Should you ask your guests to put away their phones during your wedding? It's a question that sparks varied opinions among couples. Some feel strongly about having a so-called unplugged wedding from the outset, while others may not have even considered it. If you find yourself unsure, in this blog we will explore the key pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about whether to have an unplugged wedding or not.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled break away with someone special, look no further than Staffordshire. Across the county, you can pack your days with a range of amazing activities - whatever you like doing. To get you inspired, here are six of the best days out in Staffordshire for couples.

The merriest time of the year is on the horizon. When it comes to Christmas events in Staffordshire, you’re spoiled for choice. From a winter wonderland with real snow to a ‘giant’ pantomime extravaganza, there’s something for everyone this festive season.

Throughout history, weddings have been celebrated with various traditions that add depth and significance to the occasion. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding or a modern celebration, incorporating some time-honoured customs can add charm and meaning to your special day. Here, we will explore a selection of timeless wedding traditions that you can embrace to make your wedding day truly memorable. 

One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make when planning your wedding is choosing your perfect wedding date. Your date will set the tone for your special day and hold a significant place in your memories for years to come. To help you find the ideal date for your celebrations, we have compiled a guide for you to consider a few of the factors that may influence your decision making.

Planning a wedding involves making numerous decisions, from choosing the perfect venue to selecting a mouthwatering menu. One aspect that adds beauty and elegance to your special day is the floral arrangements. Flowers have the power to transform any space, create a romantic atmosphere, and reflect your unique style.

Dreaming of saying "I do" amidst the beauty of nature? Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony can be a truly magical experience. Picture the sun-kissed landscapes, gentle breezes, and the serene ambiance that only nature can provide. However, before you embark on your journey to create an unforgettable outdoor wedding, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth and memorable event.

Your wedding day is a celebration that deserves the perfect soundtrack. Music, in its timeless essence, plays an irreplaceable role in weaving together the moments that make your special day unforgettable. From the tender tunes that accompany your vows to the upbeat rhythms igniting the dance floor, music sets the tone throughout your wedding day.

Staffordshire’s Burton-upon-Trent was once known as the brewery capital of the country. At its peak in the 19th century, around a quarter of all beer sold in Britain was produced in the town. Most famously, the Bass brewery was founded in Burton-upon-Trent by William Bass in 1777. Whilst the volume produced in the town now is much less, the legacy remains in the quality of Staffordshire breweries today. Here are our top picks for a pint (or two).

Planning a wedding involves meticulous attention to detail, and one of the essential elements to consider is the wedding day schedule for your big day. Creating a well-structured timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly and allows you to make the most of every precious moment. In this blog, we'll guide you through the ideal wedding day schedule we recommend for our couples at The Moat House, from the preparations in the morning to the grand finale in the late evening. Let's dive in and discover how to orchestrate a seamless and unforgettable wedding day.

The National Trust is a national treasure. Founded in 1895, this veteran charity is responsible for nearly 600 historic sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Its portfolio includes gardens, castles, churches and even a 1,100-acre island – and every single one is worth a visit. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors or spend a rainy day exploring a stately home, just look for that leafy logo. You'll know you're in for a treat.

As you embark on your wedding planning journey, you may find yourself encountering a whole new world of terms and jargon specific to the wedding industry or as we call it, wedding lingo. From banquet style to sweetheart table, understanding wedding lingo and terminology is crucial in navigating the planning process and communicating effectively with suppliers and venues. In this blog, we'll demystify some common wedding industry terms and provide you with a handy glossary to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge you need to plan your dream wedding.

As Spring officially settles across England, it is time for engaged couples to prepare their nuptials. Whether that’s picking beautiful blooms, tasting velvety cakes, or spending a weekend venue-hopping, Spring is the perfect time to plan your dream day.

At The Moat House, we are incredibly blessed to have so much nature around us. We are surrounded by lush green countryside which is a haven for wildlife. It’s our mission to leave as little a footprint as possible so that the green stays lush and the wildlife and our guests can continue to enjoy it!

If you’re planning a family getaway this Summer, nothing beats a break in the historic county of Staffordshire. Whether you’re looking for unforgettable thrills, days out in nature or wanting to get up close and personal with unique wildlife, there are plenty of things to do in Staffordshire for families of all sizes and ages. Planning a family getaway for the Summer holidays can be a costly venture.

There's something undeniably romantic about the idea of whisking your beloved off to a secret...

Wedding planning is an exciting experience, but it can also become overwhelming and stressful...

A rise in using local, seasonal produce and cutting food miles is bringing a resurgence in traditional, regional food. This means it’s time to celebrate one of the very best – Staffordshire oatcakes. Delicious, nutritious, versatile, and fun, this Midlands’ masterpiece can be savoury or sweet and eaten on a plate or on the move. Read on to find out the best ways to eat Staffordshire oatcakes, and celebrate this iconic Potteries food.

There is no doubt about it, Staffordshire is home to some of the best walking routes, and in the vast abundance of this beautiful county is Cannock Chase Forest. A mini mecca of walks! An epicenter for families who love a day outdoors. At Cannock Chase, there is everything from light picturesque strolls to long adventure trails. There is something for absolutely everyone.

There’s something so optimistic about spring. After a long, grey winter it’s like a breath of fresh air, it makes us want to get out and take advantage of the longer daylight hours. It has us thinking of holidays, frolicking lambs, treating mums, and seeking easter eggs as we celebrate new beginnings.

We are on the run up to the festive season, and it feels special, doesn’t it? After the restrictive experiences of last year, we’re gearing up for a great one here, at the Moat House Acton Trussell.

Whoah, it’s frightening how quickly this October half term school holiday has come around. Don’t panic if you’ve failed to plan ahead, the good news is… we have family rooms available for half term stays, right in the middle of Halloween family fun activities that will have you howling with delight. But be warned… not only is it a scary selection, we’re calling last orders for 2021 visits to some of Staffordshire’s best family attractions.

“Oh - we haven’t seen you for so long, let’s get together soon.” That’s what we have all been promising ourselves after a very difficult year or so. Separation from friends and family, especially those who live further away from us, and not having those special get togethers we all look forward to, has made us realise just how valuable quality time with our loved ones is.

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.

With lockdown rules relaxing next week, meaning up to 6 people or two households can meet up outdoors, leisurely walks with friends and family are back on the cards. So make the most of your new found freedom, reunite with family and friends over a long walk whilst enjoying the country air and why not stop off with one of our picnics along the way!

If the last 12 months have taught us anything, it's that plans can change ....

Image: LATZO Photography

Each year The Wedding Academy creates a report all about the upcoming trends for weddings in the...

There are so many reasons The Moat House is the perfect choice for your wedding day! But you don’t need to take our word for it. We asked our couples why they chose The Moat House for their big day. Here are their top 5 reasons:

Choosing your wedding venue is (probably) the first big decision you will make on your wedding planning journey. And it’s no small feat. The type of venue you go for can impact everything from the style of the wedding, to your choice of dress, to the number of guests who join you on your big day. 

When you first view your wedding venue there’s so much information to take in and so much excitement, it’s easy to forget to ask those important questions. ⁠That’s why we’ve put together our top 10 questions to ask during a wedding venue viewing.

2020 hasn’t been a smooth ride for small businesses, so as we approach Christmas, why not help spread some festive cheer by supporting the fantastic independent businesses in our community. From Christmassy gin to unforgettable experiences, here’s our round up of the best gifts Staffordshire has on offer this Christmas!

Soft mornings wreathed in mist, crisp skies of vivid blue. Autumn often dazzles us with the unique saturation, definition, and atmosphere it brings to landscapes. There isn’t a better time to visit an arboretum. The trees drip with colour, cloaked in oxblood and honey. The low sunlight casts a halo-ed effect around the individual leaves. It’s a magical time of year, but also a fleeting one.

Staffordshire offers the very best of the English countryside. Patchwork fields ripple across the hills, dotted with picturesque villages and country houses with deer parks and centurion English oaks. Britain’s oldest national park, the Peak District, is a breath of fresh air...

The Peak District is a haven for wild swimming. Now is your chance to get off the beaten track and feel passionately alive. Here are five spots to get you started. 

Like you, your food has a back story—a history. Whether you’re eating a meal at home or in a restaurant the ingredients have been grown, raised, or caught. Food provenance is the journey food takes from field to fork...

As the government give small wedding ceremonies the go ahead, here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a socially distanced wedding.

With many couples having to postpone their wedding day to dates later in the year, we thought there is no time like the present to share our autumn bridal photo shoot with you. 

Staffordshire is a dark horse. Unsung, unassuming, underestimated. 

It's a rural oasis with a warm heart, tucked away in the depths of the English countryside.

Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Staffordshire and experience its diverse charms.

LP Rewards is The Lewis Partnership’s loyalty reward app.

Collect points every time you visit a Lewis Partnership venue and redeem them against vouchers in your Rewards Zone.

LP Rewards isn’t just for collecting points, there’s a whole host of other benefits!