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Staffordshire: England's Unexpected Playground Awaits Your Glamping Getaway

Tucked into the heart of England, Staffordshire is a county that surprises visitors at every turn. Far from the well-trodden tourist routes of London or the Cotswolds, this captivating region offers a rare blend of wild moorlands, ancient forests, fascinating history, and quirky attractions that make it an ideal destination for a glamping escape.

Where Exactly Is Staffordshire?

Staffordshire is a landlocked county located in the West Midlands of England. It is bordered by Cheshire to the northwest, Derbyshire and Leicestershire to the east, Warwickshire to the southeast, the West Midlands county and Worcestershire to the south, and Shropshire to the west. The county covers approximately 1,713 square kilometres (661 square miles), featuring landscapes that shift dramatically from north to south. The northern moorlands form the southern tip of the Pennines and include part of the Peak District National Park, while the southern areas are characterised by rolling farmland and ancient forests.

Stoke-on-Trent is the county's largest city, while Stafford serves as the county town. London is just 90 minutes away by train, and the M1 and M6 motorways provide excellent road access, making Staffordshire surprisingly easy to reach for visitors from across the UK and beyond.

Why Staffordshire Should Be Your Next Glamping Destination

Choosing Staffordshire for your glamping holiday means immersing yourself in one of England's most underrated counties. Here are compelling reasons to book your glamping stay:

• Diverse landscapes: From the dramatic gritstone ridges of the Staffordshire Moorlands to the ancient heathlands of Cannock Chase, the county offers extraordinary variety in a compact area
• Central location: Staffordshire sits at the heart of Britain, making it accessible for visitors from all directions and perfect for exploring the wider Midlands region
• Year-round appeal: Whether you visit for spring blossoms, summer adventures, autumn colours, or winter stargazing, Staffordshire delivers memorable experiences in every season
• Rich heritage: The county's history spans from Anglo-Saxon treasure hoards to Victorian industrial heritage, offering cultural depth alongside natural beauty
• Escape from crowds: While neighbouring tourist hotspots can be overrun, Staffordshire offers tranquillity and authentic experiences without the masses

Staffordshire's Surprising Highlights

Cannock Chase: Britain's Smallest National Landscape

Cannock Chase was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 and covers just 26 square miles, making it mainland England's smallest National Landscape. Despite its compact size, it is packed with interest. This former Royal forest features lowland heathland, ancient woodland, and a remarkable herd of approximately 800 fallow deer that roam freely across the landscape.

The area receives an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the most densely visited protected landscapes in the UK. Cannock Chase is also recognised as a designated Dark Sky area, making it perfect for stargazing on clear nights. The area has over 1,000 cultural heritage sites, including two of the largest Great War training camps in England. The German Military Cemetery, dedicated in 1967, contains nearly 5,000 burials from both World Wars, offering a poignant reminder of history.

The Staffordshire Hoard: Anglo-Saxon Treasure

Discovered in 2009 near the village of Hammerwich, close to Lichfield, the Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found. The hoard includes almost 4,600 items and metal fragments, totalling over 5 kg of gold and 1.4 kg of silver, with approximately 3,500 pieces of garnet cloisonne jewellery. Archaeologists believe the hoard was buried during the 7th century (600-699 AD), when the region was part of the powerful Kingdom of Mercia. Today, you can view this extraordinary treasure at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent.

Lud's Church: A Mystical Natural Wonder

Hidden within the depths of Back Forest in the Staffordshire Moorlands lies Lud's Church, a deep chasm created by a massive landslip in the Millstone Grit bedrock. Over 100 metres long and 18 metres deep, this moss-covered ravine remains cool and wet even on the hottest days, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The chasm has been suggested as one of the most likely inspirations for the Green Chapel in the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. During the early 15th century, it served as a secret place of worship for the Lollards, followers of religious reformer John Wycliffe who were persecuted for their beliefs. Legends also connect Robin Hood and Friar Tuck to this mystical place, said to have used it as a hiding spot from authorities.

Rudyard Lake: Where a Literary Legend Was Named

This picturesque reservoir in the Staffordshire Moorlands holds an unusual claim to literary fame. Rudyard Lake was constructed in the late 18th century to feed the Caldon Canal. During the Victorian era, it became a popular destination for daytrippers. Among the courting couples who visited in 1863 were John Lockwood Kipling and Alice MacDonald. They were so moved by the beauty of the lake that when their first child was born in 1865, they named him after the place where they had fallen in love. That child grew up to become Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book and the first English-language writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Flash: England's Highest Village

In the northern reaches of Staffordshire sits the village of Flash, which holds the distinction of being England's highest village at 462 metres above sea level. To put that in perspective, that is 150 metres taller than London's The Shard. This remote hamlet of sandstone cottages offers dramatic views across the surrounding moorland and serves as a gateway to walking routes in the Peak District.

Top Experiences for Your Staffordshire Glamping Holiday

While the theme parks and major attractions draw crowds, these lesser-known experiences will give you a deeper appreciation of Staffordshire:

1. Walk through Dimmingsdale Valley: This hidden gem was once owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury and is now a site of special scientific interest. Follow old carriage tracks through dramatic sandstone outcrops and keep an eye out for kingfishers, pine martens, hares, and owls along the way
2. Explore the Holy Austin Rock Houses at Kinver Edge: Kinver Edge is a remnant of the ancient Mercian forest and contains two Iron Age hillforts. Most remarkably, it is home to the last troglodyte dwellings occupied in England. The Holy Austin rock houses were inhabited until the 1960s and are now restored and open to visitors, complete with stoves, furniture, and doors all set into the sandstone
3. Ride the Churnet Valley Railway through Little Switzerland: This heritage steam railway takes you back to the 1950s and 60s as you journey through Staffordshire's scenic hidden valley. The route passes through beautiful moorland and alongside the Caldon Canal, with optional dining in first class carriages
4. Discover the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent: Stoke-on-Trent is known as the world capital of ceramics and was awarded World Craft City for Ceramic status in July 2024. The World of Wedgwood offers an immersive experience where you can learn about 250 years of pottery history and even try your hand at creating your own piece
5. Hike to The Roaches: These dramatic gritstone ridges in the Peak District offer challenging terrain and stunning views. The rocky outcrops attract hikers and climbers with their rugged beauty, and from the summit you can see across to Cheshire, Lancashire, and even the Welsh mountain of Snowdon on clear days

Fascinating Staffordshire Facts

• Staffordshire's capital, Stafford, was founded in 913 when Aethelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, established a defensive burh there
• The Ancient High House in Stafford is one of England's largest timber-framed buildings, built in 1594. King Charles I stayed at this property in 1643, shortly after the start of the Civil War
• Tamworth was once the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, which dominated much of central England in the 8th century
• Burton upon Trent is known as the beer capital of the UK, with a rich brewing heritage that continues to this day
• Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK
• Primitive Methodism was founded in Staffordshire by Hugh Bourne from Stoke-on-Trent

When to Visit Staffordshire

Staffordshire welcomes visitors throughout the year, each season offering its own character:

• Spring: Bluebells carpet the ancient woodlands and gardens come alive with colour
• Summer: Long days perfect for exploring the moorlands, enjoying outdoor concerts at Cannock Chase, or relaxing by Rudyard Lake
• Autumn: The Peak District and Cannock Chase put on spectacular displays of autumn colour
• Winter: Clear nights offer exceptional stargazing opportunities, while the Staffordshire Moorlands provide a dramatic backdrop for bracing walks

A Glamping Holiday Unlike Any Other

Staffordshire offers the rare combination of accessibility and adventure. Whether you seek the thrill of exploring mystical chasms, the peace of watching deer in ancient forests, the fascination of Anglo-Saxon treasure, or simply a base from which to discover England's surprising heartland, this county delivers experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.

Book a glamping stay in Staffordshire and discover why this unassuming county has been capturing hearts for centuries.