What's on inStaffordshire

Staffordshire is probably low down on most peoples list of UK counties to visit but this is probably down to a lack of good PR rather than a lack of things to see or do. In fact quite the opposite is true. Staffordshire is a surprisingly beautiful county offering a welcome oasis of picturesque terrain, in between the widening sprawl of its neighbours Manchester and Birmingham.

When it comes to scenery, Staffordshire has some special places, in particular the exciting natural landscape of the Staffordshire Moorlands, a popular location for hiking and biking, rock climbing and sailing. Similarly the area around the old town of Stone is perfect for walking, cruising and sailing along the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Trent and into the countryside.

Sitting on the border there is also the thrilling Roaches area of the world famous Peak District National Park, an awesome outcrop of wind-carved gritstone rocks, offering fantastic views and an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. In southern Staffordshire, Cannock Chase is a high plateau of market towns, industrial heritage sites and undulating hills, heath lands and walking trails, recently declared an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.

Castle Ring is an ancient Iron Age Fort there and also worth visiting are Chasewater Country Park (with a wonderful steam railway) offering fishing, sailing and water-skiing.

Other places to visit include the Cathedral City of Lichfield and the Cathedral's famous three spires, known as 'the ladies of the vale' and the house on the corner of Breadmarket Street where Samuel Johnson was born.

Also popular are Tamworth Castle and Ash End Childrens Farm, Drayton Manor Park and for those who fancy trying the local ale, Burton-on-Trent, the home of Brewing. From Stafford Castle to the world renowned Potteries and from the Ancient High House to Abbots Bromleey there are endless destinations worth visiting. Lastly, and by no means least, there is the wonderful and ever-popular Alton Towers, arguably Britains best amusement park.