The Ancient High House

The Ancient High House sits right in Stafford town centre, and it's one of those places that stops you dead when you realise how old it actually is. Built in 1595, this timber-framed townhouse is the largest of its kind in England - proper impressive when you stand in front of it and clock the detail in those dark wooden beams against the white plaster.

Inside, you get a genuine feel for Jacobean life. The rooms are set up as they would have been four centuries ago, with period furniture and domestic objects that make the whole thing tangible rather than dusty. Climbing the narrow stairs feels like you're genuinely slipping back in time. The Civil War connection matters too - King Charles I stayed here in 1642, which adds weight to the experience if you're into that era.

It's absolutely the kind of place history enthusiasts will linger in for a couple of hours, picking out architectural details and reading the interpretive panels properly. Children under ten might find it a bit slow unless they're already museum-keen. Allow 90 minutes to do it justice.

The location is brilliant for a broader Stafford trip - you're walkable to the town centre shops and restaurants, and it's close enough to Cannock Chase if you want to combine it with outdoor walking. Several caravan parks sit nearby: Canalside Camping is just 4.6 miles out if you're basing yourselves locally. Check ahead on opening hours and admission fees before you visit - these details vary.