A Budget-Friendly Day Out in Stafford & Chasewater
With the rising cost of living, many of us are looking for ways to enjoy time with family and friends without spending a fortune. Thankfully, Staffordshire offers a range of fantastic activities that are either free or highly affordable.
From historic sites to scenic walks, family-friendly parks, and even thrilling water sports, you don’t need to break the bank to have a fun-filled day.
Recently, we spent a day exploring Stafford and Chasewater, and to our surprise, there was plenty to do at little to no cost. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a budget-friendly adventure, this guide will help you plan your next low-cost day out!
Morning: Exploring Stafford for Free
We started our day in Stafford, a historic town with plenty of free and low-cost attractions to enjoy.
Stafford Castle – A Historic Gem
Our first stop was Stafford Castle, an impressive historic site that dates back over 900 years. What’s great about this spot is that it’s completely free to visit, and no booking is required—perfect for a last-minute adventure!
The short walk up the hill to the castle ruins is easy and enjoyable, offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The ruins themselves provide an interesting glimpse into the past, with information boards explaining the history of the site.
The site is also dog-friendly, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a scenic walk with their four-legged friend. The only area where dogs aren’t allowed is inside the gift shop, but otherwise, they’re welcome to roam the castle grounds.
Scattered around the site, you’ll find benches where you can take a break and soak in the scenery. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing morning before moving on to the next location.
Victoria Park
After spending time at Stafford Castle, we drove just over five minutes to Victoria Park, one of Stafford’s most picturesque green spaces.
We parked at the train station car park, which was a little pricey, but there are cheaper parking options nearby if you’re looking to save a few extra pounds. Once inside the park, we immediately noticed its peaceful atmosphere, making it a lovely place for a stroll along the river.
Victoria Park has plenty to offer for all ages, including:
- A children’s play area with swings and climbing frames
- A splash pad (perfect for warm days)
- A cafe for refreshments
- Plenty of benches and picnic spots
- Well-maintained toilets
The riverside walk is a highlight, offering beautiful views and a calm atmosphere—ideal for a relaxing break before heading off to the next stop of the day.
Afternoon: Adventure at Chasewater
After enjoying Stafford’s free attractions, we made our way to Chasewater, another fantastic budget-friendly location with a mix of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and even water sports.
Chasewater’s Open Spaces & Play Areas
One of the best things about Chasewater is that it caters to everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to walk, a family-friendly outing, or an active adventure, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
The area is perfect for:
- Dog walks with plenty of open space
- Picnics (although there’s a café on-site if you prefer to buy food)
- Outdoor sports and activities
- A children’s play area for younger visitors
The park also offers stunning lakeside views, making it a great place to spend an afternoon, especially in good weather. Parking is just £1 for 2 hours or £3 for the whole day—far cheaper than most tourist attractions!
Chasewater Railway – A Step Back in Time
One of the hidden gems of Chasewater is its railway station, which operates steam and diesel trains throughout the year. The 4-mile round trip takes approximately 45 minutes, with stops at Brownhills West, Norton Lakeside, Chasewater Heaths and Chasetown.
This is a fantastic low-cost activity, with tickets starting at just £4.95—a small price to pay for a unique journey through the Staffordshire countryside. If you enjoy train rides or are visiting with kids, this is worth checking out.
For the Thrill-Seekers: Water Sports at Pier 52
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, Pier 52 at Chasewater offers exciting water sports at affordable prices.
You can try activities such as kayaking, Paddleboarding, Cable waterboarding and more!
Unlike some places that require bookings, you can either book online or turn up on the day—perfect for those who prefer a more spontaneous day out.
One thing we loved was the friendly and helpful staff, who made sure everyone was comfortable and confident before heading onto the water. Prices vary depending on the activity, but overall, they’re very reasonable compared to other water sports centres.
If some of your group don’t want to take part, they can relax on the pier, enjoy the lake views, and watch the activities. This makes it a great all-round location, even if not everyone wants to get in the water.
FAQs
What’s near Stafford?
Stafford is surrounded by a mix of historic towns, nature reserves, and attractions that make for great day trips. Here are some places near Stafford worth visiting:
- Stone (7 miles) – A charming market town with canalside walks, independent shops, and great pubs.
- Lichfield (16 miles) – Famous for its stunning cathedral, Samuel Johnson’s birthplace, and lovely city centre.
- Stoke-on-Trent (17 miles) – Known as “The Potteries,” this city has pottery museums, Trentham Gardens, and the Waterworld indoor water park.
- Birmingham (30 miles) – A vibrant city with great shopping (Bullring), museums, the SEA LIFE Centre, and Cadbury World.
- Trentham Gardens (13 miles) – Beautiful gardens, a shopping village, a monkey forest, and an adventure playground.
- Shugborough Estate (4 miles) – A National Trust property with a stately home, gardens, and farm.
- Alton Towers (23 miles) – One of the UK’s best theme parks, with roller coasters, CBeebies Land, and a water park.
- Drayton Manor (25 miles) – Home to Thomas Land and thrill rides.
What to do with kids in Cannock?
Cannock is a great place for a family day out, offering everything from outdoor adventures to indoor fun. Cannock Chase and Birches Valley provide scenic walking trails, bike hire, and the popular Gruffalo Trail, while Go Ape offers exciting treetop courses.
For indoor fun, kids can enjoy Lower Drayton Farms soft play and animal encounters, bounce around at Orbital Trampoline Park, or go bowling at Hollywood Bowl.
Conclusion
After spending the day exploring Stafford and Chasewater, we were amazed at just how much there is to do without spending a fortune.
Even with small transport and parking fees, this trip proves that you don’t need to spend much money to have an amazing day out in Staffordshire.
Have You Visited Stafford or Chasewater? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your favourite spots.