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Let’s Start Discovering, Tutbury & Hatton Station
Sustainable Travel
Our train stations are important gateways to vast and varied landscapes: woodlands, picturesque villages, market towns, urban centres and industrial heritage.
Rails to Trails, North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership‘s guides to station walks in Staffordshire and Cheshire, give you a flavour of the different areas you can explore in East Staffordshire and beyond by train.
Tutbury Castle
Tutbury & Hatton – Historic Castle & Village Walk
Steeped in over 900 years of history, Tutbury is one of Staffordshire’s most charming villages, where medieval heritage, independent shops and beautiful countryside come together to create the perfect day out.
A visit to Tutbury Castle is a must. Perched high above the River Dove, the dramatic Norman fortress offers breath-taking views across the Dove Valley and is famous for being one of the places where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned. Today, the castle remains part of the historic Duchy of Lancaster estate, maintaining its longstanding connection with the British Crown. Throughout the year, the castle hosts medieval re-enactments, falconry displays, ghost tours and family events, bringing its fascinating history to life.
Just below the castle, discover the magnificent Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin, one of England’s finest Norman churches. Dating back to the 11th century, it features stunning Romanesque architecture, intricate carvings and a remarkable alabaster doorway that is unique in Britain.
Take time to wander along Tutbury’s historic High Street, where you’ll find a wonderful collection of independent businesses housed within charming Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings. Browse unique gifts, artisan crafts and homeware before stopping at The Courtyard at No.12 – a stylish independent coffee bar, bistro and dining venue serving seasonal dishes, freshly brewed coffee, handcrafted cocktails and indulgent sweet treats in its beautiful courtyard. Continue your visit at Old Chapel Antiques, where you can lose yourself amongst an eclectic collection of antiques, vintage finds and collectables, before discovering more about the village’s fascinating past at Tutbury Museum, from its Norman origins to its renowned glassmaking heritage.
Tutbury is also a fantastic destination for food and drink. Enjoy traditional pub classics and cask ales in the historic Ye Olde Dog & Partridge, one of the village’s oldest buildings and a former coaching inn dating back centuries. Sample an ever-changing selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders at Cask & Pottle, or unwind with a cocktail in the welcoming atmosphere of The Hour Glass, a favourite with both locals and visitors.
As you explore, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by one of Tutbury’s famous free-roaming peacocks. Believed to be descendants of birds once kept at Tutbury Castle, these colourful characters have wandered the village streets for decades and have become one of Tutbury’s most distinctive attractions, delighting photographers and visitors from across the country.
Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful riverside walks along the River Dove, taking in views of Tutbury Weir, or follow local footpaths through the surrounding countryside. Situated on the edge of the National Forest and close to the scenic Dove Valley, Tutbury is also an excellent base for walking and cycling adventures.
Whether you’re exploring centuries of history, discovering unique independent shops, enjoying excellent food and drink or spotting the village’s famous peacocks, Tutbury offers a memorable blend of heritage, culture and countryside that makes it one of East Staffordshire’s most captivating destinations.
Uttoxeter Racecourse
The Uttoxeter: Historic Market Town Walk
Uttoxeter is a vibrant historic market town where centuries of heritage meet a lively mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions, all centred around its bustling Market Place and surrounding streets.
At the heart of the town stands St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, a striking Grade II* listed building whose origins date back to the 14th century, with its impressive tower dominating the skyline. Nearby is St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, designed by the celebrated Victorian architect Augustus Pugin, adding another architectural gem to the town’s rich heritage.
Just a short walk away, the elegant Market Place is home to the Dr Johnson Memorial, commemorating the famous writer Samuel Johnson, who famously returned to the town to perform an act of public penance after refusing to help his father sell books at the market. Nearby, the War Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the local men and women who served their country, making the Market Place a focal point for both history and remembrance.
Uttoxeter is also proud to be associated with one of England’s best-loved children’s authors, Mary Howitt, whose famous poem The Spider and the Fly has delighted readers for generations. Mary grew up in Howitt Place on Balance Street, where her childhood in Uttoxeter inspired her lifelong love of nature and storytelling. Just a short distance away, the beautifully preserved Quaker Meeting House on Carter Street, built in 1706, is one of the town’s oldest buildings and reflects the strong Quaker heritage of the Botham family, who played an important role in the town’s history.
For a deeper insight into Uttoxeter’s past, visit Redfern’s Cottage – Museum of Uttoxeter Life. Set within one of the town’s oldest surviving buildings on Carter Street, the museum tells the story of Uttoxeter through fascinating exhibitions exploring local industries, market life and the people who have shaped the town over the centuries.
Uttoxeter is also renowned for Uttoxeter Racecourse, one of Britain’s leading National Hunt racing venues. Established in 1907, the racecourse hosts exciting fixtures throughout the year, including the prestigious Midlands Grand National, alongside family fun days, live music events and conferences, making it a major attraction for visitors from across the country.
Uttoxeter is the birthplace of JCB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment. Founded by Joseph Cyril Bamford in 1945, the company began in a small lock-up garage in the town before moving production to nearby Rocester, where its global headquarters remain today. Visitors can discover the remarkable story of this Staffordshire engineering success at the nearby JCB Visitor Centre Experience, showcasing over 80 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence.
Uttoxeter also boasts a thriving independent food and drink scene. On Carter Street, Lowe’s on Carter Street serves beautifully crafted award-winning seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients in stylish surroundings. For coffee lovers, Fuelled Coffee Shop offers expertly brewed coffee and homemade cakes, while Time – The Vintage Hub combines vintage shopping with a cosy café, making it the perfect place to browse for unique treasures over coffee. As evening falls, enjoy handcrafted cocktails in the stylish surroundings of Mint Cocktail Bar, or relax with a meal and a drink at the welcoming Horse & Dove Micro Pub, a traditional pub serving classic favourites in the heart of the town.
Whether you’re uncovering fascinating history, following in the footsteps of Samuel Johnson and Mary Howitt, enjoying a day at the races, discovering one of Britain’s greatest engineering success stories, browsing independent shops or sampling delicious local food and drink, Uttoxeter offers a wonderful blend of heritage, culture and modern hospitality that makes it one of East Staffordshire’s most rewarding destinations.
Rails to Trails Walks in Staffordshire
The Rails to Trails walks offer a fantastic way to explore Staffordshire and Cheshire on foot, following carefully designed self-guided routes that begin and end at local railway stations. Created by the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, these walks encourage sustainable travel by linking train journeys with accessible circular routes that showcase the very best of the region’s landscapes, heritage and communities.
Each walk is typically between 1 and 6 miles, making them ideal for a relaxed day out, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more immersive exploration. The routes take in a rich variety of scenery, from historic market towns and picturesque villages to canals, countryside paths and industrial heritage sites, often revealing hidden gems just a short walk from the station. Along the way, walkers are encouraged to discover local cafés, independent shops, historic landmarks and green spaces, supporting both wellbeing and local economies.
In East Staffordshire, the concept brings destinations such as Uttoxeter, Tutbury & Hatton and other nearby stations to life, helping visitors uncover attractions like heritage buildings, riverside paths and traditional town centres with ease. The emphasis is on slow travel, arriving by train, exploring on foot, and experiencing places in a more meaningful and sustainable way.
By connecting transport and tourism, the Rails to Trails network highlights how rail stations can act as gateways to exploration. Whether you are following a canal towpath, wandering through a historic town, or enjoying open countryside views, these walks offer an accessible and rewarding way to experience Staffordshire’s character at a relaxed pace.