Coffee, Cake, and Canals: A Day of Simple Joys

Some days just click, don’t they? You start with a casual plan—grab a coffee, take a walk—and suddenly, you’ve ticked off half your to-do list without even trying. That’s exactly what happened when my friend and I headed to Canalside Farm, Shop & Café for what turned out to be one of the most perfect days I’ve had back in England.

This is actually my first “exploring travel post,” so I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride! There will definitely be more of these in the future—especially when I’m back in South Korea, where I plan to share even more of my adventures. But for now, let me tell you all about this lovely day back home.

Coffee First, Always

Let’s start with the essentials: the coffee. Canalside Farm’s café is the stuff of dreams for someone like me—someone who’s lactose intolerant and gluten-intolerant (because why stop at just one food sensitivity when you can collect them all?). They have alternative milks, homemade cakes (including gluten-free options!), and that cozy vibe that makes you want to linger for hours.

I went for a honeycomb oat milk latte—sweet, creamy, and worth every sip. My friend kept it classic with a regular latte, and we shared a slice of sticky ginger cake. And when I say shared, I mean I made sure to take slightly bigger bites because, well, it was that good. Moist, perfectly spiced, and homemade—it was one of those cakes that just wraps you in a warm hug.

Oh, and I have to mention the gluten-free options. I didn’t go for one this time (the ginger cake won me over), but knowing they’re available is a game changer. In Korea, gluten-free anything is practically unheard of, so being back home and feeling catered to was a real treat.

Max, Our Furry Companion

Now, let’s talk about Max. My friend brought her adorable dog along, and having him sit with us on the café terrace made the experience even better. He’s like a bundle of joy wrapped in fur, happily soaking up the fresh air while we sipped our lattes. There’s something so comforting about a place that welcomes dogs—it makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and connected, doesn’t it?

Toilet Accessibility: A Game Changer

As someone with IBD and IBS, toilet access is a big deal for me. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real life. Canalside Farm absolutely nailed it here—their facilities are wheelchair-friendly, flat, and easy to access. Knowing I could enjoy the day without worrying about an emergency gave me so much peace of mind. It’s little things like this that make places feel truly inclusive and welcoming. And as someone with a disabled mother and a background in support work, I really notice when places go the extra mile for accessibility.

Walking Along the Canal

After coffee, we headed out for a walk along the canal. Great Haywood is where two canals meet—the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal and the Trent & Mersey Canal—and it’s as scenic as it sounds. The water was still and peaceful, with narrowboats drifting by at their own lazy pace. At one point, a pair of swans even swam over to say hello.

The walk felt like stepping back in time. There’s something magical about canals—the history, the wildlife, the sense of calm. At one point, we passed a field filled with geese, who were squawking away like they were sharing the latest neighborhood gossip. It was hilarious and oddly comforting all at once.

Bridges and Random Facts

Now, I have to confess: I have a thing for bridges. There’s just something so beautiful about them, and the Essex Bridge didn’t disappoint. Built centuries ago, it originally had 40 arches (only 14 remain today) and these clever little triangular cutouts where pedestrians could stand aside as horses passed by. Of course, I shared this fact with my friend, who immediately accused me of knowing the most random things. She’s not wrong.

The Essex Bridge also has a bit of romantic lore attached to it—apparently, it was built so Queen Elizabeth I could visit the Earl of Essex without crossing the river. Is it true? Probably not, but I love the drama of it all.

Shugborough Estate from a Distance

Normally, I’d dedicate a whole day to exploring Shugborough Estate. I love wandering the grounds, imagining myself in a Pride and Prejudice scene (seriously, “Would anyone care to promenade by the river?” is my dream line). But this time, we didn’t have enough time for a full-day visit.

Luckily, the canal walk gave us a beautiful view of the estate from the outside. Seeing it from this new angle was enough to tick “visit a National Trust property” off my list, and it reminded me how much I adore the history and beauty of places like this.

The Farm Shop: A Treasure Trove

We couldn’t leave without popping into the farm shop, which is basically a treasure trove of local goodies. I grabbed a jar of Staffordshire honey to take back to Korea because, apparently, local honey was a must on my mental shopping list. There’s something so satisfying about walking through a farm shop, pointing out things like fresh bread and chutneys, and feeling just a little bit posh. Honestly, I walked out feeling like a slightly fancier version of myself, clutching my bag of goodies like it was a prize.

What This Day Meant to Me

This wasn’t just a day of ticking things off my to-do list—it was a reminder of why I love coming home. It’s the little things: sipping a latte without worrying about what’s in it, walking by the water, spending time with people (and dogs) who make life better. It’s moments like these that remind me to slow down, appreciate the present, and just be.

As my first “exploring travel post,” this day set the tone for what I want to share moving forward. From cozy coffee shops in England to adventures waiting for me back in South Korea and more, I can’t wait to bring you along on the journey. Until then, here’s to coffee, canals, and the joy of discovering the beauty in everyday moments.

Want to Explore This Spot for Yourself?

If you ever find yourself in Staffordshire and fancy a peaceful canal-side walk with a cozy café stop, I highly recommend checking out Canalside Farm, Shop & Café. To make it easier, I’ve linked everything you need below:

And because some moments are best captured in motion, I’ve put together a short video of the walk and the canalside views. Watch it below and get a little glimpse of this lovely day! 🎥✨

Let me know if you’ve ever visited, or if you have any favorite countryside spots like this—I’d love to hear about them! 🚶‍♀️☕💛