From theme parks to unique wildlife experiences, Staffordshire has adventure, culture and beautiful surroundings - perfect for a family break

Never having been to Staffordshire before, we headed up there to find out just what the area can offer families on a day trip or short break.

We made a beeline for the UK's most famous theme park, Alton Towers. Nestled among the rolling hills and woodland of the Staffordshire countryside, the park caters for kids of all ages. It is divided into ten imaginatively themed areas, such as Ug Land, Katanga Canyon and Merrie England, and you can get around either by strolling along tree-lined pathways or by taking the cable car Skyride, which gives stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Rides galore

Our 'team' split up into the daredevils (husband Bob and eight-year-old Charlie) and gentle adventurers (four-year-old Louis and me). Aside from an initial disappointment at being too small for rides such as Air and Nemesis (appeased with promises of returning once he's grown) the daredevils loved The Blade, The Corkscrew and Spinball Whizzer (voted 'best ride' by Charlie).

Louis and I opted for the gentler attractions in Old Macdonald's Farmyard, the thrilling (for us anyway) Beastie, and Squirrel Nut Ride. But the big hit for Louis was definitely the Peugeot 207 Driving School. He passed his 'driving test' no fewer than five times!

Joining forces again, we headed for the Tea Cup ride (which is faster than you would imagine!), Congo River Rapids and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ride! My personal favourite was the Runaway Mine Train. Screeching around in the pouring rain made it all the more exciting.

Pirates and inventors

After a full and somewhat exhausting day around the park we took the mono-rail back to the Alton Towers Hotel, and relaxed in the beautifully landscaped gardens while the children hopped back and forth over the stepping stones across the lake. The hotel is themed around the world of Sir Algenon Alton, the famous traveller and inventor, and is filled with crazy inventions and a wonderful pirate ship that is perfect for little climbers.

The hotel not only has child-friendly restaurants, but also a bar and evening entertainment for kids and grown-ups. We dined in the Secret Garden restaurant, which has mouth-watering dishes for grown-ups as well as a healthy and appealing kids' menu, then watched the pirate-themed kids' cabaret.

Wet and wild

We decided to pay an early morning visit to the wet, wild and wacky Cariba Creek Waterpark, in the neighbouring Splash Landings Hotel, which went down very well with both of our boys. The daredevils whooshed down the Master Blaster and other adrenaline slides, while Louis and I explored the Wacky Waterworks. Watch out for the massive drenching from the Tipping Bucket!

Monkey business

Leaving the thrills of Alton Towers we headed towards Stoke-on-Trent to visit the Trentham Monkey Forest. This 60-acre site is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, and as you walk around you see these wonderful creatures exhibiting natural behaviour with not a cage or bar in sight.

Native to Algeria and Morrocco, Barbary macaques are considered an endangered species, and the owners of the Monkey Forest are committed to protecting them; over 600 monkeys have been reintroduced into their natural habitat by the three sister parks (based in Germany and France).

Strolling around the forest, we saw the macaques in the trees, playing in the grassy areas and even ambling in front of us on the path. We were also lucky enough to see a tiny baby macaque being carefully looked after by two males.

Following the woodland trail, you can learn all the fascinating facts about these monkeys (kids can also pick up a quiz sheet as they arrive) and the friendly and informative staff roam the grounds to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Practical information

Alton Towers
Alton
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire ST10 4DB (08704 444 455)
www.altontowers.com

Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Estate
Stone Road
Trentham
Staffordshire ST4 8AX (01782 659845)
www.monkey-forest.com

More in Staffordshire

• Amerton Farm - Indoor adventure play area, farm yard, wildlife centre and a craft centre.
• Drayton Manor Park - Family theme park with kids rides, family fun, zoo, and thrill rides.
• Waterworld - Wet and wild thrills at the UK's number 1 aqua park.
• Snow Dome - Indoor snow slope with real snow, with rental fleet of skis and snowboards and also has snowblades and toboggans for hire.
• Potteries Museum and Art Gallery - Travel back in time and discover the history of the the Potteries, including the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics.
• Etruria Industrial Musem - A 19th-century mill situated on the Trent, Mersey, and Caldon canal.

For more information about these and other attractions, events and activities in Staffordshire, visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com.