Short breaks on Staffordshire's canals

From the famous pottery district in Stoke-on-Trent to the cultural delights of Stafford’s Shire Hall Gallery, there is no better way to experience the sights and sounds of Staffordshire than by taking a voyage on its historic canals.

With connections to most of the Midlands' main waterways – not to mention more miles of canal than any other shire in the country - Staffordshire offers a variety of routes that will lead guests the length and breadth of the fascinating county.

There are three main canal routes, the Trent & Mersey Canal, Caldon Canal and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Smaller routes are also offered by the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Coventry Canal and Shropshire Union Canal. Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at some of the sites drawing the tourist crowds.

Trent and Mersey Canal

The Trent and Mersey Canal will take holidaymakers cross-country, offering excellent views over the Staffordshire countryside passing through Stoke-on-Trent, Stone, Rugeley and Burton upon Trent.

Running through the historic town of Stoke-on-Trent the canal passes Staffordshire’s famous pottery district with seven factories and visitor centres including Wedgwood, Spode and Burleigh.

Wedgwood’s award winning visitor centre offers craft demonstrations, 250 acres of beautiful parkland, home cooked food and a brilliant shopping experience.

The Worcestershire and Trent and Mersey canal meet at the Great Haywood Lock, situated on the boundary of the Shugborough Estate – Staffordshire's premier historic day out.

Visit the Working Servants' Quarters with living historical costumed characters, the Mansion House, Georgian Farm and Walled Gardens. Shugborough is a must for anyone wishing to experience the delights of Staffordshire’s heritage and culture.

Caldon Canal

Branching off the Trent and Mersey canal in North Staffordshire is the Caldon Canal which runs for 18 miles from Stoke through the spectacular wooded Churnet Valley to Froghall, forking off into a three mile branch to Leek.

Guests are invited to make a stop and take a nostalgic steam train ride on the historic Churnet Valley Railway which runs alongside the Caldon Canal through the breathtaking countryside.

One stop on the line is Cheddleton, which known for its grade II listed Victorian station, while Froghall features a newly built station featuring Victorian style tea rooms.

The Consall Nature Park is also situated within the beautiful valley of the River Churnet. Part of the park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but the public are still encouraged to enjoy the paths, fishing and picnic facilities available at this fantastic family attraction.

Nestled among the stunning scenery of the Peak District, Leek is a historic market town with a reputation for unusual shops, antiques and good food. Visit the award-winning food markets, held on every third Saturday, a great place to try some of the fantastic local produce and culinary delights that this award winning county has to offer.

Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

To experience the historic attractions of South Staffordshire then head west off the Trent and Mersey canal and travel along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Built as one of the main routes of the canal age and running for over 46 miles, this historic canal will lead holidaymakers past the outskirts of Stafford and through beautiful rural surroundings, down past Wombourne and on to Kinver.

For centuries, travelers by stagecoach and narrowboat stopped at the thriving town of Stafford. Home to the largest timber framed town house in England and one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country, Stafford also has magnificent buildings adorning its vibrant market square, with the Shire Hall art gallery, Stafford Castle, and the Gatehouse Theatre within easy walking distance.

More information

For further information about events, attractions and accommodation in the county visit Enjoy Staffordshire.

For more information on renting boats for a cruise along the canals of Staffordshire, take a look at the Canal Cruising website – home of one of the oldest boat hire companies in the UK.

Chris O'Toole