Sightseeing and Local Attractions

Go on a sightseeing adventure

Or for those who require a little more adventure, there are endless attractions right on the doorstep of Colton House. Being central to the Midland’s motorway network and close to Rugeley Trent Valley railway station, Colton House could not be more ideally situated.

 

Why not visit Birmingham, with its National Indoor Arena  Convention Centre,  Symphony Hall  and the National Exhibition Centre; not forgetting the bags of retail therapy on offer at the Mailbox and the Bullring Shopping Centre.

When heading in any direction from Colton House, you’ll always find something to do!

With so many places to visit in Staffordshire, Colton House could not be more ideally situated.

 

It is central to the Midlands motorway network of the M1, M6 and M6 Toll Road, and also close to many A roads, including the A5, A38, A50, A34 and A51. Rugeley Trent Valley railway station (West Coast Line) about a mile away, has connections to Lichfield, Stafford, Walsall and Birmingham and London. Stafford, Lichfield and Burton on Trent are just a short drive. Both Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands airports are within 40 miles, so approx 45 minutes away.

 

Visit Birmingham with its National Indoor Arena, Convention Centre, Symphony Hall and the National Exhibition Centre, not forgetting the essential retail therapy available at the many markets and department stores.

For those that enjoy active holidays, there is no shortage of places to visit. Colton House is on The Staffordshire Way and close to Cannock Chase, where there are many wonderful walks. Aerial Adventure Go Ape is not far away, and off-road bicycle tracks on the Chase. Level walking opportunities are available alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal which leads to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

 

There are also antique shops, a pub, craft and garden centres, and at Great Haywood Junction, with its locks and shops you can hire a canal boat for a short time and cruise the Staffordshire canals.

 

More shopping can be done at Cawarden Period Materials yard which is a fantastic place to visit for architectural antiquities. Visitors can ‘rummage’ all day amongst the fireplaces, furniture, bathroom pieces and other architectural antiques. For visitors of a more restful disposition there are the many excellent tea shops, garden centres, antique shops and country pubs, plus several wonderful restaurants such as Swinfen Hall, The Moat House and Gilmores.

 

Heading in any direction from Colton House, you will always find something to do.

 

SIGHTSEEING SOUTH

Just a short drive south from Colton House, the city of Lichfield commands fine architecture, beautiful countryside and fascinating museums. About eight miles from us, take in the sights of the city centre, overlooked by the magnificent three spires of Lichfield Cathedral. Why not pay a visit to some of the homes of Britain’s famous literary names, including Dr Samuel Johnson, scholar and writer of the English Dictionary and Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin’s grandfather. Boutique shops and narrow alleyways add to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

 

 

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SIGHTSEEING NORTH

Heading north, a short distance away from Colton House is the historic village of Abbots Bromley, which is well known for its Horn Dance held in September each year. Abbots Bromley is a thriving community which is proud of its traditions, and is a frequent entrant (and winner) in the Staffordshire Best Kept Village competition.

 

Horn dance SS North

 

Uttoxeter, about 8 miles away, is a market town with a renowned racecourse. Races are held here every month and it is the home of the Midlands Grand National. In the village of Grindley approx 10 miles away is Nelsons Gin, a distillery and school, sounds like a fun time.

For water sport lovers, Blithfield Reservoir is about 2 miles away from Colton House. Here you can fish for trout, go sailing or watch the birds. For gardeners, there is the celebrated Dorothy Clive Garden on the Staffordshire/Cheshire/Shropshire border which offers acres of mature woodland walks and landscaped herbaceous borders and bedding schemes.

 

SIGHTSEEING EAST

East of Colton House, there are plenty of things to do. Britain’s boldest environmental project, the ‘National Forest’ which encompasses much of East Staffordshire, is a magnificent 200 sq mile forest in the making and bursting with places to visit. During the summer, trekking with llamas is a stress busting exercise.

 

The National Memorial Arboretum is just a short drive away, the UKs year round centre of remembrance. With over 30,000 trees, 150 acres and 300 memorials there is something for everyone.

 

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Also in this direction is Burton on Trent with its many breweries. One little known fact is that Burton on Trent’s centre is the furthest point from the coast within the UK mainland. Yet despite this, Staffordshire has produced many successful sailors and people connected with the sea.

SIGHTSEEING WEST

Shug Hall SS West

 

Staffordshire is a county with no shortage of visitor activities. To the west of Colton House on the way to the National Trust property of Shugborough Hall, once the home of  Lord Patrick Lichfield, lies Oakedge where you can try shooting some clays, have a pot its good fun.

Also Cannock Chase, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has played a fascinating part in Staffordshire’s history. Boasting an Iron Age hill fort and an ancient hunting forest, Cannock Chase was an important feature in the landscape from the earliest times; the district today still bears the legacy of its proud past, and retains a long standing connection with the military. If golf is one of your passions then Beaudesert Golf course is one of the best. Cannock Chase Visitor Centre (about 4 miles from Colton House) on Marquis Drive is the starting point for many of the activities.

 

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