Attractions and Places To See around Maer - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Maer, a rural village in Staffordshire, England, offers a tranquil setting with notable historical and natural features. The village is closely tied to figures like Josiah Wedgwood II and Charles Darwin, with landmarks such as Maer Hall and St Peter's Church. Geographic features include Maer Pool, the source of the River Tern, and Berth Hill, an Iron Age hillfort. The area provides a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Maer
- The most popular attractions is King's Wood, Trentham Estate, a trail that is a section of Trentham Park free to access, bordering Trentham Gardens. It is known for its historical connection to the Domesday Book and for being home to wild Black Fallow Deer.
- Another must-see spot is Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial, a man-made monument and historical site commemorating the mining heritage of the area. This 7-tonne wheel originated from Annesley Colliery and was transported to Apedale with community effort.
- Visitors also love Apedale Heritage Centre, a mining museum and cafe. It offers free entry and parking, providing insights into local industrial history.
- Maer and its surroundings offer a mix of historical sites, natural features, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore country estates, ancient hillforts, and industrial heritage.
- The attractions around Maer are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 50 upvotes and 15 photos shared.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
King's Wood, Trentham Estate
Highlight • Trail
"When William of Normandy ordered an inventory of his English domains in around 1086 (now known as the ‘Domesday Book’) it noted that the ‘king holds Trentham’.
The King’s estate is said to include land big enough for three and a half ploughs, managed by a Reeve who had 6 people in his service. Trentham also included an area of 3 ploughs and woodland"
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Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk, Trentham Monkey Forest
Highlight • Trail
Jacob worked without wages for his father-in-law Laban, for fourteen years for the love of his life Rachel.
His father-in-law was an untrustworthy man who repeatedly cheated Jacob.
Jacob continued to work for Laban after his marriage to Rachel and suggested that he be given all the speckled and spotted sheep that may be born as his wages. Laban agreed as he thought that the chances of such offspring would be low.
However, God blessed Jacob with many such sheep being born.
Hence the name Jacob sheep 😊
They can live all year round on whatever vegetation they can pull, even being capable of rooting through a foot of snow to find food.
They seem to prefer grazing rough moor grass, birch scrub, bracken and balsam instead of lush grass, so Monument Walk is the perfect home for them!
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Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial
Highlight • Monument
It took 3 lorries and assistance from the Territorial Army to transport its 30 foot by 19 foot 7 tonnes to Apedale.
Keith Meeson, an ex-miner, can be thanked - he was one of the people responsible for setting up Apedale Heritage Centre and paid what sounds like a bargain £100 for the wheel.
It was a bit more expensive to get the wheel here; a £15,000 Countryside Agency grant helped fund its restoration and placement.
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The Shroppie Fly, Audlem
Highlight • Pub
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Apedale Heritage Centre
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
A very pleasant walk with a certain degree of hills
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Bordering Trentham Gardens, this section of Trentham Park is free to access without an admission charge. The Two Saints Way runs along the ridgeline.
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Shroppie fly now reopened nice selection of beers on tap, dog friendly.
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Apedale mine museum and cafe. Opening Hours: Thursday 10:30am–4pm Friday 10:30am–4pm Saturday 10:30am–4pm Sunday 10:30am–4pm Monday 10:30am–4pm Tuesday 10:30am–4pm Wednesday 10:30am–4pm
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Shroppie Fly does not serve any food anymore - just Drinks between eleven, and three PM
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Simple but good value food. There are stream train rides. A number of tracks to explore.
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Audlem is a great place to explore, several interesting walks starts in the village including the one we did with our 3 year old Grand daughter.
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Oh, and it's free car parking and entry too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Maer?
Maer is rich in history, featuring several notable sites. You can visit Maer Hall, a Grade II listed 17th-century country house, and the nearby St Peter's Church, dating back to 1612, where Charles Darwin married Emma Wedgwood. Additionally, Berth Hill is an Iron Age hillfort incorporated into the Maer Hall estate. Further afield, the Apedale Pit Wheel Memorial commemorates the area's mining heritage, and the Apedale Heritage Centre offers insights into local industrial history.
What is the connection between Maer and Charles Darwin or Josiah Wedgwood?
Maer has strong ties to both Charles Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood II. Maer Hall was the home of pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood II, and his nephew, Charles Darwin, was a frequent visitor. Darwin later married Wedgwood's daughter, Emma, at the village's St Peter's Church. Josiah Wedgwood II and his wife Elizabeth are also buried in the churchyard.
Are there any museums or heritage centers nearby?
Yes, the Apedale Heritage Centre is a prominent mining museum and cafe located nearby. It offers free entry and parking, providing a comprehensive look into the region's industrial past.
What natural features are prominent in the Maer area?
The area around Maer boasts several significant natural features. Maer Pool, a small lake or 'mere,' is notable as the source of the River Tern and gave Maer Hall its name. Berth Hill, an Iron Age hillfort, offers scenic views and was integrated into the Maer Hall estate's landscape. You can also explore King's Wood, Trentham Estate, a free-to-access forest area bordering Trentham Gardens.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting near Maer?
Yes, King's Wood, Trentham Estate is known for being home to wild Black Fallow Deer. Additionally, at Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk, Trentham Monkey Forest, you can observe Jacob sheep, a distinctive breed with historical roots.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Maer?
Absolutely. The Apedale Heritage Centre is a great option with free entry and parking, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Jacob Sheep at Monument Walk, Trentham Monkey Forest provides an opportunity to see unique sheep in a natural setting. The nearby Dorothy Clive Garden is also a lovely green space suitable for family visits.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Maer area offers various outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including moderate tours like the 'St James' Church, Audlem – The Shroppie Fly, Audlem loop from Chapel and Hill Chorlton'. Mountain biking is also popular, with easy trails such as the 'Apedale Community Country Park loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated komoot guides for MTB Trails around Maer and Cycling around Maer.
Are there hiking trails near Maer?
Yes, Maer and its surroundings offer several hiking opportunities. You can find easy trails like the 'Camp HIll – Maer Hills loop from Maer' or the 'Maer Hills loop from Maer'. These routes provide a chance to explore the tranquil rural landscape. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Maer guide.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
The Apedale Heritage Centre includes a cafe, perfect for a break. For a traditional pub experience, The Shroppie Fly, Audlem, located next to the canal, offers a selection of food and drinks in a scenic setting.
What is the best time of year to visit Maer attractions?
Maer's attractions, with their blend of historical sites and natural landscapes, can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor features like Maer Pool and Berth Hill, and for walks around King's Wood. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a tranquil, crisp experience, particularly for visiting historical landmarks.
Is Dorothy Clive Garden accessible from Maer?
While not directly in Maer, the Dorothy Clive Garden is a lovely green space located nearby and is a popular attraction for visitors to the region. It's advisable to check their official website for specific accessibility information and opening times.
Most popular attractions around Maer
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