9 reasons why your family should visit Staffordshire

For a wonderful family day out, visit Staffordshire for plenty of fun and interesting attractions. Read on for 9 of our favourites to give you plenty of reasons to go camping in this scenic county.

1. Alton Towers

Alton Towers is by far the most commonly heard of theme park in the UK, attracting around 2.4 million visitors a year! Located in the pretty village of Alton, the theme park and resort makes a perfect day out for families with gentle rides for little ones and thrill rides for the dare devils! There really is something for everyone here and the park has loads of places to eat as well as great souvenir shops. Family tickets are available and you can get a 25% discount when you book 7 days in advance online! There are several campsites located nearby.

2. Blackbrook Zoological Park

A fantastic hidden gem often overshadowed by the bigger Staffordshire attractions is Blackbrook Zoo. Set in 75 acres of farmland, the park is home to the largest collection of birds in the UK and is highly acclaimed for its unique bird-breeding programme. The kids will love seeing the large variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals including flamingos, penguins and meerkats! Discount website Groupon regularly has money off vouchers where you can save up to 70%! The friendly staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and facilities include an excellent café, shop and toilets. The park is only a few miles away from Alton Towers.

3. SnowDome

Located in Tamworth, the SnowDome centre is home to fun-filled activities that are great for everyone. Teenagers will love having a go at the adrenaline-filled indoor skiing and snowboarding slopes while the little ones can have a go at tobogganing or sledding with mum or dad. The centre also offers lessons in snow activities, ice skating and swimming. There’s a great children’s play area complete with igloos to explore while the adults relax in the warm log cabins nearby. There are plenty of places to eat and other good facilities at the centre. Christmastime turns the centre into Santa’s Winter Wonderland which includes various themed activities for the children. Skiing and snowboarding is around £17 to £22 for juniors and £21 to £27 for adults for 1 hour and family passes are available.

4. Drayton Manor Theme Park

Situated not to far from Tamworth, Drayton Manor Theme Park is another popular family attraction. The park is full of rides suitable for all ages and even has its very own campsite suitable for tents and caravans with good toilet and washing facilities. Thomas Land and the Dino Trail are perfect for the younger members of the family while thrill rides such as Apocalypse and Maelstrom will satisfy the big kids! Tickets cost around £20 for adults and children over 12 while 4 to 11 year olds can get in for £15. Just be sure to book online to get these discounted prices. Just 40 minutes from here in neighbouring Shropshire is the RAF museum at Cosford, a wonderful attraction full of superb aircraft that the whole family will enjoy!

5. Monkey Forest

Monkey Forest is a beautiful woodland area where 140 Barbary Macaques roam around freely! Located in Trentham near Stoke-on-Trent, kids will be in awe of how close they can get to these fascinating mammals. The park holds ‘feeding talks’ every hour and there are various conservation evenings during ‘Conservation Week’ in September. There are two superb play areas for young kids, a café, shop and picnic area as well as toilets and car parking. Adult tickets cost £7.50 and children cost £5.50.

6. Go Ape! at Cannock Chase

Go Ape! have a number a branches around the UK, including Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Older children can experience treetop adventures by clambering over rope bridges, climbing ladders and flying down zip-wires! Tickets are around £30 for over 18’s or £24 for over 10’s. There’s also a section for younger children that isn’t too high up! You can even enjoy a segway ride through the stunning woodland. This is a great opportunity to do something unique outdoors and is just 2 miles from the town of Rugeley.

7. WaterWorld

In North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent is this fantastic tropical indoor waterpark that’s loads of fun for the kids! Inside you will find wave machines, flumes, and huge waterslides to enjoy as well as a water disco on Friday nights that comes with a great meal in the on-site restaurant. The park is suitable for all ages and tickets are between £34 to £37 for a family of four. There are many places to camp in and around Stoke-on-Trent making this attraction an ideal place to visit!

8. Tamworth Castle

Located right in the historic market town of Tamworth is Tamworth Castle (pictured above). You can find a whole host of activities including exhibitions on weapons and warfare, guided walks, storytelling and ghost walks during Halloween. Children will enjoy seeing medieval characters dressed up roaming the castle. You may even see a dragon! Get a family ticket for £21.

9. Chunet Valley Railway

This hidden gem is great family fun! Enjoy a scenic train journey through the beautiful landscape of Staffordshire’s ‘Little Switzerland’ and be transported back to a by-gone era. Stations are located at Kingsley and Froghall, Consall, Cheddleton and Leekbrook. These picturesque stations all form part of a 10.5 mile return trip. At Cheddleton, you can find a small museum while there’s a pretty tearoom and souvenir shop in Kingsley and Froghall. Train fares cost £11 for adults for a day pass and around £5 for children. Dogs are also welcome aboard for a small fare.

Staffordshire is an excellent place for all kinds of family fun suitable for children of all ages. With a large selection of campsites dotted around the county, you are never far away from a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors!