Discover Penkridge

Penkridge combines regular markets, historic buildings and extensive walking opportunities to create a varied destination in Staffordshire. Those looking for a mix of culture, local traditions and activity during their holiday can combine different day plans here. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, the desired shape of the trip is particularly important: would you like to experience market days, discover historic places or plan a longer route through the countryside?

Markets and local character

Penkridge Market holds two regular weekly markets throughout the year, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These fixed dates provide a clear reference point for planning a trip and may appeal to anyone who enjoys getting to know a place through its market traditions. In addition, a food and arts and crafts market takes place in Penkridge every month. Alongside the regular weekly market, this adds food and craft offerings as a separate focus to the calendar.

If you choose accommodation according to your personal travel rhythm, these dates can provide practical guidance. A trip centred around a weekly market follows a different pace from a stay focused on longer walks or several historic sites. The market offerings can therefore be regarded as an independent reason for planning a trip, alongside cultural and nature experiences.

Walks around Penkridge

The Staffordshire Tolkien Trail comprises three connected walks. Together, they extend for more than 30 miles through the Staffordshire countryside and around Cannock Chase.

One specific section is the Tolkien Trail Gypsy Green/ Brocton Camp Walk. This circular route begins at Penkridge Library. From there, it follows the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and the Staffordshire Way to Gypsy Green, continues to Bednall and then follows footpaths to Brocton. The precise route is particularly useful for planning if you prefer a walk with named waypoints. The route thus provides a clearly described connection between Penkridge and several places along the way, without any specific walking time or level of difficulty being inferred from this.

Historic places and buildings

Penkridge is also shaped by its cultural history. St. Michael’s and All Angels Church is a medieval church. The Old Bridge dates from the 14th century and provides another historic landmark. Cuttlestone Bridge is an 18th-century road bridge made of ashlar, with five semicircular arches over the River Penk. Together, these buildings represent different historical periods and make Penkridge interesting for travellers who do not want to focus their stay solely on outdoor activities.

The Old Deanery is probably a late-16th-century house with sandstone ashlar and timber framing. Its cautious dating remains part of its distinctive history. The Old Gaol preserves local stories in the Heritage Centre. Those interested in churches, bridges and local traditions can take these themes into account as cultural focal points when planning their trip.

Penkridge as a base

Penkridge railway station offers fast connections to Birmingham, Stafford and Liverpool. This connection is a relevant factor when choosing a holiday destination if you would like to combine Penkridge with other destinations or pay attention to rail connections when travelling there. At the same time, you can focus your stay clearly on Penkridge and choose between market days, historic discoveries and the Tolkien Trail.

For further travel planning, you can also choose Branston, Cannock, Seisdon, Combridge, Himley, Hollington, Tutbury and Madeley.

For the overarching travel overview: Staffordshire.