Stafford & South Staffordshire

Museums & Galleries

Art Galleries & Museums

THE STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT MUSEUM

Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire,WS14 9PY
Tel: 01543 434394 or 434395     Fax: 01543 434391
E-mail: curator@staffordshireregimentmuseum.com
Web: www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

Exhibits include uniforms, badges and weapons from pistols to machine guns. There are relics from the Sikh Wars, the Crimea, Indian Mutiny, Zulu War, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and both World Wars.

The medals display includes eight of the thirteen VCs awarded to men of the regiment. On sale: Band records, souvenirs etc. Open all year: Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. 1st April to 30th September Weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays 12.30am - 4.30pm.

MUSEUM OF CANNOCK CHASE

Valley Road, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 1TD
Tel: 01543 877666       Fax: 01543 428272
E-mail: museum@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Web: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/museum

This museum illustrates the rich social and industrial heritage of the area, from medieval hunting forest to coal field community, reflecting the social and domestic life of times past.

The new Toys Gallery has a collection of toys from the Victorian era right up to present day, including lots to do for kids of all ages. Enter the Coal Face gallery to discover the harsh working conditions of a coal miner. Temporary exhibitions and a full events diary ensure that there is always something new to see or do. Due to a recent refurbishment we now have a local history gallery which tells the story of the Cannock Chase area. The museum is part of the heritage lottery funded Cannock Chase heritage trail.

For further details on Museum of Cannock Chase near Cannock, Staffordshire see our website.

Open: Easter to 1st October, daily 11am - 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm). Oct 1st to Good Friday, Mon-Fri 11am-4pm.

SAMUEL JOHNSON BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LG
Tel: 01543 264972    Fax: 01543 258441
E-mail: sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk    
Web: www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk

Discover the life and times of Dr. Johnson, England's greatest man of letters and celebrated wit. His birthplace houses five floors of exhibits including his famous dictionary, period room settings and an introductory video. Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in the large, imposing house which overlooks Market Square, frequently returning until shortly before his death in 1784.

Visitors are taken through the colourful life and major achievements of Lichfield's most famous son, from troubled childhood, through literary obscurity and financial poverty, to world renown and success. Our growing calendar of special events means that visitors can come again and again to see the wonderful house in a variety of guises throughout the year!

For further details on Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in Lichfield, Staffordshire see our website.

SHIRE HALL GALLERY

Market Square, Stafford, ST16 2LD
Tel: 01785 278345     E-mail: shirehallgallery@staffordshire.gov.uk
Web: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/shirehallgallery

The Shire Hall Gallery is the largest venue in Staffordshire dedicated to visual arts and crafts. Situated in a fascinating Grade II listed building formerly used as the Crown Court, the Gallery offers visitors a constantly changing exhibition programme as well as a Craft Shop stocked with the best contemporary crafts being produced today.

Our range is so good we are listed on the national register of Craft Shops. You can also visit the Historic Court Room where many a villain was sent down! Level access from the street to the main exhibition spaces. Chairlift to the Court Room (limited access) and Coffee Shop. Accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities. Induction loop system in the main gallery spaces. Minicom on 01785 278345. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. Craft shop. *Access to the Gallery only.

For further details on Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford see our website.

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STAFFORD CASTLE & VISITORS CENTRE

Newport Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1DJ
Tel/Fax: 01785 257698     E-mail: staffordcastle@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage

Built by William the Conqueror to subdue rebellious local people, Stafford Castle has dominated the Stafford landscape for 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 themed tours and children's' activities - there's something to interest all ages and tastes.

Opening Times: April to October, Wednesday to Sunday, and Bank Holidays, 11am - 4pm. November to March, Saturday & Sunday only, 11am - 4pm. Schools & Group booking taken at all times by prior appointment.
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: ahh@staffordbc.gov.uk
Web: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage

Built in 1595, this splendid building is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country and England's largest timber-framed town house. Take a fascinating trip through the changing fortunes of the property via superb period room settings that reflect the history of the house. 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. There is a school and group tour programme and occasional themed tours, talks and workshops to support our history exhibitions. Our ground floor shop offers a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, traditional toys and local crafts.   

Opening Times: Open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. For Bank Holiday opening details, please check with the Tourist Information Centre on 01785 619619.
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 nearby.

IZAAK WALTON'S COTTAGE

Worston Lane, Shallowford, Nr Stone, Stafford, ST15 0PA
Tel: 01785 760278 (Apr-Oct) or 01785 619130 (Nov-Mar)
E-mail: iwc@staffordbc.gov.uk     Web: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage

Stafford's rural heritage is embodied in Izaak Walton's Cottage, the charming 16th century home of the celebrated author of 'The Compleat 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 that are held here regularly. On-site parking available.

Opening Times: Open Sundays, May - August, 1pm - 5pm (last admission 30 mins before closing).
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.