 Kit Car Show Staffordshire County Showground
SEPTEMBER continued
NOVEMBER
20 - 21 Plantsmans Workshop | Trentham
07 Bonfire Night | Shugborough
07 Bonfire & Fireworks Display | Westbridge Park
08 Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza | Weston Park
11 Armistice Day | National Memorial Arboretum
27 Fungi Walk and Lunch | Weston Park
OCTOBER 02 - 04 Bowmans Giant Antique Fairs Staffordshire County Showground 02 - 04 Stone Food and Drink Festival | Stone 09 - 11 International Autumn Horse Trials | Weston Park 11 The Parrot Society Show Staffordshire County Showground 11 Little Hearts Fun Run | Shugborough 17 Wedding Fair | Ancient High House 17 - 18 16th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Staffordshire County Showground
18 Shugborough Stride for Cancer Research
21 Christmas Lights Switch On Town Centre, Stafford 21 - 22 English Winter Fair Staffordshire County Showground 27 Christmas Late Night Opening | Amerton Farm 28 Victorian Christmas Market Market Square, Stafford
DECEMBER
Shugborough 18 Cancer Research UK 10K | Weston Park 18 Garden Seed Give away | Trentham 24 - 25 Christmas Craft and Food Show | Shugborough 26 Scary Sculptures Pumpkin Faces | Trentham 26 - 30 Halloween Haunting Week | Amerton Farm 27 - 30 Hands on Hallowe’en | Ancient High House 27 - 30 Hands on Hallowe’en | Stafford Castle 30 - 31 National Chrysanthemum Show Staffordshire County Showground 31 Halloween Spooktacular | Shugborough 31 Halloween - Weird and Wonderful | Weston Park
19 Christmas Lights Switch-on | Stone
31 Trenthams Trick or Treat Garden Traul | Trentham
02 - 05 Christmas Candlelit Evenings | Shugborough
04 Christmas in the House | Weston Park
05 Christmas Craft Fair | Ancient High House
05 - 13 A Wartime Christmas | RAF Cosford 11 - 12 Christmas in the House | Weston Park 11 - 13 Bowmans Giant Antique Fair Staffordshire County Showground 12 - 13 Christmas Food and Craft Fayre Weston Park 12 - 13 Santa at the Farm | Shugborough 17 - 19 Christmas in the House | Weston Park 19 Stone Town Christmas Fayre | Stone 20 - 21 Poultry Show | Staffordshire County Showground
26 Boxing Day Meet of the Meynell and South Staffs
Fox Hounds | Blithfield Hall
VISIT
Stafford Tourist Information Centre Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Eastgate Street | Stafford | ST16 2LT
The perfect place for tourists and local residents alike to find out information on local, regional and national events and theatres, holiday information and airport parking as well as buying theatre tokens, National Express tickets, stamps, postcards and more. Monday
To Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm visitstafford.org TEL 01785 619619 tic@staffordbc.gov.uk
To M
STAFFORD TOWN CENTRE
rth,
4] No
6 [J1
15
AD GAOL RO
AD
TY RO
COUN
GATE FORE A34
Doxey and Tillington Marsh SSSI
Madford Retail Park
ST.
ER GLOV
RED LIO
ET STRE
QUEENSWAY
R NO
13A MO UNT STREET
AD RO CH EL L
05
WATER ST.
RO AD
IA
CT OR VI
GE ST BRID
Superstore
10
ow
er S
Riv
LIC HFI ELD RO AD
Long Stay Short Stay Long and Short Stay Saturday Short Stay Lorry / Coach Park Other Car Parks Guildhall Multi Storey Mount Street Short Stay Pedestrianised Area One Way System
OAD
TH
T EE
Superstore
SBC CAR PARKS
FRIARS’ R
AD
TR
RT RO
18
le / A5
YS ILE BA
affo
O2
T REE
PO NEW
To St
wc
River Sow
st rd Ca
LLS
01
Aviary
RO AD
EASTGATE STREET
T COPE ST.
REET
CH LN. UR CH
Railway Station
Bandstand
REE
S WALL SOUTH
K AN LB MIL
09
wc
ST ING
H WA SOUT
Victoria Park ST AT IO N
LAMMASCOTE RD
TIPP
MILL STREET
War Memorial
Entrance to Local Nature Reserve
CLARKE ST.
E ST
’ S P L. ST CHAD
N STREET MARTI
A518 To Hospital, University, and County Showground
NOR TH W A LL S
TG AT ES TR EE T
FRIA RS ’W ALK
ow Riv
er S
i
MARKET SQUARE
NGAT GREE
ET STRE
ST
ST.
ry’s s Ma St Mew
TE NT ER BAN KS
Kingsmead Marsh Local Nature Reserve
wc EE T
12 RY BBE
CRA
EARL
S a NK re ET BA yA RE ER Pla ST rk H Pa UT ia SO tor
Vic
NT TE
T. LS
8A
03 SALTER STR
wc
14
L SE
. D ST
W AL LS
S EA
ET RE
. ST
D
EL AP CH
OA BR
ST
’S ST. PRINCE
wc
FOR STAF
QU EEN SW AY
16
04
REET
11
11A
TH
ST GATE GAOL
Superstore
RA ILW AY
E
08
17
S RU
ET
RRAC EL TE CHAP
GAOL SQUARE
wc 13
N STRE
QUE ENSW AY
OPEN WWW.
Friary Retail Park
EO VA L
To A
LIC 34 HF ,A IEL 51 3 DR D
KEY TO SYMBOLS Shopmobility On Street Disabled Parking wc Public Toilets Railway Station i Tourist Information Crown / County Court Stafford Borough Council Police Station Stafford Leisure Centre Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Stafford Indoor Market
(c) Crown copyright reserved. Stafford Borough Council. Licence No 100018205.”