The town centre is compact and easy to navigate around and has plenty of good parking which is ideal for your Stafford rental car. There is a good range of high street shopping, along with a decent selection of places to eat and stay.

Any visitor to the town should make tracks for Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre. It's just a short two-mile drive from the town centre and you can admire fantastic views across Staffordshire from the castle remains at the top of a hill. The fortress dates back to Norman times and can be viewed year round.

Stafford's Shore Hall Gallery is in the town centre and the Grade 2 listed building houses a collection of regional artists and exhibitions, as well as a craft shop and cafes. It's also a focal point for the town, with regular events.

The Ancient High House is a Tudor period building in town and is recognised as possibly one of the best of its type in the UK. As the largest timber-framed building in England, it has seen guests such as King Charles I stay in its rooms. Today it houses a museum for the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment and an Edwardian era shop, and offers the chance to see the rooms dating back to the 16th century. Nearby St Chad's Church is also well worth exploring - it is the oldest building in Stafford and is often referred to as a hidden gem for visiting tourists.

Birmingham (BHX) is the nearest airport to the town - it's around a 45-minute drive down the M6. You can pick up your hire car here or at downtown locations in Stafford. To find the best price on car rental in Stafford, use TravelSupermarket's search tool to the left.

The town is surrounded by fantastic places for a day out. Cannock Chase is a large area to the south of Stafford known for its wooded hills and beautiful countryside and heathlands. There are many places to go for hikes, with a selection of trails and a number of visitor centres to plan your visit. If you love mountain bikes you will enjoy getting out on two wheels here. Chasewater Innovation Centre and Country Park is also within the area and caters for watersports enthusiasts on the reservoirs, as well as bird spotting and walking.

Shugborough Country Estate is just outside Stafford and is a great location to view a country house, farm and gardens. Weston Hall dates back to the 15th century and Boscobel House also makes for a great historic place to explore.

The National Memorial Arboretum is situated in nearby Lichfield (a fine cathedral city in its own right) and is dedicated to the lives of those who have served the nation both in the military and civilian life. Originating in 1997, it is rapidly becoming a major tourist attraction for its collection of trees and memorials, including the Armed Forces Memorial.

Within striking distance you could enjoy a day out at Alton Towers, one of the UK's best theme parks, a tour on the Ceramics Trail in Stoke-on-Trent discovering the history of china and porcelain in the city, or even a trip to Tamworth to have a go at skiing and snowboarding on the indoor Snowdome. 

And with Birmingham, the Black Country and even the Peak District within easy reach, you'll easily make the most of your hire car.