Discover Stafford: Castle, History and City Green Spaces

Stafford offers several ways to explore its history and city life: a church dating from the late 12th century, a castle that has shaped the town skyline for over 900 years, and a park on the banks of the River Sow. There are also many ways to discover its history. You can choose which sights to visit based on whether you are interested in historic buildings, interactive exhibits or a walk. These differences give your plans a specific focus, without requiring every activity to offer the same kind of experience.

Stafford Castle: History, Grounds and Interactive Exhibits

Stafford Castle has been part of the local skyline for over 900 years. The grounds include woodland and a herb garden, so these different areas are also part of the picture of the place, alongside the castle’s long history. Stafford Castle also has interactive exhibits such as weapons, armour and costumes. For your choice of activities, this means the castle theme encompasses both its historic presence in the townscape and other specific aspects of the grounds and interpretation. If you are particularly interested in castles, you will find several points of interest here that go beyond the name of the building.

The Church and Staffordshire History Centre

The Collegiate Church of St Mary dates from the late 12th century. Its date gives local architectural history a specific point of reference. The Staffordshire History Centre offers a different perspective: exhibitions, interactive experiences and historic rooms in the William Salt Library bring more than 1,000 years of Staffordshire history to life. This brings two different perspectives together: the history of a named church building and the county’s history, presented over a long period. If you are interested in culture, you can get to know Stafford through more than a single historic landmark, and include different ways of exploring history in your travel plans.

Victoria Park and the Staffy Trail

Victoria Park is on the banks of the River Sow, in the heart of the town centre. Its location combines a central setting with a direct connection to the river. The Staffy Trail is another way to explore Stafford on foot; the route is estimated to take around one to one and a half hours. The first marker is opposite Stafford Railway Station, at the entrance to Victoria Park. This gives you both an approximate time frame for the trail and a specific point of reference at the park entrance when planning your visit. The duration and marker locations may change if the trail is revised, so check the latest trail information before your visit.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The different destinations appeal to different interests: the castle and church highlight architectural and local history, the History Centre focuses on Staffordshire’s history, while Victoria Park and the Staffy Trail offer something different. If you are travelling with children, you can consider whether you would prefer to visit historic places, see interactive exhibits or go for a walk, without assuming that everyone will enjoy the same kind of experience. The Staffy Trail has an approximate time frame; you can choose the other activities based on your travel companions’ interests. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Stafford, first consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay. This way, you can choose a destination based on the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Long Compton, Hamstall Ridware, Rugeley, Newcastle Under Lyme, Ecton, Silverdale, Burntwood, Meerbrook

Back to the main travel guide: Staffordshire.