With restrictions easing, destinations and attractions are gearing up to welcome back visitors safely, in line with the Government’s roadmap. Travel will be back on the agenda for 2021… so, for when the time is right, here are a few new treats to welcome visitors back to Staffordshire.
Attractions Central
For adrenaline junkies, or for those simply looking for fun family day out, Staffordshire is the centre of attraction. Home to two of the best UK theme parks, Alton Towers Resort and Drayton Manor Theme Park, plus a whole host of other attractions – from the original UK indoor ski slope, Snowdome Tamworth, to Waterworld Stoke, one of the country’s top indoor water parks.
Take a spin with Gangsta Granny
New for 2021 at Alton Towers Resort; The World of David Walliams. As well as Gangsta Granny; the Ride, the themed area will feature a host of rides and attractions, from picking up a crazy bargain in Raj’s Shop to racing on a regal thoroughbred on the Royal Carousel. Enjoy the ultimate Gangsta Granny stay in a themed Gangsta room in the Alton Towers Hotel.
See the UK’s year-round centre of remembrance in a new way
2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the National Memorial Arboretum opening to the public, and among plans for the year are a new AR trail, bringing memorials to life like never before, and new guided trails. Set within 25,000 trees, the NMA has almost 400 memorials creating a living tribute to the sacrifices made by the UK’s Armed Forces and civil services
Meet a hidden heroine of history
This spring Tamworth Castle is set to unveil a new state-of-the-art gallery celebrating the town’s Anglo-Saxon history – including a forgotten ‘warrior queen’. Its story will be brought to life like never before, including that of Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great, one of the most powerful figures of her time, in the new family-friendly, interactive gallery.
Take off with Staffordshire’s first ever Balloon Fiesta
See a hot air balloon sunrise spectacle and an impressive evening ‘glow’ this summer as part of the first ever Balloon Fiesta in the county. Uttoxeter Racecourse is due to host the event 17-18 July, with an array of hot air balloons taking to the skies in a sunrise ascent on the Saturday, an evening ‘mesmerising balloon glow’, when the burners are ignited making the tethered balloons glow like huge Chinese lanterns, and family fun day on the Sunday
Love cheese, love Staffordshire
Billed as the world’s biggest and best cheese show, the International Cheese & Diary Awards has a new home for 2021 – Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford. As well as more than 5,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries, there will be two public days for a ‘Love Cheese Live’ event, featuring fun foodie activities for all ages and cooking demonstrations from top celebrity chefs, including James Martin and Matt Tebbutt (22 and 23 October 2021)
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy… in style
McArthurGlen, which brings together the most sought-after names in international fashion, lifestyle and hospitality, from Venice to Vancouver, will add a new destination for 2021, a £160 million West Midlands Designer Outlet at Cannock, when it opens in the spring
Shine a light on the UK’s only three spired medieval cathedral
Over the last few years Lichfield Cathedral has earned a national reputation for its award-winning spectacular light and sound shows. Known affectionately as the Ladies of the Vale thanks to its unusual spires, the UK’s only medieval three-spired Cathedral hopes to bring back new displays for 2021.
Hide and seek set for historic venue
Boscobel House & The Royal Oak has been undergoing conservation and set to reopen in spring 2021. It’s a significant investment by English Heritage to the house and its grounds to tell the stories from its past; and the project will take inspiration from when it was used by a sheltering King Charles II during the English Civil War through to its role in the 19th century as a thriving farmyard. For families, there will be a new hide and seek themed play area too
7-Up for the British Ceramics Biennial
One of the biggest celebrations of ceramics in the world, the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) festival is set to return to its spiritual home of Stoke-on-Trent, from September 11 to October 17. 2021 marks the seventh Biennial, and not only does it offer the opportunity to show the BCB is back as one of the UK’s flagship cultural events; but also just how ready-and-willing Stoke-on-Trent is to once again host such a high-profile event.
Not forgetting…
That, as well as some of the world’s best rollercoasters, Staffordshire has 1000 years of history with ancient cathedrals, medieval castles and stately homes, is home to the ‘world capital of ceramics’ plus a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a forest in the making.
