Florence takes a trip up to Dimmingsdale - a jewel in Staffordshire's crown

Florence, our cool coastal cruiser, ( and family), recently took a weekend trip up to Dimmingsdale, a North Staffordshire beauty spot. With dramatic hills and sandstone outcrops, this woodland haven is a delight to visit at any time of the year.

Forestry England manage this tranquil nature lovers paradise, and The Sunday Times recently stated that it was one of the most beautiful places to visit in winter.

With it's unusual and dramatic scenery and breathtaking beauty, it sits surprisingly close to Alton Towers theme park. The distant sound of thrill seeking visitors can be heard sometimes, their screams and the familiar rush of the roller-coasters whizzing over the tracks occasionally floats through the silent forests, adding to the mystique and 'other-worldlyness' of the place.

After exploring the forest, streams and valleys around Dimmingsdale, following one of the many well trodden footpaths and walks, how better to end your day than by dropping into the Rambler's Retreat.

This family-run tearoom offers a lovely menu of meals , snacks and teas to re-charge even the most weary walker. Nestled at the bottom of the valley, The Rambler's Retreat serves it's delicious food and drink to it's customers on tables dotted around the fairytale like gardens. For colder days there are cosy garden huts and garden rooms to sit and enjoy the beauty and stillness of the surroundings and to warm yourselves up with one of the delicious cakes and desserts on offer (lemon meringue pie is a favourite!)

Our dog, Layla, loved splashing in the streams that meander through the forests. It's a dog walker's haven, and with many nearby campsites catering for the visitors of Alton Towers, it's a great choice for a weekend getaway for thrill-seekers ( Alton Towers), nature lovers ( Dimmingsdale), dog lovers ( Dimmingsdale) and camping /food/thrill-seeking/dog/nature lovers combined ( both places)!