Stoke-On-Trent Tourism – A Mix of Historical Treasures and Thrilling Adventures
Stoke-on-Trent tourism combines historic treasures with thrilling adventures. From an iconic brand’s heritage museum to a bustling shopping center, Stoke offers plenty of memorable experiences that visitors should not miss out on!
Gladstone Pottery Museum is an operating Victorian coal-fired pottery factory. Additionally, Emma Bridgewater and Portmeirion Factory Shops provide great discounts on their quintessentially British designs.
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is an award-winning venue conveniently situated in Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre. Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Staffordshire ceramics and decorative and fine arts; artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard; drop-in activities; special events; and an historic World War II Spitfire aircraft, among many other treasures!
The museum was established in 1926 following a bequest by Dr John Russell that specified an exhibition building to receive and store works of art. Over time, donations and purchases bolstered its growing collection – today featuring over 5,000 ceramic pieces by Bernard Leach, Michael Cardew, Jacqueline Poncelet, Jacqueline Poncelet as well as fine art from 20th century British production acquired via Contemporary Art Society’s Special Collection Scheme.
As well as its ceramics and fine and decorative arts collections, the museum hosts special events throughout the year. These include talks by top First World War historians as well as supper clubs. On 10 August alone, historian Andrew Robertshaw will address 1918 battles during a talk entitled ‘The Unexpected Victory, followed by pie and pea supper; Meredith Towne will explore women’s roles during WWI over a Cream Tea on 19 August.
The Museum provides unique venue rental spaces that are suitable for corporate and private functions, including its 300-seat theatre with sound and lighting facilities and two meeting rooms that can each seat up to 40 people – available outside regular opening hours for bookings.
The Potteries Museum can be reached both by car and public transit. A short walk takes visitors directly from the city’s bus station, while nearby parking facilities such as Lichfield Street Multi-Storey offer convenient parking solutions. Furthermore, Midland Metro stops nearby providing another means of reaching this historic building.
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Gladstone Pottery Museum provides a fascinating look into Stoke-on-Trent’s rich heritage. Its mission is to honor and preserve Pottery traditions while being an inspirational source for future generations. Exhibitions, events, and community engagement help meet this goal at this museum; historic factory buildings also remain as living reminders.
The museum exhibits are divided among several galleries, each dedicated to one aspect of pottery making. One gallery highlights its history through historical photos and objects; another showcases art of pottery making with Frederick Alfred Rhead’s iconic Gladstone vase serving as an example. Additionally, ceramic tiles from various manufacturers can also be viewed.
Gladstone Pottery Museum can easily be reached via road or public transit in Longton district of the city. Visitors can catch a train to Longton railway station and then walk southeast for less than 10 minutes until arriving at museum.
Visitors to the museum can learn how bone china tableware was produced in its original workshops and witness staff demonstrations. Furthermore, family-friendly activities allow children to get involved with crafts such as crafting and painting pots or ceramic pieces as souvenirs of their visit.
Gladstone China Works is one of the only remaining Victorian pottery factories from a time when coal-fired ovens produced some of the world’s finest bone china. The original workshops and large bottle kilns offer visitors a glimpse into how factories once thrived in this area, with darkened turrets and smoke-stained brick chimneys adding an authentic Dickensian atmosphere.
This museum is an invaluable experience for anyone interested in ceramics and life during the Industrial Revolution in Stoke on Trent. Exhibits showcase this city’s proud pottery tradition while inspiring future designers; its numerous exhibits will enthrall visitors of all ages from children to adults alike. Additionally, annual events including Halloween ghost walks and Christmas carol concerts take place here as well.
Intu Potteries Shopping Centre
Intu Potteries Shopping Centre is the largest indoor shopping complex in Stoke-on-Trent and owned by Intu Properties, with more than 90 active stores, ranging from fashion and toys to home furnishings and seasonal markets. Additionally, events like panto performances and seasonal markets take place here throughout the year. Plus it is easily accessible by bus, train and car with ample parking spaces including The Hive car park which features reserved spots for electric vehicle charging and is easy to navigate!
The centre serves as a major employment hub, employing over 5,000 individuals. Additionally, Intu Potteries boasts an eclectic selection of restaurants and cafes including Nando’s, Chiquito and Gourmet Burger King as well as being home to nine-screen Cineworld movie theatre and an on-site bowling alley – providing visitors with everything they need for shopping, dining and relaxing in one convenient place.
Hanley Centre in Stoke-on-Trent is designed as several high streets rolled into one building and contains over 80 retail units as well as the Debenhams store for the city. Its architecture harks back to Victorian period designs while local pottery designs provide inspiration. Furthermore, there is an iconic clock tower which serves as an iconic landmark.
This summer at The Potteries Centre there will be plenty of activities for children to keep them occupied – an under-the-sea themed maze and circus performances will keep children occupied, while The Village Green returns from 22 July until 3 September as a hub of picnic benches and flowers, ideal for family days out and quick lunch breaks from shopping!
If you’re passionate about ceramics, The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is an invaluable place for learning and fun. Discover its history while trying your hand at pottery making! Best of all? Entry is completely free with over 4000 pieces on display!
If you are in the area, the Intu Potteries Shopping Centre is well worth a visit for its stunning architecture and wide array of shops – everything from high fashion brands to quirky boutiques can be found here!
Trentham Estate
Trentham Estate is a 725-acre country estate on the southern outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England. The estate features gardens, parklands and a lake among a backdrop of woodlands and historic buildings such as Trentham Hall (built 17th-century), as well as Capability Brown-designed lake.
In 1086, it was first recorded in the Domesday Book as an estate worth 115 shillings and with monastic dissolution came private ownership and various money-spinning ventures were attempted on it, such as tennis courts or bowling alleys; but St Modwen purchased the estate in 1996 to begin its current transformation process.
Gardens and parklands have become a popular visitor attraction, drawing thousands of people each year. Gardens often reflect various countries or regions through themes or plants featured. One particularly outstanding garden is Italy’s garden which features vivid hues at first before becoming more subtle as one moves towards Lake Como.
Trentham offers plenty of activities and attractions suitable for the whole family, such as strolling through its gardens and parklands or exploring its lake. There is something fun for everyone at Trentham from strolling the gardens or parklands to strolling across its lakes to relaxing at one of its restaurants or cafes, or trying your luck at one of its attractions like Trentham Monkey Forest and Treetop Adventure high ropes course – with activities suitable for children of all ages available here too.
The Monkey Forest, established in 2005, offers an extraordinary experience that is unprecedented in the UK. Home to 140 free roaming Barbary macaques, visitors can walk among them as they play and interact in their natural woodland environment.
Trentham Wine Estate provides tours and tasting sessions, which allow visitors to learn more about how the wines are created. Situated at the base of Trentham Estate’s slopes, its vineyards produce sparkling, full-bodied reds and dry white wines for visitors’ tasting pleasure.
Trentham Garden Centre at The Estate provides an unforgettable shopping experience. Situated within a timber lodge village, its 64 shops and 19 cafes and restaurants feature products ranging from ceramics, outdoor gear, craft activities, hobby hobbies, fashion accessories and collectables – providing visitors with something new with every visit!
