Local Attractions

Most people that come to the village drive through it on their way to Alton Towers. However, a short stay break can allow country lovers to take in the splendour of the surrounding countryside of  the Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire

Here are just a few of the attractions within easy reach from Alton.

Dimmingsdale - follow the Red Road beside the Churnet from the Bridge to the Car Park

Dimmings Dale, was once part of the Earl of Shrewsbury’s land, but is now owned mainly by the Forestry Commission (though some of it is in private ownership). It is one of the most in the beautiful parts of the Churnet Valley and well worth a visit. Just outside Alton Village, on the road to Alton Towers, turn left along the Red Road, which follows the contours of the River Churnet, until you come to the Forestry Commission’s car park at the Rambler’s Retreat. The broad pathways once formed the Earl’s private drive to the little market town of Cheadle but have now been incorporated into walks for visitors to explore the natural beauty of this place. The thickly forested hills and rocky outcrops are a haven for a variety of wildlife as are the series of ponds that flow through the valley to the Churnet river. Though much of the terrain is steep, there are plenty of low level walks to suit less agile walkers. What wildlife are you likely to see? Click here to find out!

 

Wild Life

Blackbook Zoological Park 01538 308293  has many rare and endangered species and more Click here

Kingsley Bird & Falconry Centre 01538 756702   Owls, Hawks, Falcons, and Eagles with tours behind the scenes etc, 6.5 miles Click here

Watersports and Activities

Water World in Hanley 01782 205747   has slides, Flumes, Waves, Kiddies Pool, Swim outside, & Rapids - 16 miles Click here

Carsington Water  01629 540696 for walks, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching - 14 miles   Click here

Tittesworth Resevoir  01538 300400 for walks, Visitor Centre, playground and more - 15 miles   Click here

Cycle Hire

Cycle Hire Staffordshire 01782 256869 See some of the amazing scenery from two wheels in Staffordshire  Click here

Cycle Hire Derbyshire See some of the amazing scenery from two wheels in Derbyshire - telephone numbers on website  Click here

Steam Railways

Churnet Valley Railway  01538 360522 Runs through the Churnet Valley and beside the Cauldon canal Click here

Foxfield Steam Railway  01782-396210 Runs from the old Foxfield Colliery in Dilhorne to Caverswall Click here

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway  01538 306704  Narrow gauge steam engines - 3 mile return trip along the side of Rudyard Lake Click here

Theatres

The Regent Theatre 0870 060 6649  in Stoke, Ballet, London Shows and much more - about 15 miles Click here

Victoria Hall 0870 060 6649 in Stoke, Orchestral Concerts and shows - about 15 miles. Click here

New Vic 01782 717962   in Stoke for the best theatre 'in the round' - about 15 miles Click here : 

Stoke Repertory Theatre 01782 209784  - about 15 miles Click here

Queens Theatre Burslem  01782 825800  - about 16 miles Click here

Nearest Cinemas

Cinebowl  01889 566644  Watch some of the latest films or go bowling in Uttoxeter - just 5 miles Click here 

The Odeon  0871 22 44 007  in Festival Park Stoke - about 16 miles Click here

Museums

The Gladstone Museum  01782 237777  The story of the Potteries, all wrapped up in one unique museum. Click here 

The Wedgewood Visitor Centre  01782 204141  Restaurant, Museum, Shop, demonstrations Click here

The Museum of Brewing  01782 237777  The Coors Visitor Centre in Burton on Trent formerly Bass Click here 

Cheddleton Flint Mill  01782 502907  Cheddleton Flint Mill is a fine example of a water mill that ground flint for the pottery industry Click here 

Canals

Caldon Canal  01283 704855  Aqua Narrowboate Hire based at Froghall Wharf Click here 

Caldon Canal  01538 266486  Froghall Wharf Boat Trips. The crew, dressed in period costumes will serve you with home-cooked food  

Historic Buildings and Gardens

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire 01629 812855 A fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12 th Century Click here

Sudbury Hall Ashbourne 01283 585337 Featured in the BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice'; Museum of Childhood   Click here

Shugborough Hall 01889 881388  The Complete Working Historic Estate near Stafford in the heart of Staffordshire   Click here

Consall Hall Landscape Gardens 01782 551947  A 70 Acre haven of Beauty and Tranquillity   Click here

Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Trent 01782 646 646  Gardens, Shopping Village, Ariel Extreme, Monkeys, Lakes, Food Events   Click here