Top Reasons to Visit Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire

There’s something about Shugborough’s setting that feels timeless. Maybe it’s the way the river winds through the park, or how the Georgian mansion stands with quiet confidence at the centre of it all.

Once the ancestral seat of the Anson family, and later home to Patrick Lichfield, the celebrated royal photographer, the estate has seen plenty of change. But it has held onto its spirit. You can still walk through grand rooms filled with portraits and chandeliers, but you’re just as likely to stumble across a half-forgotten monument in the woods, or a hidden garden wall with ivy slowly reclaiming it.

It’s not just a place to look at. It’s a place to wander through, and wonder about.

There are gardens, and then there are Shugborough’s gardens. Not the sort where everything’s fenced off and labelled, but living, breathing spaces full of colour and scent.

There’s a walled garden where vegetables and herbs grow in neat rows, and flower borders buzzing with bees. Out in the wider parkland, the trees stretch tall and the paths wind just far enough to feel like you’ve escaped into your own world.

Spring brings blossom, summer is full of life, autumn glows gold, and in winter, even bare-branched and quiet, the place has its own kind of beauty.

Shugborough isn’t frozen in time. It’s a working estate, which means it’s still home to real crafts, animals, and people keeping old skills alive.

You might see a blacksmith at the forge, gardeners tending rare breeds of fruit, or friendly pigs snuffling about in the barn. For children, and let’s be honest, for most adults too, this part of the estate is often the most fun. It’s hands-on and unpolished in the best possible way.

If you’re after one of the more genuine family days out in Staffordshire, this is a good place to start. There’s room to run, things to touch, and stories to discover without having to sit still and be quiet the whole time.

You don’t have to be a serious walker to enjoy Shugborough, but if you are, you’ll find plenty of routes to stretch your legs. If you’re not, it’s still perfect for a gentle amble or a scenic loop with a coffee stop at the end.

There are footpaths by the river, woodland trails, and open fields where the sky feels bigger than usual. For photographers, it’s a bit of a dream. The mansion reflected in still water. Long shadows at sunset across the fields. Even the sheep look like they belong in a painting.

Shugborough is open year-round, but the feel of it changes with the seasons, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Spring and summer are best for gardens and longer walks. Autumn is rich and golden. Winter is quieter, and perfect if you like your exploring with fewer crowds.

There’s an on-site café for lunch or something sweet, and dogs are welcome in much of the parkland as long as they’re on a lead. For accessibility, many paths are suitable for wheelchairs or prams, and staff are on hand to help where needed. Tickets are available on the National Trust website, and free for members.

Here’s where it gets even better. The Moat House, with its waterside setting and relaxed sense of pace, is just a short drive from Shugborough. So if you’re staying the weekend, or simply want a slow morning followed by a good meal and a glass of wine, it makes the perfect base.

After a day of wandering the grounds or learning about Shugborough Estate history, returning to The Moat House feels like a natural continuation. The same mix of comfort, charm, and quiet thoughtfulness carries through.

Book your stay at The Moat House and take your time exploring Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. You’ll be glad you did.

Visit moathouse.co.uk to check availability and start planning your stay.