things to do in eccleshall, Stafford and Staffordshire
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Things to do in Eccleshall
Quintessentially English Eccleshall is a beautiful old Market Town, enveloped by stunning Staffordshire countryside. You will never be short of things to do or places to explore.
A conservation area, Eccleshall’s high street boasts pretty Georgian Houses and quaint independent shops. From springtime It is adorned in flowers provided by the local Ecclian Society, winning the Town numerous “Britain in bloom” awards. Come the winter months, they are replaced with twinkling festive lights and trees.
Eccleshall truly has something for everyone, from an array of cosy pubs, lively bars and quality cafes and restaurants, to boutiques and hair and beauty salons.
charm and character abound in this vibrant and picturesque town where you are sure of a warm, friendly welcome from all its residents.
There are too many fabulous eateries, watering holes, shops and attractions in Eccleshall to mention, so here are just a few of our favourite things to do in Eccleshall.
Eat
The Old Smithy
Voted in the top three places to eat in Stafford, it offers a top-quality, friendly dining experience.
Pub Food
The Royal Oak and The Kings Arms both serve delicious pub food.
Jasmine Peking
Chinese food to eat in or take away.
Flour and Co Bakehouse
This bakery and coffee shop is perfect to pop in for lunch, with lots of yummy treats to suit all tastes.
Charlies Cat Café
A unique experience for any animal lover! Charlies Cat Café is not just any café, it is where you go to have a coffee and something to eat with the cats that live in the café.
Takeaway
If you fancy something to go, try Star pizza or Eccleshall Fish bar.
Country Kitchen Café
Traditional good quality food. Dog friendly. Breakfast, lunch and take away.
London house and Balti Palace
There are two Indian restaurants in Eccleshall. Both offer tasty cuisine in comfortable surroundings.
Drink
Eccleshall is famous for its pub scene. There are seven pubs in the 350 meters between The Eagle and the Ecclian. If you want to stretch your legs, Eccleshall cricket club also has a bar which is a five-minute stroll from the center of town.
The Eagle Inn
Our local, just a few minutes’ walk away! You are guaranteed a warm welcome in this sports bar that has a great outside area and does a mean rum cocktail.
The Ecclian
There is always something going on at this traditional pub on the high street, well worth a visit for a night out.
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms dates back to the mid 1500s. Nice pub food in generous portions. Lively pub with a good range of beers.
The old smithy
Not just great food, you can also enjoy a drink in the bar.
The Little George
Serving world beers, craft ales and a wide gin selection, The Little George is worth a visit.
The Royal Oak
Once run by Sir Geoff Hurst, it now offers wholesome homemade pub grub and lovely ale in a cosy atmosphere.
The Bell
An 18th Century former Coaching Inn with a great atmosphere.
Eccleshall cricket club
Relax while watching a game or pop down on a Friday night.
Walk
As Eccleshall is surrounded by such stunning countryside, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks. Many footpaths surround the town and Eccleshall Parish Council has created several leaflets with suggested walks.
We have also written some blog posts on our favorite walks near Eagle House;
Cycle
Eccleshall is a very popular stop-off for cyclists and you are welcome to store your bikes (at your own risk) in our garages if you fancy exploring the area on two wheels.
Learn
The Corner Patch
Lean to sew or develop your skills with a wide range of classes and workshops.
Shop
The town has an array of clothes shops, as well as a shoe shop, a gift shop and a jeweler. In the covered arcade, there is a haberdasher and an art shop as well as hair, wellbeing and beauty establishments, all worth a visit.
There is also an equestrian shop, butchers, florist and home and furniture boutique.
Places to visit
Izaak Walton’s Cottage
This charming 16th century cottage is half-timbered and thatched. It offers a wonderful insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Izaak Walton. The cottage is now a museum with the period rooms furnished to reflect the style of the 17th Century.
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful Grade I listed Anglican church. The building dates mostly from the 13th century but restoration work was undertaken in the 19th century.
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre
Gentleshaw Wildlife centre is a small sanctuary for birds of prey and exotic animals. See over 30 different species of Bird of prey, Primate, Reptile, Invertebrate, Raccoons, Cats and many more.
Eccleshall Market
On the first Saturday of the month, Eccleshall Monthly Market is open under the Royal Oak arches.
Eccleshall festival
Eccleshall’s famous festival boasts a range of food, trade and charity stands as well as traditional country show competitions, attractions and entertainment throughout the day. It is a fantastic family day out. Eccleshall Festival takes place every two years and the next one takes place in June 2024
Sugnall Hall and walled gardens
Just out of the town, Sugnall Hall and walled gardens is a spectacular wedding and corporate events venue and also has a lovely tea room.
Grove Estate Vinyard
About five minutes drive from Eccleshall Grove Estate is a small award winning, family run vineyard. Tasting tours start from £40.
Hilcote Valley Miniature Railway.
Hilcote Valley Railway is a 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway that meanders around the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. We think that it’s the most fun you can have for £2!
Mill Meece Pumping Station
The historic Mill Meece Pumping Station, powered by steam engines, pumped water from underground wells to the nearby Hanchurch reservoir. From there, the water travelled by gravity to supply the Potteries area, bringing life and sustenance to the region.
See our blog post for more information.
Sport
Eccleshall cricket club is a lovely place to visit and while away a couple of hours. It is in a beautiful setting, just next to Holy Trinity Church.
Eccleshall FC holds regular matches at their ground, just outside the town at Pershall park, if you fancy an afternoon at the match.
If Rugby is more your thing, then Eccleshall RUFC practice at Baden Hall.
The nearest Golf Course is at Stone, ten minutes drive away. It is open to nonmembers and has a challenging 9 hole, 18 tee course.
The nearest swimming pool is at Stafford Leisure centre. This modern building also has a large gym, squash courts, fitness classes and a beauty suite. There is also a similar leisure centre in Stone.
things to do in Stafford and Staffordshire
There is plenty to do in Eccleshall and the surrounding area but if you want to explore, there are many more things to do in Stafford and Staffordshire.
Stafford Castle
Stafford Castle is a fine example of a motte and bailey system. The castle is set within a remarkable system of earthworks which are considered to be one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country. The remains of the 14th century stone keep at the top of an 11th-century castle mound. This can be explored as well as the inner bailey, outer bailey visitor centre.
The Ancient High House
The Ancient High House was built in around 1595 and is considered one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. With its ornate timber framing, the building provides a fascinating glimpse into the Tudor period. The house is now a small museum and well worth a visit.
Staffordshire County Showground
Staffordshire County Showground is a multi purpose venue with numerous indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. From the Staffordshire County Show to antiques fairs, dog shows, model railway exhibitions and much more, there is always something going on. Check their website to see what’s on during your visit.
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Staffordshire is famous for its potteries and, in the late 18th century, was the largest producer of ceramics in Britain. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery Visitors tells the story of the religions heritage as the centre of the English ceramics industry.
It’s not just pottery though. See the world famous Staffordshire Hoard, the Spitfire Gallery, the Fine Art Gallery and many more interesting exhibits.
Ironbridge
A World Heritage Site and the world’s first iron bridge. Ironbridge was built to cross the River Severn in 1779. As well as the bridge and tollhouse, the Ironbridge Gorge is home to some remarkable museums, historical buildings and the Blists Hill Victorian town.
Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for conservation due to its nationally significant landscape value. There are a range of wonderful woodland walks and cycling trails. If you don’t have a bike with you, they can be hired from their cycle centre. For those that want to explore the forest canopy via a treetop rope courses and ziplines, there is also a Go Ape outdoor activity centre with almost 1,500 metres of tree-to-tree crossings.
Trentham Gardens
725 acres of woodland, play parks, Monkey Forest and a shopping village. The Trentham estate is about 15 minutes away.
Drayton Manor
Local themepark with over a hundred rides & attractions. If you have younger kids, Thomas the Tank Engine Land is a great day out.
Boscobel House
Boscobel House is just outside of Telford and a 30 minute car journey from Eagle House. It is where King Charles II took refuge following his defeat in the English Civil War which ended in 1651. Charles hid from Cromwell’s soldiers in a nearby oak tree. There are numerous pubs named ‘The Royal Oak’ which celebrate this fact, Including one in Eccleshall.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is just over half an hour away. Whether you visit the Theme park or the Waterpark, it’s a fun and adrenaline filled day out for all.
Waterworld
Waterworld is a 30 minute drive from Eagle house and is a tropical-themed waterpark. It has many slides, rides and flumes and a large wave pool.
See our blog post for more information.
Shugborough Estate
Half an hour away is the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate where you can tour their extensive gardens and stately home.
World of wedgwood
For those appreciating a slower pace, World of Wedgwood is a mere twenty minutes and has a delightful café.
Business
We often have business travelers staying with us from the nearby Brookside Business Park, Raleigh Hall Industrial estate, the Swynnerton M.O.D. training camp and Drake Hall amongst other locations.
We are delighted to offer a warm welcome and a restful stay. With complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, you’ll always be connected. Our two larger B&B rooms, and the Eagle’s nest apartment, have areas suitable for working at a laptop. Our Library and terrace also make harmonious working environments.