Shugborough Hall Houses

Set in more than 900 acres of stunning countryside, this Grade One listed Mansion House is a real gem, and a perfect day out for all the family. Located just off the M6 at J13, just a few miles from Staffordshire's county town Stafford, Shugborough Estate offers a huge amount of fun and heritage for all the family.

The incredible Mansion House, which itself dates back to 1693 when a local lawyer, William Anson purchased the land and built a three storied house, which still forms the centre of the mansion. Over time, the house was built upon, and now stands a magnificent Georgian mansion for visitors to explore and enjoy.

In recent times, the famous photographer and ancestor of the Anson family, Patrick Lichfield, inherited the estate and opened the house to the general public in 1966, passing ownership of the mansion to The National Trust. Lord Lichfield kept his apartments at the house, which visitors can explore today.

Visitors to the house can get a true feeling of how life was run on this working historic estate. Tours of the house are provided, as living costumed characters can be found working away as if time stood still. More than a quarter of a million visitors come to Shugborough each year to browse the estate, dairy, farm, grounds, water mill and kitchens.

Servants Quarters & County Museum

Remember to spare enough time (an hour or two) to visit the Servants Quarters and County Museum. The Servants Quarters have been preserved exactly as they were many years ago - you can meet the head cook Mrs Stearn working alonside her kitchen maid as though it was 1871, browse around the working laundry and find out more about the daily allowance of eight pints of beer offered to servants at the Brewhouse.

The county museum is also worth a visit. There are many artefacts and topics covering the last 200 years of the local and socio-economic history, as well as a collection of horse-drawn carriages that belonged to the estate.

Gardens and Follies

Don't leave Shugborough without a stroll around the magnificent gardens and estate. The 19th century gardens and walks are truly stunning (remember your camera). Much of the gardens are set alongside the river, making it a beautiful and tranquil way to spend the afternoon (if it's not raining).

The Wilderness

A new feature for 2014 allows kids to explore the woods to create dens, run around, go blindfolded and to explore the area for sculptures and fairies.

Don't miss:

• Tours of the house
• The gardens
• Georgian Farm
• Island Arboretum
• The Wilderness (for kids of all ages)
• Walled Garden
• Servants Quarters / Museum
• Delightful tea rooms and shops