Crooked House

A well known watering hole on the edge of the Himley Estates is the Crooked House which is excellent for drivers who want the experience of being drunk without being over the legal limit. You can literally watch beer bottles roll up the table here.

The reason for its strange uneven exterior and interior is down to the fact that the house has subsided on land that was used for mining. Too much coal had been extracted from the ground beneath the building and it had to be shored up to prevent its collapse.

Further information and old photographs can be found herehttp://www.sedgleymanor.com/historical/crooked_house.html

Update: Unfortunately, on August 5, 2023, a fire devastated the building, severely damaging the structure. The fire caused the roof and upper floors to collapse, leaving the iconic crooked shape still visible but the building in ruins.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it has sparked widespread concern over the preservation of this iconic landmark. In the wake of the fire, plans have been put in place to restore the building, with efforts focused on stabilizing the remaining structure and rebuilding it in a way that respects its historic significance. Various restoration plans and proposals are under discussion, including potential plans to re-open the site as a pub or as a tourist attraction, with extensive care to preserve its architectural legacy.

Local authorities and heritage groups are working together to ensure the Crooked House is restored properly, with consultations ongoing about the future of the site and its place in the community.

Kinver Edge

Kinver Edge is a sandstone ridge with views across the counties. It is also famous for the Holy Austin Rock Houses which were used as recently as the 1950's. 

To view the photographs of Kinver Edge click here or view on You Tube

Kinver Edge, Wardens Lodge, Kinver, Nr. Stourbridge, DY7 6HU. Tel:01384 872418

Alton Towers

Alton Towers is the most popular theme park in the UK. It's location near the village of Alton in Staffordshire is the former house and country estate of the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury and his descendents.

The Gothic stately home was built in 1811 but now lies in ruins. The gardens however have survived and been well looked after by subsequent owners. In fact Alton Towers is fortunate  to have such a wonderful backdrop to its amusement park rides and entertainment. With over 2.6 million visitors a year Alton Towers offers a wide range of entertainment attractions to suit all ages.
 
In additon to all the well known rides there is the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel, a Golf and Conference Centre and a Waterpark Spa. The current owners are Merlin Entertainments who also own famous brand names such as Madame Tussauds. They are the worlds largest entertainment company after Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Website: http://www.altontowers.com/

Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter in Staffordshire is an old historic Market town with a population of around 12,000. Close to the River Dove it is located near Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield and Derby. It is probably most known for its association with JCB, the manufacturer of construction equipment whose headquarters are in Rocester nearby.

Uttoxeter is close to Alton Towers and the Peak District so this places it en-route for tourist traffic heading in that direction. The racecourse is also a major attraction which brings visitors to the town.

For more photographs of Uttoxeter click here or view on You Tube

Tamworth

Tamworth is a town in Staffordshire and is approximately 14 miles (23 km) north-east of Birmingham. Tamworth is named after the River Tame which passes through the town.

Tamworth Castle and Moat House is the main attraction for visitors along with the Snowdome indoor ski slope. Tamworth's close proximity to Drayton Manor Theme Park also means it benefits from tourist traffic heading in that direction.

Tamworth is an old town and a settlement has been here since the Saxon times. It was once larger than Birmingham and the centre of trade for the region. Traditionally it's main industries have included brick and tile manufacture as well as car production in the form of Reliant and Scimitar.

For more photographs of Tamworth click here or view on You Tube

Stafford

Stafford takes its name from the words 'ford' and 'staithe', the latter meaning landing place. Stafford Castle was built by the Normans and dates back to 1090. Stafford is famous for its shoe making which has since unfortunately ceased. It has also been home to some well known engineering companies. Perkins engines and Bostik adhesives operate from around and within Stafford.

Visitors should definately visit the castle and The Elizabethan High House which is the largest timber framed house in England. The Shire Hall was built in 1798 and served as a court house and Mayors office. Today it is home to an Art Gallery. It is a Grade II listed building.

Shugborough Hall is nearby and some 4 miles from the town centre. Once owned by the Earls of Lichfield it is now a National Trust property set in 400 acres of parkland. Weston Hall is also close by and holds many events throughout the year including a large vintage car rally and the V-Festival.

For more photographs of Stafford click here

Museum of Cannock Chase

The Museum of Cannock Chase occupies the old site of the Valley Colliery. Set in 30 acres on the edge of Cannock Chase it documents the story of the local industrial heritage, social history, famous people and domestic life. Hednesfield Hill Nature Reserve heathland is right next door and ideal for long walks across the Chase.

Entrance to the museum is free and there is a Visitor Information Point, a gift shop and a cafe. The building which houses the museum used to be the corn store where pit ponies were once kept. The museum provides a fascinating insight into local history, culture and tradition.


Museum of Cannock Chase, Valley Road, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 1TD. 

Tel: 01543 877666. 

For more photographs of Cannock Chase & the museum click here or view on You Tube

 

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is an open expanse of countryside in Staffordshire. It is used for a number of leisure activities such as horse riding, cycling and walking. With open heathland and woodland it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a busy tourist attraction in the summer months.  There are several visitor centres and the recommended walks are signposted by colour coded signs giving a choice of easy, moderate and hard walks.

Mining used to take place around the Chase and there are several war memorials and a German and Commonwealth war cemetery.

For more photographs of Cannock Chase and the Museum click here or view on You Tube

Burton-on-Trent

Burton-on-Trent is famous for its beer. It was once known as the brewing capital of the UK. There are still breweries here today and one of the main visitor attractions is the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing. Burton is also the home of Marmite the food made from brewers yeast that you either love or hate. Walking around the town you can see in the buildings the legacy that brewing has given the town of Burton-on-Trent, a town which gets its name from the River Trent that passes through it.

Historically a religious centre in medieval times the town was also the site of two famous battles in 1322 when Edward III defeated the Earl of Lancaster and in 1643 when the town was captured by Royalists in the English Civil War. The town is also mentioned in the Domesday book when Burton Abbey was one of the most important religious centre in Staffordshire. 

 

Burton today has some good shopping facilities, a choice of excellent hotels and some fine restaurants and pubs. Just 24 miles to the north of Birmingham it has its own realways station and easy access to the main highways.

For more photographs of Burton on Trent click here or view on You Tube

Shugborough Estate

Shugborough Estate is situated in Great Haywood just 4 miles from Stafford. It used to be owned by the Bishops of Lichfield but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was purchased by the Anson family and remained with them until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1960.

Today visitors can walk through the 900 acres of parkland and riverside gardens and see the magnificent mansion house with its working servants quarters and farm. For families with young children there is also a train ride, play park and restauratn and tea room facilities as well as a gift shop and craft workshops.

For more photographs of the Shugborough Estate click here or view on You Tube