Staffordshire History Centre Supports Young Visitors
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're looking for somewhere different to take the childrent Staffordshire History Center now have 5 sensory backpacks to help youngest visitors to explore and discover the collections at the History Centre.
The backpacks contain a variety of activities and sensory toys which support families during their visit. The backpacks are free to borrow - please ask at the desk.
About the Staffordshire History Centre
Enjoy over 1000 years of Staffordshire history through displays, changing exhibitions, interactives and restored heritage rooms in the William Salt Library. There is a designated research room for consulting original documents and the Hildegarde Simon activity room where they run seasonal events and activities.
Opening times
The History Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. It is free to visit.
Finding the Centre
The main entrance is via the archway on Eastgate Street in Stafford. There is an additional entrance via gates on North Walls. The two entry points are connected via a pedestrian walkway.
Address: Staffordshire History Centre, Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LZ or you can locate the archway entrance using what three words or find us on google maps as Staffordshire History Centre.
The centre is a ten minute walk from Stafford Railway Station. The most direct route is to walk alongside the edge of the park towards the crown courts and Stafford college. At the war memorial go straight ahead and follow St. Marys Place to Greengate street and and then into Martin Street; when you exit Martin Street the centre will be across the road on your right. You can also walk via Victoria Park crossing the white bridge and exiting the park onto Mill Bank. From South Walls turn left into Cope Street and the centre will be ahead to your left.
The closest bus stops are the Gatehouse Theatre and Gaol Square.
Information about parking can be found on Stafford Borough Council’s Car Parking in Stafford page. The closest public car parks are North Walls (long stay) and the Waterfront and Civic Centre (variable stay). Blue badge parking is located on Tipping Street, please contact the centre for information about blue badge parking at the centre.
Visitor facilities
Visitor toilets including an accessible toilet and baby change table
Visitor lockers
A self service drinks machine (card payments only)
A small gift shop (cash and card)
Audio guides
Accessibility
The history centre is on one level with step free access throughout. The main gallery is brightly lit and spacious with smooth flooring; the space is open plan and sound can echo. A gentle ramp slopes down to the heritage part of the building which is darker with tiled and wooden floors. There is visitor seating both inside and outside.
The Centre is working to create a social story, sensory map and access box; in the mean time you may wish to bring your own sunglasses and ear defenders.
They have an accessible toilet, the closest changing places toilet is located in Staffordshire Place One which is approximately 150m away. They currently offer an audio descriptive tour of their main display, large print labels and printed transcriptions of the audio content. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
They are looking to continually review their work around access and are keen to hear feedback from visitors with lived experience.
For families
They have seasonal family trails and interactive games and puzzles in the main exhibition. You can find picture books and a dressing up station in the William Salt Library. They will be growing their family resources over the coming months with help from the family focus group.
They run family friendly events during Staffordshire school holidays.
You are welcome to breastfeed at the Staffordshire History Centre, please let staff know if there is anything they can do to make you more comfortable. A baby change table is located in the accessible toilet.
Staffordshire History Centre Supports Young Visitors - created 15.10.25
