The sunny Staffordshire market town that you have to visit this summer

When the sun is shining, few places are as inviting as Eccleshall.

The historic market town, tucked away between Stafford and the Shropshire border, has long been a favourite for those looking to escape busy shopping centres in favour of independent businesses, traditional pubs and a slower pace of life.

Colourful hanging baskets line the high street throughout the warmer months, giving the town an unmistakably welcoming feel before visitors have even stepped out of the car.

Although the high street stretches for less than half a mile, it packs in an impressive mix of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, gift shops and family-run businesses, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely afternoon spent browsing before settling down for lunch or a drink in one of its characterful pubs.

Eccleshall's history stretches back centuries. It was granted the right to hold a weekly market in 1153, helping establish it as an important local centre. While today's market is held just once a month, the town has retained its bustling atmosphere and continues to attract visitors from across Staffordshire and neighbouring Shropshire.

One of Eccleshall's greatest strengths is its sense of community. Spend even a short time walking along the high street and it quickly becomes clear that this is a place where familiar faces are everywhere. Shop owners know their customers by name, neighbours stop for conversations in the street and visitors are often greeted with genuine curiosity and friendliness.

Among the high street's most distinctive destinations is The Ecclian, a traditional pub inspired by the town's history. The building once housed a plough shop, and today celebrates Eccleshall's heritage with a classic interior that has become a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

For anyone searching for a summer day out in Staffordshire, Eccleshall offers an appealing combination of history, independent shopping, good food and genuine community spirit. It is the sort of place that is best enjoyed without a timetable - simply wandering between its shops, stopping for coffee or lunch and soaking up the charm of one of the county's prettiest market towns.