# Stafford Staycation Guide — Where to Stay & What to Do > Explore Stafford: Stafford Castle, the Ancient High House, Shugborough Estate and Cannock Chase in the Staffordshire countryside. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/stafford (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. History, heathland and canals at Staffordshire's quiet county town Photo © Pus - uLa, Google Maps [Guide](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford) [🏨 Hotels](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels) [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages) [⛺ Camping](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping) [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions) [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants) Stafford sits quietly at the heart of Staffordshire, a county town that has been getting on with business since Anglo-Saxon times without ever quite shouting about it. The River Sow loops around the town centre, and the pedestrianised streets around Market Square and Greengate Street still follow their medieval layout, lined with black-and-white timber frontages that hint at centuries of wool and shoe trading. It is the kind of place where a morning wandering the shops and a churchyard can easily turn into an afternoon exploring the surrounding countryside. What makes Stafford a useful base is its position: the M6 and West Coast Main Line put the Peak District, the Welsh borders and the pottery towns of Stoke-on-Trent all within a short hop, while Cannock Chase, one of England's smaller Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, begins almost on the town's doorstep. Add a genuinely significant slice of history in the town centre itself and Stafford earns its keep as somewhere to linger rather than just pass through on the motorway. ## Getting to Stafford Stafford sits directly on the M6, roughly midway between Birmingham and Manchester, so arriving by car is straightforward from most of the country; the A34 and A513 also feed in from the surrounding Staffordshire villages. Stafford railway station is a major stop on the West Coast Main Line, with fast services from London Euston taking around one hour twenty minutes, and regular connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Crewe and North Wales. The town centre is small enough to explore entirely on foot once you arrive, and local buses cover the villages and attractions just outside it, including routes towards Cannock Chase. ## Best time to visit Stafford Late spring through early autumn suits Stafford best, when Shugborough's gardens and Cannock Chase's woodland are at their most colourful and the town's outdoor market and riverside park are at their liveliest. Summer brings the town's festivals and open-air events to Victoria Park, while a crisp autumn day on Cannock Chase, with bracken turning bronze and deer more visible among the trees, is one of the county's quieter pleasures. Winter has its own appeal too, with the timber-framed streets and castle ruins looking suitably atmospheric, though some estate attractions reduce their opening hours out of season. ## Where to stay in Stafford(17) [All hotels in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels) About staying in Stafford Stafford makes a sensible, well-connected base for exploring the middle of England, and its hotels reflect that practicality as much as its heritage. In the town centre, a handful of independent guesthouses and small hotels sit within walking distance of the Ancient High House, the castle and the railway station, ideal if you would rather leave the car behind and explore on foot. Around the M6 junctions on the edge of town, branded chain hotels cater well to business travellers and families breaking a longer journey, usually with straightforward parking and easy access back onto the motorway. Further out, the villages fringing Cannock Chase and the Staffordshire countryside offer a quieter alternative, with country inns and converted farmhouses that suit visitors planning to spend their days walking, cycling or visiting Shugborough Estate rather than shopping in town. These tend to have more character than the motorway-side options, often with their own restaurants or gardens, and put you closer to the Chase's trails first thing in the morning before the day-trip crowds arrive. Wherever you base yourself, Stafford's size works in your favour: nowhere in the town centre is more than a short walk from anywhere else, and even the out-of-town options are rarely more than a fifteen-minute drive from the castle or the station. Booking ahead is sensible during the summer months and around any town centre events in Victoria Park, but outside those peaks Stafford rarely feels overrun, making it a relaxed option for a short break or a stopover on a longer Midlands tour. [Common Farm Motel Pasturefields, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/common-farm-motel) [Greensnips Farm Bed & Breakfast Greensnips Farm Summerhill, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/greensnips-farm-bed-breakfast) [Holiday Inn Express Stafford Acton Court, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/holiday-inn-express-stafford) [Lower Drayton Farm B&B Lower Drayton Road, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/lower-drayton-farm-b-b) [Offley Grove Farm Adbaston, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/offley-grove-farm) [Premier Inn Stafford North Hurricane 1 Hurricane Close, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/premier-inn-stafford-north-hurricane) [Premier Inn Stafford North Spitfire 1 Spitfire Close, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/premier-inn-stafford-north-spitfire) [Spittal Brook 106 Lichfield Road, Stafford](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels/spittal-brook) ## Things to Do in Stafford(19) [All attractions in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions) About things to do in Stafford Stafford and its surroundings offer 19 attractions and things to do, with 12 particularly suited to family visits. The area centres on this historic market town, with easy access to neighbouring attractions in Burton upon Trent, Rugeley and beyond, all rated highly by visitors. For seasonal fun, Pumpkin Picking at Canalside Farm in Great Haywood welcomes families with accessible facilities, baby changing rooms and food available on site. Those willing to travel to Burton upon Trent can visit Pumpkin Picking at National Forest Adventure Farm, which offers the same seasonal activity with wheelchair and pushchair access. Stafford Castle invites visitors to explore a medieval fortress across 26 acres, where children can engage in traditional crafts including brass rubbing and coin minting. Shugborough Estate combines a grand historic mansion with working farm animals and children's play areas set within parkland. Rodbaston Visitor Centre Animal Zone houses over 750 creatures from meerkats to monkeys, alongside an adventure playground. For outdoor adventures, Cannock Chase Horse Trekking near Rugeley offers woodland trail rides on gentle horses with fully accessible facilities and pushchair-friendly paths. Stafford itself is a timber-framed market town with a Norman castle mound. Cannock Chase's scenic woodland lies within reach for further exploration. Several cafes support days out: Canalside Cafe and The Kingfisher Cafe are in Stafford, while Shugborough Estate has its own refreshment facilities. Accommodation options include The Moat House, Weston Hall and The Swan Hotel in town, plus 38 cottage listings such as Offley Grove Farm's three properties. [Millmeece Pumping Station ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/millmeece-pumping-station) [Ginger and Spice Festival 2023 ⭐ 5.0](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/ginger-and-spice-festival-2023) [Swim Bike Run: Stafford ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/swim-bike-run-stafford) [Wolseley Centre ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/wolseley-centre) [Cannock Chase Horse Trekking ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/cannock-chase-horse-trekking) [Shugborough Estate ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/shugborough-estate) [Pumpkin Picking at National Forest Adventure Farm ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/pumpkin-picking-at-national-forest-adventure-farm) [Pumpkin Picking at Canalside Farm ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions/pumpkin-picking-at-canalside-farm) ## Where to Eat in Stafford(58) [All restaurants in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants) About eating out in Stafford Stafford has 58 restaurants and places to eat, with 44 holding a 5 food hygiene rating. The town is a historic Staffordshire market town with timber-framed streets and a Norman castle mound, positioned for easy reach of Cannock Chase. Of the listings we feature, 52 have a Google rating, with an average of 4.4 out of 5. The Kingfisher Cafe and Oakedge Cafe both rate 4.7 out of 5, with the former drawing 1043 reviews and the latter 733. Shugborough Estate scores 4.6 out of 5 from 4041 reviews. Canalside Cafe, Wimpy Chalet and The Greyhound Bar and Grill all achieve 4.5 out of 5, with 1780, 1406 and 1204 reviews respectively. Stafford's dining options range across the town, with neighbouring areas like Stoke on Trent, Burton upon Trent, Tamworth and Cheadle each having their own separate listings if you're exploring further afield. The nearby Stafford Castle and Pumpkin Picking at Canalside Farm offer activities to combine with your visit. Several hotels operate in the town, including The Moat House, Weston Hall and The Swan Hotel. Self-catering options are also available through cottages such as those at Offley Grove Farm—The Byng, The Forge and Shires Stable. [Zanzibar ⭐ 4.9](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/zanzibar) [Sandon Hall and Park Enterprises ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/sandon-hall-and-park-enterprises) [Taylor's Takeout ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/taylor-s-takeout) [Oakedge Cafe ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/oakedge-cafe) [Shimla Palace Staffordshire Ltd ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/shimla-palace-staffordshire-ltd) [Horse And Jockey ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/horse-and-jockey) [Stafford Castle & Visitors Centre ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/stafford-castle-visitors-centre) [Gayton Village Hall ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants/gayton-village-hall) ## Attractions Near Stafford [All attractions in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/attractions) Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Stafford. [3 mi Pretty Pots Ceramics Milford · ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/milford/attractions/pretty-pots-ceramics) [5 mi PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm Penkridge · ⭐ 4.4](https://staycation.co.uk/penkridge/attractions/play-lower-drayton-farm) [5 mi Amerton Railway Stowe-by-Chartley · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stowebychartley/attractions/amerton-railway) [5 mi Clip 'n Climb Stoke Stone · ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/stone/attractions/clip-n-climb-stoke) [6 mi Flip Out Stoke Stone · ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/stone/attractions/flip-out-stoke) [6 mi Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre Eccleshall · ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/eccleshall/attractions/gentleshaw-wildlife-centre) [7 mi The Wolseley Centre West Stafford · ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/west-stafford/attractions/the-wolseley-centre) [7 mi Cannock Chase Visitor Centre Cannock · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/cannock/attractions/cannock-chase-visitor-centre) ## Camping in Stafford(4) [All campsites in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping) About camping in Stafford Stafford itself is a town rather than a camping destination, but it sits within easy striking distance of some genuinely good camping country, particularly the heathland and pine forests of Cannock Chase a few miles to the south. As with anywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law, so pitching up on the Chase or in the surrounding farmland requires a proper campsite or a farmer's explicit consent rather than finding a quiet clearing for the night. Fortunately there is no shortage of legitimate options: small family-run campsites and caravan parks dot the villages around Cannock Chase and along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, many offering grass pitches for tents alongside hookups for tourers and motorhomes. The terrain here suits campers who like their outdoors gentle rather than dramatic, think ancient oak woodland, open heath and canal towpaths rather than mountains, which makes it a good match for families and those newer to camping. Cannock Chase's way-marked trails are ideal for a day's walk or mountain bike ride straight from a nearby pitch, and the resident fallow deer are often spotted at dawn and dusk near the woodland edges. The Chase's sandy, free-draining soil also means paths stay walkable even after wet weather, a genuine advantage in an English summer. Late spring to early autumn is the best window for camping around Stafford, when the bracken and heather are at their best and the longer evenings suit a fire pit and a barbecue after a day exploring Shugborough Estate or the castle. For anyone who prefers a roof over their head without giving up the outdoor feel, several sites in the area have added glamping options, from safari tents to shepherd's huts, which extend the season into spring and autumn when a canvas tent might feel a bit exposed. Whichever way you choose to stay, Cannock Chase's combination of accessible walking, wildlife and proximity to Stafford's historic centre makes it one of the more underrated bases for a short camping trip in the Midlands. [Carney Pools ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping/carney-pools) [Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat ⭐ 4.5 · from £150/night](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping/moddershall-oaks-country-spa-retreat) [Oak Deer Country Park ⭐ 4.5 · from £30/night](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping/oak-deer-country-park) [The White Lodge ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping/the-white-lodge) ## Self-Catering Cottages in Stafford(38) [All cottages in Stafford →](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages) [5 Coley Lane 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £369](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/5-coley-lane-syk1034996) [Brook House 5 bed · sleeps 10 · from £867](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/brook-house-syk955882) [Diamond Lodge 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £427](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/diamond-lodge-syk17254) [Far Coley Farm & Log Cabin 8 bed · sleeps 16 · from £2,119](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/far-coley-farm-and-log-cabin-syk1112777) [Far Coley Farm - Hereford Barn 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £362](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/far-coley-farm-hereford-barn-syk1140165) [Fir Tree Cottage 4 bed · sleeps 8 · from £347](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/fir-tree-cottage-rg1) [Hollys Barn 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £360](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/hollys-barn-syk969708) [Manor Barn 2 bed · sleeps 6 · from £688](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages/manor-barn-syk933020) ## Common questions about Stafford How many campsites are there in Stafford? We list 4 campsites in and around Stafford, of which 3 take tents and 3 offer glamping. Are there dog-friendly campsites in Stafford? Yes — 1 of the 4 campsites we list in Stafford accept dogs, including The White Lodge. Which campsites in Stafford have electric hook-up? 3 of the 4 campsites we list in Stafford offer an electric hook-up. How many holiday cottages are there in Stafford? We list 38 self-catering cottages in and around Stafford. Can I take a dog to a holiday cottage in Stafford? Yes — 26 of the 38 Stafford cottages we list allow pets. Are there large holiday cottages in Stafford for groups? Yes — the largest cottage we list in Stafford sleeps 16. Where can I stay in Stafford? We list 17 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Stafford. What is there to do in Stafford? We list 19 attractions and things to do in and around Stafford. Where can I eat in Stafford? We list 58 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Stafford. ### 🏨 Find Hotels in Stafford Search hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com. [Search Accommodation →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DStafford%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link ### Explore Stafford - [🏨 Hotels & B&Bs](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/hotels) - [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/cottages) - [⛺ Campsites & glamping](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/camping) - [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/attractions) - [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/stafford/restaurants) - [🗺️ More in Staffordshire](https://staycation.co.uk/staffordshire) - [🧭 All of the West Midlands](https://staycation.co.uk/regions/west-midlands) ## Staycation ideas for Stafford [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [Pumpkin Patches in the UK: Where to Pick Your Own This October Over 50 pumpkin patches and Halloween events across the UK, grouped by region, with tips on booking, what to wear and when to go.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/pumpkin-patches-uk) [The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-last-minute-staycations) [Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/rainy-day-staycations-uk) [The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/dog-friendly-staycations)