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Apedale Community Country Park and Heritage Centre

Explore Staffordshire’s rich mining heritage and scenic landscapes at Apedale Community Country Park and Heritage Centre.

4.6

Apedale Community Country Park in Newcastle offers 184 hectares of diverse landscapes including woodlands, meadows, and pools, ideal for nature lovers and families. The park houses the Apedale Heritage Centre, a volunteer-run museum and mining heritage site with guided underground mine tours on weekends and bank holidays. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, wildlife spotting, a café, and family-friendly activities in a serene, historic setting.

A brief summary to Apedale Community Country Park

  • Apedale Energy Station Visitor Centre, Blackbank Road, B5367, Newcastle, High Lane, ST5 6AX, GB
  • +441782632350
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends or bank holidays to experience the guided underground mine tours.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive trails and varied terrain.
  • Enjoy a break at the café inside the Heritage Centre, open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Check the visitor centre for scheduled events, guided walks, and family activities.
  • Plan a picnic in one of the scenic picnic areas to fully enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to Apedale Community Country Park is straightforward via the A500, exiting towards the B5367. Parking is available at the Apedale Energy Station Visitor Centre. Travel times from central Newcastle-under-Lyme range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is free but can be limited during busy weekends.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train to Newcastle-under-Lyme station, then catch bus routes 1 or 2 towards High Lane. Alight at Blackbank Road stop, followed by a 5-minute walk to the visitor centre. Bus services run hourly with variable frequency on weekends. A single bus fare typically costs £3-£5.

  • Walking

    From the Blackbank Road bus stop, the walk to the park entrance is about 5 minutes on a well-marked, mostly flat path suitable for all ages and abilities.

Apedale Community Country Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Apedale Community Country Park

A Landscape Transformed: From Mining to Nature

Apedale Community Country Park spans approximately 184 hectares (454 acres) of reclaimed land in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Once an open-cast mining site, the park has been transformed into a vibrant natural haven featuring woodlands, meadows, and pools. Its varied terrain is crossed by numerous paths and tracks, inviting visitors to explore the rich biodiversity and tranquil environment. The park’s restoration reflects a successful blend of industrial heritage preservation and environmental renewal.

Heritage at the Heart: Apedale Heritage Centre

Nestled within the park is the Apedale Heritage Centre, located at the historic site of Staffordshire’s Apedale Mine. This volunteer-run museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past, focusing on coal mining history and local industries. The centre features a small museum with exhibits and a café open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends and bank holidays, visitors can join guided underground tours of the drift mine, which run hourly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, providing an immersive experience suitable for families and children over five years old.

Activities and Visitor Experience

Apedale Community Country Park is well-equipped for family outings and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, pond dipping, wildlife watching, and picnicking in scenic areas. The park hosts guided walks, educational activities, and seasonal events that engage visitors with both nature and heritage. The peaceful atmosphere and open skies make it an excellent spot for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

Facilities and Accessibility

The park offers practical amenities including parking, restrooms, disabled access, baby changing facilities, seating areas, and picnic spots. The Heritage Centre café provides refreshments throughout the week. Dogs are welcome under control, with specific rules in place to protect wildlife and other visitors. The park’s terrain is generally accessible, with well-marked paths suitable for casual walkers and families.

Railway Enthusiasts and Industrial Legacy

The site is also home to the Moseley Railway Trust’s collection of narrow gauge industrial locomotives. Some locomotives are displayed in the Heritage Centre museum, and the trust organizes open days for the public. Plans are underway to develop a dedicated museum and railway to showcase this unique industrial collection, further enriching the park’s cultural offerings.

Connecting Past and Present in Staffordshire

Apedale Community Country Park stands as a testament to the region’s industrial heritage and its ongoing commitment to conservation and community engagement. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the natural environment while exploring the stories and legacy of Staffordshire’s mining history, making it a meaningful destination for history buffs, families, and outdoor lovers alike.

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