Staffordshire tourist spots?

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I’m thinking of doing a self catering holiday next year (kids will be 3 & 5). Is there somewhere attractive, interesting etc to stay that’s maybe within 45 mins of Alton Towers? It will be a two week break and we would visit AT for a day or two at most so it won’t be the focus of the holiday. But I know nothing of that part of the world to start looking for somewhere nice to stay with things to do.

Not sure about where to stay but there’s plenty to do. Biddulph Grange and Little Moreton Hall are both NT. the Wedgewood Experience is good, you can have very posh afternoon tea, visit the museum and throw a pot. Decorate pottery, have lunch and a factory tour at Emma Bridgewater. Upgrade your Alton Towers tickets, it’s free to do this, so that you can go again. Drayton Manor. Going walking in the Roaches. Have a look at the Trentham estate too. These are just off the top of my head

Trentham gardens and monkey forest in Stoke is a good day out. My children loved that. Also the little train that runs up the side of Rudyard Lake is nice. There was a little zoo somewhere between Ashbourne and Leek too which went down well with my kids.

The Peak District. Loads of choice of lovely places to stay, and close to Alton Towers.

Peak Wildlife Park

Rudyard Lake steam railway

If you want a low key day there is a really lovely play park in Stafford itself. It's called Victoria Park, it has a big sand area, a splash park as well as play areas and then lots of wild birds to walk round and look at too. All of the play areas have grass around them so you can easily have a picnic and spend a chunk of a day there. My two loved it last year when we were visiting the grandparents so we'll be heading back there this summer.

Oh and another great place is Sudbury Museum of Childhood at Ashbourne. It's NT. Great hands on museum and lovely gardens.

I second Trentham Estate & Alton Towers- there is splash landings as well.

Gladstone pottery is fab, Middleport Pottery is a brill factory tour but you need to book in advance. (This is where they film great pottery throw down.) Hanley Museum has the Saxon Gold Hoard, which is free to see.

Dimmingsdale & the churnet valley railway is gorgeous, Dovedale & Ilam plague village is not far away either. If you have good weather there is so much countryside and many walks to explore.

There is Biddulph Grange, Little Morton Hall and Shugbourgh hall, all NT just a short drive away. Joderal Bank is a little further out but a great visit for space enthusiasts.

Ashbourne is a nice town, with lots of antique shops & tea rooms.

There is a couple of places near here that have Log Cabins which are family friendly (Fenny Bentley & Quarry Walk)- I think Hoseasons. There are lots of holiday cottages near the village of Alton & on the edge of the Peak District.

Promise I don't work for the tourist board .

There are a couple of farms around Stafford that do self catering/camping. I have fond memories of staying on farms as a child. Sometimes you get to 'help' feeding animals.

Drayton manor has a few things more suitable for smaller children.

Cannock Chase has quite a few things to do, including Gruffalo Orienteering, you have to pay for the map though, I whopping £1.50

www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8pykkd

Brilliant, thank you all very much. Just the kind of suggestions I was looking for - I'll get a map and find somewhere in reach for them all :)

If you stay near Stafford, you're well placed for lots of great days out. It's exactly 45 mins to AT and exactly 45 mins to Drayton Manor. You could do one day at each! Drayton Manor has a zoo and the excellent Thomas Land.
It's just under half an hour to Stoke on Trent, which has several good days out. I'd recommend going to World of Wedgewood. There's a lot for small children to do. www.worldofwedgwood.com/content/family-activities. Gladstone Pottery Museum is good and regularly run craft sessions for kids and WaterWorld is amazing. The Foxfield steam railway is beautiful.
Stafford is about 20 minutes from Trentham Gardens, Trentham Monkey Forest, Channock Chase and about 50 minutes from Cadbury World.
Blithfield Lakeside Barns are near to Stafford and are on the right side for AT and DM. There's an indoor and outdoor children's play area. www.enjoystaffordshire.com/accommodation/blithfield-lakeside-barns-p735071

Not sure if they would be too far but there's tutby castle or Tamworth castle too.

Great info rice - I’ve had a quick look at Stafford and looks good

Oops, message was really meant to say thank you!