|
|
Stafford & South Staffordshire - Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments,
Stately Homes & Palaces
|
|
Since the stone age, man has been
creating majestic structures that we still marvel at
today.
Whether you are interested in ancient monuments,
battlefield sites, re-enactments,
Roman and Norman forts and castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc, this is the page that
should give you the information you need.
|
 |
 |
|
Here we try to list properties in
private ownership but open to the public (even if only
occasionally) as well as those in the care of the
National Trust or English/Scottish Heritage.
We know that not all the
properties in Stafford & South Staffordshire are listed. Please help us
make this guide comprehensive by giving details of
missing attractions
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
STAFFORD CASTLE & VISITORS
CENTRE
Newport Road, Castle Bank, Stafford,
Staffordshire, ST16 1DJ
Tel/Fax: 01785 257698
E-mail:
ahh@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web:
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure
Opening Times: April to October,
Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. November to
March, Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm. Schools & Group
booking taken at all times by prior
appointment.
|
900 years of
history in action - built by William the
Conqueror to subdue rebellious local
people, Stafford Castle has dominated the
Stafford landscape over 900 years. |
|
 |
Visitors today will find a more peaceful setting -
you can follow the castle trail, exploring the
castle ruins and taking in the panoramic views
from the hilltop, stroll in the unique medieval
herb garden and discover for yourself the dramatic
story behind the castle walls.
Join in the exciting events - Stafford Castle is
the venue for an exciting year round programme of
events from historical re-enactments and
Shakespeare productions to torch-light tours and
children's' activities - there's something to
interest all ages and tastes.
Disabled Access: Due to the nature of the
site, disabled access is limited. Although staff
will do all they can to help, it is advisable to
call before your visit.
Directions: On the outskirts of Stafford,
just off the A518 (Newport Road), South West of
Stafford. J13 & J14 M6. Plenty of on site parking.
Rates: Admission Free. Charges may apply
for some events, please call for details.
|
|
|
TUTBURY CASTLE
Tutbury, Nr Burton-upon-Trent
Tel: 01283 812129
E-mail:
info@tutburycastle.com
Web:
www.tutburycastle.com
Open: Easter Sunday to Mid September.
Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm.
Group bookings taken throughout the year by
prior arrangement.
Part ruined motte and Royal bailey castle dating
from the 11th Century where Mary Queen of Scots
was 4 times imprisoned. Offering a whole rage of
new and exciting attractions, visitors are now
able to see The Great hall, which is dressed as
a 1570`s State Room with some Tudor furniture
and fascinating artefacts. A Tudor garden and
herbery has been recreated and Tudor/period
music occasionally played on site. A gift shop and tea room selling
light refreshments/lunches, cream teas, plus
take-away service. Ample car and coach parking
on site. *Sorry no access to the first floor.
*
|
|
The Abbots Bromley Horn
Dance
|
|
Castle Ring - Iron Age
Hill Fort
Cannock Chase - near Cannock Wood
Largest of seven Iron Age forts in
Staffordshire. It was built between 500BC and
43AD and covers around nine acres. The fort has
two lines of defence to the North, West and
South West whilst there are as many as four
ditches and banks on the Eastern side. It is
also the highest point on Cannock Chase. (801
feet). Open permanently.
|
|
Chartley Castle
On A518 Uttoxeter Road near Weston, Stafford
Ruins of castle with footpath through the area.
Associations with Mary, Queen of Scots. Access
by arrangement only.
|
|
Tamworth Castle
The Holloway, Lady Bank, Tamworth,
Staffordshire, B79 7NA
Tel: 01827 709626
Why not take a trip to Tamworth Castle and
explore over 900 years of history. A magnificent
motte and bailey castle, its curtain wall and
shell-keep date from the late 12th Century. Your
journey back in time begins behind the ancient
fortress walls where Tudor and Jacobean
buildings tower over the Medieval Banqueting
Hall. Don’t miss the secret passage where you
can fire an imaginary arrow through the arrow
slit! Inside, delightfully restored period rooms
give a glimpse into the life and times of past
owners. Will you meet Baron Marmion, King James
I, or any one of a number of Victorian residents
or servants?
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Croxden Abbey
Off A50, three miles north west of Uttoxeter
Tel: 0 Fax:
0
E-mail:
customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Web:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Founded in 1176 by Bertram de Verdun for monks
of the Cistercian Order. Parts of the 13th
Century Church still remain.
|
|
The Parish Church of St.
Modwen
Market Place, Burton-upon-Trent
Tel: 01283 536235
E-mail:
mail@burtonsaintpaul.org.uk
St. Modwen's Church is generally acknowledged to
be one of the finest examples of Palladian type
Gothic architecture in the country and stands on
a site used for Christian worship for over one
thousand years and where Wulfric Spot's Abbey, a
building that for 500 years enjoyed a colourful
and distinguished existence, stood. A new church
was built in 1726 and the visitor can see a
sixteenth century coffer and a font which dates
from 1662.
|
|
The Priory Church of St.
Mary The Virgin
Tutbury, Nr Burton-upon-Trent
Built in the late eleventh century by Henry de
Ferrers. The Church reflects the importance of
Tutbury in Norman times. The west front with its
great door, is set in a series of six receding
arches and a square label.
|
|
St. Chad's Church
Hunter Street, Burton-upon-Trent, DE14 2SS
Tel: 01283 564457
Web:
www.chadschurch.care4free.net
Betjemen called it "a cathedral in a mean
street.." G F Bodley's last parish church, truly
a remarkably splendid example of Edwardian
architecture and well worth a visit. St. Chad's
is possibly the finest single building in the
town, sadly hidden away but worth seeking out.
|
|
The Church of Holy Angels
Hoar Cross, Nr Burton-upon-Trent
Web:
www.openchurchestrust.org.uk
Known as the 'Cathedral of the Midlands', the
church was designed by George Frederick Bodley
and built in 1872-6 by Mrs Meynall-Ingram as a
memorial to her husband, Hugo Francis Meynall-Ingram,
who died in 1871. It is of red sandstone
construction with a central embattled tower and
richly furnished.
|
|
St John's Hospital &
Chapel
St. John Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13
6PB
Tel: 01543 251884 Fax:
01543 418062
The Hospital, a place of hospitality and now a
home to elderly people, is one of the finest
15th century brick buildings in the country. The
magnificent stained glass window in the ancient
chapel, built in 1135, was designed by John
Piper, famous for the east window at Coventry
Cathedral.
|
|
Emmanuel Christian Centre
Netherstowe Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13
6AY
Tel: 01543 254596
E-mail:
email@ecclichfield.org.uk
Web:
www.ecclichfield.org.uk
Emmanuel Christian Centre has been in the heart
of the city of Lichfield for over 40 years now,
and we aim to be an integral part of our local
community, reflecting the grace and love of
Jesus to everyone we meet, and to each other. On
visiting Emmanuel you will find a group of
people from all walks of life who have an
exciting and meaningful faith in God. Our Sunday
morning worship is joyful and full of life and
the children meet in their own high energy 'Megamix'.
During the week our focus is Life Groups, a more
intimate environment for growing as Christians,
supporting and encouraging one another and
sharing the love of God.
|
|
Wade Street Church
Wade Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6HL
Tel: 01543 255861
E-mail:
ianh@xalt.co.uk
Web:
www.ldb.co.uk
Wade Street Church is a growing local church
based in the centre of Lichfield. All kinds of
people meet there regularly to worship God,
encourage one another, help meet the needs of
the community, and to tell other people about
the fact that Jesus Christ is alive today and
making a difference in the world. We are drawn
from all Christian traditions (and none), but
find a sense of unity in our worship of and
witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. Sunday worship
is a lively affair and designed to equip
worshippers to serve God in their various
environments during the week, and there are
other activities during the week which enable us
to reach out into the local community.
|
|
Lichfield Methodist Church
Tamworth Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13
6JJ
Tel: 01543 256333
Please contact the Church for further
information.
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
STAFFORD CASTLE & VISITORS
CENTRE
Newport Road, Castle Bank, Stafford,
Staffordshire, ST16 1DJ
Tel/Fax: 01785 257698
E-mail:
ahh@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web:
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure
Opening Times: April to October,
Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. November to
March, Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm. Schools & Group
booking taken at all times by prior
appointment.
|
900 years of
history in action - built by William the
Conqueror to subdue rebellious local
people, Stafford Castle has dominated the
Stafford landscape over 900 years. |
|
 |
Visitors today will find a more peaceful setting -
you can follow the castle trail, exploring the
castle ruins and taking in the panoramic views
from the hilltop, stroll in the unique medieval
herb garden and discover for yourself the dramatic
story behind the castle walls.
Join in the exciting events - Stafford Castle is
the venue for an exciting year round programme of
events from historical re-enactments and
Shakespeare productions to torch-light tours and
children's' activities - there's something to
interest all ages and tastes.
Disabled Access: Due to the nature of the
site, disabled access is limited. Although staff
will do all they can to help, it is advisable to
call before your visit.
Directions: On the outskirts of Stafford,
just off the A518 (Newport Road), South West of
Stafford. J13 & J14 M6. Plenty of on site parking.
Rates: Admission Free. Charges may apply
for some events, please call for details.
|
|
|
THE ANCIENT HIGH HOUSE
Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HS
Tel: 01785 619131
E-mail:
heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web:
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure
Opening Times: Open all year, Tuesday
to Saturday 10am to 4pm.
|
The Ancient
High House was built in 1595, this
splendid building is one of the finest
Tudor buildings in the country and
England's largest timber-framed town
house. Period room settings reflecting
the history of the house.
Take a fascinating trip through the
changing fortunes of the property via
superb period room settings. |
|
 |
Journey from Elizabethan days, through the Civil
War era when King Charles I stayed here, to
Victorian times when the building was home to the
region's most important families. A museum to
Staffordshire's Yeomanry Regiment occupies the top
floor. School visits. Gift shop.
Disabled Access: Due to the nature of the
site, disabled access is limited. Although staff
will do all they can to help, it is advisable to
call before your visit.
Directions: Stafford Town Centre (J13 or
J14 M6). Parking available near by.
Rates: Admission Free. Charges may apply
for some events, please call for details.
|
|
|
IZAAK WALTON'S COTTAGE
Worston Lane, Shallowford, Nr Stone, Stafford,
ST15 0PA
Tel: 01785 760278 (Apr-Oct) or
01785 619619 (Nov-Mar)
E-mail:
heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure
Opening Times: Open May - August,
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm - 5pm
|
Stafford's
rural heritage is embodied in Izaak
Walton's Cottage, the charming 16th
century home of the celebrated author of
'The Complete Angler.'
The thatched, half-timbered cottage at
Shallowford, near Eccleshall gives a
fascinating insight into the history of
angling and the life of a writer whose
work remains 'a unique celebration of the
English countryside'. |
|
 |
Wander through the historic rose and herb garden
or enjoy the heritage events, which are held here
regularly. On-site parking available. More
information on the Cottage can be found at
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage
Disabled Access: Due to the nature of the
site, disabled access is limited. Although staff
will do all they can to help, it is advisable to
call before your visit.
Directions: Shallowford, off A5013 (towards
Eccleshall) 5 miles North of Stafford, J14 M6. On
site parking available.
Rates: Admission Free. Charges may apply
for some events, please call for details.
|
|
|
BOSCOBEL HOUSE
Boscobel Lane, Bishopswood, Stafford,
Staffordshire, ST19 9AR
Tel: 01902 850244
Boscobel is a beautiful but modest timber framed
house with a unique role in history. After being
defeated at Worcester, Charles II hid from the
Roundheads in the nearby oak tree, evaded
capture and escaped to France. Later, he
returned to restore the monarchy to England. The
oak tree has disappeared since, but the famous
Royal Oak in the grounds is descended from it
and attracts visitors from all over. A guided
tour of the house will tell you about the
Priest's Holes, used for hiding people away from
site; and the garden is open for you to explore.
|
|
WESTON PARK
Weston under Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Staffordshire,
TF11 8LE
Tel: 01952 852100 Fax:
01952 850430
E-mail:
enquiries@weston-park.com
Web:
www.weston-park.com
The beauty and tranquillity of the House is the
result of centuries of creativity, collecting
and patronage of artists and craftsmen, by
generations of one family, the Bridgemans, Earls
of Bradford. Gifted to the nation in 1986 by
Richard the 7th and present Earl of Bradford,
and with the support of the National Heritage
Memorial Fund, it is now in the care of the
Trustees of The Weston Park Foundation. Award
winning 17th Century Stately Home set in 1,000
acres of 'Capability' Brown Parkland and
situated on the Staffordshire/Shropshire border.
The attractions include the House, Adventure
Playground, Miniature Railway, Gallery and Gift
Shop, Stables Coffee Bar and Restaurant,
Auditorium, formal gardens, woodland walks,
lakes, follies and much much more. ''New for
2006'' Yew Hedge Maze and Orchard. Please call
for admission prices and times.
|
|
Erasmus Darwin Centre
Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield,
Staffordshire, WS13 7AD
Tel: 01543 306260
E-mail:
erasmus.d@virgin.net
Georgian home of Erasmus Darwin, Grandfather of
Charles Darwin and leading doctor, scientist,
botanist, inventor and poet of the 18th Century.
Located in the idyllic surroundings of the
Cathedral Close. Period furnishings, interactive
displays, 18th Century herb garden.
|
|
Middleton Hall
Middleton, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 2AE
Tel: 01827 283095 Fax:
01827 285717
E-mail:
middletonhall@btconnect.com
Web:
www.middletonhalltrust.co.uk
Delightful former home of Francis Willughby,
17th century naturalist and a founder member of
The Royal Society. It dates from 1285, with
parts undergoing restoration. The grounds
feature an 18 acre lake, walled gardens, nature
trail and craft shops. Civil weddings and
conference facilities available. Play area &
nature trails.
|
|
Shugborough Estate
Milford, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 0XB
Tel: 01889 881388
E-mail:
shugborough.promotions@staffordshire.gov.uk
Web:
www.shugborough.org.uk
Shugborough is the ancestral home of the late fifth
Earl of Lichfield, who as Patrick Lichfield was
known worldwide as a leading photographer. The
18th century Mansion House contains a fine
collection of ceramics, silver, paintings and
French furniture. Part of the house continues to
be lived in by the Earl's family. Visitors
can enjoy the 18 acre Grade 1 listed Historic
Garden and a unique collection of neo-classical
monuments by James 'Athenian' Stuart. Other
attractions include the original servants'
quarters. The working laundry, kitchens, brewhouse and coach houses have all been
lovingly restored. Costumed guides can show how
the servants lived and worked over 100 years
ago. Shugborough Park Farm is a Georgian
farmstead that features an agricultural museum,
working corn mill and rare breeds centre. The
livestock are all historic breeds and in the
farmhouse visitors can see brick bread ovens in
operation and butter and cheese making in the
dairy. Our annual programme of events range from
seasonal craft fairs to the delights of
candlelit evenings, a Victorian street market or
spectacular firework displays. Teachers will be
pleased to note that there is an extensive
educational programme available for children of
all ages with an attractive selection of adult
tours and demonstrations. There is something for
everyone on the Shugborough Estate.
|
|
|
New Members required for this section!
To join or recommend an establishment to
us, please
contact Tourist Net UK
|
|
[back
to top] |
|