Key market towns in Staffordshire, known for their historic, weekly, and specialist markets, include Leek, Stafford, Cheadle, Biddulph, and Tamworth. These towns feature a mix of traditional outdoor markets, Victorian indoor markets, and independent shops, with Leek being particularly famous for its 1207 charter market, while Lichfield has held markets since 1153.
A market town is a settlement (commonly in Europe) that obtained a market right (by custom or royal charter) in the Middle Ages, which allowed it to host a regular market; this distinguished it from a village or a city.
What are the best villages to visit in Staffordshire?
Brewood, Bishops Wood, Coven and Blymhill. From stately manors, to ancient ruins, and historic high streets - these villages are rich in heritage and culture.
Why the 'The Five Towns'? Arnold Bennett was born and raised in the Potteries which consisted of the six towns of Tunstall, Burslem (where Bennett spent most of his childhood and youth), Hanley (where he was born), Fenton, Stoke and Longton.
Stoke-on-Trent is located in the north and is immediately adjacent to the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Stafford is in the centre of the county, Burton upon Trent in the east, and the city of Lichfield and Tamworth in the south-east.
Stone named the happiest place to live in Staffordshire. Stone has been named the happiest place to live in Staffordshire and the 12th best in the UK. Trustee at The Crown Wharf Theatre, Leo Capronaros and Dave Vickers also known as 'Digger Dave' give their thoughts on the town.
Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England and one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. Walking through this village truly feels like stepping back in time; no new houses have been built here for over 400 years, so it has kept its authentic, old-world charm.
What is the most beautiful market town in England?
✨ Shrewsbury has topped the list of The Telegraph's 12 Most Perfect Market Towns in Britain ✨ The town stole the show with the record-breaking The Market Hall Shrewsbury and indie business scene. The Lion and Pheasant also received a special shout out as the perfect spot to stay in town.
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St Augustine's houses the unique single handed Derwentwater Clock.
What is the prettiest village in the Peak District?
There's no single "prettiest," but Castleton, with its caves, castle, and Mam Tor views, and Ashford-in-the-Water, known for its riverside setting and Sheepwash Bridge, are top contenders, alongside the unique architectural styles of Edensor, the plague history of Eyam, and the character of Bakewell. The "prettiest" depends on your preference for dramatic scenery, history, or quaint charm, with many villages offering stone cottages, pubs, and beautiful landscapes.
Stoke-on-Trent (often abbreviated to Stoke) is a city and unitary authority area in Staffordshire, England. It had an estimated population of 259,965 in 2022, making it the largest settlement in Staffordshire and one of the largest cities of the Midlands.
The city with the lowest White British population as a percentage was Leicester (40.9%) – also the only city below 50% – while the lowest for unitary authorities was Slough (34.5%), followed by Luton (44.6%).
1. Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland's largest city is often overlooked in favour of Edinburgh. And while you could argue that the capital may be grander and more historic, Glasgow has scooped the top spot, yet again, in Condé Nast's annual list of the UK's friendliest cities.
While "underrated" is subjective, recent studies and travel discussions frequently highlight Hastings, Royal Leamington Spa, and Shrewsbury as top contenders, praised for their culture, independent shops, events, and history, often overshadowed by bigger names like Brighton or Birmingham. Other strong contenders include historic Chester, revitalized Swansea, and the charming, remote Scottish village of Inverie, depending on whether you prefer history, coastal vibes, or seclusion.
There are safer parts of Staffordshire, identified using the same Crime Risk measurement, starting with Lichfield which ranks as the safest area in Staffordshire, followed up by Stafford in second place, and Burntwood in third place.
The village of Ilam is set in the Dove Valley with breathtaking hill views surrounding the entire sleepy village. The area is a natural beauty spot attracting walkers and admirers of nature all year round.
Staffordshire has a mass of foodie heritage and we're not just talking about oatcakes and lobby. Meat, cheese, pickle and beer have all become famously associated with Staffordshire over the years. And now we're also becoming famous for chocolate too.
If you're exploring near Stoke-On-Trent, charming historic villages like Audlem, Alderley Edge, Ilam, and Abbots Bromley hold rich heritage, pretty canals, and quaint cottages. Audlem boasts waterfront festivals and a canal history, while Alderley Edge charms with cobbled streets.
