Tips for Stafford mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Stafford bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Stafford. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Stafford. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Stafford highlights.

Travel by Plane

There are no major airports with scheduled flights present in the Staffordshire region. If you want to reach this province by plane, flying to Birmingham (BHX) East Midlands (EMA) or Manchester (MAN) is the best option.

Birmingham and Manchester are both served by major scheduled services such as British Airways and KLM. Smaller charter airlines and budget airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet also serve these airports. East Midlands is only used by budget airlines and tour operators such as Ryanair and Thomas Cook Airlines.

From Birmingham it is 45 minutes (63 KM) to travel to Stafford. From East Midlands (70 KM) and Manchester (81 KM) the travel time is about an hour. There is private transportation with driver (taxi, bus, minibus) possible at all airports. That way you will reach your residence in a very comfortable way.

Manchester airport

Manchester airport credit: eGuide Travel CC BY 2.0

Travel by road

You prefer a car with driver, minibus or coach during your holiday? Then this province will be a good choice. Staffordshire has a good road network and this county is served by the M6 and M1. These highways are going directly to Manchester in the north, and Birmingham and London in the south. The A50 goes straight to the heart of Staffordshire. The M1 goes to the east, and the M54 and M42 leads you to the south of the province.

Business Travel and Tourism

The region Staffordshire is a good destination for conferences and seminars. The region has several buildings which can be used for your conferences, seminars and events. The Staffordshire Conference Office is ready to assist you in finding locations where you can organize your event. The region has just one large conference building, but many hotels also have venues that you can use.

In Yarnfield lie the Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre. This centre has 40 training- and conference rooms, and is one of the few convention centres in the area. This building is suitable for a maximum of 450 people, and offers 338 bedrooms.

The Swinfen Hall Hotel in Lichfield, offers rooms up to 180 people. Drayton Manor Park Hotel in Tamworth can accommodate up to 500 guests. Visitors of this hotel can use the many facilities here as this hotel features a private park, 4D cinema and a peaceful environment. The main city to visit here in Staffordshire region is Staffored.

Golf Travel and Tourism

Staffordshire has many golf clubs also. The South Staffordshire Golf Club at Dane Court Road Tettenhal organizes open golf tournaments a few times a month. Visitors are welcome on almost every day of the week. For more information you have to contact the manager of the club. The Westwood Golf Club organizes open tournaments. This club is open throughout whole the week for visitors, but you should be aware of the rules. You will find this club at the Newcastle Road in Leek.

Dinosaur Hatching By Golf Course

Dinosaur Hatching By Golf Course credit: Henry Burrows CC BY-SA 2.0
Staffordshire Moorlands District.

Tours in the Staffordshire region

The county Staffordshire is divided into 8 different districts. This are: Tamworth, Lichfield, Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire, Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands and East Staffordshire. Your tour with private transport in a rented bus or minibus with driver around Staffordshire can start at one of these departments, that are separated by the earlier classification of the counties. Stafford is the capital of the county, and has a historical character. This city will be discussed on another page.

Tamworth

It is a historical district, which is in full development. The historic Tamworth Castle is worth a visit. Britain’s first indoor ski slope with real snow is located in this district. The Drayton Manor theme park is also located in this part of Staffordshire.

Tamworth

Tamworth credit: Alex Liivet CC BY 2.0

Lichfield

There are many legendary stories about this part of Staffordshire. At this moment, Lichfield is known for its many churches and cathedrals. There are also beautiful parks located in this area.

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral credit: Donald Judge CC BY 2.0

South Staffordshire

This district is known for its natural attractions. Bagge Ridge Country Park (a park that is situated between Wombourne and Sedgley), the Bluebell woods in Perton and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Bratc are just some examples.

DC3 Dakota, Cosford Airshow, South Staffordshire

DC3 Dakota, Cosford Airshow, South Staffordshire credit: Tony Hisgett CC BY 2.0

Staffordshire Moorlands

Agriculture, fashion, and tourism are the most important things in this district. A visit to Alton Towers and the various festivals belongs to the possibilities. Enjoyable outdoor activities are climbing, sailing and cycling.

Transportation to and from the airport

You want a bus to pick you and your group up at the airport? Then the above bus companies are able to help you and you can request or reserve minibus with driver in the city of Stafford, where you can choose from multiple specialized companies, and you can request a size or specific type of bus. Staffordshire has itself no airport, but the nearest airport is Birmingham (BHX). A number of companies that is able to get you to and from the airport are: ‘Driver Number One’ at the Old School Street. Here takes a ride £ 75 one way. You will be picked up in a BMW X5 M. At the Taverners Drive you can find "DS drivers’. They can come and pick you up at any airport in the UK.  The fleet of the company consists of luxury BMW, Mercedes Benz and MPV"S. "Wings of Pankridge" is located on 3 Nursery Drive. They are happy to collect you at the airport. They drive a Volkswagen for up to 6 people.

Church Lane Stafford

Church Lane Stafford credit: John McLinden CC BY-ND 2.0

City tours in Stafford

"Get Walking Keep Walking ‘is an organization that offers hiking. Stafford has developed three walking routes. These routes are on average 1.5 kilometres long, and show various community centres and churches. This will give you an excellent look into the local culture. You can rent a bus in Stafford for tours in the city or in Staffordshire County.

There is also something for the real long-distance walkers. The Limestone Way is a 46 mile walk through the Peak District National Park. You can buy the whole tour, so you do it all by yourself. Of course there are also organized tours, but you must take the high costs into account.

Stafford_town_centre

The town centre of Stafford, England. credit:Val Vannet CC BY-SA 2.0

Nightlife

After a day of culture, the nightlife will be a great escape. The nightlife in Stafford has a wide range of trendy clubs with good DJs and bands.

The Post House

"The Post House" is a new club that is gaining popularity. The club has several bars, a dance area and various patios. All clubs are in walking distance from each other. Of course pubs may not be missed on this list. The most famous pub is "The picture house" at the Bridge Street.

Stafford Picture House

Stafford Picture House credit: Jeremy Tarling CC BY-SA 2.0

Club CASA

Club CASA at the Bridge Street is currently the place to be visited. This modern and stylish club is rated the best bar by its visitors on downstairs you can party, on the first floor, you can relax and talk with friends. This club does have a strict dress code. The nightlife in Stafford is everything you want it to be.

What to see during your tour in Stafford with a hired midibus

While touring through Stafford and environment with a group by bus, then you should definitely make time for the next special places, activities and buildings.

Ancient High House

This house was formerly the skyline of Stafford. This is the largest and oldest surviving timber-framed town house in England. This building dates from 1595. Several kings and princes used to stay in this house. Since the 80s, the building serves as a museum. Here you can find all the information about the people who have lived over there.  Admission is free, but for exhibitions, a small amount must be paid in some cases. This property is located at the Greengate Street.

St. Chad’s Church

This serving church in the centre of Stafford, and is the oldest building in town. Its history dates back to the 12th century. This church has miraculously survived several wars and riots. This church has changed very little over the years. Guided tours are only possible  when the group is larger than 10 people. If you want to visit the church by yourself, you have to be aware of the limited opening hours. If you want to be totally immersed in the local religion, you can even attend a service. The church can be visited at the Greengate Street.

Stone Farmers Market

This market was created in early 2005 as part of the Food and Drink Festival. The market was so popular that it became a monthly recurring event. On the first Saturday of each month, about 30 stalls present themselves and their products at the Market Square and High Street. At this moment, this market is seen as the biggest in the area. All products sold here are made in a 30 mile radius. That traders are proud of their products is demonstrated by the fact that they are present in all weather conditions. You should be early if you want to visit this market with your fellow travellers, It is common that a lot of the products are sold out long before the end of the market.

Shopping

Stafford is a good destination, when you want to shop during you trip,. The Stafford City Shopping Centre is the place to be. In this Shopping centre at the Stafford road, is not just a great place for all woman. While the women are attacking all the shops, the men can take a massage in one of the salons. Watching a film is also possible.  there are also  several regular events. Check the website for the current events calendar.

Another shopping centre in the middle of Stafford is the Guildhall Shopping Centre. It is a true shopping paradise with 42 stores. In addition to the regular stores, you can also find retail stores over here. That means you can get expensive and exclusive brands for an affordable price. The building is an unique mix between modern architecture and an historic atmosphere. It mall is one of the best places to shop, because of the relaxed, airy atmosphere. You can have a  really nice day while spending your spare time in this building.  This shopping centre can be found at the Market Square.

Dining options

Pub

Stafford has a wide range of restaurants, pubs and take-out. A typical night out at a pub can definitely not be missed. Pay a visit to the \"Stafford tavern\" pub. Meet the local cuisine, and stay afterwards. All you have to do is just hang around, and order a beer, or play a game of billiards. This pub is located at the Webster Road in Stafford.

Bistro

When you are visiting Stafford with a large group, you can take a lunch break at the ‘pastiche bistros’ at the Mill Street. Here you can have a decent meal, just for £ 5.95. Diner is possible for £ 11.95. Groups have to pay a surcharge at this restaurant. If you prefer to order take-away, you have a wide choice of cuisines from all around the world. Chinese, italian or thai? You can find it in Stafford. Many visitors from the region are willing to drive many miles for the unique restaurants with good service and excellent quality.

Grill

You would like to eat a hamburger, but you want something more luxurious than a fast-food restaurant? Then stop by, at The Bear Grill Restaurant at the Greengate Street. This restaurant only uses fresh products for their burgers. They prepare their dishes with care and attention and that combination delivers the ultimate taste sensation. you can also enjoy a diverse range of other freshly prepared products.

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More about Stafford

Would you like to organize a bus tour to see all these beautiful highlights? Request quotes and compare the different bus and coach hire companies:

Bus tours in Stafford
Coach hire in Stafford