Staffordshire Accommodation Guide
The county of Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands. Often abbreviated to just ‘Staffs’, Staffordshire is famous for its fascinating ancient history that is steeped in legends. It is also famous for its incredible landscapes and the production of fine pottery and beer.
With so much to explore and learn about, it is no surprise that Staffordshire is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the West Midlands. In this guide, we will exhibit some of the county’s best accommodation options and explore some of the region’s most popular attractions.
Modern day Staffordshire was once a key part of the ‘Kingdom of Mercia’. Mercia was the home of Ethelfleda (Ethelflaeda) the ‘Lady of The Mercians’ and the daughter of Alfred The Great. She is famous for her many victories over invading Viking armies but sadly she died in 918 AD. A statue is dedicated to her outside Tamworth Castle.
In more recent times, Staffordshire played a key role in the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries and Stoke-on-Trent became the UK’s most important pottery manufacturing area. It also developed a reputation for brewing beer thanks to its local supply of hard water and today Burton-upon-Trent is still considered to be the epicentre of the British brewing industry.
As wealth in the region grew, the owners of many such factories built vast mansions and country homes and many can still be visited today. These include the Shugborough Estate, Chillington Hall, Weston Park, Himley Hall and the incredible grounds of the former Trentham Estate.
Staffordshire has some spectacular countryside to explore as well. A large part of the Peak District falls within Staffordshire and the county can boast some of the most impressive natural vistas in all of England. These include incredible natural attractions such as The Roaches (a prominent rocky ridge above Leek) and the beautiful Tittesworth Reservoir.
Staffordshire’s natural treasures do not end there though. The Cannock Chase Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) falls within the county and there are many fantastic nature trails to explore including the Manifold Way. Kinver Edge and Thor’s Cave are two other ‘must see’ attractions in the county.
Staffordshire shares a land border with several other counties in the West Midlands including Leicestershire and Derbyshire directly to the east, Warwickshire to the southeast, Worcestershire to the south, Shropshire to the west and Cheshire to the northwest. It also borders the metropolitan county ‘The West Midlands’ to the south.
Staffordshire’s two cities (Stoke-on-Trent and the cathedral city of Lichfield) have a wide array of accommodation options from upscale luxury hotels to more basic self-catering apartments in the city centres. In more rural areas, visitors will also be able to rent a large number of farmhouses, converted barns, wooden lodges and thatched cottages too.
Staffordshire has some exceptionally beautiful towns and villages. These include Tamworth, Leek, Cheadle, Burton-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. When visiting the county, be sure to also visit Trentham, Haughton, Uttoxter and Alton (all favourites of ours here at Stay In Britain).
Staffordshire / Tourist Information
- County Town: Stafford
- Land Area: 2,713 km2 (1,047 square miles)
- Population: 1,131,052 (2019)
- Population Density: 542/km2 (1,400/square mile)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 21°C)
- Days Of Rain: 162 days of rain / 203 dry days per year
Best Attractions In Staffordshire
Alton Towers: Staffordshire is home to two fantastic theme parks. The UK’s largest theme park, Alton Towers (neat Alton), is packed full with rides and a raft of different experiences for all members of the family. There is also an incredible water park and hotel onsite. When visiting, you should also allow time to visit Drayton Manor Park (in Drayton Bassett). This family-run theme park also has some fantastic rides which should not be missed!
Tamworth Castle: King Offa of Mercia first built a castle on this site in 781 AD but it was destroyed in the Viking attack of 874. The castle was rebuilt in 913 by the legendary Æthelflæd (Lady of the Mercians) as a wooden fortification on top of an earthen burh. After the Viking attack of 943 the castle was rebuilt in wood and then in stone by the Normans from the 1100s onwards. The castle remains one of the best preserved motte-and-bailey castles in England.
Lichfield Cathedral: The first cathedral on this site was built in 700 AD. Work started on the current cathedral in 1085 and the original Saxon church made from wood was replaced by a Norman cathedral made from stone. The cathedral has some of the most intricate stonework of any cathedral in the whole of the UK and The Lichfield Angel (a stone sculpted panel from around 730 AD) is now exhibited at the cathedral.
Best Accommodation In Staffordshire
Ley Fields Farmhouse (Cheadle): Sleeping 8 people across 4 bedrooms, this stunning Georgian farmhouse is situated within the beautiful Staffordshire moorlands. Perfect for groups of families or friends, this fantastic holiday rental also has a luxury hot tub situated within an open sided barn. The garden affords stunning views across the surrounding countryside.
The Green (Uttoxeter): This barn converted in rural Staffordshire is full or character thanks to its solid oak interiors, large lawn area and log fired hot tub. Sheep can often be seen grazing in the adjoining field too! Sleeping 6 people across 3 bedrooms, this is the perfect holiday home for people visitin Uttoxeter race course, Alton Towers or Stoke-on-Trent.
More coming soon…
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Staffordshire area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
