Stafford becoming hot destination for people looking to set up home - here's why

Staffordshire's county town had shown double-digit growth of 12 per cent, with only the port city of Plymouth recording a higher increase. Stafford recorded an average home value of £321,248, a £34,516 increase on 2024.

So, what is it about Stafford that is making it such an attractive place for people to live? We've taken a look at everything the town has to offer and compiled this list.

What is there to do in Stafford?

Among the activities people can do is visit the historic Stafford Castle, a structure which has more than 900 years of history and which overlooks the town and provides a vantage point across four counties. 

The site itself extends to more than 26 acres and consists of Keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden, visitor centre and car park. The Keep is open to the public during Visitor Centre opening hours.

The Visitor Centre has an audio visual display which tells the history of the castle; hands on items including arms, armour and costumes; a timeline to put the history of the castle into a national context; a display area with a changing programme of exhibitions and exhibits; and the opportunity to try coin minting and brass rubbing.

The Ancient High House on Greengate Street has been described as one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country and is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England.

Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury, and the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features, as well as being the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum.

In 1986, the house opened as a museum and provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived there over the centuries.

Just on the outskirts of the town, overlooking the Staffordshire countryside, is the Shugborough Estate.

Home to the Anson family since 1624, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise' and 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 to interpret the ideas and materials which flooded into Britain throughout the 18th century, furnishing homes, forging fashions and changing culture.

Visitors 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. 

The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is a place to savour a bit of culture by taking a seat at the critically acclaimed Stafford Festival Shakespeare and other shows.

As well as offering a range of touring shows varying from comedy, plays, music and cabaret, the venue also produces the critically acclaimed Stafford Festival Shakespeare at Stafford Castle, a Summer School musical and is one of only five theatres in the country to produce a Rock 'n' Roll panto.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is also home to the award winning Youth Theatre SGYT, The MET Studio and has a range of function rooms available for conferences and weddings.

For people looking for a place to take a walk and enjoy green scenery, there is Victoria Park, a Green Flag award-winning park located on the banks of the River Sow in the heart of the town centre.

The Park has a wide range of facilities all year round for all ages to engage in recreation activities and with the River Sow running through the park, the grassy bank offers a perfect opportunity to sit and relax whilst watching the ducks.

It also one of a number of locations competitors in the annual Stafford Half Marathon are able to view as they run around the town.

The events heart of the town can be found at Market Square, with a regular series of events taking place, including street markets and ceremonial events.

What towns are there to visit in the surrounding area?

The area around Stafford is one blessed with three picturesque towns full of colour and activity.

North of Stafford is the Canalside market town of Stone, which offers artisan monthly markets, regular Farmer’s Markets and the Stone Food and Drink Festival. 

The Trent & Mersey Canal flows through Stone town centre, past the Crown Wharf and the Joule’s Brewery flagship Brewery Tap built in the shadow of the original Brewery.

To the west is the thriving town of Eccleshall, a place which carries a true community spirit and people who love their town.

It offers an alternative to the high street brands with plenty of independent stalls and a leisurely café culture, as well as a unique micropub called the Ecclian where the landlord will find a drink if a customer wants it.

Finally, to the south is the market town of Penkridge, a town with heritage and history running through it.

Easily accessible by train, the town holds a regular market and is home to the Littleton Arms, a pub offering a menu full of unique and high quality meals.

What are transport links like for people visiting and living in Stafford?

Stafford is ideally located for people travelling in by train, by bus or by car.

The town is linked to the M6 motorway from the south by Junction 13 and the north by Junction 14, as well as the A518 from the west and north-east, the A34 from the north and south, the A51 from the south-west, the A513 from the west and the A449 from the south.

Stafford offers strong transport links via its main railway station, with services from Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry connecting to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool. The time it takes to get to London on certain lines from Stafford can be as much as 30 minutes less than other lines.

The bus links are strong as well, with regular services towards Wolverhampton, Cannock and Stoke-on-Trent, as well as National Express Coach Services to all points of the country.

What is housing like in Stafford?

There are several new housing developments building up around Stafford as more people move into the area.

The David Wilson Homes development called the Catkins can be found at the north of the town alongside Bovis Homes Partridge Walk and Marston Grange.

Elsewhere, the St Modwen Homes development the Fairways is serving the south of the town, and Bellway's Victoria Gate is a prime location for people looking to move into the town centre.

What does the town council say about what makes Stafford special?

A spokesman for Stafford Council said: "The historic County Town of Stafford offers a unique Town Centre experience; it has an abundance of shops, from the major high street retailers to the niche independent stores that offer you something that little bit different.

"There is a good choice of restaurants, bistros and quaint coffee shops, as well as a great selection of bars. 

"Stafford is more than just a town, it is rich in its history and heritage with stunning architecture that can be traced back over many centuries. 

"The beautiful Market Square is home to many of the events that take place in the town every year including, the half marathon, Mayor's Parade and the Christmas lights switch on.

"Stafford is a fabulous place to visit, work, live and do business in."

Here are the top 10 reasons to love Stafford:

1. Stafford Castle - historic, striking and a great way to look over the town from up high

2. Ancient High House - a fine example of Tudor history in the modern era

3. Shugborough - Enjoy an oasis of calm amid Georgian architecture

4. Queens Retail Park - full of major chains and great shopping opportunities

5. Stafford Half Marathon - held every March, the event sees thousands of people pounding the pavements of the town

6. The Soup Kitchen - a hearty meal and warm welcome in an historic building

7. Transport links - every road leads to somewhere and the town is easy to get to from everywhere

8. Range of food and drink - Stafford is brimming with bars and cafes and has everything for a night out

9. Gatehouse Theatre - a centre for great entertainment and all types of culture

10. Tony's Ices - The original and best ice cream in the whole of Stafford