Staffordshire has a multitude of great attractions. It is home to Alton Towers , Drayton Manor, Waterworld and Trentham Monkey Forest. However, there's one, very pretty little attraction that gets overlooked in the shadow of all these huge theme parks.
Izaak Walton Cottage was the home of the author of the 'Compleat Angler' and is more than 400 years old. Today it is a museum about his life and features period rooms, a knot garden and a paddock field. You can find it nestled in the tiny hamlet of Shallowford, between Stafford and Eccleshall, around a 40 minute drive from Birmingham .
Read more: Things to do in Birmingham and the best days out this summer 2024 Competition: Win family tickets to London Zoo with free LNR train travel from Birmingham Izaak left his charming thatched cottage in his will to the people of his home town. It dates back to the 16th century and has a gift shop selling local arts and crafts. One of the reasons it gets so few visitors is probably because it's only open on Sunday afternoons during the summer months.
It gets a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor from just 18 reviews. One said: "A tiny hidden gem, a beautiful peaceful location and a gorgeous cottage.
There's a pretty garden and some benches to sit and soak up the peace and quiet. Very small car park but perfectly manageable in an average-sized car. The lady inside was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Free to enter! Definitely visit if you can!" Discover how to enjoy London on a budget on the Brum.