Attractions and Places To See around Staunton - Top 20

The Staunton area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive ruins of Newark Castle Ruins, which were partly destroyed in 1646 at the end of the English Civil War. Another significant historical site is Belvoir Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland, offering tours of its house and gardens. Beyond these, Staunton itself boasts the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, the historic architecture of Downtown Staunton, and the Frontier Culture Museum, an open-air living history museum.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Belvoir Castle and Newark Castle Ruins are both marked as family-friendly. For outdoor fun, Woolsthorpe Middle Lock on the Grantham Canal is a picturesque spot. In Staunton, Gypsy Hill Park offers playgrounds and a mini-railroad, while the Frontier Culture Museum provides an engaging historical experience for all ages.

The region around Staunton offers diverse natural beauty. You can enjoy the scenic views from Belvoir Castle, which overlooks the Vale of Belvoir. For more extensive outdoor experiences, consider visiting Gypsy Hill Park for green spaces, Betsy Bell Wilderness Park for hiking and panoramic views, or Sherando Lake Recreation Area for swimming and trails. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park are also easily accessible for breathtaking vistas and hiking.

Staunton is home to several unique cultural attractions. The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater. You can also explore the Camera Heritage Museum, the largest public camera museum in the U.S., or the Antique Fire Engine Museum. For art enthusiasts, the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art features rotating exhibits.

Staunton's Historic Downtown, particularly Beverley Street and the Wharf Historic District, is known for its unique shops, boutiques, and small businesses offering handmade goods, local art, and antiques. You'll also find a variety of cafes and dining options. For fresh produce and local crafts, the Staunton Farmers Market is a great spot, often featuring live music.

The area around Staunton is popular for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of bikes. For mountain biking, explore trails like the 'Belvoir Castle – Woolsthorpe Middle Lock loop from Bottesford' or 'Woolsthorpe Middle Lock – Woolsthorpe Middle Lock No. 17 loop from Aslockton'. Touring cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'The Old Wharf – All Saints Church, Knipton loop from Bottesford'. Gravel biking options include 'Woolsthorpe Middle Lock – Terrace Hill loop from Bottesford'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails around Staunton, Cycling around Staunton, and Gravel biking around Staunton guides.

Near Belvoir Castle, you can find Little Treats coffee van in the visitor car park, offering stunning views and a variety of hot and cold drinks. Another excellent option is Caffe Velo Verde, a cycle-friendly cafe known for its coffee and cakes, located on the same site as an eco-centre with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Additionally, the Dirty Duck pub near Woolsthorpe Middle Lock offers refreshments with a garden beside the water.

Yes, just a short drive from Staunton, you can visit Natural Chimneys Park, which features unique rock formations for exploration. This park also offers picnicking and camping facilities, making it a great spot for a day trip or an overnight stay.

Visitors frequently praise the picturesque scenery and historical significance of the area. Many appreciate the stunning countryside views from places like Belvoir Castle and the tranquil setting of Woolsthorpe Middle Lock. The well-preserved architecture of Staunton's historic downtown and the engaging exhibits at the Frontier Culture Museum are also highly regarded.

Absolutely. Bells Lane, a 1.7-mile path, is ideal for birdwatching, cycling, jogging, or walking, offering picturesque views of wetlands, rolling meadows, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gypsy Hill Park also provides expansive green spaces perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.

Yes, the Virginia Scenic Railway offers scenic train rides through the stunning Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. They provide various options, including dining on board, for a unique way to experience the region's landscapes.

For outdoor entertainment, the Oak Grove Theater hosts plays from late May until late August, inviting guests to picnic before the show. Additionally, the Staunton Farmers Market often features live music, creating a lively atmosphere while you browse local goods.