Downs Banks
A little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands
Downs Banks
Overview
A little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands
Downs Banks Brook is a beautiful babbling stream that runs the length of Downs Banks. Keep your eyes open and you may see the fantastic blue flash of a kingfisher.
There are far-reaching views from the highest point on the Downs. A rock pillar stands here and shows you what landmarks can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The Long Mynd (National Trust), Mow Cop Castle (National Trust,) the Wrekin (a prominent hill formed from an extinct volcano) and the Clee Hills are just some of the landmarks to look out for.
From spring to autumn much of Downs Banks is grazed by a small herd of friendly cattle. They're helping us to restore the heath and recreate the traditional ways of farming that have shaped this landscape over hundreds of years.
- Telephone
- 01889882825
- downsbanks@nationaltrust.org.uk
Downs Banks
How to get here
- Address
- Washdale Lane, Oulton Heath, Near Stone, Staffordshire
- By road
- About 5 miles from M6 junctions 14 and 15. Drive into Stone town from the A34 at the roundabout by a "Shell" garage. Bear left onto the one-way system and follow on the left side. Turn left at "Crown and Anchor" pub. Turn right at the end of the one way road. Go over level crossing by "The Talbot" pub and follow "Mount Road". Continue as the road runs next to the canal, Follow the road as it turns right and then for a further mile. Go over a ford and the main entrance is on your left.
- By bus
- Regular bus service between Stoke-on-Trent train station and Stafford train station, stopping at Barlaston and Stone on the way.
- By cycle
- A ½ mile cycle ride from National Cycle Network route 5 which runs from Stoke-on-Trent to Stafford, passing through Stone. Follow brown roadsigns from Bridge 98 on the canal.
- On foot
- Within 2 miles walk of both Stone and Barlaston on local public footpaths. ½ mile from the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Downs Banks
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Downs Banks
Opening times
Wednesday 18 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 19 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 20 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 21 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 22 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 23 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 24 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Downs Banks
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01889882825
- downsbanks@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Washdale Lane, Oulton Heath, Near Stone, Staffordshire