Country Life

Just Around the Corner


Explore North Staffordshire and beyond from Croft Meadows Farm

Roaches

Roaches image courtesy of Chris Goldstraw

Surrounding Croft Meadows Farm, the North Staffordshire countryside offers multiple activities for every type of holiday. Whether you’re looking to explore the Peak District, tour the area’s stately houses, or ride every rollercoaster at Alton Towers, our self-catering cottage is the ideal home base for your holiday. With so many options for holiday activities available, we share some of our favourites below.

For Nature Lovers

As the gateway to the Peak District, you can hike throughout the area made immortal by Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats. The breathtaking views alone are worth the journey, and local villages also host activities and events throughout the year that are perfect for a family friendly holiday.

Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake image courtesy of www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk

If you’d rather bike than hike, then you can choose from a gentle ride to an expert course, before refueling at your holiday cottage. The scenic trails of Manifold Valley let you explore the area at a leisurely pace whilst Stanage Plantation’s mountain biking tracks will have your heart racing.

At the end of the day, whether you’ve biked down a mountain or hiked up a peak, spend some time unwinding at tranquil Rudyard Lake. Surrounded by wooded walks with plenty of local wildlife, you can choose from canoeing, fishing, boating, and swimming (when weather allows), or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the calm lakeside scene.

For History Buffs

If you prefer reliving history to reveling in nature, then Chatsworth House is a must-see. The Derbyshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire stood in for Pemberley in the 2005’s ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ and again in 2013’s ‘Death Comes to Pemberley.’ The estate also hosts several afternoon tea services, and a wide variety of events throughout the year. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some local produce from the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, which showcases products from the estate and its tenant farms.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House image courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

For a trip to the Tudor era, spend a day at Little Moreton Hall. There’s a different theme each week, so activities change regularly to ensure an interesting and family friendly holiday. The property also has a knot garden where you can wander the expertly kept grounds. There’s a little tearoom and pantry on site, but beautifully maintained lawn and garden are open invitations for a cozy picnic.

For Theme Park Patrons

For those who want a little thrill with their holiday, Alton Towers has something exciting for everyone in the family. There are rollercoasters and rides for all ages as well as shows, costumed characters, and the historical Towers and their Gardens.

No matter how you envision your family friendly holiday, our little corner of North Staffordshire offers a wide range of activities for every taste. If you have any questions about what to do at your holiday cottage peak district, contact us at hello@croftmeadowsfarm.com.