What’s on in Staffordshire

Top Tips & FAQ

Escape to the fantabulous world of Alton Towers – there’s so much going on, the fun never stops! Home to Britain’s most-loved theme park with great kids attractions, white-knuckle roller coaster rides, special events and much, much more. The theme park is open for the main season between March and November.

Alton Towers theme park is the UK’s number 1 short break destination and Britain’s Greatest Escape. The Resort offers one of the world leading theme parks with groundbreaking rollercoasters and endless family fun, a wacky waterpark with gallons of fun, a luxurious spa for the ultimate in relaxation and zany entertainment in our Extraordinary Golf.

 

 

FAQs

What is Alton Towers address?
Alton Towers is located at Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

What are Alton Towers opening times?
Opening times vary, so it’s best to check here

Where can I find an Alton Towers map?
Have a click on this link and you’ll see the most up-to-date map there is

What is Alton Towers postcode?
Their postcode is ST10 4DB. If you’re using sat nav don’t be surprised if you find you’re travelling down some very rural roads. The theme park is on the side of a fabulous area called The Churnet Valley.

Tell me about Alton Towers Weather
The theme park is in Staffordshire – the middle of England. As such the weather can be changeable. Follow this link to get the latest forecast

Top Tips

1. Check out the park map on your way in and plan out your day to insure you will have time to do everything you would like to.
2. Use the electronic queue boards which tell you how long queues are around the park, this will save you time walking to a ride and finding out there’s a 2 hour queue which you don’t want to do.
3. Take your time when walking around the park, there’s no need to rush, spend time looking at the surroundings.
4. Interact with the staff, smile and say hello to them, it all adds to the magic of the day!
5. Use the park’s queue cutting systems; Fastrack, Parent Queue Share and Single Rider Queues.
6. If you would like a Fastrack ticket to cut the queues, you will need to purchase one on entry to the park or early on at one of the Sales and Information booths, as they soon run out.
7. If there is a large queue for a ride (1 hour +) early on in the day, then don’t go on, the queue may be shorter near the end of the day.
8. Arrange a meet up place with your friends, so if anyone gets lost you’ll all find each other. The recommended meet-up point is the foot of Towers Street by Storybook Land.
9. Plan when you’re going to eat- you don’t want to ride Submission just after your lunch!
10. If you have a long journey home then don’t go on one of the wet rides at the end of the day, you’ll only end up sitting in the car, wet through.
11. Abide by park rules, smoke in the designated smoking areas, use the litter bins and put chewing gum in the special ones.The the more Alton Towers have to spend on cleaning up after you, the less they’ll invest in the future.
12. Tie up your shoes so they don’t fall off on the rides. And wear comfortable footwear.
13. The signs in the queue lines telling you how long you will be queuing for are not always 100% accurate.
14. If there is a long queue for the Skyride, you may want to walk to where you want to go. It could be quicker. And there’s never been a better time to walk then now with the Haunted Hollow to follow.
15. When you go to eat. Be warned the place’s get busy between 11am to 1pm.
16. Get your car park token at the start of the day. This will avoid you queuing when you leave the park.
17. Do not throw away your ticket, because it is proof that you have paid if suspicion arises.
18. At the start of the day go to the far side of the park, maybe Dark Forest or X Sector, then work your way back to the entrance, this should reduce your queue times, maybe go on the bigger rides whilst everyone else is having lunch.
19. Buy drinks from restaurants and food-outlets, not vending machines, and always ask for no ice, it costs less and you get more. Alternatively use the parks coke-refill service, where you can pay at the start of the day and get free refills from selected food-outlet in the park.
20. Make use of the priority parking near to the entrance – parking here costs more but it saves having to ride the monorail to get into the park.
21. Buy gifts and merchandise near the end of the day to avoid carrying it around, or to avoid queues later on in the day use the collection service. Buy your gift or on-ride photo and tell the shop assistant that you want to collect your item when you leave. As you leave the park go to the pick up point in Towers Trading.
22. Look out for the on-ride photographs and make sure you smile :-) Also take advantage of having your on ride photos taken to the photo pick up point in Towers Trading where you can collect your picture when you go home. This saves you carrying your photo around with you.
23. If you have children that like to wander off then go to guest services and get a wristband which you can put your name and mobile number on. If your child is found unattended they will be taken to the Lost Children Centre in the windmill at the farm, where staff will phone you.

For what’s on in Staffordshire that costs you nothing, we would suggest walking is one of the best things to do.

Facilities and Services:

• A separate space is available for walkers to dry clothing and footwear, so clothes can dry overnight
• We provide an outside water supply for hosing off muddy footwear etc
• A first Aid Kit is available

We’re perfectly positioned for walking in the Staffordshire Roaches, Peak District and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Here’s a collection of local walks around the Staffordshire Moorlands.

There are two walks which include Denstone/ Rocester in their Itinerary:
Click here for more information: Limestone Way and Staffordshire Way

For a great 3.5hr local walk, try Denstone Village and up to Alton

Alternatively try the walk around the nearby village of Ellastone, on the way to Ashbourne.

We also have a special walk available at reception if you would like to ask Alison or Joseph. It does involve a little bit of road walking at the beginning.

Treasure Trails are a hugely popular way of exploring the sights in the area. Find a trail in Alton or Rocester villages.

   Cyclists Welcome

   Facilities and Services:

• A separate space is available for cyclists to dry clothing and footwear, so clothes can dry overnight
• We provide an outside water supply for cleaning bikes etc
• First Aid kit available
• Pre-ordering & delivery of grocery items prior to arrival, for cyclists without a car, can be arranged through Tesco’s in Uttoxeter
• Lockable undercover area for safe overnight storage of bicycles and panniers, with an unobstructed entrance
• Emergency cycle and puncture repair kit, available on site

Cycling around Denstone

We are blessed with a disused railway line that runs right past Heywood hall.
For a fantastic, level route, jump on your bike and cycle all the way to Oakamoor. Stop at the Ramblers Retreat for a late breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, then cycle back. A great way to spend the day.

Alternatively meander off the railway line and cycle your way around the countryside, taking in the pretty views of the Churnet Valley.

Information:

• The nearest cycle hire outlets:
  • Churnet Valley Cycle Hire   07590 258516 at the Farm on the hill. Will deliver bikes to Heywood Hall and collect them after you have finished with them
  • Uttoxeter Cycles 01889 567608
  • White Peak Cycle Hire & Trails The Staffordshire Peak District where you can spend the day enjoying good cycling
•    Cycle repair/spares shops:
  • Uttoxeter Cycles and Churnet Valley Cycle Hire

Rock Climbing

 The Peak District just on our doorstep is one of the most popular areas in the UK providing challenges of both Gritstone and Limestone Crags The Roaches are the nearest to have a go at climbing, but if you would like to create your own mini-adventure with a half-day outdoor pursuits session,  Peak Pursuits let you choose from canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, archery and orienteering.

Nearer to home The Churnet Valley near Alton has some interesting sandstone rock to challenge yourself.

Horse Riding

Poplars Farm Riding School  

With 35 years of experience, they offer riding lessons to cater for all ages and abilities. They have a range of carefully selected horses and ponies, combined with experienced, well-qualified staff to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and beneficial riding experience.

www.poplarsridingschool.co.uk

You’ll Be Spoilt For Choice.

We recommend the following Pubs

The Tavern which is within walking distance of Heywood Hall Tel 01889 590847

The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone is 5 minutes drive towards Ashbourne Bib Goumand in 2020
Tel 01335 324275

The Bridge House Hotel Just 6 minutes away in Alton

The Queens at Freehay  A 15 minutes drive towards Cheadle. Tel 01538 722383

The White Hart, Alton. A community run pub warm & friendly.  Limited but delicious lunches and light meals  Tel 01538 703384

Mr Woo Restaurant in Uttoxeter 10 minutes  drive,  Chinese eat in or takeaway Tel 01889 565676

The Ramblers retreat, open for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.
This is near Oakamoor along the disused railway line, about 1 hours walk. Tel 01538 702530.

The-lighthouse-restaurant.co.uk In Boylestone, near Ashbourne, a real treat and worth the 15 minute drive 01335 330658
Recommended in the good food guide.

The Dapple Grey: Town Centre Uttoxeter ST14 8AZ 01889 562117 (Good for families )

The Bridge House at Alton: Station Road  Alton St10 4BX 01538 703088

Fish & Chips: Cod’s Corner 444 High Street Uttoxeter ST14 7HT 01889 564282

Indian:
Indian Spice, 83 High Street Uttoxeter, St14 7JJ 01889 569992

Divine Punjabi, 25 Market Place Uttoxeter ST14 8HL 01889 568020

The Rocester Tandoori  Indian Restaurant and Takeaway  01889 590169

Indiana Kebabs and Pizza, Uttoxeter,  Takeaway or delivery 01889 564440

 

Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Cafe

Within walking distance.  Great for Breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.

And a beautiful farm shop stocking high quality meat, sausages and poultry, cheese, fruit and vegetables.

There is also a wonderful selection of dry goods and present ideas. Tel  01889 590050

Gorgeous Gourmet 2 GO

Will deliver freshly prepared meals for you to heat up and enjoy in the comfort of your suite.
Prices available on the website. Please allow 24 hours notice.

More ideas of what’s on in Staffordshire

Pottery Courses

We have teamed up with Mathew Dimbleby from Dimbleby Ceramics in Trentham.

Mathew has worked in ceramics and the arts for over 30 years, including manufacturing, teaching, education, management and lecturing. He is a naturally skilled teacher.  He shares his knowledge and enthusiasm with great generosity, guiding most novice potter to making their work of art.

So, if you are a complete beginner, don’t worry he will guide you through making your creation! He has also received platinum status for his course.

The day includes; clay preparation, centring the clay, throwing cylinders with the aim of producing forms of even thickness. Developing basic forms and wiring pots off the wheel.
What’s really great is there is a maximum of 4 spaces per course, to allow really focused tuition. The cost is £175.00 per person plus a special Heywood Hall discount of 10%. Please visit the Craft Courses Website for more details.

 

Nelson’s Distillery & School

Created by Neil Harrison previously a celebrated chef who perfected his skills in marrying flavours of food, wine and spirits to create the wonderful Nelson’s Distillery. Neil combined his years of expertise and refined palate from the food industry to develop his renowned London Dry No.7. Not long after came its stronger sister – Navy Strength, playing homage to Admiral Nelson. Both spirits are unique in that they contain 27 botanicals (most gins contain 5/6) they offer a clean, fresh taste which at the same time is deeply and surprisingly complex.

 

Branching out from its flagship Nelsons London Dry Gin,  Nelson’s now offers over 10 flavour and seasonal variations. This includes its multi-award-winning Timur Gin and it’s an expansion to the dark side with its rich flavourful rums and it’s recent Christmas creation, Nelson’s Vodka!
As a connoisseur of an amazing gin, Neil decided to start his own Gin and Vodka School. He wanted to share his knowledge and let others experience the joy of creating their own personal Gin.
Nelson’s Distillery School near Uttoxeter lasts for 5 hours. It includes an in-depth introduction into the art and precision of distilling, all whilst learning of gins colourful history. You will immerse yourself in the 60+ botanicals available, picking and blending to create your own unique recipe before distilling, waxing and labelling your own 70cl craft gin creation. What’s more, it will be ready to take home that very day.

Enjoy lunch and light refreshments and not forgetting plentiful amounts of gin over the course of the day. (Taxis are recommended).
Book as a pair and share in the enjoyment of creating a joint combination, or book a still each and create two distinctively different spirits. Even better, hire out the whole distillery and treat your family and friends to an unforgettable experience!
Prices start at £115.00 per person for an individual still or £77.00 per person for a shared experience.

Treatments available at Heywood Hall

Are you looking for a professional hairdresser and beauty salon? A few paces just opposite Heywood hall we are so lucky to have 2 very professional salons right next door to each other.

 

Pilates

 

Make Your Own Chocolates

If you prefer to indulge your sense of taste, how about spending the morning making chocolates!

About 30 minutes from Heywood Hall why not try a Chocolate Heaven Workshop (for groups of minimum 8) where you can enjoy a day making chocolates guided by award winning chocolatiers.
Sessions last about 3 hours.

Please visit the website The Bittersweet Chocolate Co. for more information.

Historic homes in our area

Sudbury Hall 18 minutes

Sudbury Hall, the country home of the Lords Vernon, offers a delight of 17th-century craftsmanship, featuring exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings and classical story-based murals. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Great Staircase, Long Gallery and the captivating story which the house tells, brought to life by their knowledgeable volunteers and guides.

Haddon Hall 40 minutes

Described by Simon Jenkins in “1000 Best Houses” as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”. Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park, parts of the house date from the 12th Century, sitting like a jewel in its Elizabethan terraced gardens, and overlooking the River Wye.

Chatsworth 50 mins

You can admire the splendour of the Chatsworth House, explore the garden, meet the animals in the farmyard, enjoy an afternoon tea and shopping in the stables or take a trip to the award winning Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop in Pilsley.

In addition they have a busy events programme including the annual International Horse Trials, Country Fair and Christmas market, as well as a brand new event for 2015, Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud. They are hosting many exciting exhibitions throughout the year from contemporary sculpture in the garden to Old Master Drawings in the house. There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy at Chatsworth this year.

Kedleston Hall 36 mins

Spectacular 18th-century mansion with Adam interiors and parkland.
Take a trip back in time to the 1760s at this spectacular Neo-classical mansion framed by historic parkland.
Designed for lavish entertaining and displaying an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, Kedleston is a stunning example of the work of architect Robert Adam.

Calke Abbey 38 mins

With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. The house and stables are little restored, with many abandoned areas vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when numerous country houses did not survive to tell their story.

Biddulph Grange Garden

An amazing Victorian Garden created by Darwin’s contemporary, James Bateman.
A wonderful collection of plants.

 

Shugborough Hall

 

Cannock Chase

Now owned by the National Trust. The estate belonged to Lord Lichfield and has a working museum, servants quarters, a farm, mill and a train, as well as craft workshops. Set in 900 acres of parkland. Breath-taking!

 

Uttoxeter Racecourse, located on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, is set in spectacular rural surroundings and offers one of the best dual tracks in the country.

Steeped in history, they’ve been home to the Midlands Grand National since 1969 and host meetings all year round.

Set over 120 acres Whiston Hall is one of the most beautiful golf clubs in Staffordshire. Situated only 4.3 miles from one of the greatest theme parks, Alton Towers.

Why not come up for a round of golf and afterwards you can enjoy a few drinks sitting on the benches enjoying the beautiful view of Staffordshire.

Uttoxeter Golf Course is undoubtedly one of the country’s best kept secrets. With its small greens and tight lines, the course is a fine test of golf for the low handicapper whilst providing the high handicapped player with a variety of options at each hole.Excellent putting surfaces and manicured fairways, uniform rough and extensive views across the Dove Valley to the rolling hills of Staffordshire and Derbyshire all collude to intensify the sheer joy of just being there.

 

Whether you are looking for a new pursuit or just want to try something new, clay pigeon shooting may well be the sport for you. Why not come and try your hand at a fresh and exciting hobby!

Doveridge Clay Sports is one of the very few Premier Plus Shooting Grounds in the country which offers a wide variety of all clay shooting disciplines. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before, our in depth clay lessons will ensure you have all the skills to develop into a confident shooter.

On your shooting lessons you will meet one of our expert instructors, who will take you to one of our clay shooting stands and then here you will be taught how to hold, load and hit clay targets. Our expert instructors are on hand to help you step of the way, and if you’re worried about recoil, don’t be! Our dedicated teachers are highly experienced in making your lesson stress free and enjoyable.

Wild Park Derbyshire

Wild Park is a centre of excellence for great Quad Biking ! We are an “Extreme” Quad Bike trekking centre, whether you are an experienced Quad Bike Off roader or a Quad Bike first timer Wild Park is the place for you. There is no other venue like us in the UK.

They also offer paintballing, laser tag and archery

 

Ashcroft Park and National Paintball Games provide the very best in UK Corporate Events, Country Pursuits & Outdoor Team Building Activities in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and the Midlands.

Go Ape: Awarded Silver in the Best Small Visitor Attraction category in Enjoy Staffordshire Awards 2014

Based at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, you’re in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Their Tree Top Adventure takes Cannock Chase’s breathtaking scenery, a smattering of tree-top high wires, crossings and wind-in-your-face zip wires. It’s a proven recipe that never fails.

 

 

Treetop Adventures

Their tree based High Ropes Adventure Course, set within the tranquil 725 acre grounds of Trentham Estate is a truly spectacular journey. Aerial Extreme is ideally suited for everyone, and can cater for groups and birthday parties.

We’re close by a number of watersport centres.

Carsington Water 26 mins

RYA Sailing Training Centre, Windsurfing, Kayaking

Blithfield Reservoir

Anglers Club. 11 miles of bank, trout fly fishing & 35 powered boats

Blithfield Sailing Club & RYA training centre

Rudyard lake 38 mins

Rudyard Lake Railway

Peak Wildlife Park.

Newly opened wildlife park featuring an amazing variety of animals

Twycross Zoo.

45 minutes drive. Over 500 animals, 150 species, daily talks about animals, and events organised during  school holidays.
Tel:  0844 4741777or visit www.twycrosszoo.org

Amerton Farm : Ideal for younger ones with cows, Pigs, Horses & Ponies, Sheep, Alpacas, Chickens and Ducks which are all housed in a purpose built area. 

There is also a cafe and shop selling local produce. 20 minutes drive from Heywood Hall. 

Donington Park motor racing circuit was the first permanent park circuit in England.

It’s first motorcycle race took place on Whit Monday 1931 on the narrow lanes of the Donington Hall Estate. 1933 the track was widened, made permanent and became a venue for Grand Prix car racing.

The second world war put an end to all racing at the circuit in 1939, after being requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence to be used as a military vehicle depot.

Darley Moor Motorcycle road racing club
Meetings throughout the season

Heywood Hall lies close to the Staffordshire and Derbyshire county borders and not far from the popular towns of Ashbourne and Uttoxeter which provide excellent shopping and leisure facilities.

A huge advantage to the village of Denstone is its location for fast access to major road networks including M1, M6, M42, and M40.
These are reached via the modern A50 dual carriageway, only 4 miles distant and is the main link to the M6 in the west and M1 in the east. Only about 35 minutes to each. The A50 also links to the A38 dual carriageway route to Birmingham.

The nearest rail station is Uttoxeter, only a 12 minute drive.
For as little as £7.50 and a 26 minute ride, you can spend a day in Derby Westfield or the even larger shopping destination of Nottingham, from £8.60.
From Stafford there is a fast mainline rail service to London ( 1 hour 25 minutes).
London from Uttoxeter Station, via Stoke on Trent is 2 hours 16 minutes.

Roads
50 Minutes	38 Minutes	8 Minutes	26 Minutes

 

Airports
59 Minutes	46 Minutes	45 Minutes	2 Hrs 35 Minutes

 

 

Other Locations
Ashbourne & The Peak District	Uttoxeter Train Station	Uttoxeter Racecourse	Derby Shopping
15 Minutes	12 Minutes	15 Minutes	38 Minutes
Central London	Manchester Centre	Birmingham Centre	Nottingham Centre
2 Hrs 48 Minutes	1 Hr 35 Minutes	1 Hr 11 Minutes	57 Minutes

Ancestry in Denstone

Discover your family connections!

Here in Denstone there is wealth of history to discover. There are many unusual historical places, some of which may even have a connection to your family.

Staffordshire County Council has a Start Your Search website to help you. Just remember to bring with you proof of identity and address, when visiting the records office.

There are record offices at Stafford, Stoke and Lichfield, plus the William Salt Library.

Staffordshire views are a collection of William Salt’s original collection

Staffordshire Past Track  gives a brief history of places within Staffordshire and has pictures of buildings no longer standing.

The Nicholson institute  in Leek offers free access to Ancestry.com

Local villages which are featured on Staffordshire Past Track near to Denstone are

Ellastone, Mayfield, Uttoxeter, Quixhill, Oakamoor, Rocester and Stramshall

Denstone, Heywood Hall and some local history

Heywood Hall is an imposing substantial Victorian family home. The largest house in the village, with over 8,000 square feet of accommodation covering 2/3rds of an acre. 
It has been the family home of Alison & Joseph Petitjean and their two boys for the past six years.

It was built in 1885 as the residence of the Provost, for the local Woodard Independent Schools, the closest of which, Denstone College, is a short walk along College Road.

The builder of Heywood hall, George Percival Heywood, was also one of the original patrons of Denstone College, gifting the land and funds to complete the magnificent Gothic buildings which include Denstone College, the Church,  Vicarage, the Curates House, School Room and Old School building which still dominate the village today.

Denstone and Damsons?
Did you know that Denstone is widely known for its delicious damsons. In May the blossom is spectacular. The fruit was sent to Lancashire for use in dyeing materials. It also makes wonderful jam.

Although there are records of Denstone going back to Norman Times, it was not until the arrival of Sir Thomas Percival Heywood in 1840 that the village was really established. Prior to this time, Denstone was an agricultural area bounded by the river Churnet and consisting of sparsely populated, scattered Hamlets.

The Heywoods were a wealthy banking family from  Manchester and Sir Thomas had a wish to become squire of his own village and Parish. To this end he employed one of the  finest architects of the day, George Edmund Street, a leader in Victorian Gothic Revival, to build Denstone Church. The Church  was completed in 1862 and Sir Thomas then had the original village school built in 1870, the Provost’s house, now Heywood Hall  in 1885, and the Church Room in 1890. The school is now a private dwelling, and the Church room has recently been renovated and is now a private house. 

The fountain was erected in in 1900 in memory of Sir Thomas as part of the village water supply piped from a nearby spring.

Sir Thomas was instrumental in founding Denstone College, which opened in 1873. The major housing developments in Denstone have taken place in the last 50 years. Denstone has been transformed from a small village of about 50 dwellings, firmly based on agriculture, to a thriving community today with 250 dwellings within the village and another 100 approximately in the hamlets of Stubwood, Quixhill and Prestwood, which are part of the Parish.

Ghosts, Myths and Legends of Alton, Staffordshire

Uttoxeter Cinebowl

Cinema, Ice Skating and bowling  at  ST14 8AZ tel 01889 566644  www.cinebowl.co.uk . Look for special offer vouchers if you book in advance.

Swimming in Uttoxeter

A state of the art swimming pool and leisure centre opened by Adam Peaty Olympic Gold medalist from Uttoxeter in 2015 . Timetables can be found on the website http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/uttoxeter-leisure-centre or telephone 01283 508160
Cost per swimming session, approx £4.05 per adult

Big Top indoor Play

For young ones when it is raining, 10 minutes drive away

Churnet Valley Railway: Only 20 minutes drive and a beautiful steam train ride through the Churnet Valley, themed weekends are very popular, ideal for all the family. https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/

 

Foxfield Steam Railway at Blythe bridge,  http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/ You can take a main line train from Uttoxeter to Blythe Bridge