Five Reasons to Visit South Staffordshire

As part of our Enjoy South Staffordshire Week celebrations (20th-26th May), we’ve narrowed down the many reasons to visit this captivating, eye-opening part of the county into our top five.

With miles of tranquil canals, sprawling country estates, family attractions, busy markets, historic houses and more, it wasn’t easy to pick just five!

If we’ve missed out your Number 1 place to visit in South Staffordshire, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #EnjoySouthStaffs hashtag.

Weston Park

With 1000 acres of Capability Brown parkland, it’s easy to lose yourself in nature at the vast Weston Park.

Explore Temple Wood on the miniature railway, spot the animals in the Deer Park, stroll through the formal gardens, and let off steam in the adventure playground, home to one of the longest double zipwires in the country.

Discover the world-class art collection and period features in the splendid 17^th Century mansion, and savour the incredible food in the Granary Restaurant, before resting your head in one of the stunning bedrooms or holiday cottages.

There’s a year-long programme of fabulous events too, including live music at Camp Bestival Shropshire, spectacular stunts at the Weston Park Air Show International, as well as walks, exhibitions, and arts & crafts workshops.

Lower Drayton Farm

Breathe in the fresh air and get up close to pigs, cows, sheep and more at Lower Drayton Farm.

There’s family fun in all weathers, all-year round, from the massive indoor soft play area with slides, sports pitch, and toddlers’ role play village, to the giant sandpit, bouncy pillows and tractor rides in the outdoor play zone.

In the Autumn, you’ll find Staffordshire’s biggest pumpkin patch, with thousands of shapes, sizes and colours to choose and carve, while you can take a trailer ride, tackle a spooky walk, and PYO carrots, potatoes and sweetcorn too.

Kinver Edge & Rockhouses

The unusual Rockhouses at Kinver Edge, carved into the sandstone cliffs in the 18^th Century, make a fascinating day out.

Inhabited as recently as the 1960s, these unforgettable houses, complete with stoves, furniture, doors and windows, were restored in the 1990s by the National Trust, who now provide regular tours of the bedrooms and living spaces.

Explore the hollowed out caves, and take in the amazing views of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire from the Iron Age hill fort at the top of the trail.

Why not bring your four-legged friend? The miles of footpaths and open green spaces are fun to roam, and there are water bowls, dog bins, and dog-friendly walks.

And there’s a tea room offering a selection of light lunches, drinks and sweet treats too.

Image: @hanlw3 on Instagram

Baggeridge Country Park

Discover the beautiful Baggeridge Country Park – an award-winning nature reserve and site of biological importance with something for everyone.

Enjoy the stunning scenery in this 152-acre setting, a haven for wildlife transformed from its previous life as a coal mine. The mixture of woodland, wetland, grassland and parkland make it a perfect home for scores of species.

Take the littlies to the newly-refurbished play area, brave the high ropes courses at Challenge Academy, or tackle the family mountain bike trail, suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.

And for something more laidback, there’s the Baggeridge Miniature Railway, fishing at Island Pool, and a selection of walking trails and free instructor-led wellbeing walks.

Penkridge Market

Bargains galore await at the bustling Penkridge Market, with hundreds of stalls and thousands of products available every Wednesday and Saturday.

This traditional, family-run market hosts events throughout the year, from the Antiques & Collectors Market, to the Bank Holiday Market and Car Boot Sale, and even dog training classes.

There are special markets too, with a Children’s Market twice a year offering toys, clothes, fun fair and kids entertainment, and every November, the Victorian Christmas Market is bound to get you feeling festive.

Parking is free and there is a café on site for refreshments.

More things to do in South Staffordshire

Find out about the houses which helped Charles II escape from Cromwell’s soldiers, in a real Game of Thrones, at Moseley Old Hall and Boscobel House.

Wightwick Manor & Gardens has an incredible collection of William Morris fabrics and wallpapers, not to mention the Arts & Crafts Gardens, Malthouse Gallery, and tea room.

The 46-mile Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal cuts straight through the district, providing some peaceful walks and opportunities to spot wildlife.

And you can take guided tours and taste the wares at Halfpenny Green Vineyard, before exploring the craft village, meeting the residents of Wild Zoo, and tucking into a hearty lunch or delightful afternoon tea in the popular restaurant.

Visit our South Staffordshire section for more on the reasons to visit South Staffordshire: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/explore-our-destinations/south-staffordshire