The Potteries

Stoke-on-Trent is a fascinating mix of the historic and the contemporary, with acclaimed museums and heritage combined with unique shopping and cultural experiences.

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.

Explore the history of the industry which gave the city its nickname, at one of 'The Potteries’ crown jewels like The Wedgwood Museum, the Gladstone Pottery Museum and the working factory at Middleport Pottery, where the BBC’s Great Pottery Throwdown is filmed.

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

Relax in the glorious gardens at The Trentham Estate, created by England’s Greatest Gardener Capability Brown, before browsing the 80 stores, restaurants and tea rooms in the newly-expanded shopping village.

Take the family for a walk with the monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest, a splash in the tropics at the Waterworld aqua park, or bounce off the walls (and trampolines) at Flip Out.

Shop til you drop with household names at Intu Potteries or one of the 25 factory shops dedicated to world-famous pottery brands like Wedgwood, Spode, Portmeirion and Moorcroft.

Indulge in some crafty capers in the Master Craft Studio at World of Wedgwood and the Decorating Studio at the Emma Bridgewater Factory, where you can take home a unique memento of your visit.

Sample mouth-watering menus at restaurants, pubs and tea rooms offering local cuisine – including the famous North Staffordshire oatcake – and traditional British fayre, or choose from tantalising treats from around the world.

After your bite to eat, take in some culture with a West End show, Hollywood blockbuster, top comedian, or legendary live band – or even one of the spectacular open air theatre performances from Appetite Stoke.

Discover 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.

Or leave the exercise to the experts and watch the nation’s top sportsmen and women as they zoom around the city’s streets in major international cycling events, or display their footballing talents at the city’s top stadia including the Bet365 Stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club.

Extend your stay in a luxury four-star hotel or friendly guesthouse a stone’s throw away from the delights of Alton Towers Resort and the Staffordshire Peak District.