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 architecture to share, and some fantastic pubs - some of which have made our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Staffordshire.  So this is an ideal destination for a county weekend, a walking holiday, or time away with the fam..

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, Litchfield 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 - including Carling, Cobra and Marston’s.  Stafford has the Ancient High House, the largest timber framed house in Britain.

The best places to stay in Staffordshire for walkers maybe 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.  

The Best Places to Stay in Staffordshire

For a Country Escape

• The Tawny is a totally unique collection of accommodation, comprising treehouses, boathouses, shepherd’s huts, cottages and cabins, spread across 70 beautifully view-full acres of lakes, pools, woods and meadows.  Inside the range of accommodation options are simple, yet chic interiors, made more of by full-length windows, roll-top baths, outdoor baths and showers, and the odd hot tub too.  Tp share are the heated pool, the Gaia spot, and the Plumicorn restaurant, which is a fine-dinging 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 sharing all this space and elegance, including the award-winning restaurant and atmospheric bar and lounges.  There are antiques, high ceilings, large and gracious windows, pillars, and fancy coved ceilings.  But it still feels friendly, rather than stuck up.  

For Great Value

• Litchfield’s Netherstowe House is a Grade II Listed, part-timbered charmer, reached down an atmospherically tree-lined drive.  There are just nine bedrooms, all individually decorated, as they would be if this were still a country home: think antique lamps, chintz, original fireplaces, and art on the walls.  There’s a choice of two restaurants, one more formal, one more relaxed.

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 an unfussy choice, with 26 cosy rooms, decorated with antiques and a neutral, country palette.  Some of the rooms have four-poster beds.  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 cosy choice in the pretty village of Ellastone, which is close to The Roaches, the Churnet Valley and a number of National Trust treasures.  In addition to a perfect location for visitors, the Duncombe Arms has a fantastic restaurant - so good it’s been featured in the Michelin Guide and The Good Pub Guide.  There are just 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.  Stafford’s station is on the Trent Valley Line, the Birmingham-Stafford Line and the West Coast Main Line.  Stoke-on-Trent is an even busier station, and is an interchange between Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.  
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The busiest time for tourism in Staffordshire is summer, probably because this is when kids are off school and families are travelling, it’s also a popular time for visiting the UK generally.  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.  

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could refine your search and consider just our Gurus picks for the best places to stay in the Peak District? or Litchfield? Stoke-on-Trent? Tamworth? or Newcastle-under-Lyme?
•  Or you could refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just the best county house hotels in the Peak District? or the best pubs-with-rooms in the Peak District?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.