Trentham Shopping Village — Local services in Stafford

I love it here. Definitely a full day out . The Shopping Village has a lot of quirky stores - we liked the cheese shop ( lovely to try samples of all the cheese before we bought any) , the crystal shop, the whiskey shop, Whittards ( again really welcoming and able to try lots of different teas/coffee/hot chocolate. There’s a really funky clothes shop selling Jayden fun furs/ and quirky tops, skirts, scarves and dresses . The garden centre is HUGE and full of bargains - I especially love the food/wine section which has loads of choice including cannoli and all kinds of sweets and cakes plus a really good range of soft drinks. We bought candles, joss sticks, garden ornaments but there really is all kinds of everything and surprisingly good prices . Lots of places to eat but if you’re going savoury steer clear of the creperie place - huge disappointment serving wet anaemia English style pancakes with chunks of raw onion and grated cheese . My friend and I were really really disappointed when we went there. More of a craperie than a creperie . The Garden Centre has a few sit down places to eat and the food is nice . I think you could spend a whole day just wandering round with stops for coffee and cakes. There’s also the pieminster shop plus a couple of places newly opened ( Greek and Italian I think ) . Most good I’d reasonably priced and good value . Parking is excellent , loads of spaces and free . Toilets were clean . I first went around Christmas and it was heaving , went for the second time two weeks ago and it was less busy and easier to try the free samples . On both occasions we had a very full day ( and we didn’t even go round the gardens ) so it’s a lovely day out and most of the stuff is very reasonably priced . Might benefit from a few more ‘food on the go’ places - the produce is pretty good so nice burgers / hot dogs / gyros at lower cost than eating in would be...

We visited recently as the last time we went to the gardens we didn't have time for the shops and they looked good. Our last visit was likely a good 2 years ago and the shops have understandably changed now, but not for the better. What a disappointment the variety was, I use the word variety loosely. There was nothing quirky or special, nothing that made me go Wow. I found nearly all of the shops overpriced and not particularly exclusive, most of what was available could be bought cheaper online and that just irritates the life out of me. The only shop to have consistent stock and low prices was The Works, but as they are pretty much in every town we didn't even bother going in. Of course, I know that some shops are independent and it takes a lot to keep a small shop going but when you overprice and outprice yourself, I'm not surprised. It was a nice area to walk around, clean and had some fabulous flower displays in pots etc. Benches are plentiful to take a seat and rest. Clear signage and plenty of entrances and exits to the car park The car park has plenty of room (we visited in the week when all schools are in session), not many disabled bays considering we arrived at 1030 and all taken. There is a map but no fear of getting lost so unnecessary really. Access to the gardens is via the shopping village. All shops welcome dogs on leads including food shops. Note - the garden centre is not allowing dogs in anymore I am not in a rush to go back to the village...

This is a great day out with lots on offer. We took our 4 legged friend around the gardens on a beautifully sunny day. They have completed further work on the gardens and there are lovely fairies with wooden sculptures to admire. There are great photography opportunities all around the lake and gardens. We walked about 2 miles and there is a restaurant with outdoor seating with great views over the lake. There is also a coffee & snack bar conveniently situated half way around the walk. We managed to print a 2 for 1 voucher available on their website valid from the 25th October until late January. The shopping village has a wide variety of shops with mostly very friendly staff with some going the extra mile. There is plenty on offer regarding eateries from simple coffee shops to restaurants. There is also a good range in the garden centre with lovely comfy seats for a coffee & cake break. The garden centre has a good range of products and great for gift shopping. They have a great Christmas range and displays to inspire ones desires. The garden centre has good quality plants albeit a tad expensive but they do have offers. There is a good choice of accessories and gardening equipment plus a great bird/wildlife section. A grand day out with something...