The Ultimate Heatwave Guide: 6 Refreshing Things to Do in Stafford with the Family This Summer

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On the Squirrel Lettings, keep the whole family—including the kids and pets—cool and entertained this summer with our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Stafford during a heatwave.

The school summer holidays in England are just around the corner, and the big question on every parent’s mind is how to keep the kids entertained—especially when the British weather delivers a full-blown summer heatwave. If you are looking for a destination that perfectly balances rich history, vast green spaces, and fantastic family attractions, Stafford is the ultimate summer getaway.

Staffordshire is widely known as the UK’s ultimate playground, making it a brilliant home base for a memorable family holiday. Best of all, when you book a stay through Squirrel Lettings, your entire pack can travel together. All Squirrel Lettings properties proudly welcome children and pets, meaning no one gets left behind, and everyone has a comfortable, air-conditioned, or beautifully shaded space to retreat to after a day out in the sun.

If the mercury is rising and you are looking for the best ways to stay cool, here is your ultimate heatwave guide to the top things to do in Stafford and the surrounding areas.

1. Make a Splash at Victoria Park’s Splash Pad

Located right in the heart of Stafford town centre, Victoria Park is a beautifully maintained, award-winning historic park that serves as an oasis on a hot summer afternoon. The River Sow flows gracefully through the grounds, offering a gentle riverside breeze and plenty of shaded spots under giant trees for a family picnic.

The main attraction during a heatwave is the park’s fantastic outdoor splash pad. It is entirely free to use and features a variety of fountains, water jets, and tipping buckets designed to keep toddlers and older kids safely cooled down for hours.

• Tip for Parents: There is an excellent on-site café to grab an iced coffee, an aviary to explore, and plenty of grassy areas where your family dog can rest comfortably in the shade while the kids splash around.

2. Wade Through the Sherbrook Stepping Stones on Cannock Chase

When the sun is blazing, head straight for the canopy of Cannock Chase Forest, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) located just minutes from Stafford. The dense woodland offers natural air conditioning, keeping the walking trails significantly cooler than open towns or cities.

For the ultimate heatwave activity, follow the trails down to the Sherbrook Stepping Stones. This iconic beauty spot features a shallow, crystal-clear gravel river lined with ancient alders. It is a time-honoured local tradition for families to kick off their shoes, wade into the cool running water, and splash around the stepping stones.

• Pet-Friendly Bonus: Your dog will absolutely love this spot. It is the perfect place for four-legged family members to have a safe swim and lower their core temperature on a hot afternoon.

3. Step Back in Time (and Into the Shade) at Stafford Castle

If you want to keep the family active without melting in the direct sun, take a trip up to Stafford Castle. Watching over the county for more than 900 years, this magnificent landmark boasts 26 acres of grounds to explore, including a Norman motte and bailey, an atmospheric woodland trail, and a fragrant medieval herb garden.

The best part for a heatwave? The thick stone walls of the castle’s Visitor Centre offer a wonderful, chilly sanctuary from the outdoor glare. The centre is highly interactive, keeping children engaged with hands-on history displays where they can try coin minting, brass rubbing, and dressing up in period armor.

4. Explore the Lakeside Shallows of the Shugborough Estate

Managed by the National Trust, the Shugborough Estate is a complete historic estate situated on the outskirts of Stafford. It is bordered by rivers and features sweeping parklands, formal gardens, and a historic working farm.

During the summer holidays, Shugborough hosts its annual Summer of Play events, offering loose-parts play, active games, and creative outdoor workshops for children. To beat the heat, take a slow walk through the peaceful, deeply shaded woodland trails or head down toward the river networks where the air is noticeably cooler. Don’t forget to stop by the estate’s tea room afterwards—voted to have some of the best National Trust scones in the country—for a refreshing cold drink and a sweet treat.

5. Walk Among Wild Monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest

Just a short drive up the road from your Stafford base lies the Trentham Estate, a sprawling destination that offers an incredible day out for the whole family. If it’s a hot day, head straight to Trentham Monkey Forest.

This unique 60-acre woodland is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques living in total freedom. Because the entire attraction is set within an ancient, shaded forest, you are protected from the direct glare of the summer sun. You can watch the monkeys lounging in the trees, grooming each other, and basking in the sunny patches on the forest floor, all from a safely shaded pathway.

After visiting the monkeys, you can explore the wider Trentham Estate, which features a stunning mile-long lake, a massive adventure playground, and a popular “barefoot walk” where kids can squish their toes through mud, water, and pebbles—a sensory experience that doubles as a fun way to cool down!

6. Escape the Sun Internally: Ice Skating or Pottery Throwdowns

Sometimes, the best way to handle a heatwave is to escape the outdoors entirely. Staffordshire has some world-class indoor attractions within easy driving distance of Stafford town center:

• The Ultimate Cool Down: Want to drop the temperature instantly? Take a short trip to the nearby Tamworth Snowdome. Here, you can completely escape the summer heatwave by stepping onto real snow for ice skating, tobogganing, or a quick ski session.
• Get Creative in the AC: Head north to the World of Wedgwood in Barlaston. They offer brilliant indoor, air-conditioned factory tours where kids can see how world-famous pottery is made, and even try their hand at a potter’s wheel in the creative studios.

Why a Squirrel Lettings Property is Your Perfect Summer Haven

Planning a family holiday during the busy summer break can occasionally feel stressful, but choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference. Stafford’s central location in the West Midlands makes it remarkably accessible, and staying in a local neighborhood gives you a much more authentic, relaxing experience than a cramped hotel room.

Our curated portfolio of properties ensures that you have all the modern amenities required to handle a British heatwave:

• Space to Breathe: Separate bedrooms mean the kids can nap comfortably after a long day of swimming or walking, while parents can unwind in a spacious living area.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: Perfect for freezing ice packs, prepping fresh picnic lunches for Cannock Chase, and keeping a steady supply of lollies and cold drinks ready in the fridge.
• Pet & Child Friendly: We know that pets are part of the family. Our properties are fully optimized to welcome children of all ages and your furry companions, often featuring enclosed outdoor spaces or easy access to local walking loops.

No matter how high the temperature climbs this summer, you’ll find plenty of refreshing things to do in Stafford to keep your family happy, safe, and beautifully entertained.

Ready to plan your English summer holiday getaway? Explore our beautiful, family-and-pet-friendly holiday rentals and book your stay directly on the Squirrel Lettings Website today!

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