Shugborough Estate & Canal Cruise with Tea and Cake, Staffordshire

Itinerary

Shugborough Estate, National Trust

We begin our day with a morning visit to the Shugborough Estate, with its rich blend of landscape, monuments, gardens and architecture.

Home to the Anson family since 1624, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise’. Visit this important piece of Staffordshire’s heritage for a morning of discoveries.

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 us to interpret the ideas and materials which flooded into Britain throughout the 18th century, furnishing homes, forging fashions and changing culture.

The Lichfield apartments

In 1960, Patrick Lichfield inherited Shugborough from his grandfather, the 4th Earl of Lichfield, Thomas Edward Anson.

Lord Lichfield established himself as one of the leading professional photographers of the day. His remarkable career enabled him to move in social circles photographing and developing close friendships with high profile celebrities and members of the royal family.

Within the house, Patrick Lichfield had a private apartment created where he continued to live along with his three children and played an important role on the estate until his death in 2005. His son, Thomas, is the current Earl of Lichfield.

The servants’ quarters

Explore life below stairs and the servants’ quarters and see all aspects of their life. The enormous original 18th-century kitchen is largely fitted out with 19th-century mod-cons of the time and see the vast collection of copper, bearing the Lichfield mark. The laundry area consists of two halves; one half was for washing and the other for drying. See the servants’ hall and where they gathered to eat once they’d completed their chores.

The gardens and parkland

There is a large productive walled garden and pleasure grounds, featuring arboretum, terraces, and Europe’s widest yew tree. You 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. Head over to Park Farm to see Dorking chickens, and say hello to the animals, such as Longhorn cows and Southdown sheep that roam around in the fields.

Refreshments

When you need a break of some lunch visit the Park Farm café for snacks and light bites, and Mansion Tea-room for a sit-down lunch and cream teas.

Canal cruise with tea and ckae

After a morning exploring all Shugborough has to offer you will be ready for a rest. We love a canal cruise any time of the year and this one is a perfect way to explore this pretty region of Staffordshire.

Based at Penkridge, on the Staffordshire & Worcester canal, our boat is just a short coach journey from Shugborough. During our 2 hour cruise, which is one of the best ways to explore this pretty region, there will be plenty of time to enjoy your homemade cake with a cup of tea or coffee. Dietary requirements are catered for. Please inform us on booking.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 09.00 and arriving back in Shrewsbury at 18.30

All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel and are dependent upon traffic on the day.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel.

Booking your place

The tour price is £95 per person and £78 for National Trust members.

Non-refundable deposit £20 per person payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Includes return coach travel, morning visit to Shugborough National Trust, Staffordshire. National Trust member discount applies and you will need to bring your membership card with you. 2 hour canal cruise with tea and cake served on board the Judith Mary II. Dietary requirements are catered for. Please inform us on booking.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

The Mansion at Shugborough is approximately a one kilometre walk, through the parkland, from Visitor Reception. A buggy service is available running between Visitor Reception and the Mansion.

Mobility trampers are available to hire on a pre-booked basis at no extra cost. To book your tramper please email shugborough@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The Mansion is accessible by stairs. There is a step-climber, but it cannot accommodate motorised wheelchairs. The Lichfield Apartments can only be accessed by stairs.

For information on facilities click here and select the Accessibility tag. For more on visiting the house click here.

There are steps down from the path to access the Judith Mary canal boat.

National Trust Images: Images of the Shugborough Estate on this page are copywrite to the National Trust and reproduced with their kind permission.

Shugborough Estate & Canal Cruise with Tea and Cake, Staffordshire

Tour Information

Make the most of the season with a visit to the fascinating Shugborough Estate National Trust followed by a canal cruise on the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal.

Included in the Tour

Seats are limited to 37 on this trip

Itinerary

Shugborough Estate, National Trust

Canal cruise with tea and ckae

Travel arrangements

Booking your place