TRAVELRAGS

Staffordshire

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National GeographicSep 29, 2026

Visit England's Ambitious Woodland Restoration Project

Plan a woodland escape in this lush and little-visited corner of the Midlands — a riot of red, yellow and orange leaves come autumn.

10 things in this story
  • Hoar Cross HallHotelAdults-only spa hotel in a 19th-century manor
  • Elsewhere
  • Calke AbbeySightDerbyshire, United Kingdom18th-century estate left as found, with taxidermy
  • Old Man of CalkeSightDerbyshire, United KingdomOne of the UK's oldest surviving oak trees
  • Ferrers Centre for Arts and CraftsSightStaunton Harold, United KingdomFormer stables house open studios and a model workshop
  • StablesCaféStaunton Harold, United KingdomCafe known for its toasties
  • Staunton DeliBakeryStaunton Harold, United KingdomOffers local produce including artisan charcuterie
  • Mount St Bernard AbbeySightLeicestershire, United KingdomMonks produce the UK's only Trappist beer
  • Griffin InnPubSwithland, United KingdomServes dishes inspired by countries where cricket is played
  • The Spirit VaultsPubMelbourne, United KingdomMicrobrewery with four characterful doubles
  • Horseshoe Cottage FarmHotelBradgate Park, United KingdomSelf-catering timber-beamed property with hot tub
Read the full piece at National Geographic →

The GuardianJul 18

20 brilliant UK family days out for summer

From 100,000 sunflowers in Gower and cosmic art in Galloway to a bat safari and messing about in boats, there’s enough here to keep you and the kids busy till September At the westernmost tip of the Gower peninsula, Rhossili Bay is a gloriously wide sweep of sand, backed by dunes and licked with waves perfect for bodyboarding and surfing. Wild ponies graze on the southern headland, while walker…

25 things in this story
  • Cliff LakesSight
  • Elsewhere
  • Kynren: the Storied LandsFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomDaytime counterpart to Kynren, journey through time and legend.
  • Kew GardensGardenLondon, United KingdomDisplays 30 Henry Moore sculptures until January 2027.
  • Rhossili BayViewpointGower, United KingdomWide sweep of sand, perfect for bodyboarding and surfing.
  • Worm's HeadSightGower, United KingdomSerpent-like promontory, time tide to avoid getting cut off.
  • Moors Valley country parkParkDorset, United KingdomGiant ant nests, snake pits, hawks, spiders, play trail.
  • North Downs WayTrailSurrey Hills, United KingdomLinks vineyards for wine hikes and scenic walks.
  • Albury VineyardSightGuildford, United KingdomOffers a self-guided wildlife walk through the vines.
  • Denbies Wine EstateSightDorking, United KingdomBoard the vineyard train or explore walking loops.
  • Moray FirthSightInverness, United KingdomHome to about 200 bottlenose dolphins.
  • Scottish Dolphin CentreCaféSpey Bay, United KingdomFormer fishing station with dolphin exhibition and ice house tours.
  • Salts MillMuseumSaltaire, United KingdomFormer textile mill, now a cultural hub with Hockney art.
  • Quentin Blake Centre for IllustrationMuseumClerkenwell, United KingdomPermanent home for illustration art in an 18th-century waterworks.
  • Magdalen Hill Down nature reserveNature reserveWinchester, United KingdomChalk grassland, wildflower meadows, woodland for butterfly counting.
  • Caldey IslandSightPembrokeshire, United KingdomMonastic island with chocolate, perfume, lighthouse, and beaches.
  • Kynren – An Epic Tale of EnglandFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomOutdoor show with 1,000 cast members, history and legend.
  • Bat Safari Punting tourPlaceCambridge, United KingdomPunting tour along the River Cam to spot bats.
  • Sea Lanes Canary WharfSightLondon, United Kingdom50-metre six-lane pool designed for swimming lengths.
  • Royal Docks Summer SplashSightLondon, United KingdomFree paddling pool, deckchairs, and sandpits for younger children.
  • Henry Moore Studio & GardensMuseumHertfordshire, United KingdomSculptor's former home and studios, with works displayed outdoors.
  • Dyfi Osprey ProjectSightMachynlleth, United KingdomObservatory tower near nest to watch osprey chicks.
  • Sherwood PinesTrailNottinghamshire, United KingdomWoods with mountain biking trails and a family loop.
  • St Monans tidal poolSightSt Monans, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, revamped by community projects.
  • Pittenweem tidal poolSightPittenweem, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, funds upkeep with mini golf.
  • Peace MuseumMuseumSaltaire, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at The Guardian →
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