Things to Do

You’ve come all this way, so why not extend your stay? Make it a Rotation Staycation and enjoy these FREE places to visit that are on our doorstep.

The Wolseley Centre

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, The Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems, and it’s completely free to visit. Explore various wildlife habitats, peaceful woodland, a colourful hay meadow, tranquil ponds and lakes, and lush marshland. A variety of wildlife-themed events, from photography courses to mini-beast hunting, are run at the centre throughout the year, catering to a range of ages.

The Groot Tree via Stepping Stones

For Guardians of the Galaxy fans, a visit to the Groot Tree is a must. Located in the ancient woodlands at Brocton Coppice, this 500-year-old oak tree resembles the character Groot, from the Marvel Comics movie franchise. The tree is also thought to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for The Lord of the Rings character, Treebeard. The closest car park is at Punch Bowl (free parking). Head along Sherbrook Valley on foot towards Stepping Stones, turn right, and then immediately right again.

Great Haywood / Shugborough Estate

Head to the village of Great Haywood and enjoy a walk along the Trent & Mersey Canal before crossing Essex Bridge, the longest remaining packhorse bridge in the UK. This bridge was built for Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1550, and leads into the grounds of Shugborough Estate, the ancestral home of the late Patrick Lichfield, 5th Earl and fashion photographer. You can take a stroll through parts of the grounds without paying admission. Finish with a visit to The Clifford Arms, a traditional village pub that is close by and offers a fine selection of cask-conditioned ales and guest beers, along with a wide choice of freshly prepared, value-for-money meals and snacks.

Deer Spotting on Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase may be the smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in mainland Britain, but what it lacks in size (17,000 acres), it makes up for in appeal. It is also home to a large herd of fallow deer, thought to be descendants of the original population that roamed the ancient Norman forest. For guaranteed deer spotting, head to Tar Hill via Chase Road, Brocton.

Birches Valley Forest Centre

A brilliant place for children, Birches Valley Forest Centre has something for all ages. Explore the Gruffalo sculpture trail, fairy glen, three bears’ chairs, maze, and woodland areas where dens can be built. There’s also a fabulous play park with enough swings, tunnels, scramble nets, and slides to keep the little ones entertained for hours on end. You can also hire or bring your own bikes to enjoy the miles of cycling and mountain biking trails. For those feeling adventurous, why not brave the high ropes at GoApe, with nearly 1,500 meters of tree-to-tree crossings.

Blithfield Reservoir

Blithfield Reservoir is a beautiful 790-acre lake set in the rolling hills of Blithe Valley. The estate, which contains areas of rare ancient woodland and an abundance of local wildlife, was first designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1968. There are three walks open to the public, taking in a wildflower meadow, ancient semi-natural woodland, and the reservoir shoreline. The reservoir is located close to the historic village of Abbots Bromley and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation with some excellent pubs worth visiting.

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three spired cathedral in the UK, dating back to 700AD. This magnificent building has a rich history, reflected in its architecture and treasures. During your visit, you can view medieval wall paintings and the famous Herkenrode stained glass, explore the Cathedral and its chapels, and enjoy a stroll around the picturesque Cathedral Close. A visit to Vicars’ Close will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time as you take in the row of quintessential medieval houses. A place of great beauty, the Cathedral is free to enter, although donations are welcomed and encouraged.

National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance and home to the iconic Armed Forces Memorial. The Arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 25,000 trees and a large collection of nearly 400 memorials. The grounds are open throughout the year and are free to enter. Parking cost £4.

St George’s Park

Built in 2012 and set in 330 acres of stunning Staffordshire countryside, St. George’s Park is the home to all of England’s 27 national football teams. With 13 outdoor pitches, including a replica of the Wembley surface and a full-size indoor 3G pitch, St. George’s Park provides world-class facilities for the England teams ahead of international fixtures. There are several walking routes to explore around the grounds of St. George’s Park, with a restaurant and bar, which are both open to the public.