A short drive through the charming small village of Tixall and Ingestre with its golf course and Grade II Listed 17th Century Jacobean Hall, you will reach the larger adjoining villages of Great Haywood, Little Haywood and Colwich. The villages enjoy a range of amenities including Great Haywood mooring where there is a canal-side shop and café. There is a doctor’s surgery and the Clifford Arms country pub, along with primary schools Colwich Primary, Ansons Primary and St Johns Primary.

The three neighbouring villages have the picturesque Trent and Mersey Canal running alongside them. A short walk over the canal bridge and you are in the National Trust Shugborough Estate, a stunning stately home with beautiful gardens, grounds and farm.

The village of Weston approximately 4 miles to the east of Stafford has a typical English-country feel with its village green and pretty dining pub, The Woolpack. In fact, the village is spoilt for choice having The Saracens Head dining pub and Weston Hall, a grand building with origins dating back to 1550, providing fine dining and afternoon tea.

Weston has a primary school and a beautiful picturesque church, along with excellent road links to the east and north Midlands and Lichfield.

The village of Hixon enjoys the benefit of the surrounding main arterial roads and also has a primary school, excellent post office/store and welcoming county pubs.

From Stafford Castle, the adjacent A518 runs west vertically parallel with the old railway cutting which provides a lovely level cycle path through the popular villages of Derrington and Haughton. Haughton like so many of the Staffordshire villages benefits from a housing mix of styles and ages to suit all budgets. The village also has a selection of shops, a church, country dining pub and St Giles Primary School.

Bradley has a lovely garden centre and café shop whilst Church Eaton has a wonderful country pub that is known for its excellent restaurant. A little further to the west lies the larger village of Gnosall, recently expanded by three impressive residential developments which help sustain local businesses. Within the village is St Lawrence Academy Primary School and excellent health surgery. Gnosall is also a gateway to the west being just 6 miles from the market town of Newport.

In 2015 the Sunday times named the lovely villages of Eccleshall as 1 of 50 Best Places to Live in the UK. The high street is thriving and bustling with a range of independent and classy shops, bars and restaurants. For commuters, the Eccleshall is within easy access of both Stafford and the canal town of Stone.

Acton Trussell is convenient for commuters being less than 5 minute drive from J13 of the M6. Surrounded by some lovely countryside and within easy access of Cannock Chase. The highly impressive Moat House Hotel and Restaurant stands in extensive grounds adjacent to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Penkridge is a short drive away, where there is a railway station.

The local market town of Stone lies 7 miles north of Stafford. Stone’s reputation for its excellent food and drink is cemented by the monthly farmers’ market and annual Autumn food and drink festival. A pretty and warming place to spend an afternoon shopping and eating out, whilst enjoying views of the scenic Trent and Mersey Canal.