FAQ

**Q:** Is Stafford a town or a city? / **A:** Stafford is historically and administratively a town, though it serves as the county town of Staffordshire. **Q:** How do I get to Stafford? / **A:** Stafford is highly accessible, located just off the M6 motorway (Junctions 13 and 14) and sits on the West Coast Main Line with direct trains to London, Birmingham, and Manchester. **Q:** What is the Ancient High House? / **A:** It is a historic Tudor building on Greengate Street, known as the largest timber-framed town house in England, now serving as a museum. **Q:** Can you go inside Stafford Castle? / **A:** The castle today is a ruin, but you can walk around the impressive earthworks and remains, and visit the onsite visitor center and herb garden. **Q:** What river flows through Stafford? / **A:** The River Sow flows through the center of the town. **Q:** Is Stafford good for shopping? / **A:** Yes, it has a mix of high-street brands in the Guildhall Shopping Center and Riverside development, alongside independent shops on its historic streets. **Q:** What is there to do in Victoria Park? / **A:** Victoria Park offers a riverside walk, a bandstand, an aviary, a splash pad, a playground, and beautifully maintained botanical gardens. **Q:** Who was Izaak Walton? / **A:** A famous 17th-century English writer born in Stafford, best known for his seminal work on fishing, *The Compleat Angler*. **Q:** How close is Alton Towers to Stafford? / **A:** Alton Towers theme park is approximately a 45-minute drive from Stafford. **Q:** What industry is Stafford known for? / **A:** Historically, it was known for shoemaking (Lotus shoes) and heavy electrical engineering (English Electric, GEC). Today, it has a diverse economy including healthcare, public administration, and technology. **Q:** Does Stafford have a university? / **A:** Staffordshire University has a campus in Stafford, primarily dedicated to healthcare and nursing courses. **Q:** Is Stafford safe for tourists? / **A:** Yes, Stafford is a very safe town for visitors with low levels of crime. **Q:** What is the Shugborough Estate? / **A:** A nearby stately home and working historic estate managed by the National Trust, formerly the home of the Anson family. **Q:** When is the Stafford Half Marathon? / **A:** It usually takes place annually in March. **Q:** Does Stafford have a hospital? / **A:** Yes, County Hospital is located in Stafford and provides a range of medical services including an A&E. **Q:** Where can I watch live entertainment? / **A:** The Stafford Gatehouse Theater is the main venue for live music, comedy, and drama. **Q:** What is Cannock Chase? / **A:** Cannock Chase is a nearby Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) featuring forests, heathlands, and miles of trails for walking and cycling. **Q:** Are there any nature reserves nearby? / **A:** Yes, Doxey Marshes is a beautiful wetland nature reserve managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, right on the edge of the town. **Q:** What is the Stafford Knot? / **A:** It is a distinctive three-loop knot that is the traditional symbol of the county of Staffordshire, visible on many local crests and badges. **Q:** How far is Stafford from Birmingham? / **A:** Stafford is about 28 miles north of Birmingham, which takes roughly 35 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car.