Stable Park

Crack on towards the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (15 minutes’ drive) for wanders through the countryside or visits to grand manor houses like the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate, then swing by Stafford (10 minutes) and roam the ruins of a 900-year-old castle. The town’s also known for its timber-framed Ancient High House, which hails from Tudor times, and the Victoria Park’s aviary and river walkway. Next, wing your way north towards Trentham Monkey Forest (20 minutes), home to 140 Barbary macaques that live out their days scampering freely across woodland and meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for these primates while learning about their habits by reading the information boards. Switch things up with a bit of bargain hunting next door at Trentham Shopping Village; while you’re here – on the outskirts of pottery haven Stoke-on-Trent – it’s also worth wandering around the World of Wedgwood (20 minutes) in search of swish ceramics. Last but not least, all bets are on for brill days out at Uttoxeter Racecourse (20 minutes) and on the Nemesis and Oblivion rollercoasters at Alton Towers (half an hour).