A mum and dad with their two children, a young boy and girl. They are having piggybacks in a forest.

If you’re anything like us, you love finding new places to explore. We’re always on the lookout for fresh adventures, and Staffordshire has plenty to offer. So if you live in or around Staffordshire or are planning a visit and need some inspiration, here’s my guide to fun-filled family days out in Staffordshire that everyone will enjoy.

*I will be adding to this list indefinitely.

Trentham Monkey Forest

If you are looking for a lovely way to spend your morning or afternoon, I highly recommend a visit to Trentham Monkey Forest.
You can walk amongst over 140 Barbary macaques as they roam freely around the forest and they are so cute! You can watch the monkeys live as they would in the wild along a 3/4 of a mile pathway.

Toilet Facilities – Yes. They are located next to the Banana cafe. There are joint baby and disabled facilities as well as a baby changing station in the ladies toilets.

Disabled Accessibility – There is disabled parking next to the main gates. There are also wider gates around the park to enable access for wheelchair users.
The majority of routes are wheelchair and mobility-scooter friendly, however, there are a few steep slopes that I feel are unsuitable and would be better off avoided and opting for an alternative pathway.

Ticket prices

Adults: £11.50
Concessions (Students & 65+): £10.50 £9.50 £30.00
Children (aged 3 to 14): £9.00 £8.00 £25.00
Carer*: Free visit with a disabled member
Children 2 & under Free
Groups: Special rates for groups of 20 or more paying visitors.
Annual membership options
Online advanced booking discounts

Book tickets for Trentham Monkey Forest

monkey forest 1

Shugborough Estate

Shugborough Hall is one of my favourite places to visit. My lovely auntie and grandad used to work there when the late Patrick Lichfield, cousin to the Queen resided there.

It is a picturesque estate with plenty of opportunities for photography. There is always lots to see and do for the whole family, such as fun on the farm, family trails, admiring the beautiful grounds, exploring the hall, shops and cafe just to name a few!

Toilet facilities – Accessible toilets and changing places.

Disabled accessibilities – Designated parking. Step-free routes. Pre-bookable mobility scooters. Buggy service to/from car park to the mansion. Ramped access/slopes.

Ticket prices

Whole site
Ticket type – Gift aid – Standard
Adult £14.30 £13.00
Child £7.15 £6.50
Family £35.75 £32.50
Family 1 Adult £21.45 £19.50

A view of a majestic fountain and a path way edged with yew trees leading up to Shugborough hall.

Drayton Manor Park And Zoo

Another firm favourite of ours. I’ve lost count of the times we have visited Drayton Manor Park.
We love enjoying the attractions followed by a walk around the zoo. We also have to make a pit stop at Thomas Land because that is my youngest boys’ happy place!
Drayton Manor is open from March through to October and you can find all of the opening times on the website.

There is also an on-site hotel with 150 rooms, some of which are themed which is super fun if you have kids in tow.

Tickets

Book online to save 35%.
Day tickets – 0-23 months Free / 2-3 years £15 / 4+ years £29.50 / Adult & Toddler £29.50 / On the gate £45
Flexible tickets – 0-23 months Free / 2-3 years £15 / 4+ years £45
Stay & Play tickets from £72pp
Annual pass – Silver £99 / Gold £115 / Platinum £175

Disabled accessibilities – You can also view their Accessibility guide via the online PDF form.

Alton Towers

We love Alton Towers. There are over 40 rides and attractions with a little something to suit the whole family.
The theme park is open from March to November every year. although some of the rides close down during the winter months but the water park remains open throughout.

Tickets – You have the option to buy your day ticket in advance which starts from £34. The water park is and extra £16.50 and the golf pass is £6.
We are big fans of the Merlin annual pass that gives you access to over 30 attractions in the UK, including Alton Towers.
There is also accommodation available should you want to explore the park over a few days.

Disabled accessibilities – All Merlin attractions have disabled toilets, changing areas and sensory rooms. You can find out more before you go.

Rollercoaster

Amerton Farm

There are some lovely animals to see in the farmyard and also the wildlife rescue centre at Amerton Farm. Visit the on-site shop for souvenirs, or pop by the tea room for a drink or bite to eat and let the kids burn off their energy in the play barn. You can also buy some locally sourced produce from the farm shop.

Toilet facilities – Accessible toilets

Disabled Accessibility Statement

Amerton Farm in the majority of areas is wheelchair accessible with 4 disabled toilets on site.  Please note that there are areas that are accessed via gravel/chippings, cobblestones, block paving and also grassed areas.  Ramps are used near areas of steps but please also note that one of the access routes to the Farm Courtyard is via a steeper gradient ramp – mainly due to its age of construction in the old farmyard (built for wheelbarrows not wheelchairs), alternative access route is available.

Tickets

Children (Off peak): £8.99
Children (Peak): £12.99
Under 2 years: £3.99
Under 6 months: FREE
Adults: £6.99
You are purchasing an all-day ticket and you can arrive at any time between 9:30am and 4:00pm

Alpaca

World of Wedgewood

At World of Wedgwood, located in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, families are invited to embark on a journey through the rich heritage of ceramics and craftsmanship. With lots of engaging activities and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the interactive museum to discover the fascinating history of Wedgwood pottery, enjoy a guided tour, and even try their hand at pottery-making with hands-on workshops suitable for all ages. For those seeking delicious food, the on-site dining options offer an array of meals and refreshments. Additionally, the sprawling grounds provide ample space for leisurely walks and picnics amidst the stunning landscape. World of Wedgwood ensures a memorable family day out filled with creativity, culture, and fun.

Toilet facilities – Accessible toilets, standard toilets and baby changing facilities.

Disabled accessibilitiesYou can read the access guide in full here.

Tickets – Clay studio – £25 for 2.5 hours – sessions are Mondays – 13:30 – 16:00 and Thursdays – 10:00 – 12:30 (Term time only)
Pottery painting – Deposit of £2.50 taken at booking. Items start at £4.50 – Friday 1pm – 5pm /Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm
(The last booking available is 3pm)
Family Friendly Play with Clay – £10pp – during school holidays.
Family Friendly Factory Tour – TBC
Nature trail – Free

Painting pottery

Churnet Valley Railway

A super fun day out for train enthusiasts. The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s “Little Switzerland.
Enjoy the scenery and learn about the history of Churnet Valley Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway Company in the small museum based at Cheddleton Station.

You can enjoy a bite to eat at the Signals Tea Room at Froghall station which is wheelchair accessible and child-friendly.
Toilets and disabled accessibilities
Froghall – Toilets including a Disabled toilet / Baby Changing Facilities / Large accessible car park
Cheddleton – Toilets / Baby changing facilities / Two car parks but some walking is required from one of the car parks
Consall – Unisex toilets

Timetables and prices can be viewed here.


Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is an absolute gem for families who love the outdoors and want to get some fresh air while the kids burn off some energy. I am very lucky to have grown up by this beautiful area of outstanding natural beauty. It is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. There are plenty of family-friendly walking and cycling trails to choose from, whether you fancy a gentle woodland stroll or a bit more of an adventure.

Kids will love hunting for the Gruffalo sculptures on the Gruffalo Trail at Birches Valley Forest Centre, or getting messy in the play areas dotted around the site. Bring a picnic or grab a bite from the on-site cafe, and don’t forget to look out for deer! If you’re lucky, you might spot them grazing in the open clearings!

Cannock Chase is also home to Go Ape if you’ve got older kids or teens who love a thrill. There’s a treetop adventure course and zip wires through the trees for an unforgettable day out.

Toilet Facilities – Public toilets available at Birches Valley Visitor Centre and other main car parks.

Disabled Accessibility – Designated accessible parking spaces, accessible toilets and easy access trails suitable for wheelchairs and buggies are available at Birches Valley.

Ticket prices – Entry to Cannock Chase is free! Some activities like Go Ape or bike hire do have separate charges, so check online before you go if you fancy adding on an adventure.

Family days out in Staffordshire 1

Peak Wildlife Park

If you fancy a fun day out getting up close to some amazing animals, Peak Wildlife Park near Leek is a brilliant choice for the whole family. Unlike some zoos where you just watch from a distance, here you can actually walk through large enclosures and mingle with friendly wallabies, lemurs and even penguins! Kids love the hands-on experience and the chance to feed some of the animals (food can be bought on site).

There are regular animal talks and feeding demonstrations too, so it’s a great way for little ones to learn about wildlife in a safe, family-friendly setting. When the kids need to burn off extra energy, there’s an outdoor play area, bouncy castle and indoor soft play to keep them busy. Visit the cafe for a drink and a snack, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the picnic areas.

They now have polar bears residing at Peak Wildlife Park. Nanook and Noori joined them from Orsa Predator Park back in August of 2023. This relocation came as a result of the closure of their old home and the need to find a suitable rehoming solution for these incredible animals.

Toilet Facilities – Toilets and baby changing facilities available on site.

Disabled Accessibility – Peak Wildlife Park is mostly flat and buggy-friendly, with accessible toilets and designated parking for disabled visitors. Some animal walk-through areas have gravel paths.

Ticket prices

  • Adults: From £21.95
  • Children (2-16): From £17.95
  • Under 2s: Free
  • Carer tickets available with proof of eligibility
    Booking online in advance is recommended for the best prices and guaranteed entry.

Buy tickets here.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Staffordshire? Let me know in the comments and I can add it to our list!

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Places to take the kids in Staffordshire 1

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11 Comments

  1. Wow Staffordshire has so much to offer – so many fab days out for the whole family and so lucky to boast Drayton Manor and Alton Towers in particular!

  2. These are all great ideas, we live in Staffordshire so we have done quite a few of these and they are all so much fun. We just need to visit the Snowdome, Shugborough and Drayton Manor to complete the list.
    One of our favourite things to do is go to the Castle in Stafford, it’s a great place to explore and parking is free!

  3. This has been helpful as we’re planning an over night trip to Alton towers this year so good to see some other things we can do x

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am looking to book a holiday in the UK for later this year and your post has definitely put Staffordshire on the short list #MMBC x

  5. This is such a great list! I have heard of all of these places but haven’t visited them, well apart from Alton Towers. Last time I was there was about 25 years ago. x

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