It’s English Tourism Week 2021 and we are “Here for Tourism” and inspired to introduce you to Staffordshire’s best visitor attractions. Just a handful of attractions nationally are awarded Gold accolades for excellence by Visit England. Here are the ones that shine brightly, were awarded most recently, and are all around half-an-hours’ drive of the Moat House Acton Trussell hotel. Come the extra mile to visit the places that go the extra mile to provide the best English breaks.
GLADSTONE POTTERY MUSEUM
This Victorian pottery museum not only achieved a Gold accolade, it WON best small visitor attraction 2020, and hosted Channel 4’s Great British Pottery Throwdown TV programme. Prepare to step back in time when you visit, see clay fashioned into flowers before your eyes, feel the wonder of standing inside a brick bottle kiln and be flushed with pride at their loo museum – yes you heard that right! The country’s best small visitor attraction will make a big impression on you. Do not leave without trying a North Staffordshire Oatcake.
Just 23 miles (30 minutes’ drive) away from The Moat House Acton Trussell hotel.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM
20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARYWe will remember them. The NMA takes you on an emotional journey of remembrance, it’s an inspirational living landscape, with almost 400 memorials, the stunning Armed Forces Memorial sits at its pinnacle. A visit to this Gold accolade attraction, is thought provoking. You’ll discover a place of contemplation with contemporary presentation, with so many stories to be heard, interactive experiences to be had and art exhibitions to be seen. Explore, discover and remember, in this, its 20th anniversary year.
Just 21 miles (36 minutes’ drive) away from The Moat House Acton Trussell hotel.
WORLD OF WEDGWOOD
SERVING UP EXCELLENCEA world-class name puts a world-class visitor experience on a plate for you. Celebrate the very best British craftsmanship. Go behind the scenes, meet the curious, creative and eclectic people who make the most intricately crafted, luxury ceramics. Don’t miss the fabulous tea experience, with an array of teas from across the globe all served in Wedgwood’s famous china. See the V&A Wedgwood Collection, a 260-year exhibition of huge historic and cultural interest. Have a go in the Clay Studios opening June 2021.
Just 15.5 miles (34 minutes’ drive) away from The Moat House Acton Trussell hotel.
LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
INSPIRING AND SURPRISINGThree-spired and inspiring Lichfield Cathedral is a stunning place of worship, open for sightseeing and host to some surprising exhibitions and events. Don’t just book in, check the ancient books out! Until the 19th July “Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them” opens up influential books from Lichfield Cathedral’s extraordinary library, and explores science, faith and creation. Legendary rock band Jethro Tull, play there on 2 December. No wonder Lichfield Cathedral was accoladed for Best Told Story. Fascinating!
Just 18 miles (31 minutes’ drive) away from The Moat House Acton Trussell hotel.
EMMA BRIDGEWATER
SPOT YOUR OWN POTSEach piece of Emma Bridgewater pottery is touched by 30 pairs of hands before leaving the factory. Take a factory tour to see traditional skills in action and hear the tales behind the creations. Often spoken in the endearing Potteries dialect, Emma Bridgewater is another, proud “Best Told Story” accolade winner. Set your own hands to work, have a go at sponge-decorating and create your own bespoke piece in the studio.
Just 23 miles (32 minutes’ drive) away from The Moat House Acton Trussell hotel.
There you have it, five golden reasons to enjoy Staffordshire. Drive away, go for gold then return to The Moat House Acton Trussell. We’ll transform a fascinating day trip, into a relaxing stay trip at our luxurious 15th Century Manor House, with unforgettable fine dining and attentive service. The warmest of welcomes awaits you this English Tourism Week, and beyond.
Start your heart of England staycation here:
Thank you to Visit England for recognising our local attractions, as national treasures. https://www.visitbritain.org/visitengland-announces-winners-visitor-attraction-accolades
https://www.visitengland.com/visit-england-awards-2020-winners
Distances and drive times are approximate and were calculated using AA Route Planner. https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/route