Fun cultural days out in Staffordshire this half term

Families looking for fun days out with a cultural twist during the October half-term holiday are being reminded that there’s lots on offer in Staffordshire.

Whether it’s a visit to a museum, a walk around a historic building or garden, researching family history, theatre trips, or making pottery, the county has plenty of choice.

Visitors can enjoy World of Wedgwood and celebrate the very best of British industrial and design heritage. Take a tour, visit the museum, throw a pot or simply learn more about Josiah Wedgwood and his company.

The Museum of Cannock Chase, once home to the Valley Colliery is free to enter and tells the fascinating story of Cannock Chase. From its industrial beginnings to military role, famous local citizens, social history, domestic life and wildlife.

Lichfield Cathedral, the UK’s only medieval three-spired cathedral, forms the centrepiece of the heritage city and nearby the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas is the UK’s year-round centre for remembrance and a living, growing tribute.  Also in Lichfield, families can visit the Staffordshire Regiment Museum or find out more about their history at the History Access Point in Lichfield Library.

In the Staffordshire Moorlands, the Nicholson Institute and gallery can be explored where collections and items relating to the history of the Staffordshire Moorlands will be on show. The collection includes paintings, textiles, ceramics and items representing everyday life.

Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council said: “What’s great about Staffordshire is that we have so much on offer, including a huge range of fun cultural activities and places to visit.

“Historic houses and gardens, visitor centres, and museums feature heavily in our portfolio of visitor attractions.  These all tell the story of our fascinating history, pottery industry, brewing industry and rich industrial heritage.

“We’re very much the biggest and best playground in the UK. A place of fun and enjoyment where memories can be made. And if it’s culture you’re after this half term, we’ll have something for you.”

In Stafford, walk through time in the Ancient High House, the largest remaining timber-framed town house in England which was built in 1595. Explore through period room settings and find out more about the history of the house. The property also houses the museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry.

The Shugborough Estate is a Grade 1 listed parkland in the heart of the county which provides beautiful historic interiors, stunning formal gardens, peaceful woodland and parkland to explore at leisure.

Visitors can also explore Tamworth Castle, situated in the heart of the town or in the north of the county, head to the Brampton Museum in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Libraries across Staffordshire remain a vibrant hub in local communities and will be offering a range of cultural activities as part of the Staffordshire History Festival.

People can find out more on the Enjoy Staffordshire October half term webpage.

Image: Shugborough Image c Jana Eastwood