The Wolseley Centre

What's here?

• A friendly and welcoming visitor centre that sells a variety of nature-inspired books, toys, homeware, clothing, cards, bird food and feeders.
• 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. 
• The Kingfisher Cafe  (find out more here) 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! 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, across the River Trent and beyond.
• 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.
• We are pleased to say that reported cases of Avian flu are currently low and we are able to feed the ducks at Wolseley. 

Accessibility

We aim to welcome everyone and be as accessible as possible. Have a look at our video highlighting our accessible facilities and have a look at our Wolseley Reserve page for more information.

There is a mobility scooter onsite which can be hired for donation. For further information, ring the centre on 01889 880100

Accessible tracks present and kissing gates.

Please note that some of the paths can be uneven and boggy so suitable sturdy footwear is recommended. 

We'd highly recommend having a look at our map which outlines accessible routes, and calling into our visitor centre where our friendly reception team can talk you through the walks and let you know about our current trails, so you can decide if they're suitable for your mobility levels. You can also take a look at the Wolseley Centre nature reserve page here to find out more before your visit.

Many thanks to Cannock Chase National Landscape and DEFRA Access For All Funding for our accessibility videos.

Site information

Toilets

The visitor centre toilets are currently open to the public 

There are 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 with donations from visitors greatly appreciated. This cash goes directly towards keeping Wolseley good for nature and people, as well as helping the Trust to protect wildlife around the county. The car park closes at 5pm everyday. Access is required at all times so please do not block the gates.

Disabled parking available onsite.

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 826 between Stafford and Rugeley.

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.

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.