Summer Activities In Staffordshire

With worldwide events as they are, it is uncertain to know what summer is going to look like. Will it be a new outdoor adventure, a sports activity, a farmers market or festival? If you would like to know about all the different activities in Staffordshire, this is the article to read.

As uncertainty grows around international travel - from rising costs to shifting geopolitical tensions- many people are rethinking how and where they’ll spend their summer months. Summer has always had a way of transforming daily life, even close to home. Longer days, warm air and a gentle sense of ease invite us outdoors, turning ordinary routines into something more exciting. It’s a season that encourages movement, connection and exploration- whether that means travelling far or simply stepping outside more locally.

One of the simplest pleasures of summer is spending time in nature. Parks, forests and beaches become natural gathering places where people can walk, cycle, or just sit and enjoy the sun. Activities like hiking or rambling offer both physical exercise and a break from mental fatigue, allowing the mind to rest and reset. Even a short walk through a green space can feel restorative when the weather is warm and can boost creative thinking and improve focus.

Water- based activities are another defining feature of summer. Swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding provide a refreshing escape from the heat while adding an element of adventure. Lakes and coastal areas tend to draw crowds, but even local swimming pools or rivers can become favourite seasonal spots. These experiences often carry a sense of freedom- cool water, open skies and the feeling of time slowing down.

For those who prefer more social or structured activities, summer is also a prime time or sports and group events. Football in the park, tennis matches, or casual cricket games bring people together in a relaxed, informal way. Outdoor fitness classes and yoga sessions have also grown in popularity, blending exercise with fresh air and scenic surroundings.

Not all outdoor activities need to be energetic though. Picnics, BBQ’s and outdoor dining offers a slower pace, centred on conversation and shared meals. There’s something uniquely satisfying about eating outside, with friends and family nearby. Even reading a book in the shade or watching a sunset can become a meaningful summer ritual.

Summer invites a sense of spontaneity. Longer daylight hours mean more time to try new things and It’s an opportunity to step away from routine, embrace the outdoors and make the most of the extra light and warmth. Whether through adventure, relaxation, or social connection, outdoor activities in summer offer a chance to recharge and create a lasting memory.

As the height of summer settles over Staffordshire the county has a diverse range of activities to offer for all ages and preferences. With the weather at its most inviting, it’s the ideal time to get outside, explore your surroundings and have fun. Here’s a sample of the kinds of adventures on offer, so you can quickly spot what fits your mood.

Adventure

Alton Towers Resort
Prepare for a family fun adrenaline fuelled adventure at this theme park resort, open from Mid-March to early November. Offering over 40 rides and attractions the park hosts rollercoasters like Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Wicker Man, alongside a mini golf course, waterpark, extensive gardens and themed hotels. CBeebies Land is also available for younger children.

Drayton Manor Resort

This family destination has over 50 rides and attractions and a 15- acre zoo. If you’re brave enough board Thor the new Disk O Coaster and experience the ultimate weightless sensation. Also, home to Thomas Land there’s so much to explore. This is a perfect venue for people of all ages and also opens from March to November.

Go Ape

If you’re looking for a group or family friendly adventure, then visit Go Ape near Cannock. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and a great day out for anyone who likes high ropes and stunning valley views, with 1,500 metres of tree- to- tree crossings. Perfect for younger explorers you can also explore forest trails on an all- terrain Segway and observe the scenery at your own pace. Opening from 10am Thursday to Monday visit Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ.

Farmers Markets and Market Fairs

Trentham Makers Market (Trentham Shopping Village, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke- on- Trent, ST4 8JG) runs on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am- 4pm, featuring high quality local artisan food, crafts and vintage goods.
World of Wedgewood Artisan Market (Wedgewood Drive, Barlaston, Stoke- on-
Trent, ST12 9ER) is held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am-4pm with over 50 stalls selling handmade products and local food.

Middleport Pottery Artisan Market (Port Street, Burslem, Middleport, Stoke- on- Trent, ST6 3PE) hosts both indoor and outdoor markets, featuring local makers, bakers and artists in a historic setting.

Leek Farmers and Craft Market (Leek Town Centre, Derby Street, Leek, ST13 5HH) is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month in the historic town and it offers local food, drink and crafts alongside their weekly Wednesday traditional market with regular artisan-style retail stalls and goods.

Stone Food Market (33 High Street, Stone, ST15 8AJ), is run from 9am-3pm on the 1st Saturday of the month. Around 30 stalls sell meats, cheeses, bread and plants.

Stafford Farmers and Artisan Market (Market Square, Stafford, ST16 2BD) takes place on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am-3pm, including summer dates scheduled for the 13th June, 11th July and 8th August. This market offers fresh meat, fish, vegetables, bread, cakes, jams, artisan crafts, plants and jewellery and often features live music and high- quality local produce.

Rode Hall Farmers Market (Scholar Green, Cheshire, Stoke- on- Trent, ST7 3QP) situated on the Cheshire/ Staffordshire border runs every 1st Saturday of the month and offers over 80 high quality food and craft stalls in a rural setting.

Bolton Gate Arts Market (Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, Bolton, ST3 5BD) features a series of market events and arts activities.

Festivals and Shows

Fuse Festival Lichfield

The Fuse Festival organised by Lichfield Arts returns to Beacon Park in Lichfield, WS13 6QZ on the 10th- 12th July to provide 3 days of live music, community arts, street food and interactive performances.

Leek & District Agricultural Show

Starting at 8am on 25th July this classic agricultural show features equestrian events, livestock judging, vintage tractor parade, sheepdog demos, a wide variety of food from trade stands and catering outlets and full family entertainment.

Lichfield Festival

Running from the 7th- 19th July you will be pleased to see some favourite world class artists from music, dance, theatre, literature and comedy to venues across the city as they take part in a diverse programme.

The Big Feast (Stoke- On- Trent)

Stoke on Trent’s biggest free outdoor arts festival returns on 22nd & 23rd August from 11am- 5pm in the city centre of Hanley. This year’s programme showcases professional dance, acrobatics and musical performances alongside interactive games, craft workshops, art exhibitions, meditative sessions and more.

Food and Drink Festivals

Stoke Craft Brew Festival

The Craft Brew Festival has more than 50 craft drinks from 15 breweries, cideries and wineries to try all under one roof. With live music and a party atmosphere the choice of beer, wine, cider, non- alcoholic beer, soft drinks and prosecco is all yours. The festival takes place at Kings Hall, Stoke- on -Trent, ST4 1JH on 11th July 2026.

Rail Ail Trail- Staffordshire Beer Train 17th- 19th July

Churnet Valley Railway is hosting a beer train ride in collaboration with breweries from Stoke, Stone, Stafford, Burslem and more, with over 60 varieties of ale to sample. Get on board the 1950’s steam carriage and watch the Churnet Valley landscape role by on this 5.5-mile trip. Starting at Froghall Station and ending at Leek Brook Station you can relax in vintage comfort, while enjoying live music and there will also be a variety of food stalls offering tasty treats for festival goers. Children and dogs are also welcome along the ride. Passengers can enjoy 50% discount if you pre- book your tickets.

Music & Concerts

Trentham Summer Saturday Concerts

Enjoy a mix of live tribute acts, party nights and outdoor summer vibes by the lake at Trentham Gardens between June and July. Performers include The Lightning Seeds, Jess Glynne, Manic Street Preachers and Busted.

Trentham Live

Trentham Live returns for a 5th year showcasing 4 amazing shows, with a line- up of artists at the Lakeside setting between the 20th & 23rd August. Guests include The Fratellis, Madness, Five and The Human League, with supporting acts like The Subways, The Coral, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100.

The Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival

August 28th sees a return of the Jazz and Blues festival at the Guildhall High street, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and is promised to offer a vibrant weekend of live music.

Gigz@thegate- Open Mic Night

Gigz@theGate will be providing an evening of live music and entertainment celebrating local talent on stage, in front of a live audience. A bar and hot food will be available until 8pm. Visit Bolton Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, ST3 5BD, on 6th June, 4th July & 1st August and join the fun.

History
Viking Re- Enactment- Stafford Castle, Newport Road, ST16 1DJ

Experience a day of immersive history, surrounded by reenactors that actually make you feel you’ve travelled back in time. Free entry from 10- 4pm on the 15th & 16th August.

The Three Musketeers at Western Park

The Illyria Outdoor theatre brings you Romance, Swashbuckling, Intrigue, Murder, Betrayal and Revenge with a story of the Three Musketeers at Weston Park On 14th August. Gates open at 6pm with the show starting at 7pm, running in total for 135 mins. Bring your own low back chair, picnic blanket and picnic. Prices vary but under 4’s go free.

Industrial Heritage at Middleport Pottery

During the summer months Middleport pottery will be holding guided tours where visitors can see pottery being made using early traditional Victorian methods, alongside self-led heritage trails and guided factory tours exploring the UK’s last working Victorian potbank. Highlights include the bottle kiln, mould store and Harper Street houses. Open from 10- 4 pm, tours are available Monday to Friday and require advance booking. Explore Middleport Pottery at its heritage centre at Port Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE.

Nature

Wild Festival Staffordshire
A family friendly camping festival with live music and communal BBQ’s and a focus on nature. Between 19th & 26th July.

Wildings at The Wolseley Centre

Starting late June, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will host outdoor play sessions, featuring campfires and natural exploration. Suitable for the whole family. Hosted at the Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT.

Summer Sunset Wilding Safari

Join a guided tour at Sandon Hall and experience an evening of nature and the natural landscape. From 11th July- 29th August at Sandon Hall, Sandon, Stafford, ST18 0BZ.

Chartley Moss Summer Walk

Join a guided tour of the Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve in Stafford, ST18 on the 11th July and enjoy a delightful summer walk and learn more about the plants and animals that make their home in this hostile environment. On your way around, see if you can also spot some late flying, white-faced darter dragonflies by the pools. The walk is predominantly on flat ground, but there is a steep path down to the railway embankment. The event is not suitable for dogs, and the log path can be quite uneven and slippy with brambles and some very soft mossy areas.

Sport

Outdoor swimming Venues
Staffordshire offers some excellent sites for Kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and a range of other water activities. Visit Cliff Lakes- Tamworth Road, Cliff, Tamworth, B78 2DL (includes an aqua park with inflatable slides and obstacles).

Pillaton Hall Farm- Pillaton, Penkridge, ST13 8SH

Tittesworth Water Sports & Activity Centre- Fishermans Lodge, Meer Brook, Leek, St13 8SH.

Chasewater Reservoir- Pool Lane, Brownhills, WS8 7NL.

Rudyard Lake- Off Lake Road, Rudyard, Leek, ST13 8XB.

Uttoxeter Racecourse

Uttoxeter Racecourse features some high stakes racing along with some exciting special events including The Summer Cup on the 24th July. Tickets must be booked in advance.