When it comes to tourist appeal, Staffordshire is highly underrated. At the heart of the Midlands, it’s a beacon of cultural interest and natural beauty, and well worth visiting, even if you’re just planning a short weekend break with the family.
So, what might you make time to see? Let’s look at a few worthwhile locations.
Lichfield
Most visitors to Lichfield are going to be brought here by the incredible triple-spired Cathedral. It’s the only medieval cathedral in the UK with three spires, and there are plenty of unique artworks and features in the interior. We should also mention the stately homes on offer.
Lichfield was, famously, the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, whose literary achievements are difficult to overstate. He created an enormously influential dictionary, as well as working as a playwright, poet, and essayist. Several portraits of the man have been brought to newfound prominence by modern meme culture, thanks largely to his habit of squinting. Unsurprisingly, there’s a museum dedicated to Samuel Johnson in Lichfield, built into the house where he spent his formative years.
There’s another famous name associated with Lichfield, and that’s Erasmus Darwin, the grandfather of Charles. Erasmus is noteworthy in his own right, however, and you’ll get a chance to rummage through his notes and commonplace book if you pay a visit to the house on Beacon Street.
Cannock
Cannock Chase is more famous for its natural beauty. There are many amazing trails to choose from in the forest, whether you’re travelling by foot or by mountain bike. There’s also a Go Ape adventure in the forest, which is perfect for those looking to entertain children or explore the treetops themselves.
If you’d like a historical perspective on the region and its coal-mining heritage, then there’s also the Museum of Cannock Chase to think about.
You’ll learn about how tough life was for miners in the region during the 19th century.
There are also plenty of quality car dealers in Cannock, which makes it appealing for practical reasons as well as leisure-related ones.
You can reach the area via train, and then, when you’re done with the shopping, you can pick up a new car and drive home in style.
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke has many attractions worth considering. You might look at the amazing Monkey Forest, in Trentham, where you can walk through a woodland alongside more than a hundred free-roaming Barbary macaques. There are feeding sessions and talks delivered every hour.
Of course, if you’re coming to this part of the country, you might also visit Alton Towers, which is among the most famous and popular theme parks anywhere in the country.
Article Written By Sam Walsh
