New homes in Stafford

Whether you’re taking the kids to the park, visiting local museums or seeing a show at the theatre, there’s lots to see and do near your new home in Stafford. If you’re on the look-out for good transport links, plenty of job opportunities and a great choice of family-friendly attractions, Stafford could tick all the right boxes for you.

A quick history

Historians believe the town of Stafford dates back to around 700 AD, during the Anglo-Saxon era. In the 11th century, the town rebelled against the Normans at the Battle of Stafford, but the French conquerors eventually built Stafford Castle.

In the 13th century, Stafford became a market town, with a thriving cloth and wool industry. The town has hosted a number of royal figures over the ages, including King Richard II who was captured in the late 14th century and paraded through the town as a prisoner. Charles I also spent time in Stafford around the time of the Civil War. 

In the 18th century, the town’s famous shoe industry was founded. Stafford was linked to Liverpool and Manchester by rail in 1837, and the town quickly became a busy transport hub.

Business and industry

Staffordshire is best known for ceramics, the automotive industry and pharmaceuticals. The town is home to rail infrastructure company Alstom UK, adhesives manufacturer Bostik, Maple Court Care Home and technology company Stone, along with waste treatment and collection firm Cory Environmental.

JCB World Parts Centre, JCB Attachments and JCB Heavy Products are based nearby in Uttoxeter, while Michelin Tyres, Wedgwood, Bet365 Group and Dechra Pharmaceuticals are in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire County Council and Stafford Borough Council are also major employers in the town.

Things to do in the area

No matter how you like to spend your spare time, there’s lots to keep you entertained in and around Stafford. Stafford Castle has its own visitor centre and medieval herb garden, along with an open-air theatre during the summer, while the Guildhall Shopping Centre is home to a number of high street brands.

For a breath of fresh air, you can go for a walk at Cannock Chase, take the kids to play at Victoria Park, or visit the impressive Shugborough Estate, where you can explore the walled garden and parkland, visit the mansion and take part in regular family-friendly events.

Other attractions near Stafford include Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre, Red Lion Farm, the Gatehouse Theatre and Wildwood Park. Alton Towers theme park is only a short drive away from the town.

Travel and commuting

Stafford has excellent transport links, both from the town’s train station and the M6 motorway which is located to the west of the town. Stoke-on-Trent is only 15 minutes away by train or 30 minutes by car, while the drive to Uttoxeter takes around 25 minutes. Birmingham is a 40-minute drive away, or 35 minutes by train, while the drive to Derby takes around 55 minutes. If you’re travelling to Manchester, the journey takes one hour 25 minutes by car or one hour by train.

The direct train to London takes just one hour 20 minutes from Stafford to London Euston on the Virgin Trains service. When it’s time to get away from it all with a well-earned holiday, it’s a 50-minute drive to Birmingham Airport or one hour five minutes to Manchester Airport.