Visit Stafford Mini Guide

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

EMAIL

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.”