- Heritage

Izaak Walton's Cottage

Stafford’s rural heritage is embodied in the charming 17th century cottage owned by the celebrated author of The Compleat Angler. Izaak Walton’s Cottage gives a fascinating insight into the history of angling and the life of a writer whose work remains ‘a unique celebration of the English…

Sandon Hall

Sandon Hall, ancestral home of the Earls of Harrowby, is set in 400 acres of rolling parkland in the heart of Staffordshire. The impressive neo-Jacobean house contains numerous State Rooms as well as a family museum, which houses an array of different and unusual items. The Hall is an ideal setting for weddings, conferences and private parties, offering exclusivity in tranquil surroundings. The 50-acre formal gardens include many rare species and are particularly beautiful in May and autumn…

Stafford Castle & Visitor Centre

Stafford Castle has dominated the Stafford landscape for over 900 years. William the Conqueror first built Stafford Castle as a fortress to subdue the local populace. The visitor centre - built in the style of a Norman guardhouse - features an audio-visual area that brings its turbulent past to life…

Whitmore Hall

Whitmore Hall is a Grade I listed building, designated as a house of outstanding architectural and historical interest, and is a fine example of a small Carolinian manor house (1676), although parts of the hall date back to a much earlier period. The hall has beautifully proportioned light rooms, curving staircase and landing. There are some good family portraits to be seen with a continuous line, from 1624 to the present day. It has been the family seat, for over 900 years, of the Cavenagh- Mainwarings who are direct descendants of the original Norman owners. The interior of the hall has recently been refurbished and is in fine condition. The grounds include a beautiful home park with a lime avenue leading to the house, as well as landscaped gardens encompassing an early Victorian summer house. One of the outstanding features of Whitmore is the extremely rare example of a late Elizabethan stable block, the ground floor is part cobbled and has nine oak-carved stalls…

Stoneleigh Abbey

Stoneleigh Abbey was founded in the reign of Henry II and after the Dissolution was granted to the Duke of Suffolk. The estate then passed into the ownership of the Leigh family who remained for 400 years. The estate is now managed by a charitable trust. Visitors will experience a wealth of architectural styles spanning more than 800 years: the magnificent State rooms and chapel of the 18th century Baroque West Wing contain original pieces of furniture including a set of library chairs made by William Gomm in 1763; a medieval Gatehouse; the Gothic Revival-style Regency Stables. Jane Austen was a distant relative of the Leigh family and in her description of ‘Sotherton’ in Mansfield Park she recalls her stay at Stoneleigh Abbey. Parts of Northanger Abbey also use Stoneleigh for inspiration. The River Avon flows through the estate’s 690 acres of grounds and parkland which displays the influences of Humphry Repton and other major landscape architects. In June 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Stoneleigh Abbey - during their stay Queen Victoria planted an oak tree. In 2003 HRH Prince Charles visited Stoneleigh to mark the completion of the restoration of the Abbey and during his visit he also planted an English oak tree. Stoneleigh Abbey has been the subject of a major restoration programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the European Regional Development Fund…

Warwick Castle

Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. Experience preparations for battle, feel the weight of a sword and get a solider’s eye view from beneath a battle helmet, see lavishly decorated State Rooms, watch as a household prepares for a Victorian party and discover how electricity was generated over 100 years ago to light up the castle.With 60 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens, there is plenty to see outside as well as in. Wander around the beautiful Peacock Garden and enter the 18th century Conservatory, filled with an array of exotic plants. There is also the Victorian Rose Garden to explore. See the world’s largest Trebuchet, a mighty siege machine similar to a catapult, measuring 18 metres high, weighing in at 22 tonnes and capable of shooting missiles up to 300 metres. Throughout the year there is a programme of fantastic special events including opportunities to see the trebuchet in action. Visit www.warwick-castle.com for further information…

Compton Verney

Set within a Grade I listed mansion remodelled by Robert Adam in the 1760s, Compton Verney offers a unique art gallery experience. Relax and explore the 120 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, discover a collection of internationally significant art, enjoy free tours and a programme of popular events…

The Hiller Garden

2 acre garden of unusual herbaceous plants and over 200 rose varieties…

Honington Hall

This fine Caroline manor house was built in the early 1680s for Henry Parker in mellow brickwork, stone quoins and window dressings. Modified in 1751 when an octagonal saloon was inserted. The interior was also lavishly restored around this time and contains exceptional mid-Georgian plasterwork. Set in 15 acres of grounds…

Lord Leycester Hospital

This magnificent range of 14th and 15th Century half-timbered buildings was adapted into almshouses by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leycester, in 1571. The Hospital still provides homes for ex-Servicemen and their wives. The Guildhall, Great Hall, chantry Chapel, Brethren’s Kitchen and galleried Courtyard are still in everyday use. The regimental museum of the Queen’s Own Hussars is housed here. The historic Master’s Garden was featured in BBC TV’s Gardener’s World, and the Hospital buildings in many productions including, most recently, "Dr Who" and David Dimbleby’s "How We Built Britain"…