Izaak Walton’s Cottage
Izaak Walton, the celebrated author of the ‘Compleat Angler’, owned this charming cottage that nestles in the tiny hamlet of Shallowford, between Stafford and Eccleshall. His charming thatched 16th century half-timbered cottage will be of interest to anglers and non anglers alike. It offers a marvellous insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Stafford’s famous son.
Izaak left the cottage in his will to the people of his home town of Stafford, and now the museum pays homage to his illustrious life. Inside we learn about Izaak Walton the merchant, churchman, biographer, writer, angler, and Royalist. We learn of his great contribution to the genre of biography and his influence as an early conservationist.
Within the cottage the period rooms are furnished to reflect the rural trappings of the 17th Century. There are also rooms dedicated to Izaak the writer and biographer and to the history and evolution of angling.
The ground floor shop has a range of gifts, souvenirs and local arts and crafts. Nestled within the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, its tranquil environment is perfect for a calm and relaxing afternoon. Why not enjoy afternoon tea or an ice cream in the knot garden or let the children run off their energy in the paddock field.
There is an events programme in the summer months and school and group tours can be booked on request.
Location
Izaak Walton’s Cottage is located on Worston Lane, Stone, ST15 OPA
Opening hours and contact details
Opening hours: Sunday’s 1.00pm to 5.00pm 5th May 2024 Through to 8th September 2024
Free admission but donations are kindly accepted.
Call us: 01785 619131
Email us: info@historicstafford.co.uk
Izaak Walton’s Cottage has a small programme of events that take place during its summer opening months. This includes some bespoke adult workshops alongside our popular, annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic!
We offer tours that cater to KS 1/2/3 designed to fit the requirements of the National Curriculum. The tour at Izaak Walton’s Cottage involves looking at the famous anglers’ life with activities available to keep your pupils engaged throughout the day. Each group has its own designated Heritage guide for the entire day who will do their utmost to ensure you have a fantastic and memorable visit.
Izaak Walton Cottage is now an approved venue for small Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. Please ring or email us to enquire about this service.
Accessibility
Physical Access:
With support, the Cottage ground floor and some of the grounds are wheelchair accessible. Guides are always willing to give any assistance possible.
Visual Access:
Staff in the Cottage are knowledgeable and more than happy to detail the life of Izaak Walton, the history of the building and the context of any items on display. A tablet is available at the cottage which features a short film about Izaak Walton’s life. This film can be played with subtitles, BSL interpretation and audio description. The tablet can be used anywhere on site and may assist with some of the physical barriers that the cottage presents.
Guides are always willing to give any assistance possible. Please phone 01785 760278 for more information, or email us on info@historicstafford.co.uk
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A fantastic piece of history. Recommended.
