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There’s More to Staffordshire Than Meets the Eye
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In the ‘to see and do’ tourist league, Staffordshire really does take some beating! So, why is that, unless the purpose of the trip happens to be a visit to Alton Towers, this fun-filled county is often overlooked and underrated as a place to stay for few days away, in Britain?
The fact of the matter is that, in recent years, Staffordshire has become synonymous with Alton Towers. Is it not surprising, therefore, that most of us think exclusively of Alton Towers when asked to name the region’s favourite attractions? And to add insult to injury, wherever you go within miles of the aforementioned theme park, all road signs seem to be pointing in one direction, herding all and sundry towards Staffordshire’s famous top attraction. Not that one should knock the thrills and spills of this famous pleasure park; it has its place in today’s entertainment league. But it’s as if visitors have considered no other form of entertainment, in and around the area! So let’s get things in perspective; it’s time to set the record straight.
The point I am trying to make is that there’s a great deal more to Staffordshire than Alton Towers. In fact, the whole area offers a wide range of alternative leisure options, with something to suit all tastes.
First and foremost, its central location is one of Staffordshire’s strong points. But this doesn’t always work in its favour, with motorists ‘just passing through’ Staffordshire on their way to some other British destination; and by so doing they miss so much. Nevertheless, as the description ‘The Heart of England’ suggests, the region serves as a focal point for routes north, south, east and west. This makes it an ideal location for ‘stopping off’, instead, and taking a break from what might otherwise be a tedious journey, on clogged up motorways.
So, if keeping your lunch down (and your budget low) are greater priorities than succumbing to pester power and heading like lemmings for Alton Towers, you may wish to consider the following less gut-wrenching alternative tourist attractions:
• Amerton Working Farm: (at Stowe by Chartley, near Stafford).
From farmyard activities including a ‘play’ barn to a farm shop and craft centre, Amerton working farm is fun for all the family. For more information see www.amertonfarm.co.uk
• Blackbrook Zoological Park: (Winkhill, Leek, Staffordshire).
Blackbroook is home to some very fine and endangered species, such as Zebu cattle and miniature donkeys.
• Etruria Industrial Museum: (Lower Bedford Street, Stoke ST4 7AF).
Step back into the era of the only surviving steam powered potters’ mill, originally constructed in 1857. The museum also houses a fascinating collection of local ceramics and archaeology.
• Halfpenny Green Vineyards: (Tom Lane, Halfpenny Green, South Staffordshire). English wine has been on the up and up for many years and Halfpenny Green boasts some rather tasty, locally produced wines. Take a guided tour of the vineyard and sample the produce yourself.
• Uttoxeter Racecourse: A great day out for both amateur and expert punters alike; Uttoxeter Racecourse has an exciting atmosphere and is the perfect venue for people watching, even if you don’t want to risk a flutter.
• Royal Doulton Visitor Centre and Museum: (Nile Street, Burslem, Stoke on Trent).No visit to the Potteries is complete without a visit to the Royal Doulton Visitor Centre. Pick up a memento of your time in Staffordshire from the gift shop.
For variety, fun and a perfect mini break, you will certainly be pleased that you opted for Staffordshire. The region has a wealth of high standard B&B accommodation not to mention numerous attractions that make the diversion worthwhile. Go on - give it a try.
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