Things to do in Staffordshire summer holidays 2023
With the Staffordshire summer holidays 2023 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around Staffordshire. If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in Staffordshire as well.
This post covers the Staffordshire area only. If you are looking for days out in nearby counties during the summer holidays, please see below:
Alton Towers
There doesn’t appear to be a particular event happening in the summer holidays at Alton Towers. However, there is a new ride for 2023, head to The Curse to meet Emily Alton in cursed Alton Manor. This popular theme park is always a fun packed day out for children of all ages. Their hotels are open as well as the theme park and waterpark and it’s a great place for a short break. For full details and to book, head to the Alton Towers website. You can also read my review of a trip to Alton Towers theme park, water park and cBeebies hotel with little ones.
Cannock Chase
This Forestry England site in Staffordshire is a brilliant day out for all the family, including the dog! Take bikes and enjoy the bike tracks for all ages and abilities. Follow the Gruffalo sculpture trail or Zog activity trail and treat your dog to a run around the dog agility course. There’s a great children’s play area and you can even book in to do Go Ape. This can be a full day out with a café, bike hire and toilet facilities available. Better still, it’s free to visit and you only have to pay for parking. Head to the Forestry England website for more information and you can also read my review of a dog friendly family day out at Cannock Chase.
Drayton Manor Park
It’s all about the summer nights this school holiday at Drayton Manor. Every weekend in July and August, the ultimate summer party comes to Drayton Manor. Ride off into the night on your favourite roller coasters at sunset. Dance to DJs and live bands and enjoy the party atmosphere. Check out the Drayton Manor website to find out the theme for each weekend. From throwback classics to pop and emo anthems, every taste is catered for. The park will be open as usual during the day, including Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Zoo and the other rides and attractions. Further details and online booking are available here. You can also read my review of a family day out at Drayton Manor.
Monkey Forest
Monkey Forest doesn’t have a particular event on for West Midlands summer holidays 2023, but this is prime baby season with around 10 expected to be born between May and August each year! They also have a VIP breakfast with the monkeys experience at the moment. Two people per day can help feed breakfast to the monkeys. It’s expensive but a great gift for a monkey fan! Monkey forest is a lovely day out where visitors can walk along a 3/4 mile pathway among 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. There’s also a café and children’s play area and a brand new maze. It’s just around the corner from Trentham Gardens too, so for a completely full day of fun it is worth considering combining the two. For further information and to book, head to the Monkey Forest website.
National Forest Adventure Farm
It’s time for Farmarama at the National Forest Adventure Farm from 22nd July to 4th September. This summer, the beach comes to Burton. Look out for huge paddling pools and a giant sand area. Sand art, seaside shows and a daily foam party top off the entertainment. The popular maize maze is back for visitors to get lost in, as well as the usual farmyard activities like meeting the guinea pigs, watching the sheep racing, tractor rides and the barrel stampede. Meet the animals on the farm and enjoy indoor soft play and outdoor adventure play. Further information is available on the National Forest Adventure Farm website. It’s cheaper to book online in advance, and they also have a special offer for a free return visit during the summer. Check out my review of a family day out at the National Forest Adventure Farm.
National Memorial Arboretum
Journey to the New World during the 2023 summer holidays at the National Memorial Arboretum. Spin the wheel at the Oracle area to find out which of the exhibits you’ll visit first:
- The memory maze challenges you to remember joyful moments and playful memories.
- Check out the weird plants in the Dream Garden and find out how to create your own Dream Garden at home. Plant a seed to take home with you.
- Take time to rest and reflect in the Sanctuary.
- Design and build your own play space in the Playscape.
- Help to build a bamboo structure in Utopia.
Find out more about the New World event on the NMA website. Entry to the NMA is free, as is entry to the New World installations, which are a collaboration with Wild Rumpus. However, they advise booking both your visit and your parking space in advance.
Rudyard Lake
Located in the Staffordshire Moorlands, Rudyard Lake is a stunning reservoir surrounded by woodland and hills. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and cycling. During the Staffordshire summer holidays, visitors can enjoy water sports, ride the steam train and make the most of the great food and drink options at Rudyard Lake. The lake is owned and managed by the Canal and River Trust and you can find out more about visiting on their website.
Statfold Country Park
Statfold Barn is open Wednesday to Sunday throughout the school summer holidays. Enjoy a ride on the narrow gauge train and explore the railway museum. Younger visitors will appreciate Toby’s Barn play and climb, a soft play area and children’s indoor climbing wall. There’s an outdoor play area full of diggers as well as a children’s play park. Interestingly, there doesn’t seem to be a summer holiday event taking place as such. However, there are a few one-off events on the following dates:
- 8th July: Summer BBQ with live music
- 14th July: 1940s night
- 19th August: The Midlands Firework Festival
- 26th and 27th August: Party in the park – multiple tribute bands performing
Full information about events and general opening is available on the Statfold website. You can also read my review of a family day out at Statfold Barn.
Trentham Gardens
There’s quite a bit going on at Trentham Gardens in the West Midlands for Summer holidays 2023. They’ve named it the Summer of Live music with various acts performing in July and August. Children can spend a morning doing forest school and groups may like to hire a gazebo or book a game of disc golf. For further information about Trentham Gardens and to book, visit the Trentham Gardens website.
The SnowDome
Summer holidays might not seem like the most natural time to visit the SnowDome. However, there’s lots going on with their School Holiday Fun days. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, the snow fun area, climbing or book a day pass and mix and match activities. Full details are available on their website. You can also read my review of Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome, Tamworth.
