Colton House Bed & Breakfast

Colton House Sightseeing overview

Colton House is superbly situated being central to the midlands motorway network of the M1, M6 and M6 Toll roads, and also close to many A roads, including the A5, A38, A50, A34 and A51. Just 9 miles from the M6 and a 25 minute drive from the M6 Toll. Rugeley Trent Valley railway station (West Coast Line) to Lichfield, Stafford, Walsall and Birmingham is about a mile away and Stafford, Lichfield and Burton on Trent are just a short drive. Both Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands airports are within 40 miles, so approx 45 minutes away.

With the quick and easy access to the surrounding areas it is a straightforward drive to places like Birmingham with its National Indoor Arena, Convention Centre, Symphony Hall and the National Exhibition Centre, not forgetting the essential retail therapy available at the Bullring Shopping Centre and the many department stores.

Colton House is on The Staffordshire Way and close to Cannock Chase where there are many wonderful walks both long and short, and for the more active, Go Ape and off road bicycle tracks in the forest. In the village there is a church, school and village hall, and also two pubs The Greyhound and The Dun Cow.

Within a mile is the Trent and Mersey Canal which makes for level walking along the canal side to the Stafford Wild Life Centre, antique shop, pub, craft and garden centres, and the locks and shops at Great Haywood Junction, here you can hire a canal boat for a short time.
Cawarden Period Materials yard is bursting with architectural antiquities, where it is possible to 'rummage' all day amongst the fireplaces, furniture, bathroom pieces and other architectural antiques. For those of a more restful disposition there are the many excellent tea shops, garden centres, antique shops and country pubs, and then there are wonderful restaurants such as Swinfen Hall, The Moat House, Gilmores and The Meynall Ingram Arms.

To the South.

Going south from Colton the Lichfield area has fine architecture, beautiful countryside and fascinating museums, there is something for everyone in Lichfield.

Take in the sights of the city centre, overlooked by the magnificent three spires of Lichfield Cathedral, about 8 miles away, and pay a visit to some of the homes of Britain's famous literary names, including that of Dr Samuel Johnson, scholar and writer of the English Dictionary and Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin's grandfather. Specialist shops and narrow alleyways add to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

In the evenings Lichfield takes on a new energy, and a visit to the Garrick Theatre is highly recommended.

Offering not only Theatre, Music and Dance, plus Visual Arts but also a new conference venue with state of the art equipment and catering facilities, this new complex is rapidly becoming one of the area's biggest attractions.

A short drive away provides a wide range of attractions to visit, including the thrills and excitement of Drayton Manor Theme Park which boasts some of Europe's best white-knuckle rides alongside the more relaxing zoo and garden centre.

For something quieter, visit the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas; just north of Lichfield, an approx 20 minutes drive. Dedicated to the life and times of the 20th Century, set in 150 acres, this peaceful spot with its many memorials gives recognition and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the WWII.

Chasewater Country Park's 360 hectares of water and open space are the stage for a host of leisure activities including water skiing, sailing, angling, bird watching and a steam railway. Wall, a Roman site hold the remains of an important staging post, and Curborough, a small village north of Lichfield has Britain's premier speed sprint motor sport venue. All types of cars compete here at regular events. To the south there are golf courses at Beau Desert, Seedy Mill, St Thomas's and The Belfry.

To the East.

To the North.

To the West.

The Wolseley Centre headquarters of The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is in 26 acres of the former Wolseley family estate, their family history goes back over 1,000 years. There are many events and activities taking place each month.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, at Ingestre is the only Parish Church outside London to be attributed to Sir Christopher Wren.

With its magnificent mansion house, authentic servants' quarters and working Georgian farm with rare breeds, The Shugborough Estate about 4 miles away provides a full day out with tours, guides and living costumed characters ready to share a powerful set of stories from the past.

The ruins of Stafford Castle, about 8 miles away, can be seen perched overlooking the M6, it has 900 years of history on show plus additional information at the visitor centre. Stafford is a bustling market town, where visitors can spend a pleasant day.

To the west lies Cannock Chase which has played a fascinating part in Staffordshire's history. Boasting an Iron Age Hill Fort and an ancient hunting forest, Cannock Chase was an important feature in the landscape from the earliest times; the district today still bears the legacy of its proud past. A centre of industry and yet an area of beautiful rural splendour.

Cannock Chase Visitor Centre (about 4 miles away) and Cafe at Marquis Drive in Cannock Chase Country Park is the starting point of numerous self-guided walking and family cycling routes, with cycles available for hire, there are special routes for disabled people. Summer pop concerts with groups such as U2 and The Charlatans are held here.

A recent addition has been the Go Ape adventure course where it is possible to climb the trees and slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges, walk the planks and zip down to the ground!

The Chase has a rich industrial history and long-standing connection with the Military. The Country Park lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and contains Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which are of international importance.

Weston Park has a magnificent house and grounds with a rich history, as well as many annual events, the RAF Museum at Cosford houses over 70 historic aircraft, including war planes, transport aircraft and missiles, there is no entry fee. Just a few miles further on is The Ironbridge Gorge Museum.