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Stafford Tourist Information

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Stafford, Junction 13 or 14 M6, A513 north-west from Rugeley, A34 south from Stone
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StaffordshireStafford

Stafford, the county town of Staffordshire, stands on the River Trent and its name means 'ford by a landing place (staithe)'.  This was the only feasible place for a large army to cross this important river and as a result the location was of strategic importance for a large area. 

The ancient settlement was originally on an island in the middle of marshes on the River Sow, a tributary of the River Trent. 

The town became the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia in 913 AD and in 1070 William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on a hillside nearby. This timber structure was later replaced by a stone castle, which was rebuilt several times over the centuries. 

Today only 19th century ruins crown the earthworks.  #The castle has dominated the Stafford skyline for over 900 years and at night-time the illuminated castle makes an impressive landmark for motorists on the M6 and travellers on the West Coast Main Line. 

One of Stafford's most famous residents was Izaak Walton (1593 - 1683).  Famous as the author of the Compleat Angler, Walton lived in Shallowford and his thatched cottage is now open to the public.

Another famous resident was Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751 - 1816).  Well known as a playwright, Sheridan was also also the local MP. 

Since the turn of the 20th century Stafford has been known for its heavy engineering and in particular the production of power station transformers. Occasionally a vast transformer can be seen being transported by road, pulled by an 8-wheel drive 'Goliath' tractor and pushed by 3 more. 

Stafford is also home to the computing and IT campus of Staffordshire University, the main campus is in Stoke on Trent. 

Stafford has many attractions.  The town's oldest building is the church of St Chad, dating from the 12th century.  Built in the late-Norman style, the church in noted for its magnificent arches and arcades. 

In Greengate Street, Stafford's main shopping area, stands the Ancient High House.  This building, built in 1595, is the largest timber-framed town house in England.  Charles I and his nephew Prince Rupert stayed here in 1642 at the start of the English Civil War and the Parliamentarians later used the building as a prison for Royalist officers.  The Ancient High House is a museum with regularly changing exhibitions. 

The Shire Hall Gallery, in the Market Square, hosts contemporary art exhibitions and visitors can also view the historic courtroom.  The gallery has a craft shop and café. 

Beside the River Trent stands Victoria Park, opened in 1908. 

Near Stafford are Weston Park , Shugborough and Sandon Hall

      Location Map of Stafford
What To See -

Stafford Tourist Attractions

Where To Stay in Stafford

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Hotels


The Moat House Classic Acton Trussell Lower Penkridge Road Stafford ST17 ORJ MAP
The Moat House is the ideal quality venue for accommodation, conferences, eating out, functions and weddings. A warm and friendly welcome is assured in this four star, award winning, privately owned hotel in Staffordshire.

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The Swan Hotel 46-46a Greengate Street Stafford ST16 2JA MAP
The Swan Hotel is a Quality Independent hotel located in the heart of Stafford town centre. The Swan hotel, located in the centre of Stafford has been lovingly restored.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £58 a room a LivePriceTM
Quality Hotel Stafford Pinfold Lane Penkridge Stafford ST19 5QP MAP
Quiet, Friendly , & Welcoming, in the heart of the Midlands. Minutes away from the M6 motorway and within easy reach of all the main commercial centres of the West Midlands.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £70 per room
Express By Holiday Inn Stafford Acton Court Acton Gate Stafford ST18 9AR MAP
The modern Express by Holiday Inn Stafford is located just off the M6, Junction 13, with easy access to Alton Towers, Weston Park, Drayton Manor and Waterworld. Other attractions in the surrounding area include Shughborough Hall, The Potteries, ...

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £55 a room
Best Western Tillington Hall Eccleshall Road Stafford ST16 1JJ MAP
Being in the heart of Staffordshire Tillington Hall Hotel is ideally placed for exploring the surrounding country side, towns and attractions. You can also relax in our Alpha Leisure Club with its pool, jacuzzi, sauna and solarium.

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? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £90 a room
Somerford Hall Brewood Stafford ST19 9DQ MAP
This magnificent Adam Mansion, built in the classic Palladian style, rests within an idyllic, peaceful parkland estate.

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Around The Stafford Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Penkridge (5.71 miles) Rugeley (8.24 miles) Hednesford (8.40 miles) Cannock (8.94 miles) Brewood (9.31 miles) Great Wyrley (10.76 miles) Uttoxeter (12.26 miles) Codsall (12.69 miles) Cheadle (13.50 miles) Shifnal (14.47 miles) Lichfield (14.75 miles)

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