Things to see and do in Staffordshire

Dove Farm is located right on the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire, which brings so many visitor attractions within easy travelling distance. Alton Towers is only 4 miles away. You will be amazed at how many things there are to see and do in Staffordshire. There really is something to interest everyone, including groups

We have put together a few ideas for guests who are staying with us for short breaks. It is by no means an exhaustive list.

See here for walking, cycling and pony trekking.

Lots more ideas for places to visit and days out:

• www.enjoystaffordshire.com

Check out www.topdogdays.com for deals, discounts and offers on days out all over the UK. Updates throughout the year, on how to get best value from top UK visitor attractions and theme parks, including Alton Towers.

• Alton Towers, Alton ST10 4DB
  0871 222 3330
  www.altontowers.com
  Dove Farm offers excellent self-catering accommodation near to Alton Towers – the UK’s largest family theme park. There is everything from thrill rides like Thirteen, Oblivion and Rita, through to fun experiences for the young, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check website for seasonal opening hours. Ask at Dove farm for a map of the short-cut route to Alton Towers. Only 4 miles. Avoid the queues through Denstone and Alton. Staying at Dove Farm is a perfect way to help you get the most from your Merlin pass, or two day tickets.
• Waterpark at Alton Towers, Alton ST10 4DB
  0871 222 3330
  www.altontowers.com
  Guests can maximise their stay at Dove Farm holiday cottages near to Alton Towers, by spending the day at the Alton Towers Waterpark. Lots of exciting water features and massive slides. Open all year round. This fantastic waterpark is incredibly popular, and visitors will need to book tickets online in advance by calling the number given.
• Shugborough, Milford, Staffordshire ST17 0XB
  0845 459 8900
  www.shugborough.org.uk
  Experience the sights, smells and taste of the complete Working Historic Estate, including farm, Georgian kitchen, and servants tasks . Beautiful surroundings, lovely walks.
• Trentham Gardens, Stone Road, Trentham ST4 8AX
  01782 646646
  www.trenthamgardens.co.uk
  Beautiful, landscaped gardens, play areas, aerial extreme zip wire attraction, garden centre, retail and food outlets. Include a visit to the Monkey Forest next to it, for a full day out.
• Monkey Forest, Stone Road, Trentham ST4 8AY
  01782 659 845
  www.monkey-forest.com
  Barbary Macaques living in 60 acres of forest freedom. Keepers are at feeding stations, to provide information and encourage monkeys to ‘meet the public. ’ Pathways wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Combine with a visit to Trentham Gardens for a full day out.
• Blackbrook Zoological Park, Winkhill, Leek, Staffs ST13 7QR
  01538 308293
  www.blackbrookzoo.co.uk
  Originally set up as a bird collection, Blackbrook is now home to all kinds of small mammals, rare and unusual species. High success rates in conservation breeding programmes. Good accessibility around the park. Wrap up warm for outside areas – can be quite exposed. Less than 30 mins away from Dove Farm, Blackbrook is an ideal trip out .
• Conkers Discovery Centre, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6GA
  01283 216633
  www.visitconkers.com
  Award winning, purpose built visitor attraction at the heart of the National Forest. Educational, absorbing and fun for everyone. Unique mix of indoor and outdoor discovery zones. 28 miles away, but worth a trip out.
• Amerton Farm and Craft Centre, Stowe by Chartley, Stafford ST18 0LA
  01889 270294
  www.amertonfarm.co.uk
  Not really a farm now – but there are farm animals to meet. Amerton has grown into a large collection of food, craft and retail outlets. Indoor play barn is a blessing for many parents of younger children, staying at Dove Farm wondering what to do on a rainy day. Less than 30 mins away.
• Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Road, Rosliston, Swadllincote DE12 8JX
  01283 563483
  www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk
  Acres of woodland nature trails, outdoor and indoor play areas, picnic areas, variety of outdoor activities, check times for birds of prey displays. family events going on all year round.
• Gladstone Pottery Museum, Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke on Trent ST3 1PQ
  01782 311378
  www.stokemuseums.org.uk – see website for other great museums
  The only complete Victorian pottery factory. Unique ‘hands-on’ experience of how 19th century potters lived and worked. Great fun for all ages. Well worth a visit. Also includes story of the toilet, which is entertaining in all sorts of ways!
• Emma Bridgewater, Lichfield St, Stoke on Trent ST1 3EJ
  01782 201328
  www.emmabridgewater.co.uk
  Friendly factory outlet, cafe, decorating studio and gift shop. FREE factory tours. Please phone to book your place. For pottery painting, call the decorating studio on 01782 269682 to book .
• Churnet Valley railway, Station Road, Cheddleton, Leek ST13 7EE
  01538 360522
  www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
  10 mile return trip between Cheddleton and Froghall. Some trains are diesel, so check timetable carefully, if you want to travel by steam train. Both stations have large car parks and disabled facilities. Froghall station is nearest to Dove Farm. It is situated on the A52 Stoke-Ashbourne road. Nearest postcode ST10 2HA.
• Foxfield Steam Railway, Caverswall Rd, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent ST11 9BG
  01782 259667/396210
  www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk
  5 mile round trip through the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands. Staffed by volunteers, trains usually run on Sundays and Bank holidays, with extra summer specials. Check timetable.