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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Staffordshire (England)

15 Best Places to Visit in Staffordshire (England)

Travelling from the south to the north of Staffordshire you get the sense that you’re leaving the Midlands and arriving in the North of England.

The landscapes change from dairy pastures to the untamed sandstone moors of the Peak District.

Staffordshire’s two cities, Stoke and Lichfield couldn’t be more different: Stoke is earthy and industrial, and has a hard-earned reputation for craftsmanship, while Lichfield is historic and cultured, the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

If you have teenagers in your clan the theme parks at Alton Towers and Drayton Manor are two of Britain’s most popular days out, and ale connoisseurs can drink to many generations of brewing knowhow in Burton and Stone.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Staffordshire :

1. Lichfield

You could make the case for Lichfield to be one of England’s most beautiful towns.

There are many streets of sublime 18th-century architecture, and the breathtaking Lichfield Cathedral, built in the 13th century and the only medieval cathedral anywhere to have three spires.

Lichfield has brains as well as beauty, as two of 18th-century Britain’s cultural heavyweights are associated with the city.

The writer Samuel Johnson was born here in 1709, and is considered among Britain’s greatest men of letters.

Johnson’s birthplace has been preserved as a museum, while the home of the polymath Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles) is a enthralling museum in a beautiful property.

2. Stoke-on-Trent

A complete contrast to Lichfield, Stoke, in the north of the county, has a gritty character but is no less appealing if you know what you’re looking for.

Stoke is actually a federation of six different but contiguous towns, and its claim to fame for hundreds of years has been the pottery industry.

This has faded since the Second World War, but brands like Royal Doulton and Wedgwood are still based here.

The Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton is a functioning coal-fired pottery, with the signature bottle kilns that used to pepper the landscape.

Go deeper at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, which has exquisite displays of local ceramics, but also has some of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest cache of Anglo-Saxon metalwork ever discovered.

3. Stafford

The county town is a small but attractive place crammed with historical buildings, and with elegant country houses like Shugborough Estate and Sandon Hall minutes from the centre.

On the pedestrianised Greengate Street, Stafford’s main shopping artery, feast your eyes on the Ancient High House.

This remarkable four-storey cantilevered house was built in 1594 and the carpenters’ marks etched into the timbers indicate that they had once belonged to an even older house.

Charles I stayed at this very property in 1643, shortly after the start of the Civil War.

A siege took place at Stafford Castle in this war, and once it fell into Parliamentarian hands it was pulled down.

4. Tamworth

Staffordshire’s second-largest town has been around for a very long time, and was the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, which took up almost all of central England in the 8th century.

The majestic Tamworth Castle, perched above the confluence of the Anker and Tame rivers has Anglo-Saxon origins, having been fortified by the Mercian Queen Æthelflæd and then rebuilt by the Normans.

Now it’s one of the most complete original motte and bailey castles in England.

Tamworth’s old town is replete with lovely period properties, many now housing independent shops.

5. Peak District

Staffordshire has the southwestern corner of this National Park, and the area is known as the Staffordshire Moorlands.

There’s a load of individual beauty spots to visit and an inexhaustible choice of footpaths, bridleways and cycling tracks wending through the brooding moors.

Rudyard Lake is an 18th-century water reservoir created to feed the Caldon Canal.

The Victorians turned it into a little resort, and, with its wooded hillsides and miniature steam railway, it’s still a big draw today . The writer Rudyard Kipling, whose parents were frequent visitors,  was named after Rudyard Lake.

As Staffordshire’s last town before the Peak District, Leek is a tourist-friendly destination welcoming walkers and anyone enticed by the blend of verdant countryside and wild moorland all around.

The town itself is a former centre for the silk and textiles industries.

These granted Leek a host of dignified Georgian and Victorian buildings, best seen at the Market Place which is a pleasure to wander around for a while.

One of Leek’s most imposing buildings is the old Nicholson Institute, and inside is a museum with, among other things, an assortment of the embroideries that won the town fame in the 19th century.

For awesome rocky scenery there’s the Roaches, a sandstone ridge above the Tittesworth Reservoir, and the Manifold Way on the route of an old train line past limestone rock formations.

A coal town for hundreds of years, Cheadle switched to high-tech manufacturing in the 1990s, although none of this industry intrudes on the picturesque town centre.

The standout landmark in Cheadle is St Giles’ Catholic Church, one of the definitive examples of 19th-century gothic revival architecture.

It was designed by Augustus Pugin, who also designed London’s Houses of Parliament and took responsibility for even the tiniest decorative details, which grants this building a coherence that is hard to find anywhere else.

Being on the edge of the Peak District Cheadle is in prime walking country, while the old Foxfield Steam Railway also courses through the region and is a glorious way to experience the countryside of northeastern Staffordshire.

8. Burton upon Trent

From the 1700s, Burton’s presence on the navigable Trent and England’s growing canal network helped it become one of Europe’s big brewing towns.

Burton’s ales were soon delivered across the country and also exported to the Baltic states.

The National Brewery Centre is set in what was once the brewery for Bass ale, and give you fascinating insights about how beer-making developed in this part of England.

There are also stables with shire horses, a variety famous for its “feathered legs” and bred to transport barrels of ale.

On the north side of the town is something you won’t find very often: A completely restored Victorian public utility.

In this case, the Claymills Pumping Station, which once pumped sewage with the help of four large beam pumping engines.

9. Newcastle-under-Lyme

There has been a market in Newcastle since 1173 and in the 21st century it’s still flourishing.

Safe to say the town wouldn’t be the same without it, as the high street  market runs six days a week.

The best days to visit are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the general market trades cheese, meat, fruit and vegetables and well as hot food like freshly baked pies.

There is acres of well-tended green space around the town, and Newcastle has been recognised by the Britain in Bloom campaign for its flowery parks and roundabouts.

Drama fans should find out what’s on at the New Vic Theatre, which became the first ever purpose-built Theatre in  the Round (a stage entirely encircled by seating) when it opened in 1986.

10. Trentham

On the southern side of Stoke, the village of Trentham is best-known for the Trentham Estate, which was dominated by a magnificent hall up to the 20th century when it was torn down.

The hall’s clock tower, church and sculpture gallery survived and offer a sense of the splendour of the estate.

The Italianate gardens backing onto the River Trent are still here too, and are fabulous, boasting formal lawns, stone vases and balustrades.

Also wildly popular is the Trentham Monkey Forest, an exceptional animal attraction in which some 140 Barbary macaques live in semi-freedom in the boughs of woodland above your head.

11. Barlaston

Established in 1759, Wedgwood is probably the most prestigious name in English ceramics, producing porcelain and fine china.

The Wedgwood Estate covers almost 100 hectares, and is a place where you could easily lose a day if you’re into decorative art.

You’ll be shown around the factory to see time-honoured skills in action, and learn about the storied history of the Wedgwood family at the museum.

The Wedgwood factory shop is also on the estate and has discounts on the retail price, and there are tea rooms naturally using Wedgwood china.

A brief drive down the road and you’ll reach Barlaston Golf Club, on the banks of the Trent and rated as one of the best courses in the county.

Like Burton, the town of Stone has a brewing legacy that can be charted back to the 1700s.

There were two big brewers in the town, harnessing the exceptional water quality of Stone’s springs and then using the Trent & Mersey Canal for distribution.

The old brewers have shut down, but you can get a good look at the solemn brick warehouse of Joule’s Brewery beside the canal, which is now popular with narrowboat holidaymakers.

The craft beer trend has prompted a rebirth of the industry in Stone: The new Lymestone Brewery is only too happy to show you how they make their ales and uses the old facilities at Bents, one of Stone’s defunct breweries.

13. Haughton

Every year there’s a county-wide competition to pick the “best-kept” village in Staffordshire, and in 2015 and 2016 Haughton has come out on top.

This sense of pride is obvious at Christmas when the residents decorate their homes with lavish light displays to raise money for charity.

The countryside is dairy pasture bounded by hedgerows.

The Red Lion Farm makes ice cream containing milk produced on site by a herd of Jersey Cows.

You can introduce little ones to the farm’s cows, goats, horses and alpacas, and book a table at the restaurant that has a menu with lots of ingredients that come right from the farm.

14. Uttoxeter

In the east of the county, Uttoxter is a market town by the River Dove and folded into a green landscape.

The meadows by the river are particularly lush, and after a ramble through the local countryside you’ll note that dairy farming has a role to play in Uttoxeter’s economy.

One local boy made good was Joseph Cyril Bamford, whose initials are given to the JCB construction machinery company, known for their excavators and founded just after the Second World War.

The JCB plant is in Rocester near Uttoxeter and offers tours.

If you’re in town in March you could go and see the Midlands Grand National, a steeplechase run at Uttoxeter Racecourse and the most valuable meeting on the calendar.

In hilly north Staffordshire, this twee old village of sandstone cottages on a few sloping streets betrays few signs of the gigantic attraction that is right on its doorstep.

Alton Towers is in the grounds of the former home of the Earls of Shrewsbury and  also occupies the site of the Alton’s former copper works.

It would usually be placed in the top ten-attended theme parks in Europe but for a well-documented accident in 2015. If that doesn’t put you off then you can make the most of the shorter queues for a massive range of splash rides, rollercoasters, themed shows and an indoor water park, for the next couple of years at least!

15 Best Places to Visit in Staffordshire (England):

• Stoke-on-Trent
• Peak District
• Burton upon Trent
• Newcastle-under-Lyme

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Things to do in Stone, Staffordshire

Located in the heart of Staffordshire, England, Stone is a charming market town with a rich history and picturesque surroundings. With its quaint streets, historic buildings, and friendly atmosphere, Stone offers visitors a delightful experience. From exploring the fascinating history of the town to enjoying the beautiful countryside, there is something for everyone in Stone. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply want to relax and unwind, Stone is the perfect destination for a memorable trip.

Things to do

Stone town centre.

Explore the charming Stone Town Centre, a historic market town located in the heart of Staffordshire. Take a leisurely stroll along the High Street and discover a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Stone Market, held every Tuesday, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and antiques. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Trentham Gardens

Escape to the tranquil oasis of Trentham Gardens, a stunning 725-acre estate located just a short drive from Stone. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature a variety of themed areas including the Italian Garden, the Rivers of Grass, and the Floral Labyrinth. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the picturesque views. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Trentham Monkey Forest, home to a troop of free-roaming Barbary macaques. Learn about these fascinating creatures and observe them in their natural habitat.

Canal Cruises

Experience the beauty of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal with a relaxing canal cruise. Hop aboard a narrowboat and enjoy a leisurely journey through the picturesque countryside surrounding Stone. Admire the tranquil waterways, lush greenery, and charming canal-side villages. Learn about the history of the canals and their importance in the industrial revolution. Sit back, relax, and let the peaceful atmosphere wash over you as you glide along the water. Canal cruises are available for both short trips and full-day excursions.

Stone Priory

Visit the historic Stone Priory, a former Augustinian priory located in the heart of Stone. Explore the ruins of the priory, which date back to the 12th century. Admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the priory's fascinating history. Take a walk through the peaceful priory gardens and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the priory church, which is still in use today. Attend a service or simply take a moment to appreciate the stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

Stonefield Park

Spend a relaxing day at Stonefield Park, a beautiful green space located in the heart of Stone. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Admire the well-maintained flower beds, mature trees, and manicured lawns. Pack a picnic and find a spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Let the children play in the playground or have a game of tennis on the park's courts. Stonefield Park is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Stone Railway Station

Step back in time at Stone Railway Station, a beautifully preserved Victorian railway station located in the heart of Stone. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history of the railway. Take a walk along the platform and imagine what it would have been like to travel by train in the 19th century. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the station's museum, which houses a collection of railway memorabilia. Learn about the role of the railway in the development of Stone and its surrounding areas.

Stone Leisure Centre

Stay active and have fun at Stone Leisure Centre, a modern sports facility located in the heart of Stone. Take a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy a workout in the fully equipped gym. Play a game of badminton or squash on the centre's courts. Let the children have fun in the soft play area or join a fitness class. Stone Leisure Centre offers a range of activities for all ages and fitness levels. Stay healthy and active during your visit to Stone.

Stone Golf Club

Tee off at Stone Golf Club, a picturesque golf course located just outside of Stone. Enjoy a round of golf on the well-maintained fairways and greens, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Take in the stunning views as you make your way around the course. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Stone Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience. After your game, relax in the clubhouse and enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the panoramic views.

Stone Heritage Trail

Discover the rich history of Stone with a self-guided tour along the Stone Heritage Trail. Follow the trail markers and explore the town's historic landmarks and buildings. Learn about Stone's industrial past, its role in the canal network, and its connections to the railway. Visit the Old Fire Station, the Granville Square War Memorial, and the Ancient High House, the oldest inhabited timber-framed townhouse in England. Immerse yourself in the town's fascinating history and gain a deeper understanding of its heritage.

Stone Food and Drink Festival

Indulge in delicious food and drink at the annual Stone Food and Drink Festival, a popular event held in the town centre. Sample a wide variety of culinary delights from local producers and restaurants. Taste artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, locally brewed beers, and much more. Watch live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs and learn new recipes and techniques. Enjoy live music and entertainment as you explore the festival stalls. The Stone Food and Drink Festival is a must-visit for food lovers.

Other places in Staffordshire

• Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook
• Featherstone
• Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay
• Newcastle-under-Lyme
• Norton Canes
• Stoke-on-Trent

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Novosibirsk city, Russia

The capital city of Novosibirsk oblast .

Novosibirsk - Overview

Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia, the administrative center of the Siberian Federal District and Novosibirsk Oblast. It is the largest business, cultural, transport, educational, and scientific center of Siberia. Novosibirsk is often called the “Capital of Siberia”.

The population of Novosibirsk is about 1,621,000 (2022), the area - 503 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 383, the postal codes - 630000-630901.

Novosibirsk city flag

Novosibirsk city coat of arms.

Novosibirsk city map, Russia

Novosibirsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

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History of Novosibirsk

Foundation of novosibirsk.

Novosibirsk is a city with a very interesting history. Unlike many other cities in Russia, it does not have a specific founder. Since the 18th century, on the left bank of the Ob, one of the largest rivers in the world, there was the village of Krivoshchekovo, where migrants from the European provinces of the Russian Empire lived. However, it did not become the basis of Novosibirsk. The city was born on the other, right, bank of the Ob, when the Trans-Siberian Railway approached it in 1893.

Originally it was just a village for the builders of a railway bridge across the Ob. It could turn out to be temporary and disappear after the completion of construction, if not for the combination of several factors that contributed to the development of trade - a large river, a railway, a flat relief convenient for building. At first, the village was named Alexandrovsky, in honor of Emperor Alexander III. For the third anniversary, it received a new name and became Novonikolaevsky, in honor of the Emperor Nicholas II.

In 1897, the first trains went across the bridge. The settlement was quickly growing. By 1898, there were already 7.8 thousand people in the village. In 1903, when the village acquired the status of a town with the name Novonikolaevsk, its population was 26 thousand people. In the 1910s, Novonikolaevsk experienced a construction boom. By 1913, the population of the city was 86 thousand people.

Novonikolaevsk, was the center of the major lines of communication, in which the navigable Ob River crossed with the Great Siberian Way and the Altai Railway. The First World War turned the city into the largest center for training troops beyond the Urals.

More Historical Facts…

Novosibirsk - the Siberian Chicago

In 1921, Novonikolaevsk received the status of the administrative center of the Novonikolaevsk Governorate. In 1925, it became the administrative center of the huge Siberian Krai - practically all the regions of Trans-Ural Russia.

The capital of the new huge region needed a new name. Here are just some of the proposed names: Krasnograd, Sibleninsk, Krasnoobsk, Sibkraisk, Sibkraigrad, Leningrad-on-Ob. On February 12, 1926, Novonikolaevsk (“a new city of Nicholas”) was renamed Novosibirsk (“a new city in Siberia”. In 1926, at the Regional Scientific Congress, it was decided to turn Novosibirsk into a “promsad” (“industrial garden”) or “city-garden”. About 120 thousand people lived in the city at that time. The city got the nickname “Siberian Chicago”.

The main elements of the renovated Siberian capital were supposed to be “social towns” - complex residential areas at factories and plants. New cadres were needed to build a new society. Novosibirsk quickly became a city of students. In the 1930s, 8 universities and 10 technical schools were opened here. The city became the Trans-Ural capital of such an architectural style as constructivism.

On July 30, 1930, due to the division of the Siberian Krai, Novosibirsk became the center of the West Siberian Krai. In 1934, a new railway bridge was built across the Ob River and the population grew to 294 thousand people. By 1939, it increased up to 406 thousand people. On September 28, 1937, the West Siberian Krai was divided into Novosibirsk Oblast with the capital in Novosibirsk and Altai Krai.

During the Second World War, the enlistment offices of Novosibirsk Oblast sent more than half a million soldiers to the front. There were 115 evacuation hospitals in the region. Almost 27% of all shells fired by the Red Army during the war were produced in Novosibirsk. Despite the fact that not a single bomb fell on the territory of Novosibirsk, the pre-war city disappeared forever. Instead of the planned residential areas/parks, industrial zones of evacuated factories appeared, a lot of buildings changed their civilian purpose to military-industrial (some of them - forever).

The evacuation radically changed the demography of Novosibirsk - people evacuated from Moscow and Leningrad brought with them a new way of life, new artistic tastes. A lot of them stayed in Novosibirsk after the war. During the war years, Novosibirsk also became the center of the musical culture of Siberia. The Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater, one of the main attractions of Novosibirsk, was opened on May 12, 1945.

Novosibirsk after the Second World War

The demographic inertia of the evacuation turned the pre-war Novosibirsk into a metropolis. By 1956, its population increased to 750 thousand people. On September 2, 1962, a millionth resident of the city was born. It took Novosibirsk only 70 years to achieve this status from the moment of its foundation, which made it the youngest of all million cities.

In 1950, the construction of the Novosibirsk hydroelectric power station began; a large reservoir was created, the so-called Ob Sea. The idea of creating a Siberian branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk was implemented in 1957. About 20 kilometers south of the center of Novosibirsk, in the middle of the forest, Akademgorodok was built - a town of scientists. In 1959, Novosibirsk State University was opened.

In 1979, construction of the metro began in Novosibirsk. Opened in 1985, it became the first one in the Trans-Ural part of Russia. Today, the Novosibirsk metro has 13 stations and annually carries about 70 million passengers.

In 1990, the bridge that had given rise to the city was reconstructed. To preserve the memory of the first builders, one of its span structures was installed on the embankment of the Ob in the park “Gorodskoye Nachalo”.

The transition to a market economy led to a sharp drop in production. High-tech industries, such as radioelectronics, microelectronics, instrument making, and aircraft construction suffered especially heavy losses. In 1991-1998, industrial production in Novosibirsk decreased by more than 3 times.

In the 1990s, the economic structure of the Novosibirsk region and Novosibirsk underwent fundamental changes. The main structural change was that the production of services in the city began to exceed the production of goods, the role of industry decreased, the share of transport, trade, communications, agriculture, and a lot of branches of market services increased.

Thus, the potential points of growth of Novosibirsk reproduced on a new historical, technological, and institutional basis the initial system of its development priorities: a large transport hub in the system of transnational transport corridors, a trade, intermediary, and financial center - the center of Siberia, a large business, scientific, educational, and cultural center.

In the 21st century, Novosibirsk became the first Russian city (after Moscow and St. Petersburg) to exceed the population of 1.5 million.

Architecture of Novosibirsk

The building of the West-Siberian Railway in Novosibirsk

Author: Vytautas Podlesaitis

Old building in Novosibirsk

Author: Andrey Osokin

On the street in Novosibirsk

Author: Serge Klimenko

Novosibirsk - Features

Novosibirsk is the most populous city in the Asian part of Russia. It is located in the southeastern part of the West Siberian Plain on both banks of the Ob River next to the Novosibirsk reservoir. The width of the Ob River within the city is 750-850 meters. The City Day of Novosibirsk is celebrated on the last Sunday of June.

The city is located in the continental climatic zone. The flatness of the territory allows both cold waves from the north and heat waves from the southwest to freely spread. That’s why both severe frosts and short-term thaws can be observed in winter. The duration of winter is 120-130 days, summer - about 90 days. The average air temperature in January is minus 16.5 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19.4 degrees Celsius.

On the coat of arms of Novosibirsk you can see a schematic image of the Ob River and the bridge across it, part of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which gave rise to the city.

The economy of Novosibirsk is based on industry, trade, transport, science, and scientific services. The city is successfully developing in the absence of large resource-extracting enterprises in the region, which distinguishes it from most large cities in Siberia.

The main activities of industrial production are: production of food, computers, electronic and optical products, chemicals, vehicles and equipment, metallurgy, beverage production. Novosibirsk is one of the leading suppliers of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants and research reactors in Russia and abroad.

Novosibirsk is the largest scientific center in the Asian part of Russia. More than 100 organizations carry out research and development in this city. There are about three dozen higher educational institutions here.

It is the largest transport hub in Siberia connecting Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia with the European regions of Russia. Novosibirsk is also a river port. The city is served by Tolmachevo International Airport, the largest in terms of passenger traffic in the Asian part of Russia. The airport is located at the intersection of a large number of flights from Southeast Asia to Europe and from North America to India and Asia.

Novosibirsk was the only city in Russia located in two time zones. Since its foundation, it was growing in two parts along different banks of the Ob. And since the meridian of the hour passed right along the Ob River, there were two time zones in one city. On the left bank, the difference with Moscow was 3 hours, and on the right bank - 4 hours. At first, this did not cause much inconvenience as each half lived quite apart. In 1955, when the first road bridge across the Ob was built, the city became more connected. In 1958, Novosibirsk switched to a single time zone.

Despite its young age, Novosibirsk has 145 monuments of architecture, history, monumental art and archeology taken under state protection. 47 monuments of wooden architecture of the late 19th - early 20th centuries are of particular value. There are also over a dozen different museums in Novosibirsk.

Main Attractions of Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk Zoo - one of the largest and best zoos in Russia, where about 11,000 animals, birds, and reptiles of 770 species are kept on an area of 63 hectares in a pristine pine forest. More than 350 species are listed in the International Red Book. This zoo is visited by about one million people every year. It also hosts ecological events and festivals. Timiryazeva Street, 71/1.

Novosibirsk Theater of Opera and Ballet . Founded in 1945, it is one of the leading theaters in Russia. It occupies the largest theater building in Russia constructed in the constructivist style in 1931-1941. This unique architectural complex has the status of a cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. It is one of the symbols of Novosibirsk and probably its most recognizable building.

The main feature of the building is its huge dome with a diameter of 60 meters and a height of 35 meters. The large hall of the theater can accommodate 1,449 spectators. The theater is located on Lenin Square - the main square of Novosibirsk, where you can also find a number of interesting monuments. This theater is also known as the “Siberian Colosseum”. Krasnyy Prospekt, 36.

Novosibirsk Museum of Local Lore - one of the main museums in Novosibirsk. The historical department of the museum is located in a picturesque building of the former City Trade House (a monument of history and architecture of federal significance built in 1910).

This museum has a number of unique exhibits: a complete mammoth skeleton, collections of household and religious items of Siberian peoples collected by expeditions in the 1920s-1930s. There are also collections of numismatics, woodwork, glass, porcelain and faience, an archaeological collection, etc. Krasnyy Prospekt, 23.

Novosibirsk Art Museum . The permanent exhibition presents the following sections: icons (old Russian art), foreign art (works of Italian, French, Flemish, Dutch, Belgian, German masters), Russian art of the 18th-19th centuries (works by I. Shishkin, A. Kuindzhi, I. Repin , V. Surikov, and others), Russian art of the early 20th century, art of the Soviet period, Russian art of the late 20th century. There is a separate section devoted to the works of N. Roerich. Krasnyy Prospekt, 5.

Novosibirsk Museum of Railway Technology . This museum has a large collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, carriages, which mainly operated on the railways of Western Siberia. In addition, you can see such Soviet cars as GAZ, Moskvich, ZAZ of different years of production, as well as several trucks, tractors, and all-terrain vehicles. The total length of the exhibition grounds is about 3 kilometers. It is the largest museum of this subject beyond the Urals with over 100 exhibits. Razyezdnaya Street, 54/1.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1897-1899). Built of red brick in the neo-Byzantine style, this is one of the first stone buildings on the territory of Novosibirsk and the most beautiful church in the city. Krasnyy Prospekt, 1A.

Monument to the Laboratory Mouse . This unusual monument is located in a public garden near the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the territory of Akademgorodok. The mouse with glasses holds the knitting needles in its paws and knits a double helix of DNA.

The monument symbolizes gratitude to this animal for the fact that mankind has the opportunity to use mice to study animal genes, molecular and physical mechanisms of diseases, and the development of new drugs. Akademika Lavrent’yeva Prospekt, 10/2.

Zaeltsovsky Park - one of the oldest parks in Novosibirsk that celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2017. The park has all the conditions for a comfortable and cultural pastime: walking paved paths, rides, summer verandas and gazebos, a paintball club, an ice rink, a rope park, etc.

For history buffs, the ethnopark “Territory of Siberia” has been created, where everyone can get acquainted in detail with the culture of the indigenous peoples who lived in these places several hundred years ago. In winter, it is a great place to go skiing. There is also a children’s railway with a length of 5.3 km here. At the terminal station, you will be offered to go to the Novosibirsk Zoo, which is located nearby.

Novosibirsk Central Park - a large park in the center of Novosibirsk and the oldest park in the city. On an area of 10.5 hectares, there are summer cafes and ice cream kiosks, dozens of rides and sports equipment rental points. There is an open-air skating rink in winter. The park often hosts festivals, concerts, and tournaments. The Novosibirsk Theater of Musical Comedy is also located here. Michurina Street, 8.

The Ob River and “the Ob Sea” . The Ob is one of the world’s largest rivers, its length is more than 3,600 km. This river flows through a lot of Siberian cities. Within Novosibirsk, the river is transformed into a large reservoir, which bears the unofficial name “the Ob Sea”. The main purpose of the water reservoir is to generate electricity. Also, the shores of the “sea” are a popular recreation area for locals and city visitors.

Novosibirsk city of Russia photos

Novosibirsk views.

Novosibirsk Thermal Power Plant #5

Author: Grigory Filippov

Novosibirsk Zoo

Author: Artemov Ruslan

Pre-revolutionary building in Novosibirsk

Soviet monuments on Lenin Square in Novosibirsk

Monument to Revolutionaries in Novosibirsk

Author: Pascal Winkler

Monument to Peasants in Novosibirsk

Lenin Monument in Novosibirsk

Pictures of Novosibirsk

Saint Nicholas Chapel in Novosibirsk

Author: Vladimir Kharitonov

Pavilion Globe in Novosibirsk

THE BASICS:

UTC time zone +7, MSC +4 City telephone code for local calls 383 Currency: Ruble Average winter temperature: -18…-22 C Average summer temperature: +20…+22C The main landmarks, parks, theaters and the main streets of the city are on the right bank of the Ob. The main streets of Novosibirsk are Lenina st., Vokzalnaya st., Sovetskaya st. and Krasnyy Prospekt.

A traveler's guide to Novosibirsk, the unofficial capital of Siberia

Trans-Siberian heritage

Residents of Novosibirsk love trains and are proud of the fact that their city played a significant role in the history of the grand Trans-Siberian railway, which spans the breadth of Russia. The railway is such a part of Novosibirsk identity that it is even depicted on the city’s emblem, along with the bridge that crosses the Ob river and two Siberian sables standing on their hind legs.  

In the city, there are as many as five monuments to trains, and an open-air locomotive museum is located in the vicinity of the train station Seyatel’. The museum has more than 100 steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and carriages, reflecting the history of rail transportation in Russia from pre-revolutionary times to the present day. Wondering around the stationary trains and comparing your height with the diameter of the gigantic iron wheels of the first steam locomotives is all very well, but why not climb inside the carriages and see how the nobility once traveled across Russia in pre-revolutionary times? These tours will however need to be booked in advance. The museum opens from 11:00 until 17:00 every day except Mondays. 

Novosibirsk spans both sides of the river Ob. In the early twentieth century, the border of two different timezones passed right through the city which led to a strange situation- morning on the east bank started one hour earlier than on the west bank! The two-kilometer covered metro bridge that crosses the river is considered the longest in the world. Due to the fluctuations in temperature across the year (on average +30 °C to -30 °C), during the summer the metro bridge expands, and in the winter it contracts by half a meter. To counter these effects, the bridge’s supports are equipped with special rollers that allow it to move.   

The cultural center of Siberia

The repertoire of the theatre can be viewed on its official website . The theatre season runs from September to July, and comprises mainly classical performances, like the ballet “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor” and Verdi’s “La Traviata”.  

The large Siberian sea and ligers

Weekends are best spent at the Novosibirsk zoo . The zoo is known for breeding big cats, although surrounded by controversy, hosts a successful crossing of a tiger and lion, which of course would not otherwise breed in wildlife. Ligers, or exotic cubs of an African lion and Bengal tigress, feel quite comfortable in the Siberian climate and even produce offspring. The zoo is open to visitors year-round, seven days a week, and even has its own free mobile app, Zoo Nsk .

Every year at the beginning of January, the festival of snow culture takes place bringing together artists from across Russia and around the world to participate in a snow sculpting competition. The tradition started in 2000 inspired by the snow festival in Sapporo, Novosibirsk’s twin-city.

Siberian Silicon Valley

Despite the fact that Akademgorodok was built half a century ago in the middle of the uninhabited Siberian taiga, architecturally it was ahead of its time. No trees were destroyed for its construction, and houses were built right in the middle of the forest. A man walking through the woods would seemingly stumble upon these structures. At that time, no one had built anything similar in the world and ecovillages only became fashionable much later.

For residents of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok is a different world. When you step out the bus or car, you are immediately on one of the hiking paths through the forest, between the scientific buildings and clubs. On a walk through Akademgorodok, it is possible to unexpectedly encounter art-like objects handmade by residents of the city which have been erected as monuments and some monuments fixed up by city authorities. For example, the monument to the laboratory mice, which knits a strand of DNA on to some needles, can be found in the square alongside the Institute of Cytology and Genetics. In Akademgorodok there are many cafes and restaurants, in which it is possible to rest after a long walk. Grab a coffee and go to eat at Traveler’s Coffee , or eat lunch at the grille and bar People’s or Clover .

Winters in the Akademgorodok are slightly colder than in the city, so wrap up. Spring and summer are usually wetter, so waterproof boots are recommended. In the summer the Ob sea provides respite from the heat, so do not forget your swimsuit to go for a dip.

Memento Mori

Among the exhibits of the museum is one dedicated to world funeral culture — hearses, memorial jewellery from the hair of the deceased, samples from a specific photo-genre of  "post mortem", a collection of funeral wear from the Victorian era, deathmasks, statues and monuments. There’s also an impressive collection of coffins. One of them, resembling a fish, was manufactured on a special visit to Novosibirsk by a designer coffin-maker from Africa, Eric Adjetey Anang, who specializes in the production of unusual coffins.

Surprisingly, the crematorium itself does not look at all gloomy in appearance and definitely does not look like infernal scenes from movies, or like crematoriums of other cities that gravitate towards gloomy temple aesthetics. The Novosibirsk crematorium is decorated in “cheerful” orange tones and is surrounded by a park with a children’s playground nearby. A visit to the museum then leaves you with mixed feelings. 

Novosibirsk underground

Tourists from all over the world go down into the Moscow metro to take a ride and a few selfies in the most famous underground museum. The Novosibirsk metro is also quite a museum in itself — it has 13 stations, the most beautiful of which is Gagarinskaya, Sibirskaya and Rechnoy Vokzal.

The ultramodern Gagarinskaya station is like a real cosmos underground. Its technologically themed design includes marble walls with metallic elements, dark blue backlighting and portraits of Yuri Gagarin. The Sibirskaya station looks like an underground treasure trove, decorated by Altai masters craftsmen with mosaics of precious Siberian stones. The Rechnoy Vokzal station is framed with ten glowing stained glass windows depicting the largest cities of Siberia, including Novosibirsk itself, Omsk, Barnaul and others. The platform resembles a big ship sailing on the Ob, from which ancient Siberian cities are visible through its windows.  

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Novosibirsk is by plane with Aeroflot or Novosibirsk airline S7 with one-way tickets from Moscow costing from 200-250 USD. If you decide to take from the train from Moscow, you’ll have to travel approximately a third of the Trans-Siberian Railway. That’s 3,300 kilometers over almost a three-day journey. 

Where to stay

There are many great hotels in Novosibirsk. Amongst the best include a four-star Doubletree hotel by Hilton , which is located near Lenin Square (per room from $200). After renovations and repairs, the congress-hotel Novosibirsk has improved (per room from $100) and is located across from the train station. Less expensive but of a similar standard is the four-star River Park hotel near Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, which costs $80 per night.

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