Exploring the local region
Country Houses Of Staffordshire
This tour takes in some of the country houses of one of England’s industrial powerhouse regions, Staffordshire.
A wealth of styles from Arts & Crafts to classical and small to lavish offer a tempting selection of artistic, architectural design treats to be explored in the genial, witty and knowledgeable company of popular Travel Editions tour leader and lecturer, Nicholas Merchant, who will educate and entertain in equal measure.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas is a highly respected lecturer in the decorative and fine arts and an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society. His wide knowledge was developed through work with leading auction houses, including Sotheby’s, before he established a specialist book business devoted to the decorative arts.
Nicholas has led Travel Editions tours in the UK and Europe for close to fifteen years. His convivial style, wit and erudition illuminate every visit, whether he is discussing a country house, a collection or a single remarkable object, and his tours are informative, interesting and above all entertaining.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival at Upper House Hotel and Staffordshire Country Houses
Arrive independently at the hotel from 15.00. The hotel is located close to the wonderful World of Wedgwood Museum, which we highly recommend you visit independently (not included in the tour).
This evening there will be a welcome drink, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Nicholas Merchant: ‘Country Houses of Staffordshire’.
Day 2: Wightwick Manor and Chillington Hall
Two wonderful but contrasting styles of architecture and design today, as we head first to Wightwick Manor, one of the most famous Arts & Crafts houses in the country, built for the Manders paint family and filled with their Pre-Raphaelite paintings and William Morris designs.
After lunch, we continue to Chillington Hall, the little-known house of the Giffard family, principally attributable to one of England’s greatest architects, Sir John Soane, builder of the original Bank of England in Threadneedle Street. Second talk from Nicholas, ‘The Lunar Society’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Boscobel House, the Royal Oak and Sandon Hall
This morning takes us to Boscobel House and its famous The Royal Oak where we will have the chance to discover one of the most dramatic escape stories in English History. We will explore the picturesque timber-framed hunting lodge where King Charles II took refuge in 1651 after fleeing for his life following Civil War defeat.
After time for lunch (not included) we head to Sandon Hall for a guided tour of the house and free time within the stunning gardens followed by some refreshments. Sandon has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Harrowby since 1776 when Nathaniel, 1st Baron Harrowby, bought a shooting lodge and had it transformed by the architect Samuel Wyatt into a Georgian House. However, the house was badly damaged by fire in 1848 that it had to be rebuilt and became the neo-Jacobean style house you see today.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Shugborough Hall and the Spode Museum
This morning takes us to Shugborough Hall, a National Trust House and formerly the seat of the Anson family. One of the biggest estates in the area with a mansion house, model farm, and servants’ quarters, with a fine collection of furniture, it was also home to Patrick Lichfield, the famous society photographer.
After time for lunch (not included) we head to the Spode Museum, one of the most famous names in the realms of ceramic manufacture. As part of our visit, we will have an introductory talk about the history of Spode and the importance of the museum collection including how it was saved before a visit to the museum including a special visit to the ‘Blue Room Collection’ which comprises hundreds of blue transfer-printed pieces made between 1790-1847. The collection is almost certainly the largest and most important collection of Blue and White on public display in the UK. We will have a demonstration of under-glaze transfer printing and some time to explore the displays of fine bone china and Spode Ceramics.
Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00.
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Upper House Hotel, Barlaston
The Upper House Hotel is steeped in local history, built in 1845 for Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson, Francis, the hotel has been lovingly converted into a luxury character property. Facilities include a bar, restaurant, lounge and gardens. Each of the comfortable bedrooms include en-suite facilities, TV, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and free wi-fi.
Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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