Staffordshire is probably low down on most people’s 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 Children’s 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 Britain’s best amusement park.
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton“Jesus was cool, its just all the people who follow him who are such idiots. Hes like the Fonz in that respect.” Hitler Moustache star and avowed atheist resurrects and revamps his first and favourite solo show, exploring his strange obsession and affinity with the Messiah. “I'm not saying I am Jesus, that is for other people to say.” Asking all the great theological questions like “Why did Jesus always call Simon Peter? Is it like the way Trigger always calling Rodney Dave?”…
When it comes to metal bands, Alestorm of Perth, Scotland definitely has something that others do not. They pack quite a punch and focus on pirate-related topics and terminology rather than other popular topics. Being able to move forward in the correct direction with regard to a new sound that is still catchy is something that Alestorm has excelled at, and they have brought this sound to many listeners. They are a favorite of young and older people alike due to their unique sound, and this does a whole lot to secure the band's reputation as a very creative group. Being able to adequately …
Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention remains one of the most entertaining bands on today's concert circuit. Their sell-out gigs always attract critical acclaim and delight audiences. Fairport has a vast repertoire to draw on and this concert will mix old and new. As well as showcasing brand new songs from their recently-released studio album, the show will also feature a suite of songs celebrating the fortieth anniversary of their groundbreaking 'folk opera' Babbacombe Lee. Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and lead vocals, Dave…
Robin 2, WolverhamptonThe Christians were prime movers in the soul scene that emerged from England's North West at the end of the 80s. Along with other iconic bands they brought a slicker, sophisticated, soul-flecked sound to the charts at the end of that heady decade.…
A show about achieving things. If I can be bothered to write it. We Are Klang man and Russell Howard’s tour support; Adecco Alfred Marks, Borehamwood Branch, June 1997 ‘Temp of the Month’ Nominee. …
Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonBand of Skulls is an alternative garage rock band from England. They originally performed as Fleeing New York before becoming Band of Skulls in 2008. The band formed when Russel Marsden, Emma Richardson and Matt Hayward met in college and connected over their shared love of music. Though they’ve only released one full album (and an EP in 2010), they have had a great deal of commercial success. Their music has been featured in advertising, TV series, and video games. They are planning to release their latest album, “Sweet Sour” in February, 2012. Like their first album, “Sweet Sour” is fi…
From the land of legends and warrior Shaolin monks comes the incredible new Chinese State Circus production - the live acrobatic spectacular Yin Yang. To say the Chinese State Circus is merely a show is grossly to underestimate it; it is the embodiment of a traditional art form which can trace its history back over 2000 years. The presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes. The result is the purest, honest, most abiding and exhilarating circus that is a true privilege to see.…
Victoria Hall - Stoke-On-Trent, Stoke on TrentAt just twenty-one, Laura Marling has had a career many of her peers would dream of. Currently nominated for a second, successive Brit Award thanks to the fantastic 'A Creature I Don't Know - released last September - she has truly broken away from her time in Noah and the Whale and the catchy, pop hit 'Five Years Time' to become a respectable artist in her own right. Double Mercury nominated, this fresh-faced voice of the folk revival may not be hitting the top spots of the charts - the rousing, brilliance of 'Devil's Spokes only reaching the undeserved number 97 - but she is winning the resp…
Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonAmerican stand-up comic Doug Stanhope brings to audiences his hilarious comedy material that ranges from 'true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism'. Vulgar, opinionated and brutally honest, his material shocks but entertains, and is certainly not for everybody. Doug was selected by both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch.…
Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonPost-punk, Killing Joke are still creating pandemonium with Jaz Coleman's intense vocal style leading the way. These apocalyptic musical alchemists have woven a mesmerising beat with resonant guitar chords to create an art house metal sound that is undeniably theirs alone. After pursuing individual projects for a time, the remaining original band members reformed in 2008 following the death of former bassist, Paul Raven. With over a dozen albums to their name, one of their best known songs, Love Like Blood, reached number sixteen in the UK singles chart. Killing Joke have just come out…
Hyro Da HeroSunday, 12 February 2012Indie And Alternative - watch Hyro Da Hero live at The Sugarmill in Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire on the Sunday, 12 February 2012. Compare ticket prices and save on the best seats in the house!
Other concerts, music and gigs in Staffordshire are:
Marty Wilde & the Wildcats18 Feb, TamworthKarnataka19 Feb, WolverhamptonFairport Convention24 Feb, StaffordThe Christians24 Feb, WolverhamptonElectro80s@smallthorn Victory Wmc25 Feb, Stoke on TrentCeltic Dream27 Feb, TamworthThe South28 Feb, WolverhamptonRichie Kotzen6 Mar, WolverhamptonThose Were The Days7 Mar, TamworthReach out to Motown10 Mar, Tamworth
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Sport in Staffordshire
Prince Of Wales CentreOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Prince Of Wales Centre, located in Cannock. See what shows and performances are on this week at Prince Of Wales Centre.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Staffordshire are:
Tamworth Assembly Rooms
Stoke Ski CentreSki Slopes at Stoke Ski Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Contact venue on telephone number 01782 204159 for Ski Slope opening times, entrance costs and ski hire.…Location: Stoke on Trent
Some other fun family days out in Staffordshire are:
Samuel Johnson Birthplace MuseumDavid Austin RosesBlackbrook Zoological ParkAlton TowersEtruria Industrial MuseumGladstone Working Pottery MuseumThe Bass Museum
Shugborough HallWith evocative sounds, real smells and the true taste of a Complete Working Historic Estate, immerse yourself in the past through a variety of multi-sensory experiences that bring your visit to life. With its magnificent Mansion House, working Servants´ Quarters and Georgian farm with rare breeds, …Location: Stafford
Some other notable historic attractions in Staffordshire are:
Foxfield Light RailwayThe Bass MuseumDrayton Manor Theme ParkWedgwood Visitor CentreTamworth CastleBoscobel HouseErasmus Darwin HouseGladstone Working Pottery MuseumCheddleton Flint MillTamworth CastleBiddulph Grange GardenShire Hall GalleryCeramicaChurnet Valley Railway
By Chris HaycockThe Queen and Princess Anne have planted a tree in Sandringham Estate to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
By Amanda ArnoldEd Sheeran's debut album '+' returns to the top of the UK album charts.
By Chris HaycockA concert of epic proportion will see Elton John, Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey perform live to …
By Chris HaycockFresh snow has settled on many parts of Britain over the last 48 hours, as residents brace for long cold spell.
By Amanda ArnoldPlan B has decided to set up an umbrella charity to help problem street kids.
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By Amanda ArnoldConvicted pedophile Gary Glitter is set to earn thousands from this years Superbowl in America.
By Chris HaycockVeteran rock star and former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney has unveiled his plaque on the iconic…
By Amanda ArnoldMadonna fans wait with baited breath for her forthcoming new album which precedes her 2012 world tour.
By Lucy MiddletonA recent survey reveals only 57% of gay actors feel they are able to be open about their sexuality t…
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15 things to do in Shropshire for kids this summerIt's one of the least crowded counties of England, yet there are plenty of fun and interesting things for the kids during their summer holidays. From historic sites, castles and forts to country parks, outdoor pursuits and family attractions, Shropshire really does have it all. BritEvents' Amanda Arnold has a look at some of the best things in Shropshire to keep the children happy during their school hols.
London's lesser known museumsBritEvents takes a look at some of the lesser-known museums in London, devoted to the more unusual side of British life.
The History of Afternoon TeaThere are few British customs that are as well known as the social and relaxing cup of good old-fashioned tea. We take a look at the history of afternoon tea, and explain how tearooms became popular places for relaxation and refreshment.
Hawks on Walks - Battlefield Falconry CentreTake a walk in the stunning Shropshire countryside and become a falconer for the morning at the Battlefield Falconry Centre just minutes from Shrewsbury. BritEvents' Amanda wings her way over to check it out.
