Technology / Engineering

Stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling made this wealthy merchant's house a medieval des res built to impress.

Built around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated in East Anglia by the cloth trade in the 16th century.

Drayton Manor is a fun-filled theme park near Tamworth with rides like Apocalypse, Maelstrom and Pandemonium, animals and of course Thomas Land, home of Thomas the Tank Engine. There's even a 4D cinema and a Dino Trail.

School Visits

Drayton Manor is the favourite day out for schools and colleges. History, heritage, nature and conservation, science, Business and leisure and Health and Safety – there's a host of educational opportunities – plus real value for money!

Key Stage 1 Workshops

This museum, housed in Burrells original paint shop, tells the story of the Charles Burrell Works – a Thetford business that once employed 350 people and supplied beautiful and reliable steam-powered engines throughout the world.  

Burrells built traction engines, agricultural machinery, steam trucks wagons and tram engines, thriving until the internal combustion engine took over from steam power. 

Displays include fine engines and agricultural machinery alongside recreations of parts of the original

Created at the site of Staffordshire's Apedale Mine, offering an underground mine experience, with informative museum, café and gift shop.

We are located in North Staffordshire’s Apedale Community Country Park in an area that was once an industrial powerhouse.

The Heritage Centre was founded in 2001 on the site of Apedale Colliery, which had closed a few years earlier in 1998. We are entirely run by volunteers and our main funding comes from our café, mine tours and donations.