Stoke-on-Trent isn’t the first place you probably think about when planning a break, if you are from overseas, you have probably never even heard of this city before.
Whether you fancy a short break somewhere different, or you are visiting for work or family reasons, you might want to know where some of the most interesting places to visit in Stoke-on-Trent are.
There are lots of top rated attractions for all types of people, whether you are interested in history, adventure, sports, the great outdoors or family fun, you can find something to match your interests.
Location & Getting to Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke is located in the county of Staffordshire, in the Midlands and although it doesn’t have the investment, skyline or new buildings of nearby Manchester for example, there is a special local charm to Stoke and it really is a great destination to visit especially if you have never been here before.
The city is made up of the six towns of Stoke-On-Trent – Burslem, Tunstall, Fenton, Hanley, Longton and Stoke, after they were unified in 1910. There are places to visit throughout the city.
Getting to Stoke is easy, it is located centrally in England and is easily accessible by car, National Express coach or train.
What is Stoke Famous For
Stoke-on-Trent is the home of the pottery industry in England and is commonly known as the Potteries, with the local residents known as Potters. Famous names who were born in Stoke include international pop superstar and former member of Take That, Robbie Williams. It is also home to the ex Premier League football team, Stoke City FC, who helped to raise the profile of the city around the world.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Stoke-on-Trent
Here are some of the top rated places to check out in Stoke-on-Trent to make your trip memorable.
1. Alton Towers Resort
Located in over 500 acres of beautiful Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe attracting over 500,000 visitors every year.
At Alton Towers Resort you can stay in three themed hotels, relax in Stargazing Pods or just enjoy the many live events and land/water rides.
There is a huge area for families and young children whilst there are so many adventure rides for thrill seekers including Nemesis and Oblivion.
• Address: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
2. Trentham
Trentham is one of the most relaxing outdoor destinations in the city set in 725 acres of spectacular natural beauty and home to award-winning Gardens, well preserved ancient Woodland, an outdoor shopping outlet, a Monkey Forest and Treetop Adventures.
There is something for everyone at Trentham whether you want to go for a leisurely walk, shop, see animals or have your children enjoy a really amazing fun day out.
• Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8JG
3. Waterworld Leisure Resort
Stoke Waterworld is one of the most fun places on our list and is highly recommended for families with children. This indoor waterpark
This is the UK’s best indoor tropical aqua park is located in the heart of the city and it is open all year round.
Waterworld Aqua Park is an epic adventure for the whole family to enjoy, with over 30 different rides and attractions including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide! There’s also the outdoor pool for those looking to enjoy some sunshine in the summer months!
The Waterworld Leisure Resort is also home to Adventure Mini Golf with two 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf courses, and the new M Club Spa and Fitness facility, so there has never been more choice for the best leisure experiences in Staffordshire!
Package deals are available and can be booked online.
• Address: Festival Park, Festival Way, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU
4. Bet365 Stadium
The 32,000 capacity Bet365 Stadium is home to Championship football side Stoke City FC. Although Stoke City FC aren’t the most successful team in recent years, the fans of Stoke City are some of the most vocal and in the country and watching a live game is highly recommended. The atmosphere in and around the stadium on match days is electric and if you are a sports fan you will love the experience of a live game.
• Address: Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EG, Reino Unido
5. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is part of Stoke-on-Trent Museums Service. The museums service was established in 1911 with the Federation of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. The largest museum in the service, the Hanley Museum & Art Gallery, became the Stoke-on-Trent City Museum & Art Gallery when it moved to new premises in 1956, and the museum underwent major expansion in the late 1970s, winning the ‘Museum of the Year’ award in 1982. In 1998 the museum was rebranded as The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (PMAG).
The museum’s collection of Staffordshire pottery is widely acknowledged as the finest in the world and other collections of fine and decorative arts, natural science, social history and archaeology have local, regional and national significance. The museum is fully accredited and all the collections, totalling more than 650,000 individual objects, are Designated collections. The museum is also now home to a number of artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard, which PMAG bought along with Birmingham Museums in 2010.
Another similar destination you might want to visit include the Portmeirion Factory Shop.
Address: Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW
6. The Regent Theatre
There are lots of local pubs in Stoke which are worth checking out if this appeals to you, but if you enjoy live entertainment be sure to check the schedule at The Regent Theatre.
Address: Piccadilly, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1AP
7. Potteries Shopping Centre
Located in Hanley, Stoke city centre is home to the Potteries Shopping Centre which is a great destination if you are looking to buy things. This is the largest shopping centre in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire with shops including Primark, Next, River Island, H&M, Jack & Jones, Pandora, Swarovski, Cineworld, Chiquito, Nando’s, Starbucks and Costa Coffee and more.
Address: Quadrant Rd, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1RZ
5. Stoke Ski Centre
Do you have a passion for skiing or snowboarding? Missing the slope of the European Alps? Or just keen to learn and give it a try? Head to Stoke Ski Centre. Lessons are available to beginners, whilst there is also the option to go tubing here, it really is fun for the whole family!
Address: Festival park, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU
8. Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Newcastle-Under-Lyme is an upmarket part of Stoke with lots of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Be sure to try the local food speciality, the Staffordshire Oatcake. This is a kind of pancake which can be filled with cheese, eggs, bacon, sausage and more. It might sound odd, but believe us, it is really tasty.
10. Westport Lake
Westport Lake, created alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal, is Stoke-on-Trent’s largest expanse of water and consists of two lakes, and a nature reserve. Situated on the edge of Westport Lake, a great spot for bird-watching and walking, the Westport Lake Visitor Centre boasts a welcoming cafe with panoramic views.
This really is a great place to spend some time relaxing. Also if you like outdoor lakes, be sure to also check out Longton Park, another one of the top outdoor locations to visit in Stoke.
Address: Westport Lake Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4RZ
Stoke-on-Trent usually doesn’t make any top lists of places to visit in the UK, but it isn’t a bad place to visit. Hopefully if you do get visit, and you check out some of the locations featured on our guide, you will be able to enjoy a really special trip and be pleasantly surprised.
