Attractions and Places To See around Hilderstone - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hilderstone, a village in Staffordshire, England, offers insights into local history and provides access to a variety of attractions. The area features historical sites, religious buildings, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore both landmarks within the village and numerous points of interest in the surrounding Staffordshire region. This makes Hilderstone a base for exploring diverse attractions.
Best attractions and places to see around Hilderstone
- The most popular attractions is Croxden Abbey Ruins, a religious building that was built in the 12th century as a home for Cistercian monks. Remains of the church, infirmary, and abbot's house are visible, managed by English Heritage.
- Another must-see spot is King's Wood, Trentham Estate, a trail and forest area. This section of Trentham Park borders Trentham Gardens, is free to access, and features the Two Saints Way along its ridgeline.
- Visitors also love Workhouse Bridge, a historical bridge. The road above this bridge historically led directly to an old workhouse.
- Hilderstone is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbey ruins to scenic woodland trails.
- The attractions around Hilderstone are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and over 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Croxden Abbey Ruins
Highlight • Religious Site
Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.
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King's Wood, Trentham Estate
Highlight • Trail
"When William of Normandy ordered an inventory of his English domains in around 1086 (now known as the ‘Domesday Book’) it noted that the ‘king holds Trentham’.
The King’s estate is said to include land big enough for three and a half ploughs, managed by a Reeve who had 6 people in his service. Trentham also included an area of 3 ploughs and woodland"
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Workhouse Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Another interesting fact is that it has a little plaque on with the name 'Christine'
Christina Collins was travelling by narrowboat from Liverpool to London. It is important to remember that some passengers were carried by canal boats as it was cheaper than travelling by coach. She passed through Stone on the journey and raised concerns about her safety to the lock keeper at Aston. Her body was found on 17th June 1839 at Rugeley.
Three of the four bargemen were charged with her murder. All three were sentenced to be hanged so as a souvenir for those attending the execution a broadsheet was printed beforehand showing the three dangling from the portable scaffolding outside Stafford Gaol. However one of the men was reprieved at the last minute and was sentenced to be transported to Australia instead.
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Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk, Trentham Monkey Forest
Highlight • Trail
Jacob worked without wages for his father-in-law Laban, for fourteen years for the love of his life Rachel.
His father-in-law was an untrustworthy man who repeatedly cheated Jacob.
Jacob continued to work for Laban after his marriage to Rachel and suggested that he be given all the speckled and spotted sheep that may be born as his wages. Laban agreed as he thought that the chances of such offspring would be low.
However, God blessed Jacob with many such sheep being born.
Hence the name Jacob sheep 😊
They can live all year round on whatever vegetation they can pull, even being capable of rooting through a foot of snow to find food.
They seem to prefer grazing rough moor grass, birch scrub, bracken and balsam instead of lush grass, so Monument Walk is the perfect home for them!
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Stone Canal Mosaic and Playground
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
Worth a stop and have a wonder around. plenty to see. 10-15 minutes is enough.
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A very pleasant walk with a certain degree of hills
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Croxden Abbey, also known as "Abbey of the Vale of St. Mary at Croxden", was a Cistercian abbey. A daughter house of the abbey in Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, the abbey was founded by Bertram III de Verdun of Alton Castle, Staffordshire, in the 12th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1538. In 1176, Bertram III de Verdun, the lord of the manor of Croxden, endowed a site for a new abbey near Alton, Staffordshire, to a group of 12 Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy. Bertram founded the abbey, like many noblemen of his time, for the souls of his family. The monks remained at the Alton site until 1179, before moving to land near Croxden, a few miles south. Croxden was relatively prosperous, drawing the majority of its wealth from sheep farming. By 1315, the monks were supplying more wool to the continent than any other religious house in the county, with transactions being recorded with Florentine merchants well into the 1420s.
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Bordering Trentham Gardens, this section of Trentham Park is free to access without an admission charge. The Two Saints Way runs along the ridgeline.
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Croxden Abbey was built in the 12th centaury as the home of 70 Cistercian monks. It was converted to a farm after the suppression of the monasteries in 1538. Remains of the church, infirmary and abbots house remain. Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.
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HISTORY OF CROXDEN ABBEY Croxden Abbey was begun in 1179 after Bertram de Verdun, an important local nobleman, granted land to a community of Cistercian monks in 1176. At its peak in the 13th century, Croxden housed about 70 monks. Following the monastery’s suppression in 1538 the abbey and its lands were converted into a farm. The visible remains today include parts of the abbey church, which was one of the most elaborate churches of any Cistercian abbey in England, together with the infirmary and abbot’s lodging. Source: English Heritage
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Hilderstone?
Hilderstone and its surroundings offer several historical sites. Within the village, you can find the Christ Church, Hilderstone, a Grade II listed Gothic-style church built in the 1820s, and a fascinating Moated Site near Hilderstone Hall, which dates back to the 13th century. Nearby, you can visit the impressive Croxden Abbey Ruins, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, or explore the historic Workhouse Bridge with its intriguing local history.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Hilderstone?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Croxden Abbey Ruins offer a chance to explore history in an open setting. For animal lovers, the Trentham Monkey Forest allows visitors to walk among Barbary macaques, and you can even spot Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk within the Trentham Estate. The Stone Canal Mosaic and Playground provides a fun stop for children, featuring a playground and a unique mosaic.
Where can I find natural areas or walking trails near Hilderstone?
For natural beauty and walking, King's Wood, Trentham Estate, offers free access to a forest area that includes a section of the Two Saints Way. Downs Banks is another natural area nearby providing opportunities for outdoor activities. You can also find numerous easy hiking routes around Hilderstone, such as the 'Workhouse Bridge – Bench by the Canal loop from Stone' or the 'Stone Canal Lock – Weak Bridge loop from Sandon'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy hikes around Hilderstone guide.
What is the significance of Workhouse Bridge?
The Workhouse Bridge is a historical landmark whose road once led directly to an old workhouse. It also holds a poignant local story, marked by a plaque with the name 'Christine', commemorating Christina Collins, whose tragic journey and murder in 1839 became a notable local event.
Are there any cycling routes available around Hilderstone?
Yes, the area around Hilderstone is well-suited for cycling. You can explore various routes, including the 'Bench by the Canal – Stone Canal Bridge loop from Stone' or the 'Isabel Trail – Workhouse Bridge loop from Stone'. For more options, including road cycling, refer to the Cycling around Hilderstone guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Hilderstone guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hilderstone?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from the historical depth of sites like Croxden Abbey Ruins to the natural beauty of King's Wood, Trentham Estate. The community particularly enjoys the blend of history, nature, and family-friendly options, with many sharing photos and upvoting their favorite spots.
Can I visit Croxden Abbey Ruins, and is there an entry fee?
Yes, Croxden Abbey Ruins are open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 17:00. It is managed by English Heritage, and entry is free of charge.
Are there any unique animal attractions nearby?
Beyond the Trentham Monkey Forest, you can encounter Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk within the Trentham Monkey Forest area. These distinctive sheep have a fascinating biblical history and thrive on the local vegetation.
What other notable buildings are in Hilderstone village?
Besides Christ Church, Hilderstone is home to several other listed buildings, including Barn to east of Hall Farmhouse, Church Farmhouse, Hilderstone Hall, and The Smithy and School House, offering a glimpse into the village's architectural heritage.
Are there any heritage railways in the vicinity of Hilderstone?
Yes, the Churnet Valley Railway, a preserved standard gauge heritage railway, is located east of Stoke-on-Trent, offering a nostalgic experience for railway enthusiasts.
Is King's Wood, Trentham Estate, free to access?
Yes, King's Wood, Trentham Estate, which borders Trentham Gardens, is free to access without an admission charge. It's a great spot for walks and includes a section of the Two Saints Way.
What kind of activities can I do at the Stone Canal Mosaic and Playground?
The Stone Canal Mosaic and Playground is ideal for families. Children can enjoy the playground, while visitors can admire the unique mosaic, which was contributed to by the local community. You can also head towards the amphitheatre and nature reserve nearby.
Most popular attractions around Hilderstone
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