The Wolseley Centre

Visitor Centre COVID 19 UPDATE

Following on from the national lockdown announcement, our Wolseley Centre grounds remain open daily 9am-4pm.  The Wolseley Centre's Kingfisher Cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 untl further notice.  The centre's gift shop remains closed. If you intend to visit Wolseley please read our recent Covid 19 updates here

Kingfisher Cafe COVID 19 update 

The Kingfisher cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 untl further notice 

Please see https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/coronavirus  for further COVID 19 updates

What's here?

Please head here for COVID 19 updates 

• A friendly and welcoming visitor centre that sells nature-inspired books, toys, homeware, clothing, cards, bird food and feeders.
• Lots of events. We run events throughout the year to get you exploring the wonderful grounds and learning about the wildlife that calls Wolseley home. From guided bat walks to den building sessions there is something on for everyone 
• May 2019 saw the Trust launching a lakeside cafe known as The Kingfisher Cake  (find out more here). 
• The cafe uses locally sourced ingredients and offers freshly made home cooked foods such as pizzas, jacket potatoes and paninis plus much more. A slice of delicious cake is a must! We even have a Little Kingfishers menu for kids. 
•  26 acres of beautiful grounds to explore, which are full of interesting features and wildlife-friendly display gardens
• A network of accessible footpaths weave around the grounds - ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and little feet! Feed the ducks or take a picnic beside our three lakes or search for colourful dragonflies and the bright blue flash of kingfishers as you stroll alongside the river
• Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy views over tranquil pools and across the River Trent and beyond
• Look for the many natural sculptures and willow creations around the grounds in the leafy undergrowth, and there are plenty of benches if you want to sit and enjoy the tranquillity
• Stop off in the sensory garden, packed with plants that stimulate your sense of smell, taste, touch, sight and sound, or pick up ideas for attracting wildlife to your plot in the wildlife garden. 

Opening times during Covid 19

The grounds are open 9am to 4pm Monday to Sunday.  Please remember the site at Wolseley has limited capacity - so we may have to close the gates early and restrict access if things get too busy to ensure the safety of visitors and staff

The car park is open as normal and will close along with the gates at 4pm

The Kingfisher cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 until further notice and the centre's gift shop remains closed

Find out more about the cafe here

Toilets

There are toilets in the visitor centre. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities which can be used from a seated position.

Contact

Tel: 01889 880100

Email: info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Parking

There is a large car park. A donation for car parking is much appreciated and will go towards the Trust's work protecting wildlife around the county. The car park is currently closing at 4pm on weekdays and at weekends, but visitors are free to park outside the gates and explore the grounds on foot. Access is required at all times so please do not block the gates.

Getting there

The Wolseley Centre is easy to find on the A51 near Rugeley. Look for the brown tourist signs.

Postcode: ST17 0WT

From Stafford: follow the A513 east towards Rugeley for 6 miles until you reach Wolseley Bridge. At the double roundabout cross the first, and turn left at the second into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building

From Rugeley: take the A51 west for two miles. At the roundabout turn right into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building

From Stoke-on-Trent: take the A34 south and then A51 south from Stone. Head south for 12 miles until you reach Wolseley Bridge. At the double roundabout take the left hand filter lane and then turn left at the second roundabout into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building.

Bus: The Wolseley Centre is on bus route 825 between Stafford and Rugeley, runs twice an hour

Dogs 

Dogs are welcome to the centre but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is also a designated area for dogs within the centre's cafe

Mobility Scooter

There is a mobility scooter onsite that is free for guests to use. For further information, ring the centre on 01889 880100

Other facilities and services

Conference facilities: There are two rooms available for hire at the Wolseley Centre for meetings, conferences and other functions. Find out more.

Birthday Parties: Fancy a birthday party with a wild twist? You can celebrate your special day at the Wolseley Centre and take part in a host of exciting outdoor activities, such as a pirate treasure hunt or teddy bear's picnic. Find out more.

Events: There is a packed programme of events and activities at the Wolseley Centre, including Wildlings, Wildplay and Nature Tots for children and guided walks and bushcraft sessions for adults. See our What's On page for details.  

The Wolseley Centre map