About Colton Staffordshire & The History of Ye Olde Dun Cow

With a population of approximately 600, Colton is a small village in the heart of Staffordshire. Its nearest town Rugeley has a fast train taking passengers to days out in London, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond.

When accessed from the B5013 a small humpback bridge brings you into the village on Bellamour Way adjacent to St. Mary’s Church, some of which, including the bell tower, dates back to the 12^th century.

The village itself has been used as a settlement since Saxon times, and possibly even earlier as there is evidence of Bronze age activity within the village and surrounding areas.

Closeby is the popular village of Abbots Bromley famous for the Horn Dance festival and English folk dance dating back to the Middle Ages. It takes place annually on Wakes Monday. It has been commented that the horn dance first came about as part of a pagan ritual to ensure plentiful catches would happen at the hunts that were carried out on the land surrounding Abbots Bromley – however it is now more of an opportunity for locals to get together and celebrate the heritage of this quaint village. We would highly recommend timing a visit to Abbots Bromley for the Horn Dance which starts just a few miles from our premises – you would be welcome back here for a drink and a warm meal after a day following the dancers on their route.

Our village B&B is also just a stones throw away from the National Trust Shugborugh Hall which is open to the public, a day out there could see you take in the hall itself, museum, kitchen garden and a model farm. There is a new adventure playground perfect for children of all ages. The grounds are spectacular and you can walk to nearby Great Heywood and follow the canal route further along or indeed enter Cannock Chase which Shugborugh Estate Borders.

Yes! We are also close to Cannock Chase – a 26 square mile former Royal Forest it is popular with cross country mountain bike users as well as hobby walkers and families who can follow the Gruffalo trail. If you are planning a visit to our region we definitely recommend putting a day at Cannock Chase on your list and you can look forward to resting your weary legs in our comfortable bedrooms at night! Probably THE most popular family attraction in Staffordshire has to be the thrill seekers paradise which is Alton Towers, a mere 33 minute drive from our B&B we have accommodated many couples and families who are visiting the area to attend Alton Towers.