I absolutely love my National Trust membership, considering the many venues they manage around the Midlands, there always seems somewhere to visit! Our local National Trust Property is Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire and we’ve made a point of visiting every few weeks. So here’s everything you need to know before a visit to the Shugborough Estate.
This isn’t just a stuffy old building, the Estate has plenty to entertain the whole family. Kids will love the outdoor play spaces and farm yard. And if you’re looking for an active visit you can take part in the wellness trail or one of the many well signposted walks. Make sure you plan in plenty of time to take it all in.
Lets start with a little Shugborough Hall History
Shugborough Hall was first built in the 1600’s. William Anson bought the Estate from the Bishops of Lichfield and began to create his countryside paradise. With his Grandson completing the project in 1693. The original manor house was extended and remodelled to create the stunning Georgian mansion it is today.
The home has obvious naval connections which can easily be spotted as you tour the house. Admiral George Anson (great – grandson of the original William Anson) was First Lord of the Admiralty and during his Naval career captured a Spanish Ship full of historic treasures. Some of which can be seen in the house today. It was his brother Thomas who lived in the house and created the many monuments you’ll see as you explore the Estate.
The Shugborough Estate was gifted to the National Trust in 1966 in lieu of death duties. They took on full ownership and running of the Hall in 2016. Ensuring it stays in good repair and continues to welcome visitors to its beautiful grounds.
Shugborough Monuments
As you wander the Shugborough Estate you’ll come across various monuments or follys. Hadrians Arch at the top of the hill is probably the most well known. Commemorating Thomas Ansons love of Greek history the design is based on one seen in Athens. It houses two busts, one of Thomas and one of his wife Elizabeth. This Grade I listed arch is the best place on the Estate for views and the walk up the hill isn’t too strenuous.
Another of my favourites is The Ruin located at the back of the house in front of the lake. It once contained a Gothic pigeon house! The structure is now Grade II listed and almost looks like it’s sinking into the lake.
One of the quirkier monuments is the Chinese House and the two red bridges leading up to it. It is now Grade II listed and was one of the earliest examples of Oriental design in the UK.
If you’re on a walk through the grounds at Shugborough on a rainy day, keep a look out for the Lanthorn located by the main driveway to the Estate. Another example of Athens inspired design, it’s also a great place to shelter from the rain!
The Mansion House at Shugborough
The stunning Georgian Mansion House at Shugborough is now reopened. You can head inside and explore what life would have been like for the servants who lived on the Estate. Many rooms are exactly as the Anson Family would have experienced them. And it really is a fascinating slice of history.
For a more upmarket view into the past, you can enter Earl Lichfields Apartments. He was a fashion photographer and his style is clearly evident throughout the rooms. Entrance to the apartments is by timed ticket only.
Shugborough Hall Play Areas
Kids will love a visit to Shugborough. There’s heaps for them to see and do and during most of the school holidays they’ll be a child friendly trail to follow around the Estate. Opportunity for play is plentiful.
The main outdoor play area can be found through the walled Garden near the National Trust entrance. It has loads of equipment to climb up, swing off and balance on. The main attraction is the zip wire where most kids tend to wait their turn queuing politely.
There are also plenty of picnic benches here so it’s a good place to park up for lunch.
Another great space for play is down by Essex bridge. Before crossing the bridge veer right into the woodland. There are stumps to balance on and trees to climb. It’s here we found the most perfect stumps to sit on and enjoy our picnic.
During summer days we also love a splash about in the stream near the National Trust kiosk.
Shugborough Park Farm
There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife at Shugborough. From rare butterflies and bats flying through the air to the many farmyard animals grazing the grounds. You’ll find chickens next to the Park Farm tea rooms which are perfect for entertaining the kids as you enjoy your coffee.
As you walk around the estate you’ll see many cows and sheep grazing the fields. They all seem very relaxed, just give them plenty of space.
The small farmyard is a working farm and is home to some very lovely Tamworth pigs.
The Walled Garden at the Shugborough Estate
Shugborough is a dream for gardeners with a constant supply of fresh blooms and year round vegetable patches. The walled garden is a firm favourite in spring when the poppies look absolutely stunning. This is also where a lot of vegetables are grown to be used in the onsite restaurants.
The wysteria covering the servants quarters is also beautiful at this time of year and early spring brings an abundance of daffodils along the river. It’s also my favourite place to spot snowdrops in winter.
Shugborough Hall with Dogs
Dogs are welcome at the Shugborough Estate and it’s one of my favourite places in the area for a walk with Holly. Dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas including the walled garden and Park Farm Tea Rooms. They are not allowed inside the mansion or service quarters or the Mansion Restaurant.
Dogs must be kept on a lead in the grounds due to grazing livestock. Please clean up after them, you’ll find plenty of bins around the main Estate. You’ll find water bowls at the tea rooms and can even buy dog friendly ice cream from the cafe.
Shugborough Hall Walks
The walks around Shugborough are one of the main reasons to visit. There will be a trail available for all ages and abilities.
For shorter walks you could try the sign posted wellness walk which incorporates some fun yoga poses and exercise routines as you go.
Or you could do the loop around the lake from the back of the mansion house.
If you’re after a longer hike you can incorporate Cannock Chase into your route. This way dogs can have a little run off the lead chasing sticks through the forest before heading back into the Estate. Leave the main carpark area following the exit route for cars out of the estate. Eventually you’ll see a small gate on your right taking you into the woods. Keep following a loop round to your right and you’ll get back to the main entrance near the Lanthorn Monument.
Another walk we love is this 5 mile circular walk at Shugborough, past the Hall, along the Canal and back through Cannock Chase. Or this shorter walk from Great Haywood to Shugborough along the canal.
Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.
Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire Christmas
Christmas at Shugborough is a magical occasion. We love it so much we even visited a few years ago when everything was shut. Our little extended family set up a Christmas picnic in the play area, and even bought some mulled wine to warm us up. We got absolutely soaked but it was truly incredible.
In normal years much of the Estate will be decorated and ready for celebrating. Inside the house you’ll find stunning Christmas trees and nods to historical celebrations in the Hall.
We particularly loved the apartments which were dressed with some very retro decorations I remember from my own childhood.
This year there was a Peter Rabbit trail for little ones to follow to make their visit even more enjoyable.
Shugborough Hall Prices
Entry to Shugborough is free for National Trust Members and you no longer need to book. For non members it’s £12 for adults and £6 for kids. This includes all day entry to the grounds and indoor areas and parking.
Eating at Shugborough
You have several options for eating at Shugborough. You’re welcome to bring a picnic and you’ll find several picnic tables around the estate. Or there’s the Farm cafe which offers light snacks and hot drinks.
We always grab a sausage roll or Cornish pastie then either base ourselves in the courtyard or head off for a walk around the grounds to find a quiet spot.
Or for something a bit more substantial, head to the Mansion Tea Room which, along with snacks and drinks serves light meals and has indoor seating. They do a fabulous Christmas dinner if you’re visiting over Winter.
Shugborough Hall Opening Times
The outdoor areas at Shugborough open at 9am until 6pm. The indoor spaces open at 10am with the mansion closing at 4.30pm.
Shugborough Hall Booking
You no longer need to book to visit Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire.
Shugborough Hall Parking
There is plenty of free parking at Shugborough Hall. Just keep going along the entrance from Milford and you’ll see it.
How to get to Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire
Shugborough Hall is located on the outskirts of Cannock Chase, near Milford Common. It’s just six miles from Stafford and you’ll see the signposts as you come off the M6.
Milford, Stafford, Staffordshire, England, ST17 0XB
