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Stafford Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Stafford

    There is evidence that Stafford's history dates back as far as 700 AD. In the middle ages, it became an important town dealing in cloth and wool. In the 18th century, the shoe industry became big in the town, and this continued until the late 19th century, when it began to die out. After the railway came to Stafford in the Victorian era, factories began to appear - these includ...Read moreed Dorman Diesels, Bagnalls, and Siemens (English Electric). Read less

  • 2. Now in Stafford

    Today Stafford is a thriving market town, with a college and university. New businesses that have been attracted to the area include computer firms and electronic manufacturers. Architecture in the town is varied and includes two Norman churches, Tudor and Stuart half-timbered buildings, Georgian town houses, the classic Shire Hall, the French Gothic Borough Hall and the Edward...Read moreian Baroque County Buildings. Read less

  • 3. Events in Stafford

    The Stafford Half Marathon takes place every March and attracts thousands of runners. The Stafford School and Family Fun Run is a one-mile race for children and is linked to the half marathon. Children aged 4-18 are invited to wear fancy dress, and medals are awarded. The Stafford Arts Festival takes place every year and includes events at Ancient High House and 40 other venues...Read more in the town. The Stafford Festival is held in May and includes performances of dance, drama and music. The Staffordshire County Show takes place in the town in June and includes plenty of animal events as well as entertainment for all the family. The Stafford Grand Prix cycling race is held in the town in June and is part of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series. Events and entertainment take place during the day and evening. Many events take place at the Shugborough Historic Estate, including themed weekends and the annual Shugborough County Show. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Stafford

    Stafford's Ancient High House is a fine Tudor building that has been turned into a museum. Visitors are taken on a trip through history with rooms dedicated to different periods in time. The site is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum. Izaak Walton's Cottage is a thatched cottage that is more than 300 years old and was once the home of the celebrated author of Th...Read moree Compleat Angler. It offers an insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Izaak Walton, and has a medieval herb and rose garden. It is free to visit. Stafford Castle is over 900 years old and was first built by the Normans. The 26-acre site consists of castle keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden and visitor centre. The centre has displays, hands-on exhibits and activities. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Stafford

    Stafford Town Trails can be followed around the town and include a tour of historic buildings, a route taking in some of the most interesting churches and a tour of some of the sites where spooky goings on have been reported. The town trails are organised by the borough council. Step back in time with a visit to Shugborough, which is a real working historic estate. Visitors can...Read more experience the sights, sounds and smells of history as real characters take them on a journey around the estate and bring it to life. The Shire Hall gallery has an exhibition space, a craft shop, a children's activity area and a sensory room that allows visitors to experience different light, sound and touch sensations. Read less

  • 6. Business in Stafford

    The Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford offers all the high street names in a modern setting. The other main shopping centre is Gaolgate Place. In contrast, the picturesque lanes and side streets offer smaller designer shops, restaurants and cafes. Stafford Indoor Market has over 70 stalls selling food and other items. It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays....Read more Farmers' markets are held in Market Square on the second Saturday of each month and a craft and collectables market is held in Market Square on the third Saturday of each month. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Stafford

    By car, Stafford is close to the M6 motorway and can be accessed by junctions 13 and 14. The A518 links to the east and the west and the A34 links to the north and south of the town. Stafford train station is on the West Coast mainline between London, the North West and Scotland with fast and frequent services to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Liverpool...Read more, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow and the South West. Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Liverpool international airports are all within an hour's drive of Stafford. Read less

  • 8. Entertainment in Stafford

    Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has a variety of events on its calendar, including comedy, family shows, pantomimes, amateur theatre, Shakespeare plays and touring shows.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Stafford

    The Ancient High House was built in around 1595 and is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England. Stafford Castle is a prominent feature on the town's skyline and has a rich history to tell.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Stafford

    Chartley Moss, on the outskirts of Stafford, is a swamp that has existed for thousands of years. It has a layer of peat and moss on the top, which makes it move. It is known as a ‘quaking bog'.

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