Alton, The Star – Camping and Caravanning Club Site | Staffordshire
Heading out and about in Staffordshire? Then I have a lovely camping site to tell you about.
About Alton, The Star
Located on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the views are as spectacular as you would expect at Alton, The Star.
Well maintained and family-friendly this is an ideal location from which to explore Staffordshire. It is a Camping and Caravanning Club site which means that it’s clean, tidy and well maintained. It does also mean that there are the usual rules you’d expect to come with a club site, so beware if you are more of a “damn the rules” maverick camper!
It’s also on a hill so if you have little ones, I would recommend you take their scooters with you on your stay, as they will love speeding around the various loops on site.
Facilities at Alton, The Star
We spent two nights on a hardstanding pitch with electric hook-up but it’s worth noting that there are also grass pitches available (with and without electric hook up) as well as ready camp tents on site. Please be aware that all grass pitches are sloping though so levelling blocks will be required.
The view from the top of the site on the tent field is stunning so regardless of what pitch you book, it’s worth taking a walk up there at some point over your stay.
There were two shower blocks on site which were bright, modern and cleaned on a regular basis each day. There are also plenty of washing up stations and we didn’t have an issue using any of the facilities without the need to queue.
There is also a big play area in the middle of the site, however this was closed when we stayed at Alton, The Star.
Covid restrictions
Check in on arrival was done through the car window and fully socially distanced which was good. The showers, toilets and cleaning stations had every other cubicle closed as well to ensure that visitors had enough space while using them.
As mentioned, the play park was also closed at the time of our visiting last summer and I assume all three procedures will be in place for 2021 too.
What we did nearby
Alton, The Star is located not far from Stoke-on-Trent where you can explore a massive amount pottery themed excursions, including The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery as well as the Wedgewood Visitor Centre. However, we went down a different route and explored the following while we were there.
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor is an ancient woodland that transports walkers to another world full of nature and wildflowers. There is little there by way of facilities – with only a small car park and no toilets on site – but it is a lovely place to pop to for a walk and to explore.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hawksmoor
Churnet Valley Railway
This was such a little gem of a find. With two boys in the family who love old steam trains, we enjoy heading out to take a closer look whenever we are close to a station. We didn’t make it out on a trip (as I didn’t fancy wearing a mask for that extended period of time for the journey), but it was wonderful to see the train in the station and then heading out.
Website: https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/
Shugborough Estate
I could write and entire post on the Shugborough Estate, and I think I will at some point because it’s just so beautiful and there is so much to do there. Owned and maintained by the National Trust, the Shughborough Estate includes a massive parkland, stunning Georgian mansion and a fabulous walled garden.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Alton Towers is just around the corner from Alton, The Star. So, although we didn’t visit on this occasion, this campsite would be a brilliant location if you were thinking of heading in that direction for the day or the weekend.
Details
Address: Alton, The Star Camping and Caravanning Club Site | Star Road | Cotton| Staffordshire | ST10 3DW
With the season due to reopen next month, Alton The Star are now taking bookings. However, please note the toilets and showers will be closed on this site until 17th May.
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