Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Staffordshire, England

Gladstone is the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal burning ovens made the world's finest bone china. Traditional skills, original workshops, and the cobbled yard and huge bottle ovens transport visitors back in time. Visit the gift shop and tea room and have a go at throwing a pot, making a bone china flower or decorating pottery. Please allow two to three hours for your visit. The shop and cafe, which serves a selction of drinks and light lunches, are open to non-museum visitors.

Statfold Barn Farm, located close to Tamworth in Staffordshire, is the home to the Statfold Barn Railway which, under the guidance of owners Graham & Carol Lee over the last fifteen years, has grown to become what must be the most significant collection of narrow gauge locomotives in the UK. With over 30 steam locomotives and many internal combustion locomotives, representing most British and several overseas manufacturers. With the recent establishment of the Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust the future of this unique collection is ensured beyond the lifetime of its owners. As well as our public open & enthusiast days, Statfold also offer Driver Experience Days, educational tours & special events including Santa Express Trains, Halloween Steam & Scream and much more..!

Independently owned bottle shop and bar. Specialising in over 400 bottled beer and cider, available to drink on site or off site. Plus one traditional cask ale, two keg beers and a selection of malt whisky's. Bottled wine and prosecco also available. Dogs welcome!

Nelson's Distillery & School is a multi award winning premium craft Gin and Vodka distiller that offers the unique experience of creating your own craft spirit at their highly coveted Gin & Vodka School.

The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the 1950s and 1960s. Take a break from busy urban life and hop on board a steam train to ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our beautifully restored heritage steam or diesel locomotives. Pass through delightful countryside with riverside views and The Cauldon Canal. You can learn more about the history of Churnet Valley Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway Company in our small museum based at Cheddleton Station, which houses a wealth of information and memorabilia. Fancy a bite to eat during your day out? Then enjoy the traditional atmosphere in our Signals Tea Room at Froghall Station, The Tea Room offers freshly brewed coffee, cooked breakfast, lunch including hot and cold sandwiches, cream teas and a delicious selection of cakes. On a cold day bask in the warmth of an open fire and listen to some music on the wireless. Signals Tea Room is wheelchair accessible and child-friendly.

Discover the lost industrial heritage of the Apedale Valley and the history of the surrounding area when you visit this unique attraction. We are located in the beautiful Apedale Community Country Park, North Staffordshire, in an area that was once an industrial powerhouse. At weekends and Bank Holidays we offer tours of an authentic drift mine. Mine tours run on the hour from 11am until the last tour at 3pm. Tours cost £6 for adults and £4 for children (over 5 only) and senior citizens. Group bookings may also be made for schools and organisations etc. Please enquire via our website or at our Reception Desk. Our museum is also open at weekends and Bank holidays, plus several week days. There you can learn about the industries and history of Apedale and the local area. There will usually be a guide on hand who will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. There are several quiz sheets for children of all ages to have fun discovering the artifacts and information in the museum. These are sited on a table in the Roman section and available free of charge. Entry to the museum is free, although we'd appreciate it if you dropped a donation in our red box! The cafe is open every day, so even if you are just passing, you can come in for a cuppa [and a warm!] or to try some North Staffordshire Oatcakes, a speciality of the Potteries. We look forward to seeing you and/or your family and friends soon!

Erasmus Darwin was one of the greatest polymaths of the 18th century. It has been said that no one since has rivaled his achievements in such a wide range of fields. Indeed, he posited a coherent theory of evolution a full 70 years before his grandson Charles. This beautiful Georgian town house and previous home of Erasmus is dedicated to his life and achievements. Set in an ancient part of Lichfield city centre, the house contains a wealth of information about this fascinating man through videos, audio guides and several hands-on exhibitions and also provides a window into Georgian life. There is also a wonderful herb garden to stroll through and a gift shop. There are plenty of activities and workshops for all ages so do check our website for various events throughout the year!