Hidden Gems in Staffordshire You Probably Haven’t Visited (Yet)

Staffordshire has some wonderful places to visit including Alton Towers and the beautiful Trentham Estate and they are both definitely not to be missed, however, if you veer just a little off the tourist trail a little you might just stumble across some real hidden gems.

Think of museums, natural spots, and slices of history you never learned about in school. So grab a brew and let’s take a virtual wander through the Staffordshire you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Time-Travel, But Make It Quirky

Photo by Rebecca Prest on Unsplash

The Ancient High House, Stafford

Big and absolutely beautiful looking from the outside, the Ancient High House is one of England’s largest timber-framed buildings. Built in 1595, it became a museum in 1986 and offers a glimpse into the lives of people who lived through the centuries. With events on throughout the year it is always worth checking what they having coming up, while entry’s free, which is always a bonus.

Fredas Grave, Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase has so much history going on, as well as endangered flowers and fauna (I once took part in plotting some of the Cannock Chase berry across a given area). However, not many people know that near Coppice Hill car park off Chase Road, near Broctonas you will find Freda’s Grave who was a Harlequin Great Dane dog and the faithful mascot of the 5th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade (NZRB). Cannock Chase also holds a Military Cemetary which is the resting place of almost 5,000 German and Austrian soldiers. While

Nature’s Odd Little Corners

Photo by Lewis Roberts on Unsplash

Thor’s Cave, Manifold Valley

A dramatic cave set high in the hills? Yes, please. Thor’s Cave is as cool as it sounds and looks like it belongs on a fantasy film set, yet it is a natural limestone rock formation. The walk to get there is steep and can get slippery however, it will all be worth it when you get to the top for the view.

Trentham Monkey Forest

Have you ever wanted to walk with monkeys? Then Trentham Monkey Forest is a must-visit, with 140 Barbary macaques, no cages, and you get to walk through their forest. What’s not to love? Walk the 3/4 of a mile pathway and watch the monkeys behave as they would in their natural habitat – just be aware, you never know when might look at you a bit funny.

A Bit of the Bizarre

The Museum of Cannock Chase

This museum mixes mining history, wartime memories, and retro home life all in one go. One minute you’re learning about coal pits, the next you’re fascinated by a 1950s toy collection. It’s like rummaging through your Gran’s attic (if your Gran had an excellent display cabinet and a knack for storytelling).

Alton Towers Gardens

We all know Alton Towers for its incredible rollercoasters, however, it is also home to beautiful gardens. The gardens are ridiculously pretty, full of winding paths, fountains, and plants that look like they’ve come straight out of a Victorian novel. It really feels like a whole world away from the thrill of the rides.

So, What’s the Verdict?

There are so many things to do in Staffordshire and these is just a few you might not have thought about. So why not take a step away from the normal and look to explore the charm and unique experience each of these options has to offer?

In fact, if you’re not local, why not think about heading here for your next weekend getaway or staycation, as exploring Staffordshire might just leave you wondering why you hadn’t thought to do it before?

Do you have a hidden gem in Staffordshire you would like people to know about?

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