From the exhilarating Master Blaster watercoaster at Alton Towers resort to the sprawling hills of the Peak District, Staffordshire has several world-class attractions and a little something for everyone. City slickers and nature lovers can find the perfect day out in this large and impressive county. And when you’re done exploring, why not head to the local market to stock up on delicious local food to cook up a storm back at your kate & tom’s holiday cottage?
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or the kids, there’s a whole host of great places to see and experience in Staffordshire to keep the whole family entertained. Keep reading for our top 12 fun things to do in Staffordshire, including plenty of things to do near Alton Towers as well as the theme park itself!
Family days out in Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a great holiday destination for families, with plenty of fun and relaxing things to discover for all ages. Whether you want to take your children to one of Staffordshire’s many museums or for a scenic stroll by the river, you certainly won’t be short of activities.
1. Alton Towers
Staffordshire is home to Alton Towers – the UK’s biggest theme park. With over 40 rides and attractions at the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But it’s not just the theme park you can explore, Alton Towers resort also offers an array of activities for the family. We’re talking about the Tree Top Adventure and Extraordinary Golf, to name a few.
The Alton Towers theme park is perfect for adrenaline junkies. There are ten white-knuckle rollercoasters, including Wicker Man, Nemesis and Oblivion – the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster. Even if you’re not a fan of heights, you can spend your time exploring all the other attractions like Alton Towers dungeon.
Fuel up before you embark on your exhilarating journey by eating at one of the many restaurants Alton Towers has to offer. Enjoy a steak at Woodcutter’s Bar & Grill or a burger at The Burger Kitchen – you’ll be sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds. Remember, leave some time before going on the rides!
If you’re looking for something for little ones, there are plenty of rides and experiences for the whole family too, so don’t worry about those height restrictions. CBeebies Land is the perfect destination for youngsters, with must-see attractions like the Go Jetters Vroomster Ride and the Big Fun Show Time.
But that’s not all, there’s so much for your little ones to do near Alton Towers too, so you can create an action-packed experience for the whole family.
If you’re planning to visit Alton Towers, ordering tickets in advance will help ensure there’s no disappointment on the day.
Book your tickets to Alton Towers Resort now!
2. Trentham Estate
If you’re looking to recover from all the thrill-seeking Alton Towers has to offer, don’t worry – Staffordshire has it covered. Head to Trentham Estate for a day of tranquillity with your family.
The 725-acre estate has glorious gardens, a quaint shopping village to potter around and even a monkey forest to get up close and personal with some of your favourite animals. And if that isn’t enough, the adventure course and miniature railway at Trentham Fern is sure to please children and adults alike.
As well as plenty to do on the estate, Trentham offers several action-packed events throughout the year.
3. Tamworth Castle
Looking for a place steeped in rich history to spend the afternoon with your family? Tamworth Castle is the perfect spot. Nestled in a corner of the countryside just a stone’s throw from Birmingham, Tamworth Castle will transport you into a different era. Wander through 900 years of history, getting an insight into the lives of the Saxons, Normans, Tudors and Victorians. You can also channel your inner Georgian by donning the wigs and hats worn during the era – a picture-perfect moment if ever there was one.
With over 15 fully furnished rooms to explore, the castle is jam-packed with information and displays that are sure to pique the interest of the whole family. Your kiddos will also be able to touch some of the displays and have an interactive experience.
Feeling brave? Head up the castle tower for 360° views of Tamworth and the surrounding countryside. You won’t be disappointed.
Things to do with kids in Staffordshire
Keeping the kids entertained on holiday can be challenging for many parents. Luckily, Staffordshire has plenty to choose from…
4. Drayton Manor Theme Park
If a trip to Alton Towers leaves you ready for more excitement, Drayton Manor Theme Park is the perfect next stop on your list. Designed for the smallest of the group, this adventure park is packed with attractions to keep the kids entertained. From heart-stopping rides for the big kids to Thomas Land adventures for the smaller ones who love trains, there’s truly something for everyone at Drayton Manor.
But don’t worry if rides aren’t your thing, there’s always the zoo to keep you happy. Explore the open-plan zoo and its 500 animals, including endangered species from around the world. The fun doesn’t stop there – you can also visit Drayton Manor’s Dino Trail, the perfect adventure for little and big dino lovers alike.
5. Snow Dome
Unfortunately in the UK, we can’t always rely on the sun to shine when we’re on our holidays. Luckily for us, Staffordshire has plenty of fun destinations to head to when the sun doesn’t have its hat on.
The Snow Dome leisure park in Tamworth is the ideal spot to shelter from the rain and grey skies. With skiing and snowboarding classes, climbing walls, ice skating and plenty of snow fun, the kids (and adults!) will love rainy days. After all, it means they can spend the day building snowmen and sledging down the hills.
If you’re looking for something magical to do at Christmas, the Snow Dome hosts a Winter Wonderland experience everybody will enjoy. You can even have a bite at Aspen’s Bar & Kitchen, the Snow Dome’s ski-like restaurant.
6. Peak Wildlife Park
Whether you want to walk with the penguins or fancy a stroll with red squirrels, Peak Wildlife Park is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day out in Staffordshire. But it’s fine if the weather doesn’t play ball, there’s plenty to do to fill a whole day at this amazing wildlife park. Visit the special bird collections and pop over to see the rare warty pigs for a truly amazing experience.
As well as seeing some of your favourite wildlife, you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Staffordshire Moorlands with the family picnic area. Relax and have a bite while the little ones play in the large outdoor play area and Jungle Bounce – the biggest bouncy castle in the whole of Staffordshire. If you manage to get them off the bouncy castle, head to the large sandpit and jungle gym.
7. National Forest Adventure Farm
Located in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the National Forest Adventure Park is the perfect location for both animal and nature lovers. The farm has indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy, whatever the weather forecast says.
Wondering what to do during your visit? The farm hosts many events throughout the year, so if you want to take the kids during half-term, then there’ll be something for them to do. From baby farm animals galore at the ‘New Life on the Farm’ event to an array of Easter activities like tractor rides and Easter egg hunts, you really will be spoilt for choice.
8. Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Take a trip down memory lane at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum. An interesting spot to take in the history of World Wars 1 and 2. You can also take a look at the museum’s famous Coltman Trench, which is used as a successful educational programme.
Kids and adults can enjoy the museum’s line-up of events and activities, ranging from full-scale interactive battles with uniformed re-enactors to armoured vehicles on display.
And for free…
Having fun in Staffordshire doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. From mooching around Tittesworth Reservoir to heading to some of Staffordshire’s natural beauty hotspots, there are plenty of free activities to keep you entertained.
9. Tittesworth Reservoir
When the sun is shining, there’s nowhere more beautiful that the glorious Staffordshire countryside. And Tittesworth Reservoir is one of the most impressive spots you’ll find. Having supplied water to nearby villages and towns since 1858, this area of natural beauty is worth a visit. Pack a picnic and wander one of the many walking trails, taking in the stunning views while you’re at it.
Or, if you fancy being waited on while enjoying the fantastic views and atmosphere, you can book a table at the Waterview Restaurant which offers a delicious selection. There’s also a shop you can wander through if you want to mark the experience with a keepsake.
You can secure your booking by contacting the restaurant directly to make a reservation.
10. Ilam Park
The walking trails of Ilam Park and Dovedale are some of the most popular in the area. With gentle riverside walks, open parkland and breathtaking views, the walk from Ilam Park to the stepping stones of Dovedale is perfect for outdoor lovers.
The good news is you can walk across both Ilam Park and Dovedale within one day, so if you have both destinations on your Staffordshire to-do list, then don’t worry, you can most definitely combine the two. While you’re there you can bump into sheep, cows and lambs in the same field, so if someone in your party is a fan of farm animals, you can tick that off your list too.
Ilam Park and Dovedale are not just great for humans, you can also take your furry friend out for a hike and watch them revel in the beauty of the park’s surroundings. This will surely tire them out before they hunker down for the evening.
11. The Roaches
Located high above Tittesworth Reservoir is a Peak District gem – The Roaches. Loved by hikers and climbers alike, the naturally rugged and steep ridge adds a sense of adventure to your next countryside walk. Once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and peaceful tranquillity. On a clear day, you can even see over to Snowdon in Wales!
The Roaches is a great destination for walking parties or families that love an adventure within the great outdoors. Trek the two main gritstone outcrops: ‘Hen Cloud’ which offers a stunning panoramic view of the moorlands and ‘’Ramshaw Rocks’ famous for the ‘Winking Man’ rock formation. You’ll also be able to boast to your friends back home how you visited a site used in several romantic movies!
12. Staffordshire to Newport cycle route
Why not leave the kids at home and grab your friends for the Staffordshire to Newport cycle route? Pop on your helmet and cycle the 14km route that follows a redundant railway, running from near the centre of Stafford to Newport.
Bask in the beautiful greenery as you ride your way through the stunning surroundings of Staffordshire en route to equally as pretty Newport Green Way. The track is well surfaced so it should be a smooth and exhilarating ride.
When you’ve completed the cycle, take a break at one of the many hotels and places to stay nearby.
Where to stay in Staffordshire
You’ve got a varied list of 12 things to do during your trip to Staffordshire, but where will you stay to relax after all the activities? Well, you’ve come to the right place. With a vast selection of beautiful country cottages and townhouses you wish you could live in forever, kate & tom’s has the perfect holiday rental for every occasion.
Take a look at our huge range of houses in Staffordshire today to find the ideal cottage or holiday home for your next getaway. Or get in touch with our friendly travel team to start planning your dream escape.
Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team on 01242 235151.
