Families reminded that Staffordshire is ‘attraction central’ this half term

Families looking for something adventurous or fun to do during the May half term break and Jubilee celebrations are being urged to check out what’s happening in Staffordshire.

The county is attraction central, the best playground in the country, with hundreds of exciting places just waiting to be explored. And with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee long Bank Holiday weekend, even more special events and celebrations are planned.

This half term, Alton Towers Resort are providing festival like fun with their Mardi Gras takeover for all the family, with  great live entertainment, street food and all the fun of the theme park.  Thrill seekers can also check out Drayton Manor Park for more adrenaline-filled excitement, while children can say hello to Thomas and friends at the world-famous Thomas Land. The park is also opening its new Vikings area on 28 May, which includes four new exciting rides.

A wealth of delights also awaits visitors at many attractions including the Trentham Estate, with a huge choice of eateries, shops, formal gardens with activities including Prince, Princess and Knight School and a daily ‘changing of the guard’.

Families can also drop in and say hello to the monkeys at neighbouring Trentham Monkey Forest, where they can walk amongst 140 wild Barbary Macaques, roaming free in 60 acres of beautiful Staffordshire Forest.

The National Brewery Centre in Burton, which has added mind-boggling Escape Rooms is also worth a visit. And nearby, The National Forest Adventure Farm has lots of family fun with Dino week, where you can have plenty of prehistoric laughs.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, Philip White said:

“Staffordshire truly is an amazing county to visit and to stay in, with so much on offer.

“As well as the usual May half term break coming up, we also have the added bonus of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the long Bank Holiday weekend. So, whether it’s our theme parks, museums or smaller attractions or a special Jubilee event or street party you fancy, there will be something for everyone.

“We have a buzzing tourism sector here in Staffordshire and we’re proud to be the best playground in the country.   Worth around £1.8 billion annually to our local economy, the county attracts around 28 million day or overnight trips each year. Tourism is also our fourth largest sector and supports around 32,000 jobs.  There’s always lots going on in Staffordshire and you can find out more at www.enjoystaffordshire.com.”

Staffordshire is also the proud home of the National Memorial Arboretum; where there are more than 400 memorials including the iconic Armed Forces Memorial, set in 150 acres of maturing woodland and gardens to explore.

The county’s country parks, canal network and outdoor spaces including the Peak District National Park, National Forest  and Cannock Chase offer beautiful scenery and picturesque views for lovers of nature. With numerous different trails, people can walk, bike, hike and explore the countryside at their leisure.

For more things to do in Staffordshire visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com