Further Afield

Alton Towers
Alton, nr Stoke on Trent

The fantasy of Disneyland - the heritage of England. UK's number one theme park for everyone, where you pay only once for over 60 rides and attractions.

The mansion, once the country retreat of the Earl of Shrewsbury, is a stately building set in this premier leisure park. The 800-acre park offers 200 acres of gardens which are amongst Europe's finest.

Drayton Manor Park
situated near Tamworth

250 acre theme park with over 100 rides and attractions. There is also a zoo, farm and museums.
Gift Shop, Restaurant and Café

National Tramway Museum
Crich, near Matlock, off A6

There are over 70 trams to see, tram rides, exhibitions, play and picnic areas. Restaurants, shops.

American Adventure
Ilkeston, Derby

An all American themed park, rides, roller coasters, attractions and shows, indoor play areas

Arranged around a central lake with shops and American diners

Twycross Zoo
A444. Atherstone, Warwickshire

See over 200 species of animal at the Midlands favourite conservation centre.

The Leading Primate Zoo in the Country.
Home of the PG Tips chimps.

Café, toilets and most animal houses accessible by wheelchair.

Coors Visitor Centre - Brewing Museum
Horninglow St (A511)
Burton-upon-Trent

Home of the famous Bass shires.

See 200 years of brewing history in the country's most important open brewery museum only 10 minutes from Tutbury.

The Museum opened in 1977 to celebrate the bi-centenary of Bass. Its main exhibition traces the development of brewing in Burton-on-Trent from the earliest times, and includes a Coopers' Shop, a reconstructed brewer's office and a 19th-century brewing laboratory.

Features include a working 'N' gauge model of Burton-upon-Trent dated 1921. A reconstructed Edwardian Bar, exciting interactive exhibitions, Family Fun Trail, "The story of Brewing", historical fleet of horse drawn and motorised vehicles. Oldest working micro brewery in Britain, producing ales from traditional recipes and served in the bars at the Museum.

Fully licensed bars, restaurant and souvenir shop. Award-winning Educational service, wedding receptions, licensed to perform wedding ceremonies, conferences and special events. Disabled facilities, ample on-site free car and coach parking. Ideal for all the family and groups.

The Brewhouse Arts Centre
Union Street, Burton upon Trent

A multi-purpose arts building incorporating 230 seat theatre, gallery, studios, media centre, cinema and darkroom and a delightful bar bistro in which to relax.
Wide programme of entertainment, shows, live music, dance, exhibitions and conferences.

Disabled - all areas accessible. Hearing induction loop, Braille signage throughout.

Claymills Pumping Engine Trust
Meadow Lane, Stretton

A Preserved Victorian Pumping Station

Four Beam Engines, Five Lancashire Boilers
Early 20th Century Generator House
Victorian Workshop & Blacksmith's Forge

Numerous Other Small Engines & Novel Artefacts!

Shugborough Hall
(National Trust)

Shugborough is the ancestral home of the fifth Earl of Lichfield, who as Patrick Lichfield is known worldwide as a leading photographer.

The 18th century Mansion House contains a fine collection of ceramics, silver, paintings and French furniture. Visitors can enjoy the 18 acre 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.

Weston Park,
Weston under Lizard, Shropshire

17th Century House and Parkland. ancestral seat of the Earls of Bradford now owned by a charitable foundation.

Attractions include the House, Formal gardens, The Stables Restaurant, Adventure Playground, Miniature Railway, Pets Corner, Deer Park, Gift Shop, Ice Cream Parlour and Parish Church.

Croxden Abbey
Croxden, Staffordshire

Ruins of an abbey near Alton, founded around 1176 by monks from a Savigniac abbey in Normandy.

Much of the building work was orchestrated by Abbot Walter of London from 1242 until 1268. The abbey was suppressed in 1538. Only small sections of the abbey now remain and are under the care of English Heritage. Unfortunately a road was built straight across the remains of the main church making some parts out of bounds.

Sudbury Hall
( National Trust)

The ideal family day out - an intriguing house, an entertaining museum and a garden.

Home of the Vernon family until gifted to the National Trust in 1967, the outstandingly beautiful Charles II house is an unexpected mixture of architectural styles, with remarkable carvings, plasterwork and painting. Richly decorated, it has a collection of family portraits and a magnificent carved staircase.

The Museum of Childhood contains a range of displays about the life of children in the past, with a Victorian schoolroom and nursery with old toys and games.

The formal garden and meadows lead down to the lakeside. Refreshments are available.

Calke Abbey
( National Trust)

Calke Abbey has proved to be a complete time capsule as some of the rooms have remained untouched for nearly 100 years

Baroque mansion, built in 1703 for Sir John Harpur. It was aquired by the National Trust in the1980`s and has been carefully restored, but left as close to what it was when the trust took over.

The Victorian clutter remains and the Drawing Room, the Great Saloon and other rooms are as they were in Victorian times. Collections of birds, paintings, ornaments and family photographs sit amongst peeling wall paper and paint.

The Abbey stands in its own large beautiful park, with walled gardens, a chapel, a 19th century ice house, stables and a carriage collection. Shop and restaurant.

Chatsworth House

Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth is one of England's most beautiful and best-loved houses.

Set on the banks of the River Derwent in the Peak District it is unrivalled for its art collection, state apartments and garden with cascade and fountains

Throughout the house there are paintings, tapestries and fine pieces of furniture. The sculpture gallery contains magnificent specimens from Classical times to the present

There is a Farmyard, open to give visitors an insight into how the farms and woodlands on the estate are run. There are picnic areas, adventure playground, gift shop, refreshments and restaurant.

In the garden you can explore 5 miles of walks with rare trees, shrubs, kitchen gardens, temples, sculptures, fountains, streams and ponds.

Kedleston Hall
( National Trust)

Kedleston Hall was erected in the 1760s by the first Baron Scarsdale, to a design by Robert Adam and it remains one of the finest examples of his work. It is now owned by the National Trust, with present members of the Scarsdale family still living in a small part of it.

It contains a splendid Marble Hall with rows of 25ft high pink alabaster columns surrounding the room. The state rooms contain much magnificent furniture and paintings, some of which was brought back from India by George Curzon when he was Viceroy there, from 1899 to 1905.

There are extensive gardens and a restaurant

Hardwick Hall
( National Trust)

Light and airy because of its many windows, Hardwick Hall was built by Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century.

Bess had risen to become Elizabethan England's second most powerful woman through a succession of mostly happy marriages.

It has been a dower house of the Devonshire family until recently and has escaped architectural change, though the National Trust has cleaned up the stonework, and its gleaming towers now look as new as the day they were built.

The interiors are amongst the most exciting in England, in particular, the Great Chamber and the Long Gallery. It contains a magnificent collection of tapestry and period needlework.

There are gardens and parkland which offers great walks. You can visit the Old Hall, managed by English Heritage and only a few minutes walk.

Haddon Hall

This remains one of the best examples of a medieval and Tudor manor house in this country.

It was owned by the Vernon family for hundreds of years but remained closed and empty for 200 years until brought to life by the 9th Duke of Rutland in the 1920s.

It contains a magnificent Banqueting Hall and an oak panelled Long Gallery, This many windowed room has diamond panes set at different angles to maximise the amount of daylight entering.

The kitchen complex is fascinating. There are wooden blocks, work surfaces through which holes have been worn by constant chopping and pounding, a well equipped bakery and butchery - the staff worked by candlelight. The Duke left this area as he found it, converting the former stables into a modern kitchen for family use and constructed an underground tunnel for their meals to be delivered up to the hall. The chapel, completed in 1427, is notable for it's remarkable wall paintings

There are gardens and a licensed restaurant.

Melbourne Hall and Gardens
Visitor Centre: Blackwell Lane, Melbourne

A 13th century house, home of William Lamb, Lord Melbourne, British Prime Minister

18th century facade, pictures, furniture, porcelain, gardens, and a craft centre

Matlock Spa

Matlock is a busy town and tourist centre on the edge of the Peak District and close to Matlock Bath.

A small hamlet until the 1800's when mills at Cromford were built by Richard Arkwight.

The town prospered when "hydrotherapy" treatments where introduced to the Victorians

High Tor towers over the town and there are paths to wander high over the River Derwent and there is a cable car.

Arkwrights Mill

Wingfield Manor
South Wingfield,

This is a ruined 15th-century mansion used in the film "Jayne Eyre" and TV series "Peak Practice"

Lea Rhododendron Gardens

Lea Gardens to the east of Matlock has rare collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and rock plants. Shop, tea room.

Lying between the southern lowland counties and northern highland Britain, the Derbyshire Dales have an extremely wide variety of places to visit.

They have been extolled over the years since the time of Lord Byron, and the delights of the Dales provide an unrivalled treasure house for historical enthusiasts.

Stately homes, ancient paths, and industrial archeology highlighting the customs and traditions of Derbyshire with records going back to Roman times are only a few of the attractions.

Dovedale is only 30 minutes drive away.

Ashbourne

A picturesque small market town situated at the southern tip of the Peak District.

Its claims to fame are probably its charm, the great number of notable characters who either stayed there, visited it or just passed through.

There is an Annual Highland Games and a 2 day Royal Shrovetide football match.

This is where one half of the town plays the other half at "football", using the town and surrounding countryside as the playing field, with the 2 goals being 3 miles apart.

It only takes 20 minutes to reach Lichfield and there is plenty to see.

Lichfield Cathedral

The Ancient and beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary and St.Chad, with its great 258-foot high central spire, is the third one on the site with the foundations dating from 700 AD

Lichfield is the only medieval Cathedral with three spires. Its Close is one of the most complete in the country and includes a medieval courtyard which once housed the men of the choir.

The building contains a number of treasures including the Lichfield Gospels, a fine 8th Century manuscript, a magnificent Victorian tiled floor, much carved stonework and a large modern collection of silver.

The Chapter House is a unique multi-sided chamber with central column and the Lady Chapel which contains the shrine to St Chad has windows which are filled with 16th century stained glass from Flanders.

Lichfield Heritage Centre
Market Square

2000 years of Lichfield's history shown through fascinating displays and two AV presentations. Fine examples of the silversmith's art in the Treasury and of the city's ancient charters and archives in the Muniment Room. Extensive collection of local photographs of 19th and 20th century Lichfield.

The Spire has a viewing Platform offering spectacular panoramic views over the city.
Gift Shop, Coffee Shop

Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Whittington Barracks

The collection tells the story of the Regiment from its formation in Lichfield in 1705. It includes uniforms, equipment, weapons, medals and a children's hands-on area. There are armoured vehicles, Anderson Shelters and 100 yards of 1st WW trench with sound effects and No Mans Land.

The regimental archive and library are held on site and may be viewed by appointment with the Museum Office.

Royal Crown Derby Museum

The Museum has a display of Derby China and Royal Crown Derby China dating from 1756.

The factory is the only one allowed to use both the words 'Crown' and 'Royal', a double honour granted by George III and Queen Victoria.

See the creation of this worldwide renowned bone china tableware and giftware when you arrange a tour by appointment, or treat yourself to a bargain in the gift shop.

The Wedgewood Visitor Centre
Wedgwood, Barlaston, Stoke on Trent.

An award winning "living museum" exhibiting Wedgwood from the 18th century.

Art galleries and topical exhibitions throughout the year. Craft demonstrations by potters and decorators. Cinema, events, shop.

Denby Visitor Centre

Enjoy a day out at the Denby Visitor Centre in rural Derbyshire about 20 minutes from Tutbury

See how Denby is made, 'have a go' at painting a plate, watch a free cookery demonstration in the Emporium or browse around the shops and museum.

During the school holidays there are extra activities for children and for great bargains don't miss the Denby Factory Shop sales throughout the year.

Staunton Harold Reservoir
off B587 south of Melbourne

209 acre reservoir, walks link to Calke Abbey
Visitor centre with exhibitions.

Foremark Reservoir
Ticknall, Derby

230 acre reservoir with trout fishing, walks, picnic areas, adventure playground

The National Forest

Across parts of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire a massive 200 square mile forest is growing.

The National Forest is the first multi-purpose forest of this scale to be created in the UK for more that 1000 years. You can stroll in it woodland; marvel at its wildlife and enjoy its visitor attractions.

National Memorial Arboretum
Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire

The Arboretum, while paying tribute to a whole generation, was able to remind people of the 80 million lives lost in the conflicts of the 20th Century.
Since March 1997 over 40,000 trees have been planted on the site and over fifty dedicated plots created.

A 150 acre new woodland which is being created as a living tribute to the people of the twentieth century.

Free car and coach parking.
Disabled Facilities: Access, toilets and trail.

Conkers

Located at the Heart of the National Forest, is a unique mix of indoor and outdoor hands on experiences.

Indoors there are 4 discovery zones designed for children and adults of all ages where you can get really close to the forest and experience its life and energy.

23 outdoor activities: including lakeside walks, ponds, mazes, wildlife, sculpture trails, nature trails, an assault course, train rides, playgrounds, water play, views and fresh air!

Lakeside restaurants, specialist shops, plant centre and arts and craft workshops.

Branston Water Park
Branston, Burton upon Trent, Staffs

A 40 acre lake surrounded by woodland and wetland meadow. The lake is used for windsurfing, model boating and angling through local clubs. You can follow a 1 mile trail which leads around lake to the woodland, while watching the wide variety of bird life. There is also a small visitor centre.

Free car parking. There are 2 circular walks starting from the Park (Monks and Moorings & Battlestead and Back)
Disabled Facilities: Toilet, access around the site using flat, well-surfaced footpaths.

Jackson's Bank
Hoar Cross, near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire

This is a mature, mixed broadleaved and coniferous woodland spreading over 80 acres in the heart of the ancient Needwood Forest. This woodland is open to the public courtesy of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Free car parking, coaches by appointment.
Disabled Facilities: Hard roadway provided, but steep hills.