Premier Inn Stafford

Definitely. Stafford is a great mix of history, green space and character – perfect for a weekend away. Whether you’re into heritage sites, countryside walks or just fancy a quieter town that’s still well connected, Stafford ticks a lot of boxes. Highlights include Stafford Castle, Victoria Park, the Ancient High House and the riverside walk along the River Sow. Plus, it's a handy base for exploring places like Cannock Chase, Shugborough Estate and Alton Towers.

Stafford is best known for Stafford Castle, one of the earliest Norman castles in England, and for the Ancient High House, the largest timber-framed town house in England, dating back to 1595. The town has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times and played a part in the English Civil War. It’s also linked to the county’s pottery legacy – Staffordshire pottery is famous worldwide – and it has a strong military history, too, with a longstanding army presence.

Yes, Stafford is quite close to Birmingham, making it easy to travel between the two. It’s around 30 miles north and well connected by train – the journey takes about 35 minutes on a direct service. By car, the drive can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. 

Stafford is more of a medium-sized town, it’s big enough to have a lively town centre, historic sites and all the main facilities you’d want, but still easy to get around. It has a nice balance between a bustling town and a relaxing countryside escape, especially with places like Victoria Park and nearby Cannock Chase providing plenty of green space.

There’s more to Stafford Castle than just the ruins. You can explore nearly 900 years of history, walk through the woodlands and grassy trails surrounding the site and enjoy some countryside views. The Visitor Centre gives you insight into the castle’s Norman beginnings, Victorian restorations and Civil War role. On a clear day, the view from the castle mound is stunning. Plus, the site sometimes hosts outdoor events like theatre performances and medieval re-enactments in the summer.

Yes, Stafford has a great mix of shops for all kinds of shoppers. The town centre includes high street brands, cafes and supermarkets, while the Guildhall Shopping Centre has well-known retailers. If you like unique finds, head to the independent shops on streets like Mill Street and Gaolgate. There’s also an indoor market with local traders, as well as seasonal markets and farmers' stalls in the town square. And for a bigger shopping trip, places like Birmingham’s Bullring and Telford Shopping Centre aren’t too far away.

Since Stafford is in the middle of the country, the nearest seaside is a bit of a drive – but still doable for a day out. The closest beaches are usually found in North Wales, with Rhyl and Prestatyn being the most accessible, around 90 miles away. These are traditional seaside towns with sandy beaches, fish and chip shops, arcades and places to stroll along the seafront. Or, head to Formby or Southport on the northwest coast for a more nature-focused beach day.

Absolutely! There’s plenty to fill a weekend or longer stay. Explore Stafford Castle, wander through Victoria Park by the river, visit the Ancient High House or learn about local history at Staffordshire Archives and Heritage Centre. There are great places to eat, from cosy pubs to cafes and restaurants. If you’re with family, nearby Amerton Farm and Wildwood Park are fun. And if you're a walker or cyclist, Cannock Chase – a short drive away – is brilliant for getting outdoors.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.