If you’re planning to visit Stoke-On-Trent, you’ve chosen a city with the perfect balance of thrills and chills. Exciting days full of fun and adventure are balanced by calm afternoons soaking up the area’s rich history.
Stoke-On-Trent, also known as The Potteries, was originally formed in 1910 from the coming together of six towns. It’s the heart of England’s pottery industry and features a variety of museums offering snapshots of the past.
With so many exciting things to do, Stoke-on-Trent is the ideal location for a family trip. Read on to discover seven of the best attractions that the area has to offer!
1. Trentham Estate
The Trentham Estate is one of the most popular places to visit in Stoke-on-Trent, encompassing 725 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, woodlands and parklands. It offers four distinct attractions promising family fun, thrills and relaxation.
Trentham Gardens is particularly beautiful in the spring, with its meticulously designed flowerbeds, sweeping meadows and lakeside walks. Nearby, Trentham Shopping Village features dozens of shops, cafés and restaurants set within rustic timber lodges.
Just a few minutes away, you can walk among 140 free-roaming barbary macaques at Trentham Monkey Forest. Or, if you have a head for heights, visit Trentham Treetop Adventures and brave more than 30 treetop obstacles!
2. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
If you’re visiting Stoke-on-Trent, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history is an absolute must. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery features a fascinating mixture of local history, natural science, archaeology and Staffordshire ceramics.
It’s worth a trip to lay eyes on the Staffordshire Hoard: the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever discovered. The museum also features a fine art gallery and decorative arts collection, with a diverse range of contemporary design, textiles and costumes.
3. Waterworld
Waterworld is one of the best places to go in Stoke-on Trent for a day of pure excitement. The UK’s number one tropical aqua park, Waterworld promises adventure and fun for the whole family. It offers a huge range of thrilling rides, relaxing pools and a highly rated café and restaurant.
Suitable for all ages, there’s so much to experience at Waterworld. Have fun with the little ones on the toddler-friendly waterslides or get your adrenaline pumping on the Thunderbolt, a 25mph vertical water flume. A beach effect wave pool offers a calmer option to the super thrill rides found in Tornado Alley.
4. Gladstone Pottery Museum
For those interested in the history of ceramics, a visit to the Gladstone Pottery Museum is a must. It’s the only complete Victorian pottery factory, dating back to the days of crafting fine bone china in coal-burning ovens. The working museum offers an intriguing insight into Stoke-on-Trent’s historic pottery industry.
Stroll around the Tile Gallery and absorb one of the largest collections of decorative tiles in the country. There are also plenty of demonstrations and activities to take part in, from throwing clay to pottery painting. On your way out, don’t forget to enjoy a tea in the café and find yourself a unique souvenir from the Gladstone Shop.
5. World of Wedgwood
Featuring acres of rolling hills, luxury shops, dining, history and interactive activities, the World of Wedgwood promises fun for everyone. Follow the journey of how pottery is made with a guided tour of the Wedgwood Factory and try your hand at the Clay Studio. Explore the V&A Wedgwood Collection, which plays host to over 165,000 historical photographs, ceramics, manuscripts and works of art.
Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque woodland or enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Wedgwood Store and Factory Outlet. Finally, finish with one of the Wedgwood Tea Room’s famous afternoon teas. What’s not to love?
6. Stoke Ski Centre
When planning a UK break, skiing isn’t the first activity that comes to mind. But at Stoke Ski Centre, there’s no need to wait until it snows to get your winter fun on! The Midlands’ premier dry slopes offer a range of activities for all ages and abilities. It’s also one of Staffordshire’s most popular party venues.
Experience a rush with Adrenaline Tubing, which is exactly what it sounds like – sliding down a steep slope in an inner tube! The gentler Fun Slope is perfect for under-9s. Alternatively, practice your skiing or snowboarding with freestyle recreational sessions and one-on-one lessons.
7. Alton Towers
No list of places to visit near Stoke-on-Trent would be complete without a mention of Alton Towers: the largest theme park in the UK. The 500-acre resort is situated only a 30-minute drive or short bus ride from the city centre. With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something on offer for all ages.
Teenagers and adults can experience some of the best thrill rides in the country, including The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster. Little ones will love CBeebies land, featuring gentler attractions themed around their favourite TV characters. If that’s not enough, explore the on-site spa, golf course or waterpark and enjoy a variety of restaurants, shops and shows.
Experience Stoke-On-Trent with 53 Degrees Property
There are so many fun things to do in Stoke-on-Trent that you’ll want to return again and again. At 53 Degrees Property, our modern self-catered accommodation offers the perfect way to experience everything that the area has to offer. Every location is selected with style, comfort and convenience in mind, with a range of amenities including WiFi, free parking and smart TVs.
If you’re looking for places to stay in Stoke-on-Trent, find your ideal holiday let today with 53 Degrees Property. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our helpful team.