Top Autumnal Walks for Families in Staffordshire
Where to find the most spectacular displays of nature’s Autumnal colours, so you can get out there with your family and enjoy the most glorious of Mother Nature’s seasons!
Take a look at some of my favourites, both with my own family, and also great places I take my clients for their photo shoots!
(I have included a mix of both free and paid for locations.)
{If you read to the end, there’s a little discount for those who book a shoot with me!}
1. The Downs Banks
FREE!
A little hidden gem, The Downs Banks is a place which we absolutely love, as it’s on our doorstep and we can literally walk there! This is a National Trust maintained woodland and heath, with pathways, streams, stepping stops and lots of hills, it’s certainly a family favourite with my children! What gives The Downs Banks a lot of it’s charm is the fact it doesn’t have any facilities, (apart from a car park!) so you have to take your own drink, snacks and then have a wild wee if necessary!
2. Trentham Gardens
Always a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, Trentham Gardens has always been a firm favourite with my own family since they were both babies. With it being just a few miles from our home, we have visited regularly and have an annual pass, so can go at any time. The gardens and the woodlands certainly take on a special feel during the autumn, with misty glows across the lake, golden grasses in the Italian gardens, and all the autumnal woodland beauty through the woodland walk by the lake. After all that energising walking, there are so many great places to eat and drink at Trentham, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
3. Shugborough Estate
Shugborough is a wonderful National trust estate, with a large Mansion house in acres of beautifully kept parkland and gardens to walk around. There is so much to do for a great family day out with the house, farm, gardens and cafe, there’s plenty to keep your family busy for a great day out! There is even some stunning willow sculptures in the oak arboretum section of the gardens, sculpted by the talented Eddie Glew of Blithfield Willowcrafts
4. Trent & Mersey Canal
FREE!
The Trent & mersey canal offers miles of fantastic tow paths to walk, cycle or run along! We live by the canal and use it a lot for walking and cycling, and it’s always so lovely to travel along such a slow-paced environment, with the barges moving at a walking pace, it really is the place to take stock and switch off. There are many lovely places you can park your car, such as Canal Side Farm at Great Haywood or Aston Marina near Stone, then enjoy a walk along the canal and then enjoy a well deserved drink in one of their cafes or restaurants!
5. The Wolseley Centre
FREE!
The Wolseley Centre is a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and visitor centre near to Rugeley. It’s such a lovely facility (which is FREE to visit!) and has a brand new visitor centre and cafe. The Wolseley Centre is an accessible reserve, with lots of paths to walk around, including a boardwalk, river, sensory garden and play-trail. Lots of nature to explore here, and the colours are stunning at autumn! There are always lots of activities for children going on at The Wolseley Centre, so check out their event page to see what fun you can have with nature!
6. Biddulph Grange
Biddulph Grange is such a beautiful place to visit, with stunning Vicorian Gardens and is colourful China gardens, there are many paths and steps to explore. It’s a National Trust property, so it’s beautifully maintained and great for a day out with the family. Take a look at their website for some lovely autumn walk ideas and maps.
7. Cannock Chase
FREE! (car park charges apply)
Birches Valley Forest Centre is just a stunning part of the country. Cannock Chase has AONB status (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and is a perfect place to experience the autumnal changes. It has so many fantastic activities on offer, from mountain biking courses, Go-Ape, walks, cafe and a play area, there’s lots to see and do. They also put on outdoor concerts in the forest, which are magical!
Why Autumn is great for a family photo shoot! + a little discount!…
I love taking photographs during the autumn, as there’s such an abundance of colour, tones and gorgeous light! If you and your family fancy getting cosy and coming along for an Autumnal Family Photo Shoot, then please see my website for full details and remaining dates!
If you quote ‘BLOG’ when booking, you’ll receive 10% off your session fee!