Holiday Destinations in Stoke-On-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent (also known as “The Potteries”) offers visitors an abundance of historic museums and factories that draw history enthusiasts and culture enthusiasts alike. There’s also the zoo and theme park, charming gardens, and even a monkey forest!

Explore Gladstone China Works, one of the last fully intact Victorian pottery factories that used coal-burning ovens to craft bone china tableware. Enjoy canal cruises or explore Trentham Estate’s revitalized Italian and flower gardens for some restorative relaxation.

Drayton Manor Theme Park

Drayton Manor Theme Park is a family theme park situated in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire and covering an area of over 280 acres. Offering more than 100 rides and attractions for all the family – as well as Europe’s only Thomas Land – plus 15-acre Zoo and four-star Hotel accommodation; Drayton Manor Theme Park makes an unforgettable family outing!

Theme park attractions and rides at Adventure Cove feature many nautical touches to make for a thrilling family-oriented experience, including River Rapids and new family roller coaster The Wave as well as other thrilling attractions and a four-D cinema showing ‘A Fish Story’ film.

Island of Sodor is another highly-popular themed zone, providing visitors with a selection of Thomas and Friends rides. Visitors can ride aboard Thomas, Rosie and Percy down the Sodor Railway or fly high with James, Harold and Jeremy; plus many exciting Thomas-themed activities like Terence’s Driving School and Thomas Exhibition!

Thomas Land is an amazing multi-million pound themed area, where visitors are immersed into the world of popular children’s series Thomas & Friends with over 20 rides and attractions themed around this beloved series. Additionally, the multi-million pound development features numerous exciting rides, attractions and cafes for your enjoyment!

The park also houses various attractions that are no longer in operation, including: 12-hole crazy golf (costing PS2) and fairground games; as well as restaurants and shops – Maithwaite Station replica currently serves as staff/dressing room; railway line connecting attraction with Thomas Land area was recently installed by this point.

Thomas Land

Thomas Land is an essential experience for fans of Thomas & Friends, located at Drayton Manor and home to 18 themed rides that bring the Island of Sodor to life, such as Tidmouth Sheds and Knapford Station, with real sets from TV show for photo opps. However, many rides may only accommodate children under 4. Keep an eye out when taking part in Toby’s Tram Express or Harold’s Helicopter Tours; make sure height restrictions are observed at Fat Controller Fountain before entering Toby’s Tram Express or Harold’s Helicopter Tours as these rides may require quite small children when riding Toby or Harold!

Parents with young kids will also find plenty to keep them occupied; an excellent Kid’s Caboose and play area modeled after Spencer are just two options available to parents here, while for those looking for some downtime there are a couple of lovely spots offering tea and cake as well.

The main park offers animal lovers a zoo and Dino Trail. Additionally, it has cable car rides and mini railway tracks suitable for smaller passengers. Tickets that include both Thomas Land and the main park can also be obtained.

Rides at both areas are fairly close together, about five minutes walk apart. If you have a toddler, bringing along their pushchair is recommended as the rides are so close together; once finished, leave it at Emily’s Adventure Play to leave at buggy park or bring back to Thomas Land for return journey. Both areas offer plenty of family-friendly restaurants as well as restrooms and changing stations throughout the park.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers is more than a mere theme park; it’s an entire resort featuring hotels, a water park and spa services. Open seasonally between March and November with special themed opening times at Christmas and school half terms.

The main theme park features eleven themed “lands”, each offering its own rides and attractions. Some may impose height restrictions, so it is advisable to verify them prior to arriving at the park.

On the official site, you can access a comprehensive list of rides and attractions with photos and details for each. This can help you select rides appropriate for your family, but there is much more waiting to be discovered!

Mutiny Bay, a pirate ship-themed ride, proved particularly popular on my recent visit, winning over my children who enjoyed spinning back and forth along its rocking motions. For any pirate fans out there, I strongly suggest giving Mutiny Bay a try – my kids were absolutely charmed!

CBeebies Land offers activities designed specifically for young children. There is even its own entrance so parents can enjoy other rides without worrying about keeping little ones entertained!

If you are staying in an on-site hotel, don’t forget to download and use the official app to help plan your day and maximize its enjoyment. It is free to use, providing up-to-date rides, queue times and news from each part of the theme park. Also note that certain lodging options require meal reservations in advance to avoid disappointment!

Trentham Gardens

Trentham Gardens provides a host of attractions that will appeal to every member of your family. Take a stroll along Capability Brown’s mile long lake, take part in nature trails or wander the woodlands and parklands – there’s sure to be something here for all ages!

Vast perennial plantings offer breathtaking vistas that transform with each season in this modern recreation of an historic garden and are considered some of the finest in Britain. Come explore its adventure playgrounds, search for fairies on its Fairy Trail and lose yourself in its magical maze before taking to the waters with a boat or miniature train ride!

Attractions including a high ropes course, treetop adventure and shopping village make Trentham Monkey Forest an unforgettable family outing – you can even stay the night in their Premier Inn hotel! Plus you can walk with 140 free-roaming barbary macaques at Trentham Monkey Forest if you prefer!

The Gardens offer an exciting events program that annually attracts world-renowned artists in an idyllic picturesque setting. The visitor centre boasts several restaurants and cafes, from Frankie & Benny’s to Willow by Paragon; whilst lakeside tearooms provide fantastic views over gardens and river. Trentham Shopping Village provides shoppers with a selection of independent and popular big brand retailers, as well as plenty of relaxing seating areas where they can pause for refreshments while browsing. There are 77 timber lodges displaying everything from luxurious bed linen, decorative accessories, high-quality bone China products and J&P hats – not forgetting plenty of places for relaxing over lunch or enjoying some snacks while browsing! Plus there’s the Trentham Garden Club with exclusive benefits for yourself and loved ones every time they visit Trentham!

The Peak District National Park

Discover the magic of Farley Park, with its local legends and expansive moorlands. Gnarled forests and charming medieval market towns add further character. Museums provide insight into history and culture while top-class restaurants serve lunch. Alton Towers – Europe’s popular amusement park located here – provides thrills of rides for thrill-seeking visitors!

Stoke’s cultural scene is flourishing, particularly along its central spine of Hanley and Burslem where you’ll find modern art galleries, vintage stores, independent cafes that celebrate ceramic heritage as well as waterfalls, willow sculpture walks and floodlit show caverns providing picturesque delights. Or you could visit nearby Matlock Bath where waterfalls, willow sculpture walks and floodlit show caverns provide scenic delights – or perhaps Matlock Bath offers idyllic waterfalls, willow sculpture walks and floodlit show caverns provide scenic delights!

Visit Chatsworth House – best known for being Mr Darcy’s residence in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley as Mr Darcy – which boasts over 2,900-listed buildings to discover! Home to Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, its sumptuous rooms can be explored during tours or by attending one of their annual Regency Ball or Country Fair events.

Trentham Gardens offer visitors a peaceful stroll along Caldon Canal or work off your full English breakfast with a stroll through formal Italianate gardens surrounding Trentham Lake. Be sure to explore their charming locks and old railway bridges, beloved spots among photographers.

For the best view of the park, the summer months offer the ideal conditions. Longer days allow more opportunities to participate in events like the Well Dressing festival which takes place across rural England in July. You can also visit Hathersage village where there’s a heated pool set within Dovedale Valley.