The county of Staffordshire in Englands north midlands covers an area of just over 1,000 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. It stretches from near Birmingham in the south almost all the way to Manchester in the north but most people pass through this largely flat county without realising what gems it has in store for the tourist. Staffordshire can boast the town of Stoke-on-Trent at the heart of the famous Potteries district, a fine red brick cathedral at Lichfield, Britains best theme park at Alton Towers and a beer-lovers delight in Burton-on-Trent. The Peak District which is a fabulous National Park with climbing, canoeing, wonderful bike rides along purpose made tracks, lovely little villages with local craft and produce. Fabulous gardens at Trentham Gardens and Monkey Forest. This area is a good place to hire canal boats, as the canal water-ways are a great way to see the country.