Things To Do
in Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter is a historic market town in Staffordshire, England, perched on the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands. It blends a compact town center with countryside charm, offering independent shops, cafes, and heritage architecture. The town is known for Uttoxeter Racecourse, which adds a festive note during race days.

Its surrounding lanes and riverside paths make it a good base for exploring the Derbyshire Peak District and Cannock Chase.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Uttoxeter Market Town Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the Uttoxeter market, which comes alive with local vendors showcasing fresh produce and handmade crafts. Enjoy a breakfast at a quaint café, savoring traditional English fare while interacting with friendly locals. Take some time to explore the charming streets and historic buildings surrounding the market square.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the fascinating Uttoxeter Racecourse, where you can learn about horse racing history or even catch a live event if the schedule allows. Wander through the town's parks, taking in the natural beauty and perhaps having a casual picnic. Spend a couple of hours at local shops, hunting for unique gifts and souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to one of Uttoxeter's cozy pubs for dinner, enjoying hearty meals paired with local ales. Engage in conversation with residents or fellow travelers, absorbing the warm, welcoming atmosphere. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the River Churnet, taking in the tranquility and beauty of the nighttime scenery.

day 2
Historical Sights and Local Culture
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Old Courthouse, a historic building that tells the intriguing story of Uttoxeter's past and its role in local governance. Take a guided tour if available or enjoy a self-guided exploration of the interesting exhibits. Don’t forget to capture some photos of this stunning architecture.

afternoon
:

After grabbing lunch at a nearby eatery, head to the local museum to dive deeper into the area’s history, including artifacts from the Stone Age to the Victorian era. Later, take a short trip to the nearby Alton Towers Theme Park for a thrilling afternoon of rides and attractions. If theme parks are not your thing, visit the nearby St. Mary’s Church, enjoying its stunning architecture and rich history.

evening
:

For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant known for its innovative takes on traditional dishes, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. After the meal, take a short walk to a local theatre or community event to see if there are any performances or shows scheduled. Wrap up your night with a quiet drink at a nearby bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or tea$2-4
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-50
🏨Hotel room per night$70-120
🚆One-way public transport ticket$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town center with walkable streets
  • Strong local heritage and rural surroundings
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Rural location means some attractions require a short drive

Places to Visit in Uttoxeter

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Place & Moot Hall

A picturesque square with a historic guildhall, clock tower, and charming shopfronts.

St Mary the Virgin Church & surrounding lanes

A tranquil medieval church setting with atmospheric streets and architecture for photography.

Trent & Mersey Canal towpath

A peaceful waterway with moored boats and reflections ideal for golden-hour shots.

Rural lanes to the east

Classic Staffordshire countryside landscapes perfect for wide-angle landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter's local cuisine centers on classic British pub fare, hearty dishes, and fresh countryside produce from nearby farms.

Uttoxeter Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steak and ale pie

A hearty regional pie often served with mash or chips; best tasted at a traditional pub in the town.

Must-Try!

Staffordshire oatcakes

Thin crepe-like pancakes made from flour, often savory fillings; available at local cafes and pubs.

Sausage and mash

A staple comfort dish featuring local sausages and mashed potatoes, commonly found in town pubs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Uttoxeter Market

Weekly market on the Market Place offering local produce, bread, cheeses, and meats.

Seasonal street food events

Seasonal food stalls and pop-ups in the town center during events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Uttoxeter experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, wet winters. Average summer highs are around 20-22°C (68-72°F), while winter temperatures often hover around 0-5°C (32-41°F). Rain is common year-round, so packing a waterproof layer is wise. Spring and autumn offer comfortable conditions for outdoor activities with changing foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and greetings

British etiquette favors orderly queues and polite greetings such as a simple hello or good morning.

Pubs and meals

Be mindful of seating arrangements and tipping norms; avoid loud behavior in quiet pubs.

Respect for private spaces

Ask before photographing people in private settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Uttoxeter is generally safe for visitors. Practice normal travel precautions: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets, and be cautious at night in poorly lit areas. Dial 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency police reporting in the UK.

Tipping in Uttoxeter

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common in pubs and restaurants; if service is not included, 10-15% is typical; you can round up small bills.

Payment Methods

Cards (including contactless) and mobile payments are widely accepted; cash is still useful, especially in markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with outdoor events and races; bring sun protection and light layers for evenings.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest markets; expect some rain; pack a waterproof jacket.

Winter

Cool temperatures and occasional frost; shorter daylight hours; cozy pubs and indoor activities.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside; great for outdoor walks and countryside photography.

Nightlife Guide

Uttoxeter at Night

Uttoxeter's nightlife centers on traditional pubs and family-friendly bars; a handful of venues offer weekend live music, with more low-key options on race days.

Hiking in Uttoxeter

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cannock Chase AONB

Expansive woodlands and heathland with varied trails suitable for all levels.

Churnet Valley Trails

Scenic river valley paths near cottages and mills, offering picturesque viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Uttoxeter by plane.

East Midlands Airport (EMA)

Approximately 40-50 miles away; good for international travel with road/rail connections.

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Around 60-70 miles away; major international hub with extensive flight options.

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Approximately 60-70 miles away; well-connected to UK and international destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Uttoxeter is highly walkable in the town center, with most shops, pubs, and attractions within easy strolling distance. Surrounding countryside is best explored by bike or car, though several scenic walks are accessible from the town. Parking is generally available, but can be busier during market days and race events.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A sizeable portion of residents are families with school-age children; good local schools and parks support family life.

Retirees

A significant retiree presence adds a calm, community-focused atmosphere and active local clubs.

Commuters

Some residents commute to nearby towns for work, aided by good road access and regional train links.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Horse racing

Uttoxeter Racecourse hosts regular race meetings and events, a defining local highlight.

Cricket

Local clubs play through the summer with community involvement and cricketing events.

Football

Town and nearby clubs offer seasonal matches and local leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light outside peak commuting hours. Market days and race days can increase congestion in the town center. Public transport is available by rail and bus services; car parking is usually feasible but can fill up during events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Uttoxeter.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Uttoxeter, vegetarian options are widely available at pubs and cafes; most places can accommodate requests for veggie mains and uses local produce when possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided through local NHS GP practices in the town. For emergencies, call 999. The nearest hospitals with A&E departments are in larger nearby cities (e.g., Stoke-on-Trent or Derby), with additional services available at regional clinics and pharmacies in Uttoxeter for minor concerns. NHS 111 is available for non-emergency medical guidance.

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