About Staffordshire

Staffordshire’s hilly Midlands landscape is breathtaking in all directions. To the north are the Pennines and the Peak District National Park, to the south is the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the National Forest. The gentler undulations and moorland of central Staffordshire are dotted with ruined Norman castles, old manors and timber great houses, and signs of this area’s long settlement: Iron Age tumuli and Roman camps. Staffordshire has a host of pretty provincial towns and villages, all with their own stories, and some fantastic pubs — some of which have made our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Staffordshire. 

This is an ideal destination for a country weekend, a walking holiday, or simply time away with the family. Litchfield’s cathedral is one of Britain’s most significant medieval cathedrals, as well as being a magnificent architectural site, and Litchfield’s centre offers plenty more in the way of historic charm.  It’s also where Samuel Johnson was born, and Erasmus Darwin, poet and grandfather to Charles; plus it has around 230 listed buildings, and is close to the National Memorial Arboretum. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the best places to stay in Staffordshire if you’re interested in the region’s ceramic history — pottery is still made here today — while Burton upon Trent is known for its beer brewing industry. Stafford can also boast the Ancient High House, the largest timber framed house in Britain. If you're travelling with the kids in tow, no doubt Alton Towers theme park will be at the top of the list!

If you're planning a walking holiday we recommend staying in one of the smaller towns or villages, especially those close to Leek and Ashbourne, and the edge of the Peak District, or Stafford and Great Haywood, close to Cannock Chase.  There are also some fantastic walking and cycling routes close to some of the old North Staffordshire coalfield rail lines.  

Our pick of the best places to stay in Staffordshire may not be extensive, but we think we have picked the cream of the crop. Start browsing and planning your next country getaway.

The Best Places to Stay in Staffordshire

For a country escape

  • The Tawny is a totally unique collection of accommodations, including treehouses, boathouses, shepherd’s huts, cottages and cabins, spread across 70 beautiful acres of lakes, pools, woodland and meadows.  Interiors are simple but very chic, enhanced by full-length windows, roll-top baths, outdoor baths and showers, and the odd hot tub too.  To share are the heated pool, the Gaia spa, and the Plumicorn restaurant, which is a fine-dining affair with incredible views over the estate.  

County house hotels

  • Swinfen Hall Hotel is an imposing stately home, on its own hundred acre estate.  There are only 17 rooms along with an award-winning restaurant and atmospheric bar and lounges.  Interiors feature antiques, high ceilings, large and gracious windows, pillars, and fancy coved ceilings. But the vibe is friendly and warm and not intimidating at all.

Best pubs-with-rooms

  • The Three Horseshoes Inn is a charming, rural inn in Leek, an ideal base for explorations into the Peak District. This is a charming choice, with 26 cosy rooms, decorated with antiques and a neutral, country palette; the best comes with a four poster bed and private hot tub. The Bar&Grill serves a classic British pub menu, and if the weather is nice you can enjoy it out in the lovely pub garden.
  • The Duncombe Arms is a cosy choice in the pretty village of Ellastone, which is close to The Roaches, the Churnet Valley and a number of National Trust treasures. The Duncombe Arms also boasts a fantastic restaurant and ten guest rooms, eclectically decorated with country style. Ideal for walkers, or an escape to the country.

Prefer a private apartment or cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Stafford, Staffordshire’s county town, is an easy journey from London Euston, and can be as quick as an hour and a quarter.  If you’re travelling from far enough away that you need to fly, the closest airport to Stafford is Birmingham Airport, which is just under an hour away by rail, or 45minutes in a car or taxi. 
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • The busiest time for tourism in Staffordshire is summer. Staffordshire offers plenty to do in every season though.  If you’re travelling for the landscape, dotted with historic houses, dramatic peaks, and deep woods, there’s plenty to love about Staffordshire in spring and autumn, as well as summer. Winter is ideal if you’re here to bird watch, and if you like Alton Towers there’s no bad time to visit.  

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The best hotels in Staffordshire

Three Horseshoes Inn

Staffordshire (Leek)

A charming rural inn ideally located for exploring the Peak District. Cosy rooms are traditional in style with soft hues, antique furniture and the best have heavy wooden four posters. The Bar & Grill serves British pub fare and boasts a lovely terrace with sweeping views.

  • Country Escape - A charming country inn located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
  • Birdwatching - Tittesworth Water attracts a wide range of species.
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
from €133 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Swinfen Hall Hotel

Staffordshire

An imposing stately home set on a 100 acre estate. Individually styled rooms are traditionally dressed with antique furniture, high ceilings, patterned wallpaper and sash windows. An award winning restaurant, atmospheric bar and elegant lounges are relaxing. A truly spoiling rural stay.

  • Total relaxation - Surrounded by 100 acres of parkland, you can be sure of absolute tranquility.
  • Great walks - Find endless walking routes with the whole estate to explore as well as the surrounding Staffordshire countryside.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the impressive 800 year old Lichfield Cathedral.
  • Restaurant
from €187 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Duncombe Arms

Staffordshire (Ellastone )

This cosy pub with rooms is located in the Staffordshire village of Ellastone. Stylish suites have a country feel, with floral, artisan wallpaper, cosy throws and original artworks; book a family room for extra living space. Relax by the open hearth after a country walk; a charming rural retreat.

  • Foodies - Foodies will love the chic pub food at this hotel, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide and The Good Pub Guide
  • Local exploring - From scenic Peak District hikes to historic country houses, there is plenty to see local to this hotel
  • Country Escape - This charming village pub with rooms is an ideal base for a weekend away in the country
  • Sights nearby - Visit the historic houses of Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, as well as the variety of National Trust properties in the area
from €185 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Tawny

Staffordshire

A unique hotel made up of boathouses, treehouses, shepherd’s huts and more spread across stunning grounds of lakes and woodland. Interiors are luxurious and minimalist. The best have outdoor spa baths and all have fab views. With fine dining, a spa, and a pool — this is a luxe rural getaway.

  • Families - Several of the room types can comfortable accommodate families and little ones will enjoy the pool and grounds
  • Romantic Break - Pick one of the rooms with an outdoor spa bath for two and enjoy the complete privacy the rooms offer
  • Great walks - Enjoy ambles through the beautiful grounds or head out to the Staffordshire Moorlands or Peak District for more serious hikes
  • Restaurant - There's fine dining in The Plumicorn and more casual fare in The Feather Lounge
from €277 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees