Unveiling the Staffy Trails

Staffordshire Day this year, Friday 1st of May, will see the launch of the Staffordshire Trail. Thirty unique giant sculptures created by local artists and inspired by local youngsters will connect Staffordshire spaces to our beloved breed of dog.

This lovable character can be found along the trails detailed below. You can visit them all or just the ones that pique your interest, providing another great reason to visit places in our amazing county! You can also download an app to follow the trail, learn interesting facts, and you may receive vouchers and prizes.

Staffy In Stafford...

Across the road from Stafford Railway Station is your first Staffy and the entrance to Victoria Park

Trail Stop 1 - Victoria Park

 The 'World-Famous Brands, Canals and Communities' Staffy. By Marshbrook First School and local artist Sarah Grateley, just outside Victoria Park. Sponsored by Avanti West Coast, North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, M6 Toll, Ancient High House and Heritage Stafford.

Don't enter the park just yet. Turn to your left and follow the pavement towards the road bridge for approx. 100m.

The Staffordshire County War Memorial will be on your right.

Trail Stop 2 - Staffordshire County War Memorial

Retrace your steps to the park entrance and go through the ornate gates into the park.

Follow the footpath through the park towards the white bridge, keeping the bandstand on your right. Cross over the bridge and you'll see the bowling green in front of you. Turn right and follow the path past Albert's Cafe.

Trail Stop 3 - Victoria Park Aviary & Glasshouse

Just ahead on the left is the Aviary, with the Glasshouse beyond. Why not refuel with a cup of coffee or refreshing cold drink at Albert's Cafe in Victoria Park?

Continue to follow the footpath past the Aviary and exit the park onto Mill Bank. 

Trail Stop 4 -  The Town Mill, Mill Bank

Next to the park exit you will see the remains of the water mill and the mill wheel.

With the mill wheel on your right, walk along Mill Street towards the town centre passing The Yard pub on the right and The Post House Bar & Grill on your left. Crossing the road by the mini roundabout, go straight ahead on to South Walls (Nationwide Building Society is on your left) and walk towards the tall cream-colored building (Staffordshire County Council offices).

Trail Stop 5 - Staffordshire Place

Cross the road into Staffordshire Place plaza. Here you will see the ‘Past & Present Staffy’ between Verso lounge and The Liquor Tank.  This was developed by pupils from Sir Graham Balfour High School and local artist Ruth Allen. Sponsored by JMW Media.

Walk through Staffordshire Place, passing Stafford Library on your right. Turn right onto Tipping Street. Walk along Tipping Street to the junction with Eastgate Street (Shrewsbury Arms pub on your left). Cross Eastgate Street and Staffordshire History Centre is directly in front of you.

Trail Stop 6 - Staffordshire History Centre

The History Centre is a new cultural venue and museum that brings together three historic collections through exhibitions, heritage rooms and a dedicated space for researchers.

From the History Centre turn right and walk along Eastgate Street, passing the County Buildings on Martin Street on your left and The Colonnade shopping alley on your right. Cross over Eastgate Street to find the Gatehouse Theatre.

Trail Stop 7 - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

The former historic Borough Hall now houses Stafford's theatre and performance venue.

From the theatre turn left into Market Street. Walk along Market Street into the Market Square where you will find the 3rd Staffy sculpture.

Trail Stop 8 - Stafford Market Square

Located in the heart of our county town, with Shire Hall's impressive facade as backdrop, the 'Caring and Nurturing Staffy' by young people from the Voice Project and local artist Tom Edwards is sponsored by Foster for Staffordshire.

Head down Greengate Street (with Shire Hall on your left) towards the black and white timber-framed building - the Ancient High House. Why not take a selfie with Ancient High House in the background?

Trail Stop 9 - Ancient High House

Outstanding Elizabethan timber-framed townhouse with period rooms, exhibitions and centuries of stories (Note that the Ancient High House is open Thursdays to Sundays only).

Turn right out of the High House and continue along Greengate Street. St Chad's Church is opposite the Swan Hotel.

Trail Stop 10 - St Chad's Church

12th-century Norman church, St Chad's is Stafford’s oldest building.

Retrace your steps to the Ancient High House and turn left into St Mary's Place. Ahead on the right you will see the collegiate church of St Mary.

Trail Stop 11 - St Mary's Church

Historic 13th‑century church beside the Saxon St Bertelin’s Chapel site. In front of the church is a lovely green space.

Keep walking along St Mary's Place until you reach the Soup Kitchen. Turn left into Church Lane and follow this to the end, where it meets Mill Street / Water Street. Turn slightly right onto Earl Street and you will see the Almshouses across the road.

Trail Stop 12 - Martin Noell's Almshouses

Walk back towards Mill Street and turn right onto Water Street. Follow Water Street to the mini roundabout junction and you'll see Victoria Park in front of you across the road.

Trail Stop 13 - Victoria Park & River Sow

You are back in Victoria Park which has welcomed visitors for over a century, and many of its original Edwardian features, like the bandstand and riverside paths are still proudly preserved.

Staffy in Stoke-on-Trent...

Stoke-on-Trent is full of paw-some history and heritage, it is a World Craft City – internationally renowned for its ceramics industry and affectionately known as 'The Potteries'.

From Stoke Minster in the town centre, to the recently regenerated Goods Yard and the leafy surrounds of Hanley Park, on this self-guided walking trail you find out about historic people and places that have not just shaped Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, but the whole country. It takes about 1-1½ hours to walk and is accessible for people with most abilities.

Don’t forget to sniff out the three unique Staffy sculptures – developed by local artists and schools- and win some great prizes and discounts along the walkies!

Staffy In Tamworth...

As you exit Tamworth Railway Station, keep to the pathway on the right, bearing right, to the pedestrian crossing.

Trail Stop 1 - Aethelflaed statue

Notice on your left, in the middle of the traffic island, Aethelflaed pointing the way to the town centre.

Cross over and walk straight ahead to the next pedestrian crossing. Turn left once over the road, with Dominos Pizza on your right, make your way down Victoria Road for the next five minutes.

When you reach the end of the road, just to your right is a pedestrian crossing, cross over and turn left then right into Victoria Road, here you will see the Victoria Road bus terminus.

Trail Stop 2 - The Sheriff Pub

Walk to the end of the road, approx. 2 minutes and turn right into Colehill, as you walk up the slight incline notice the building on your right, now known as ‘The Sheriff Pub.’

Keep walking straight, with ‘The Penny Black Pub’ on your right into Lower Gungate. On the right is Spinning School Lane Car Park.

Trail Stop 3 - Thomas Guy’s Almshouses

Just ahead on the right are the Almshouses.

Directly opposite the Almshouses you will see Little Church Lane, this short walk will bring you into the Churchyard. Walk straight ahead until you reach the Library on your right.

If you are arriving from Corporation Street Bus Terminus, from Corporation Street, turn left keeping the Assembly Rooms on your right and the library on your left.

Trail Stop 4 -  Memorial Obelisk

In front of the library you will see the memorial obelisk.

Turn left and take the pathway towards St Editha’s church. Continue towards the end of the path, look right over your shoulder and see Tamworth’s War memorial. Turn left, take the path behind the church and walk to the end, turn right, walk along the path, halfway look left, and you will see the headstone of Thomas and Lydia Parkes and at the bottom, the memorial stone for Samuel Parkes

Trail Stop 5 - St Editha's Church

Walk to the end of the path (do not go down the steps) and turn right along the path in front of St Editha’s church. At the end you will see the ‘Nature & Rural Communities Staffy’ in the corner of the church.  This was developed by pupils from King Edward VI School and local artist, Steve Edwards.

Walk to the front of St Editha’s church and read the signs to learn more about one of the largest and oldest churches in the Midlands.

Trail Stop 6 - St Editha's Square & Anchor Memorial

From the church walk into St Editha’s Square and head for the memorial of 3 large anchors dedicated to three seamen serving in the Second World War.

Trail Stop 7 - 'Pride in Staffordshire Staffy' Market Street

Turn around and walk back across St Editha’s Square towards the entrance of Middle Entry, when you reach the end of the undercover shopping area, directly in front of you is the second Staffy sculpture on the trail. This is the 'Pride in Staffordshire Staffy' designed by Tamworth resident Amy Stokes, winner of the 'Sketch a Staffy' competition, and local artist Victoria Turner.

Turn around and walk back towards the Town Hall, built by Thomas Guy in 1701, the area beneath the hall served as the Butter Market.

Trail Stop 8 - Sir Robert Peel Statue

Turn left and walk behind the Town Hall. You will reach the statue of Sir Robert Peel.

Continue past Sir Robert Peel to the other side of the Town Hall, opposite take the Castle Gateway. Why not take a selfie with Tamworth Castle in the background?

Trail Stop 9 - Tamworth Castle

Once you’ve crossed the bridge turn immediately right and head up the motte of the Castle (steep incline) for the best panoramic views across Tamworth. Find the wishing seat! (Note that the castle is open Thursdays to Sundays only).

Make your way back down the motte, at the bottom, turn right and follow the pathway always keeping the Castle on your right. As you near the end of the pathway you will see on your left a large black anchor (See the interpretation panel) The anchor was donated by the Peel family, it came from a Russian ship which saw action during the Crimean War.

Trail Stop 10 - Aethelflaed Monument

A little further along the pathway on the right is the oldest Aethelflaed Monument.

Trail Stop 11 - Holloway Lodge

Keep walking to the left of the monument and continue under Holloway Lodge.

Trail Stop 12 - 'Connection Staffy' at Ladybridge

Turn left, walk straight ahead to Ladybridge where you will find the 'Connection Staffy' sculpture by Wilnecote High School and artist Carla Dee.

Trail Stop 13 - Watchman and The Staffordshire 3 Memorial

Turn around and take the pathway running alongside the entrance to Castle Car Park until you reach the black railings, walk through the gates and in front of you on the lawn area you will find Watchman and The Staffordshire 3.

Trail Stop 14 - Castle Grounds & Planet Walk

If you turn around and continue onward and take the bridge over the river, immediately on your right is the public toilets, on the side wall is a large image of ‘Watchman’. If you turn back out through the black gates and turn left, continue onwards you will discover the large outdoor play area, skate park, and the Planet Walk.

If that’s not for you, follow the pathway along the edge of the lawn with the River Anker on your right, when at the end of the lawn turn left and you will see on your right the Sensory Garden.

Unveiling the Staffy Trails - created 28th April 2026