The wild moors of England | Staffordshire

Why go?

The majestic parklands, lakes intimate woodland and Victorian themed gardens are the perfect playground for nature and adventure lovers.

Experience Staffordshire's stirring history and heritage, from the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found to the world's finest china created in Stoke-on-Trent. Culture vultures can discover the magnificence of Lichfield Cathedral, a myriad of museums, living stately homes and captivating castles. Plus a calendar packed full of colourful and exciting events and festivals throughout the year.

What to do?

Visit the Grade I listed stately home of Weston Park and explore the 1,000 acres of graceful rolling parkland fashioned by English landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Pick up some pickles, preserves and marmalades, chocolate and cherry flapjacks or local fruit and vegetables from the farm shop.

Staffordshire is home to Alton Towers Resort Theme Park, one of the UK’s most famous parks with an awesome selection of big rides. From Sonic Spinball to the water-filled excitement of The Flume and Congo River Rapids, both kids and adults are sure to fill their day with laughs and fun frights. V

Visit the Royal Air Force Museum and check out their collection of 70 historic aircrafts.

Shire Hall Gallery is an exciting and innovative contemporary visual art gallery and hosts a diverse programme of family friendly art and craft exhibitions throughout the year.

Catch a glimpse of 17^th century domestic life at Moseley Old Hall, an Elizabethan farmhouse. The hall's richly panelled walls conceal an ingenious secret priest hole in which Catholic priests hid. Follow the story of the King's dramatic escape from Cromwell's troops.

Where to stay?

White Hart (www.whiteharttearoom.co.uk) is a Grade II listed tea room with rooms ideally placed for getaways to Alton Towers, Blackbrook Zoological Park, Churnet Valley Railway and the Peak District.

Check out the refurbished carriages at the Lazy Longhorn (www.lazylonghorn.co.uk), an unusual and quintessential rural getaway on a glorious and verdant farm.

Spend a few nights in the sumptuous rooms at Swinfen Hall (www.swinfenhallhotel.co.uk), an 18^th century Georgian mansion that has been lovingly restored.

Moddershall Oaks (www.moddershalloaks.com) is a sublime retreat with a spa and a top-notch restaurant.

Stay at the award-winning Simply Staffordshire (www.simplystaffordshire.co.uk) self-catering eco-lodges near Alton, Ashbourne, and picturesque Doverdale, on the fringes of Peak District National Park. There’s a delicious eat-in menu and exceptional breakfast baskets.

The Swan (www.theswanstafford.co.uk) is a an 18^th century former coaching inn near Greegate Deli and the Stafford farmer’s market.

Where to eat?

Try the peppered 21 day hung steak served with baby spinach, new potato salad and horseradish dressing at Moddershall Oaks (www.moddershalloaks.com). They also have a variety of healthy options that are sure to please the fussiest of diners.

The Four Seasons Restaurant (www.swinfenhallhotel.com) is the county’s finest restaurant growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and game in their own gardens.

Enjoy the delightful views and the spot on food at Granary Grill Bar and Restaurant (www.weston-park.com), a charming split –level restaurant at the Weston Park shopping complex, where the unpasteurised artisan cheeses are a must have

Great local cuisine is on offer at Denstone Hall Farm Shop and Café (www.denstonehall.co.uk). Leek and potato soup, Welsh rarebit with beer mustard, courgette cake and plum crumble are among the favourites at Martha Naish’s hearty kitchen.

Try the trio of duck at The Holly Bush (www.thehollybush.info) a favourite country pub.

The family-run country inn The Three Horseshoes Inn (www.3shoesinn.co.uk) offers stylishly presented gastropub classics. Tuck into some traditional English dishes or Thai variations.