Make Staffordshire Your Great Escape Submitted By: Morris & Company Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Make Staffordshire Your Great Escape Submitted by: Morris & Company Tuesday, 1 April 2008

If you want to know about the history of beer, how servants lived in the 18th century or how delicate pottery is manufactured, then spend some time in Staffordshire, where there really is something for everyone. While cheap flights from regional airports lure more people to far-flung cities, it’s easy to forget that there are some unbeatable locations just a short drive from home. Situated less than an hour from Birmingham and Manchester and just two hours from London by train, Staffordshire is within easy reach for a short break. If you are looking for an action packed weekend, the county’s two theme parks offer adrenalin fuelled adventure. The Alton Towers Resort is more than just a theme park, with two hotels, an indoor water park and a luxury spa. At Drayton Manor Theme Park the new attraction is Europe's first Thomas Land, where you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. It's also home to the world's first stand-up tower drop 'Apocalypse'. The Tamworth SnowDome has the very best action on real snow with the world's first indoor snowmobile track, the UK's only children's snowplay area, all-round skiing, tobogganing and 'adrenalin tubing'. By contrast you can enjoy a subtropical aquapark with rides, rapids and flumes at Waterworld, in Stoke-on-Trent. Entrance to all four of these family attractions is available in a unique 4-in-1 Thrill Hopper ticket. Priced at just £39.95 or just £119.95 for a family of four, the ticket offers exceptional value. Staffordshire has a strong appeal to the growing number of people who like to spend their leisure time outdoors. It is a county of contrasts, with landscapes ranging from the uplands of the Peak District National Park in the far north, through industrial heritage in “The Potteries”, to the heathland and woodlands of Cannock Chase and the rolling landscape of South Staffordshire. With 650 miles of footpath, one of the best ways to explore the area is on foot. Simply choose from an easy canal or riverside stroll or a day’s hike across the rugged moorland. The county is also perfect for cycling. A number of old railway lines have been converted to traffic free trails, providing safe and level cycle ways. If you’re looking for adventure then why not follow one of the ancient pack horse trails and bridleways, climb the Roaches in the Peak District and for the best panoramic views, hang glide across the moorland. Immerse yourself in history and culture with a visit to the county’s many museums. Great architecture across the county spans the centuries, with castles, a Medieval cathedral at Lichfield and the great historic houses of Shugborough and Weston Park. The area around ‘The Potteries’ prospered in the 19th century and has some of England's best Victorian gardens; Biddulph Grange Garden, Alton Towers and Trentham.

Page 1 Mark Kerrigan, Chair of Destination Staffordshire said: “Staffordshire is a great place to visit for so many different reasons. You don’t need to waste much time travelling to your destination and short breaks can be tailored to suit your needs - whether it’s a fun family break in the countryside or an exciting city break. Staffordshire offers great value for money, with many 2 for 1 entry discounts available. It‘s a short break that you really can‘t afford to miss.” To help you find the ideal retreat, www.enjoystaffordshire.com has more than 200 members offering accommodation. Choose from country house hotels, small and interesting inns, modern hotels or farmhouse bed and breakfasts. If you prefer to go self catering there is a range of quality accommodation and caravan and camping sites. Whether you choose to dine out at award winning restaurants or cook for family and friends, you can enjoy Staffordshire’s fine food and drink at any time of the year. The changing seasons and rich countryside gives a unique flavour to local ingredients and mouth watering menus can be found across the county. For more information about where to stay, where to eat and drink, events and attractions in Staffordshire visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com or call 0844 888 5205 for your free guide to Staffordshire. You can book Thrill Hopper tickets on 0844 888 5205 or buy online at www.thrillhopper.com. For more information or high resolution images please contact Julie, Rhiannon or Seetle at the Enjoy Staffordshire Press Office via [email protected]

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