10 Things To Do on Summer Evenings in Staffordshire
Looking for things to do on summer evenings in Staffordshire? Longer days mean more time to get outside, explore somewhere new and make the most of the extra daylight.
From walks in the Peak District and cycling routes through the Staffordshire countryside to family activities, live music and local events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a summer evening close to home.
We’ve picked 10 of our favourite things to do on summer evenings in Staffordshire, with ideas for sunny evenings, rainy days and everything in between.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER EVENINGS IN STAFFORDSHIRE
1. Take an Evening Walk at Tittesworth Reservoir
Just a short drive from Stoke on Trent, Tittesworth Reservoir is a great place to head when you want to escape into the countryside without travelling too far.
The circular walk around the reservoir is around 7.5km and takes approximately two hours, taking you through woodland and alongside the water. With around 134m of ascent, it offers a little more than a flat stroll, making it a good option for anyone looking to get a decent walk in after work.
The Staffordshire Moorlands setting is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the trails are quieter and there is plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
2. Explore Trentham Gardens After 4PM
You don’t have to wait until the weekend to visit Trentham Gardens.
Throughout June, July and August, Trentham offers a special midweek Evening Ticket, allowing visitors to enter after 4pm for £7. It’s designed specifically for making the most of the lighter evenings, whether you’re looking for a family evening out, a post work walk or simply want to enjoy the gardens at a more relaxed pace.
Take a walk around the lake, explore the Italian Gardens and enjoy the gardens as the evening light starts to change.
Trentham’s summer programme also includes a range of family activities and outdoor experiences, making it easy to turn an evening visit into a longer adventure.
3. Join Our Midweek Social Ride
Longer evenings are made for getting out on your bike, and our Wednesday evening rides are a great way to explore Staffordshire with other riders.
We set off from PAU at 6pm every Wednesday, heading out for a relaxed ride before returning to the café for a catch up afterwards.
It’s open to riders of all abilities, so you can come along for the ride, meet some new people and enjoy a few miles in the summer evening.
Taking part in our Sofa to Saddle 50K Challenge? The Wednesday ride is also a great opportunity to meet others taking on the challenge, swap tips and build your confidence on the bike.
4. Try Indoor Bouldering at Awesome Walls
Not every summer evening comes with sunshine.
When the weather takes a turn, Awesome Walls Stoke is a great way to keep moving indoors. Based in Longton, it’s home to one of England’s largest dedicated bouldering centres, with climbing areas for beginners and experienced climbers.
A pay as you go session starts from £14.50 for kids and £15 for adults, with equipment hire available from £3. Sessions are suitable for climbers aged six and above, making it a fun option for families looking to try something different.
It’s active, challenging and a great rainy evening alternative when your outdoor plans have been washed out.
5. Discover a Staffordshire Canal
For a quieter evening outdoors, head to one of Staffordshire’s many canal towpaths.
The county has more than 240km of canal towpath, providing plenty of opportunities for walking, running and cycling. Some sections form part of the National Cycle Network, including routes between Stafford and Stoke on Trent.
Canal paths are a great option when you want something flatter and more relaxed than a Peak District hike. Pick a section close to home, head out for an hour and see where the evening takes you.
If you’re cycling, remember that towpaths are shared spaces, so slow down and give pedestrians plenty of room.
6. Take on the Millicent Round Trail
Fancy a bigger evening adventure? The Millicent Round is a 16.5 mile route taking in some of the best trails and paths around Trentham and the surrounding area.
Starting and finishing outside PAU Run & Ride at Trentham Shopping Village, the route takes you through Trentham Park, King’s Wood, past the Duke of Sutherland’s monument and around the Monkey Forest before heading towards Tittensor and across Barlaston Downs.
You’ll also pass Barlaston Hall and the Wedgwood Estate before making your way back towards Trentham along the canal and River Trent.
Named after Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, the route is a great way to explore the history and countryside around Trentham while getting a decent few miles under your belt.
And there’s an added bonus. Complete the route, return to PAU Run & Ride and show us proof of your round to collect your free Millicent Round finisher’s medal.
7. Have a Laugh at PAU Comedy Night
Not every summer evening needs to involve a long walk or a bike ride.
PAU Comedy Night brings live stand up comedy to PAU Café, hosted by Cokey Falkow. With a different line up of comedians each month, there’s always a reason to grab some friends and enjoy a night of laughs close to home.
The next comedy night takes place on Thursday 27 August, making it a great way to round off a summer evening at Trentham.
8. Head to Trentham Live
Live music outdoors is one of the highlights of summer, and Trentham Live brings four nights of music to the lakeside setting at Trentham Gardens.
The 2026 event runs from 20 to 23 August, with The Fratellis on Thursday, Madness on Friday, Five on Saturday and The Human League on Sunday. Live music starts at approximately 6pm, with concerts expected to finish between 10pm and 10:30pm.
If you’re heading to one of the concerts, make an evening of it and start your night at PAU Café as we’re open late for pre-drinks before you head over to the gardens.
9. Have a Laugh at PAU Comedy Night
For a bigger evening adventure, head into the Staffordshire Moorlands and take on The Roaches.
This dramatic gritstone ridge is one of Staffordshire’s most recognisable landscapes, with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. An evening walk is a great way to experience the area when the light starts to soften and the trails are quieter.
There are several routes to choose from, so you can plan your walk around the time and distance you have available. The terrain can be rocky and uneven in places, with some steeper sections, so proper footwear is recommended.
If you’re heading out for sunset, remember that the longer summer evenings don’t last forever. Take a headtorch, check the weather and make sure you have enough time to complete your route safely before it gets dark.
10. Enjoy Live Music from Local Artists
Round off the month with live music at PAU Café on Friday 28 August, with live music taking over the café on the last Friday of every month.
Our monthly Live Music Night brings local musicians together for an evening of live music and a relaxed atmosphere at PAU Café.
It’s a chance to support local musicians, catch up with friends and enjoy a summer evening close to home.
And even better, it’s completely free to attend!