Shugborough Hall — Attraction in Stafford

A visit to Shugborough Hall is a truly exceptional experience, offering a magnificent blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The estate is praised not only for its stunning Georgian architecture and expansive grounds but also for its dedicated and enthusiastic staff, who genuinely make the visit memorable. 💖 ​A Treasure Trove of History ​The sheer scale of Shugborough is impressive. Visitors can explore the magnificent Georgian mansion, which showcases exquisite 18th-century aristocratic taste and contains global treasures collected by the Anson family. The estate also features a complete servants' quarters and the private apartments of the late Lord Lichfield, which offer a unique look into a more recent and glamorous era. Beyond the house, the vast parkland is dotted with fascinating monuments and follies, inviting exploration and discovery. The working model farm is a particular highlight for families, offering an interactive glimpse into historical rural life. ​Exceptional Staff and Volunteers ​The staff at Shugborough consistently receive high praise from visitors. Their friendly and helpful nature is often mentioned as a key part of the positive experience. The guides and volunteers, in particular, are commended for their passion and knowledge, bringing the history of the estate to life with engaging stories and a genuine warmth. They are always on hand to answer questions, offer insights, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it's a volunteer in the mansion sharing an interesting anecdote or a member of the farm team explaining the daily workings, their enthusiasm is infectious and makes every interaction a delight. Their commitment to making guests feel welcome and informed is a testament to the high standards of the...

Disappointing The house itself and articles, art etc are fine pieces. The house is very dimly lit which may be preservation from UV deterioration but artificial lighting was also poor making it very difficult to enjoy the paintings.

One room had a monstrosity of display items as a giant sail of vinyl poster on a metal frame, flanked with upturned wooden crates with notices are used as display of info. It's so very out of keeping with the house it's a little offensive to the eye. This room wrecked an already underwhelming visit.

All the lovely statues, items of interest etc were very nice but each one was tagged with a large label saying .. Do not touch, so every photograph looks like it was taken at an auction. It would be better to have a notice in ach room to address everything.

The upstairs was closed so this huge house was done in no time. There are no formal garden's surrounding the house, but the views are pleasant. All views are of flat fields and trees which have their own appeal but I'd of expected a grand house to have gardens ...overall I'd suspect money is the issue.

I do know this others who have visited recently were very pleased and enjoyed their experience but this is not something I will return to.

If visiting take into account the café and shop closes an hour or so before the house so any refreshments should be planned in to suit.

Ample parking and a free shuttle service is provided though the walk is pleasant and not too long between parking and the hall itself.

It was... ok... I went on a free open day event late afternoon in late September. Had it have been a brighter and different time of day this might have provided better light so take that...

Went to visit Patrick Lichfield's [5th Earl of Lichfield] apartment. Well-presented. You can see the challenging work that has gone into presenting the rooms as they would have been during his occupancy. Noting that he had a London flat and a house in France. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic in imparting their knowledge of the life and times of this talented photographer and of the more 'frequent guests' who stayed at the apartment. The apartment is an eclectic mix of artefacts, furniture from contrasting times, fads, and fashions. I particularly liked seeing the mid-century modern items. Hearing from fellow visitors their own familiarity and memories evoked from the 1960's items displayed. Choruses of 'your mum had one of those' - eyeing a coffee set in the kitchen and other personal stories associated with that person and the object. The living spaces of past lives, the objects they kept whether a cutting board, tea pot or chair, whether a Royal, Lord or from what is referred to as 'a person's class, social status, ethnicity, culture, mirroring our own and our family's history. The National Trust does this so well. Achieved by the commendable efforts of its staff and volunteers. Great visit, great learning - great people - Oh, nearly forgot! Loved the buggy ride to and from the entrance -...