THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN STAFFORDSHIRE FOR FAMILIES
If you’re planning a family getaway this Summer, nothing beats a break in the historic county of Staffordshire. Whether you’re looking for unforgettable thrills, days out in nature or wanting to get up close and personal with unique wildlife, there are plenty of things to do in Staffordshire for families of all sizes and ages. Planning a family getaway for the Summer holidays can be a costly venture.
However, with The Moat House’s Kids Stay Free offer, your family Summer getaway in 2023 doesn’t have to blow the budget.
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ALTON TOWERS THEME PARK
When it comes to things to do in Staffordshire for families, you have to start with Alton Towers. After all, it’s one of the most popular theme parks in the UK, and for very good reason.
Located near the village of Alton and within sight of the Peak District, Alton Towers boasts an impressive array of over 40 rides and attractions. From gentle rides for younger children, to chilling haunted houses, to white-knuckle rides like Nemesis and The Smiler, there’s something here for everyone.
But rollercoasters aren’t all that’s on offer. Alton Towers also has a waterpark, as well as crazy golf, the Rollercoaster Restaurant, and even an on-site spa.
The park is suitable for children aged 3 and up, although individual rides will obviously have age and height restrictions to watch out for. Alton Towers is definitely a whole day thing to do, and it’s best to start early if you want enough time to take it all in.
You can buy tickets on the day but booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Advance tickets start from £36 per person, while the waterpark starts at £17.50 and crazy golf at £6.
WATERWORLD
If Alton Towers’ waterpark has got your attention, there’s more where that came from in Staffordshire. Head over to Stoke-on-Trent and you’ll find Waterworld, an absolute haven for water-lovers or families who need to blow off some steam and cool down at the same time.
With over 30 different rides and features to enjoy, Waterworld is definitely one of the best things to do in Staffordshire for families. There’s a range of pools – including an outdoor pool for summer months and wave and bubble facilities – as well as flumes, slides and rapids to keep the whole family entertained all day.
If you want to dry off for a while, Waterworld also has two 18-hole tiki-themed adventure golf courses: Jungle Falls Challenge and Temple Ruins Trail. There’s also the Water’s Edge restaurant and an ice cream bar when you need to replenish the energy spent splashing around.
The park is suitable for children of all ages, although younger children will need to be supervised closely. You can easily spend a whole day here, especially if you take advantage of the on-site cafes and restaurants. Booking is not required but it is recommended, with individual tickets starting at £23 per person and family of four tickets at £88.
TRENTHAM MONKEY FOREST
When you think of seeing wildlife in Staffordshire, you probably picture heading out to Cannock Chase or even the fringes of the Peak District, and keeping an eye out for red deer or mountain hares. At the very least, you’re probably not thinking of meeting any monkeys.
Trentham Monkey Forest is easily one of the most unique things to do in Staffordshire for families, for one reason in particular. And that’s because it’s home to roughly 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques!
In other words, this isn’t your usual zoo or conservation site. This is a chance for you and your family to walk among the monkeys and share their home. It’s the only site of its kind in the UK, with no cages or bars separating you from the cheeky critters.
Booking in advance isn’t required and Trentham Monkey Forest is suitable for all ages, although it’s a good idea to make sure any younger children know what to expect and how to respect the monkeys as they roam around.
The experience takes about an hour, but visitors are welcome to stay longer and explore the rest of the Trentham Estate, which includes beautiful gardens and a lakeside walk, as well as check out the cafe and gift shop on site. The cost of admission is £11.50 for adults and £9.00 for children, with discounts available for families and online advance bookings.
CANNOCK CHASE FOREST
Speaking of Cannock Chase, there are few better days out in Staffordshire for active families with a love of the outdoors.
Cannock Chase Forest is one of the true gems of the Staffordshire countryside, and this beautiful natural park offers plenty for families to do. There are miles of walking and cycling trails to explore for starters. There’s also a Go Ape ropes course for adventurous older children and adults, while younger children will love the Gruffalo Sculptures Trail, which guides them through the forest with the help of characters from the popular book.
The forest is suitable for all ages, although if you plan on tackling some of the walking trails be sure to check how demanding they are beforehand. This is also one of the best things to do in Staffordshire for families that has no cost of admission, apart from to pay for parking.
How much time you spend at Cannock Chase Forest is entirely up to you. If you only want to take up a few hours, there are plenty of forest trails you can fit into your day. But if you want to spend a whole day immersed in the park, you can easily do so – especially if you bring a picnic or spend time in the cafe and visitor centre on site.
A PLACE TO STAY AT THE HEART OF IT ALL
All in all, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Staffordshire for families. So much so, in fact, that it’s almost begging you to visit.
With a stunning Grade II listed manor house set in the heart of the countryside, the Moat House is the perfect place to stay and explore Staffordshire. From our luxury restaurant food to our luxury rooms and suites, you’ll be hard pushed to want for more.
The Moat House’s Kids Stay Free offer means that your family Summer getaway in 2023 doesn’t have to blow the budget.
VIEW OUR KIDS STAY FREE OFFER