Stafford works well when you want a town park on arrival and a separate estate outing the next day. The Swan is on Greengate Street in the centre, while Holiday Inn Express is at Acton Gate near the M6. That distinction changes the amount of driving in the break, so choose the room before planning Victoria Park and Shugborough.
Policies researched 27 September 2026 · Check directly before booking
A dog-friendly hotel may only allow dogs in certain rooms. Arrange the right room directly before you pay.
The Swan charges £15 per room per night for up to two dogs and asks guests to call for dog rooms. Holiday Inn Express publishes £30 per pet per stay, with pre-booking essential. A per-stay charge may suit a longer visit, but the town-centre versus Acton Gate location and meal arrangements are equally important.
Acton Court, Acton Gate · Stafford (Acton Gate)
Holiday Inn Express Stafford
An Acton Gate base outside central Stafford, convenient for a driving break. Contact the hotel before booking to secure pet availability.
The dog details
£30 per pet per stay; pre-booking essential. Confirm dog numbers, suitable room, eating space and supervision directly.
Book directly with the property Arrange the dog room and confirm the total charge directly before paying.
Use the town park for an arrival walk rather than beginning with a longer countryside excursion. Pick a route that avoids the enclosed children’s play space.
Dogs must be on leads in most of the park and are prohibited from the play area. Follow the signs at your entrance.
Make a separate trip to the estate for its outdoor spaces. Check opening times and admission before travelling and build the visit around parkland rather than the house.
Keep dogs on leads and away from livestock enclosures. Pet dogs cannot enter the house or Servants’ Quarters; check current café and shop rules on arrival.
Settle into the Swan or the Express, then visit Victoria Park for a modest walk. Arrange your evening meal with the dog rather than assuming all dining areas accept pets. From Acton Gate, allow for the journey into the centre.
Day two · outdoor Shugborough
Check the estate’s current access and weather, then choose an outdoor walk that fits your dog. Keep the lead handy throughout and do not plan a house tour with a pet. Shorten the outing if another journey or wet ground makes it less appealing.
A suggested plan, not a booked itinerary. Adapt it to your dog, the weather and current access.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Good to know before you go
Compare the fee basis
The Swan’s charge is nightly per room; the Express charge is per pet for the stay. Confirm the total for your actual dates.
Check estate facilities
Official pages differ on some food and shop access, so confirm the particular facility; the outdoor lead requirement is clear.
Your Stafford questions
Is Holiday Inn Express in central Stafford?
No. It is at Acton Gate, outside the town centre.
Can my dog visit the house at Shugborough?
Pet dogs are excluded from the house and Servants’ Quarters; plan an outdoor estate visit.
About this guide
Researched from the official accommodation and visitor pages linked above on 27 September 2026. Prices and policies can change; a stated dog fee is not a room quote or a promise of availability. We have not personally inspected these places. Our day plans are editorial suggestions.