How to get toShugborough Estatecar-free
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Visit Shugborough Estate car-free
It’s easy to visit Shugborough Estate car-free.
Buses stop outside from: Stafford (10-30 mins), Rugeley (15 mins) and Lichfield (50 mins) – see map.
There are direct trains to Stafford from: Wolverhampton and Stoke-On-Trent (15 mins), Birmingham New Street (30 mins), Manchester Piccadilly, Coventry and Liverpool Lime Street (1hr). Take the train to Rugeley from Cannock (15 mins).
There are connecting buses to Rugeley from Cannock (25 mins) and to Stafford from Eccleshall (20 mins) and Penkridge (30 mins).
Check out our recommended route (below) and then use our journey planner (above) for door-to-door train, bus and walking routes.
Enjoy a free hot drink when arriving by train, bus or bike, with a valid train or bus ticket or bike helmet. Ask for your voucher at visitor reception.
ChaseRider or Staffordshire The Knot bus tickets are accepted. For more money-saving tips see our handy guides to trains and buses.
Bike racks are available at the Visitor Reception. Children under 5 on balance bikes, trikes or with stabilizer’s welcome across the property only. National Route 5 ends in Stafford. Plan your cycle route here.
The estate lies on the Staffordshire Way from Uttoxeter to Penkridge and local Cannock Chase Geotrail (find local buses). Walks link to towpaths along Trent & Mersey Canal from Rugeley and Stone and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal from the edge of Stafford to Penkridge and Wolverhampton.
Stafford train station has a taxi rank. Book ahead with Stafford Taxis – 01785 500 123. The train stations in Rugeley do not have taxi ranks. Book ahead with Fifty Fifty Rugeley Taxis – 01889 575 050.
Here’s some information on access to attractions, buses and trains, and here’s some information on accessibility at Shugborough Estate.
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All photos on this page are copyright ©National Trust Images – full credits here.
Getting to Shugborough Estate car-free
Here's our recommended route to Shugborough Estate. To get bus and train times and walking routes use our journey planner.
By bus from Stafford
Bus 826 stops at the pedestrian entrance. Buses leave from Goal Square (stand 1, sheltered) and Weatherspoons pub regularly (none on Sundays). The journey takes 10-20 minutes. Jump off at White Barn Farm. Ask the driver and follow your phone GPS. It’s then about a 5-minute walk to the house.
Bus 828 stops at the Essex Bridge entrance. Buses leave from Goal Square (stand 4, sheltered) and Cope Street (sheltered) regularly (none on Sundays). The journey takes 20-30 minutes. Jump off at the Clifford Arms pub. Ask the driver and follow your phone GPS. It’s then about a 20-minute walk to the house.
By bus from Rugeley
Bus 826 stops at the pedestrian entrance. Buses leave from White House (stand 2, sheltered) regularly (none on Sundays). The journey takes about 15 minutes. Jump off at White Barn Farm. Ask the driver and follow your phone GPS. It’s then about a 5-minute walk to the house.
Bus 828 stops at the Essex Bridge entrance. Buses leave from White House (stand 2, sheltered) regularly (none on Sundays). The journey takes about 15 minutes. Jump off at the Clifford Arms pub. Ask the driver and follow your phone GPS. It’s then about a 20-minute walk to the house.
By bus from Lichfield
Bus 828 stops at the Essex Bridge entrance. Buses leave from Lichfield bus station (stand 1, sheltered) regularly (none on Sundays). The journey takes about 50 minutes. Jump off at the Clifford Arms pub. Ask the driver and follow your phone GPS. It’s then about a 20-minute walk to the house.
By train
There are direct trains to Stafford from: Birmingham New Street (30 mins metro), Coventry (55 mins), Crewe (20 mins), Lichfield Trent Valley (15 mins), Liverpool Lime Street (65 mins), Macclesfield (35 mins), Manchester Piccadilly (55 mins), Nuneaton (35 mins), Penkridge (5 mins), Runcorn (45 mins), Sandwell & Dudley (30 mins), Stockport (45 mins), Stoke-On-Trent (15 mins), Stone (10 mins), Tamworth (20 mins), Warrington Bank Quay (40 mins), Wigan North Weston (50 mins), Wolverhampton (15 mins) (metro), London Bournemouth
There are direct trains to Rugeley Town or Rugeley Trent Valley from: Birmingham New Street (55 mins metro), Cannock (15 mins), Crewe (30 mins), Hednesford (10 mins), Lichfield Trent Valley (5 mins), Nuneaton (30 mins) and Tamworth (15 mins).
Search for train times and cheaper tickets with Good Journey.
Next catch bus 826 or 828 – see above.
By bus from other towns
By canal boat
You can travel to Shugborough along the Trent and Mersey canal with towpath links to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. There are local moorings at Great Haywood. Access to the estate is via Essex Gate, located by Essex Bridge approx 200m from the canal towpath. Essex Gate is open daily from 10am.
About Shugborough Estate
Home to the Anson family since 1624, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise’. Visit this important piece of Staffordshire's heritage for a full day of discoveries.
The stories of Shugborough are entangled with the exploits and interests of two brothers, Thomas and George Anson. Their fortunes and their social position shaped Shugborough; understanding the origins of their power helps us to interpret the ideas and materials which flooded into Britain throughout the 18th century, furnishing homes, forging fashions and changing culture.
You can explore sweeping parkland, ancient woodland and a landscape peppered with monuments. See seasonal blooms in the formal gardens, or produce in the walled garden. Head over to Park Farm to see Dorking chickens, and say hello to the animals, such as Longhorn cows and Southdown sheep that roam around in the fields.
In the Georgian mansion, unearth unusual treasures and experience life 'below stairs' in the servant's quarters, then enter a world of glamour and royalty in the apartments of Patrick Lichfield, 5th Earl and fashion photographer.
Run little legs round the play area and see if they're brave enough to try the zipwire. Then, round off your day with a treat from the tea-rooms or café and take something with you to remember your day, or maybe just a tasty ice cream, from one of the shops.
For any queries about visiting contact Shugborough Estate on 01889880160 or [email protected]
Address: Shugborough Estate, Milford, near Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 0UP. Visit Website