In this family friendly exhibition, we explore how the people of a land-locked county enjoyed their holidays and leisure time.

For the industrial masses of 19th century Staffordshire, a ‘holiday’ as we know it today did not really exist. The small amount of time people could afford to spend away from work was put aside for traditional celebrations.

You can find out how all of this changed when rail travel afforded the working classes their first glimpse of the coast! Tourism boomed, and the holiday seasons paved the way for bright lights and entertainment at the seaside.

A hey-day of holiday fun came, and slowly went. As the world of travel and tourism moved on, it left behind a strong sense of British traditions and values.

This fun and interactive exhibition takes you to from Staffordshire to the shore using objects, photographs and documents from Staffordshire Archive and Heritage’s historic collections. 

Exhibition available to view during the Ancient High House’s opening hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm.