This week, during English Tourism Week 2025,14th to 23rd March, we celebrate the fantastic attractions and destinations across East Staffordshire.
Tourism in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent continues to thrive, contributing an estimated £2.3 billion to the local economy and supporting over 24,000 jobs. With the launch of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in 2024, the region is all ready working on strengthening its visitor economy even further, by bringing together local authorities and the private sector to promote Staffordshire as a must-visit destination.
This annual campaign shines a spotlight on the tourism industry, recognising its vital role in driving economic growth and enriching local communities. The theme for 2025, ‘Supporting People and Place to Drive Growth,’ highlights the importance of tourism in shaping vibrant and thriving destinations.
East Staffordshire has a wealth of attractions from family days out at The National Forest Adventure Farm and the excitement of race days at Uttoxeter Racecourse to tranquil escapes in the National Forest and Hoar Cross Hall Hotel & Spa there is something for everyone.
In the lead-up to English Tourism Week 2025, Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Cultural Development, and Cllr Louise Walker Cabinet Member for Planning Policy, visited The Deer Park in Hoar Cross to hear about owner Lesley Prince’s exciting future plans, including the Pooch Pavilion Project and future aspirations for sustainable accommodation.
The innovative pavilion project aims to keep heritage skills alive, by creating a unique, carbon-zero eco pavilion that will offer a dog-friendly covered seating area for visitors. The build will involve a series of hands-on workshops where local artisans will share traditional skills such as traditional timber joinery, natural roofing, straw bale construction and rammed earth structures, some of which are featured on the Heritage Crafts at Risk list.
Nestled in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, The Deer Park, Hoar Cross is a charming rural destination offering a farm shop, cosy café, and woodland walk, perfect for a relaxing day out. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a range of seasonal events and activities, from artisan markets to family-friendly nature trails. Whether you’re looking for locally sourced produce, a delicious lunch, or a peaceful stroll through The National Forest, The Deer Park has something for everyone.
Steeped in history, The Deer Park sits on Duchy of Lancaster land, with origins dating back to the medieval period when the area was used for deer. The landscape still reflects its rich heritage, with ancient woodlands and historic parkland that once formed part of the Duchy’s vast estate. Today, the site carefully balances its historic roots with modern rural enterprise, offering visitors a unique blend of heritage and nature.
Cllr Paul Walker commented, “The Council is committed to supporting tourism in East Staffordshire and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow the visitor economy”
Cllr Walker went on to say, ” I’m proud to see that so many people are choosing to visit East Staffordshire and its wealth of brilliant attractions and events, and the success of major new events which came to the Borough last year, including, LIV Golf, Rocester and Sonic Boom Festival in Burton upon Trent”
“In 2025, the Council will continue to offer our Tourism Development Grant, which we hope will support visitor economy businesses and event organisers to develop even more activity in the Borough”.
You can find more information on East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Tourism Grant here Tourism Development Grants – DISCOVER EAST STAFFORDSHIRE