Stoke-on-Trent and The Potteries

Awarded World Craft City status in 2024, Stoke-on-Trent’s reputation as the World Capital of Ceramics has been truly cemented! Affectionately known as The Potteries, Stoke offers a fascinating mix of the historic and the contemporary, with acclaimed museums and heritage combined with unique shopping and cultural experiences. 

 

Things to do in Stoke on Trent 

Learn about the world’s largest-ever find of Anglo-Saxon treasure, the Staffordshire Hoard, at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, also home to a fine collection of Staffordshire ceramics and works from celebrated local artists like Arthur Berry and Clarice Cliff.  

The museum’s spacious Spitfire Gallery pays homage to famous local resident Reginald Mitchell, designer of the iconic aircraft, and houses a stunning Spitfire aeroplane and flight simulator. 

Explore the history of the industry which gave the city its nickname, at one of ‘The Potteries’ crown jewels like the World of Wedgwood, the Middleport Pottery working factory, the Moorcroft Pottery factory tour and the Gladstone Pottery Museum, where the Great Pottery Throwdown TV programme is filmed. 

Indulge in some crafty capers in the Decorating Studio at the Emma Bridgewater Factory and learn to throw a pot at World of Wedgwood or the Love Clay Ceramics Centre, where you can take to the Potter’s Wheel and create a unique memento of your visit. 

Tour the magnificent timber-framed farmhouse and garden at Ford Green Hall, and imagine life in the 17th Century, with the help of the outstanding period textiles, ceramics and furniture. 

Did you know that Stoke is one of the UK’s greenest cities? Discover open green spaces, such as Central Forest Park and Park Hall Country Park; stunning canals, lakes and rivers on two wheels, or get even closer with the unique canoe heritage trail  

Slow down the pace with a stroll around beautiful Victorian parks, and the city’s sculpture trail paying homage to Stoke-on-Trent’s famous names, local history and inspirational artists. 

As darkness falls, take in some culture with a West End show at the fabulous Regent Theatre, enjoy a top comedian, or legendary live band at the Victoria Hall or watch a Hollywood blockbuster in one of the city's cinema complexes. 

 

Ideas for family days out in Stoke on Trent 

Relax in the glorious gardens at The Trentham Estate, created by England’s Greatest Gardener Capability Brown for the Duke of Sutherland and lovingly restored with contemporary planting, they are a must-visit attraction any time of the year. 

At the centre of Trentham’s Gardens discover the mile-long lake, teeming with wildlife including a colony of water voles and a family of beavers, the lake provides a lovely accessible circular walk.  

Stroll through the beautiful Italian Gardens, look out for the amazing fairy sculptures and brave the Barefoot Walk before browsing the 80 stores, restaurants and cafes in the adjacent shopping village. 

Take the family for a walk with the monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest, home to more than 140 free roaming Barbary macaques, who live (and breed) in 60 acres of ancient Staffordshire woodland located between Stoke and Stafford. 

Round off your Stoke on Trent trip with a splash in the tropics at the Waterworld aqua park, the UK’s number one indoor waterpark, with more than 30 rides and features for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll also find Adventure Mini Golf with two 18-hole themed courses and Adventure Mini Village indoor role play village next door to Waterworld. 

 

Shopping in Stoke 

Shop til you drop with household names at The Potteries Centre shopping mall or nearby Affinity Staffordshire where you can get huge discounts from big brand outlet stores. There are more bargains to be found in more than 20 factory shops dedicated to our world-famous pottery manufacturers like Wedgwood, Spode, Portmeirion, Moorcroft and Emma Bridgewater.   

On the outskirts of the city explore Trentham Shopping Village, a collection of well-known retailers and independent traders housed in 80+ charming timber lodges. Together with eateries and one of Europe’s largest garden centres it’s a shoppers’ dream. 

 

Stoke on Trent Food & Drink 

Sample mouth-watering menus at restaurants, pubs and tea rooms offering local cuisine, including the famous Staffordshire Oatcake – a type of savoury pancake made with oatmeal, Stoke’s answer to the Breton Galette!  

Fine china and fine food & drink go hand-in-hand, an ideology epitomised by World of Wedgwood where you’ll find the award-winning Wedgwood Tea Room serving exquisite Afternoon Tea on fine bone china, naturally.  And on the same site visit the Six Towns Distillery & Bar and Lunar Restaurant. 

The Titanic Brewery is based in Stoke-on-Trent producing over 4 million pints a year and stocked in supermarkets across the country, visitors can join regular Brewery Tours to hear first hand the success story of Titanic, buy supplies direct from the brewery shop and sample the beers at 16 pubs and café-bars across the region. 

 

Stoke on Trent Accommodation 

Book a hotel in Stoke on Trent and extend your visit to the Potteries. You can stay in a luxury four-star hotel or budget accommodation a stone’s throw away from the delights of Alton Towers Resort and the Peak District. 

Hilton have two hotels in the city – Doubletree by Hilton Stoke combines modern comforts with the historic Etruria Hall (former home of master potter Josiah Wedgwood) to provide a luxury hotel with first-class conference facilities and leisure amenities.  

Hilton Garden Inn is a purpose-built city centre hotel with contemporary rooms and suites for both business travellers and leisure guests. 

For more information visit https://www.visitstoke.co.uk/ 

 

 

Staffordshire Districts

Explore our Destinations Not sure which area of Staffordshire to explore first? Check out the Explore our Destinations section detailing what you can expect in each of our unique boroughs and districts. From vast expanses of stunning countryside to vibrant cities, towns and villages Staffordshire has everything to make your trip active, adventurous and fun!