Izaak Walton's Cottage

About the museum

Izaak Walton's Cottage stands in the hamlet of Shallowford, between Stafford and Eccleshall. The thatched, half-timbered cottage dates from the 16th century and was owned by Izaak Walton, the writer of The Compleat Angler, who was born in Stafford. He acquired the property in the 1650s and, when he died in 1683, left it to benefit the poor of his home town.

A trust founded by Stafford businessmen bought the cottage and paid for repairs, and the museum was opened by Lord Stafford on 30 April 1924. Fires damaged the thatched roof in 1927 and 1938, and the cottage reopened in 1939 with a tiled roof. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1952. When the trust was wound up in 1965, Stafford Borough Council took over the building, and today it is run by the council's heritage service, Historic Stafford.

Inside, period rooms are furnished in the style of the 17th century. Further rooms are devoted to Walton as a writer and biographer and to the history of angling. The museum also tells of his roles as merchant, churchman and royalist and of his influence as an early conservationist. Outside there is a knot garden and a paddock, and the cottage hosts summer events and school and group tours.

Highlights

• Thatched half-timbered cottage of Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler
• Period rooms furnished in the style of the 17th century
• Rooms on Walton as writer and biographer
• Exhibition on the history and evolution of angling
• Knot garden and paddock

Permanent exhibition

• Izaak Walton and the history of angling – Period rooms and displays on Walton as merchant, writer and biographer, and on how fishing developed.

Founded

1924

Operated by

Stafford Borough Council (Historic Stafford)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

With support, the ground floor of the cottage and some of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, and guides are willing to help. A tablet in the cottage shows a short film about Izaak Walton, which can be played with subtitles, British Sign Language interpretation and audio description. The tablet can be used anywhere on site. Visitors should phone the venue for more information.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A small programme of summer events includes the annual Teddy Bears Picnic. Children can run in the paddock field.

Getting there & parking

The cottage is on Worston Lane near Stone, in the hamlet of Shallowford between Stafford and Eccleshall.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The ground floor shop sells gifts, souvenirs and local arts and crafts. The venue mentions afternoon tea or an ice cream in the knot garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The cottage is an approved venue for small weddings and civil ceremonies.

Plan your visit