Outdoor Adventures in Stoke-On-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent provides endless outdoor adventures, from stunning gardens to an amusing monkey forest – this bustling English city has something special for every traveler.
Staffordshire’s Potteries was formed from six separate towns when they merged together in 1910 to create an industrial hub known as Vis Unita Fortior or “Strong Together”, boasting lively nightlife and plenty of historical landmarks.
1. Walk to Dilhorne Park
Stoke-on-Trent lies at the heart of England’s celebrated Potteries region and offers visitors a host of sights to see and activities to enjoy. From beautiful gardens to world-class museums, this city is packed full of attractions that cater to visitors of all interests and ages.
The area’s picturesque countryside boasts breathtaking walking trails and historical landmarks that offer glimpses into the past. Its charming beauty cannot be rivaled anywhere else in the country and provides the ideal setting for anyone desiring an effortless lifestyle.
Adventure seekers will adore walking to Dilhorne Park. Not only will this scenic locale feature a delightful playground, but its site was once used for mining coal! Visitors can explore what remains of Minnie Pit colliery while learning its fascinating industrial history.
Dilhorne Park boasts picturesque walking trails as well as charming restaurants and pubs rich with local history. Dilhorne Park’s proximity to Foxfield Railway makes it easier for residents to take advantage of an array of recreational opportunities in Dilhorne Park; thus making this village an excellent option for families as it provides both peace of mind and access to essential amenities.
2. Visit The Sugarmill
Discovering new places provides many opportunities to enhance the travel experience. Immerse yourself in local culture at museums and boutiques; broaden your artistic palette at top restaurants; take an exciting rollercoaster ride at Alton Towers or admire Trentham Gardens’ natural beauty; all these can add depth and flavor to any journey.
Are you looking to add some adventure into your life? Look no further than Stoke Ski Centre. This attraction features a state-of-the-art artificial ski slope which can be enjoyed year-round – offering the thrill of skiing and snowboarding without having to head into the mountains themselves!
After your time on the slopes, unwind at Alpine Lodge Cafe for some delicious food and beverages. Here, you can share stories about your experiences on the mountain as well as plan future adventures.
There are various ways to explore the natural beauty of the area, from hiking and climbing to camping and canoeing or pot holing. Plus there are plenty of family-friendly activities you can share together; also visit some local shops or restaurants for souvenirs!
3. Take a train to Longton
Stoke-on-Trent provides plenty of outdoor adventures for visitors from cities to quiet retreats, from museums and gardens to vibrant theme parks and lively bars – it has something to please every type of visitor! There is something here for every adventurer!
Alton Towers, Farley’s most beloved amusement park, boasts exciting rides and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Or take a trip out into English countryside by visiting Trentham Gardens; an idyllic green space featuring top restaurants and lively bars.
Longton Station can be reached from Birmingham New Street by train and the two primary providers, East Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry can provide service.
Be sure to book your train tickets well ahead of your journey if you want to save money, so purchase Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead on their website or app and save up to 30% from standard ticket price!
4. Visit Gladstone Pottery Museum
Stoke-on-Trent is internationally-recognized for its rich ceramic history. Gladstone Pottery Museum stands as an outstanding testament to this creative legacy by housing all five huge bottle kilns from its Victorian factory days and housing their original workshop buildings – which tell the tale of Stoke’s amazing production line from raw materials through pots, tiles and sanitary ware. It’s no secret why so many visitors flock here year after year – from potters and tile makers alike!
Original workshops provide a fascinating window into the working practices of hundreds of similar factories that were found throughout town in the 1800s. Watch staff demonstrate traditional skills like throwing pots, casting metal objects and bone china flower making – you may even get to try it for yourself for an additional charge!
The Gladstone Pottery Museum features an interactive gallery to illustrate the development of sanitary ware and ceramic colour history, while its cafe offers hot and cold drinks and snacks overlooking its cobbled courtyard. Furthermore, souvenirs can be purchased at Gladstone Shop with offerings such as studio pottery pieces for children as well as unique home goods not found elsewhere on the high street. Located Tuesday – Saturday from morning until late afternoon hours (check website for opening times), The Gladstone Pottery Museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday – Saturday each week until further notice!
5. Visit Intu Potteries Shopping Center
The Potteries Centre, in Hanley, features an abundance of shops and restaurants with easy access. There is a food court as well as high street stores such as Ann Summers; bareMinerals; Beaverbrooks; Benefit; Burton; Calendar Club; the Fragrance Shop; Clarks; Dorothy Perkins; EE; Elizabeth Arden; Dune; Footasylum; Jack & Jones; Laura Mercier; Lush; Miss Selfridge; Nando’s; Pandora; Ruff & Ruby and many more.
This shopping centre is the largest in Staffordshire and South Cheshire and features big brands like Next and Primark as well as restaurants such as Nando’s and Chiquito as well as a 9-screen Cineworld multiplex cinema and multi storey car parking for easy access.
Hanley Market in the basement offers traditional pottery and ceramics, over 100 stalls selling jewelry and clothing, free samples and demonstrations in many stores, an IMAX cinema for families with young children, an IMAX theatre and is now under new management since previous owner Intu Properties entered bankruptcy administration earlier this year; property company MAPP purchased it while investment manager APAM will assume asset management responsibilities.
6. Visit Alton Towers
Alton Towers’ is one of the UK’s premier theme parks, offering thrilling rides for all members of your family to enjoy. Choose from thrilling roller coasters or take the chill off your spine with haunted dark rides; or get lost in Hex’s multi-sensory experience; there’s sure to be something at Alton Towers to meet everyone’s tastes!
Alton Towers Theme Park features multiple attractions, including its iconic Waterpark and Sandon Hall. Formerly known as Cariba Creek, Alton Towers Waterpark features fast slides, lazy river rides, tipping buckets and much more for guests to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. Entry tickets must be purchased separately in order to access these water attractions as they’re part of Merlin-operated Alton Towers Resort but independent tickets must also be presented for entry into each attraction.
Are you in search of an adrenaline rush? Try the Wicker Man roller coaster or the high-speed Hex. For something less thrilling but no less exhilarating, explore Alton Towers’ old house or venture out to Ashby de la Zouch Castle’s ruins for more historical experience before taking a break at Alpine Lodge Cafe and unwind in their warm, welcoming atmosphere.
7. Visit Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens, on the southern edge of Birmingham near Smallthorne, are one of the premier attractions in the region. Boasting expansive perennial plantings that change throughout the seasons and a beautiful shopping village as well as one of Blue Diamond’s flagship stores – Trentham Garden Centre is sure to impress.
The Gardens offer an incredible variety of activities for people of all ages. Stroll around the lake and explore woodlands and parklands; visit world-famous Italian Gardens such as Rivers of Grass and Floral Labyrinth or Show Gardens such as Therapeutic Sound Garden and Jurassic Garden – there’s sure to be something enjoyable here for everyone!
Trentham Gardens offer children numerous attractions for enjoyment, including Fairy Trail, Hide and Speak Maze and adventure playground. Visitors can ride boats or miniature trains around the lake while wildlife walks bring nature up close. In summertime there are fireworks shows, firework displays and family-oriented workshops and activities offered within these grounds.