Top 5 Stoke-On-Trent Activities
Stoke-on-Trent, known around the globe as The Potteries, boasts an industrial history spanning 300 years and offers plenty of activities and things to do.
Portmeirion, Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater factory shops allow visitors to watch their pottery being cast, fettled, sponged fired and decorated.
1. Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is an essential attraction in Stoke-on-Trent, housing one of the world’s finest collections of Staffordshire ceramics as its main gallery, but also offering sections dedicated to local history, natural science, fine art, archaeology and the Staffordshire Hoard which represents one of the most significant Anglo-Saxon gold finds ever discovered.
The art gallery exhibits an impressive variety of works spanning 19th-century paintings to modern sculpture, ceramics by famous names like Dod Procter and Dod Lick and technical gallery exhibits used in Stoke’s potteries production methods; local history gallery takes visitors through rooms depicting daily life of Potteries residents including schoolroom, pub and chip shop environments.
Kids can follow children’s trails around the gallery and join drop-in activities, while adults can take part in drop-in workshops. The main gallery hosts various pay-for exhibits throughout the year – past displays have featured costumes from ITV’s Downton Abbey! Currently on view until September 2, 2018, Creative Rage explores themes of bravery, aggression and trailblazing combative nonconformity.
There is an excellent selection of independent eateries near the museum, from bistro The Quarter and raw food specialists Rawr to pizzeria Klay and pre-theatre stop-off Zest. For chain dining experiences there’s Nando’s and TGI Friday’s three minutes away at Etruria Mills or nine minutes walk from intu Potteries shopping centre while theatre entertainment can be found four minutes away at Regent Theatre.
2. Trentham Estate
Trentham Estate offers three wonderful attractions all in one stunning 725-acre landscape for you to explore. Discover revitalized Italian gardens, magnificent flower beds, mile-long walks around Lake Trentham or take the magical Fairy Trail through a hide and speak maze before taking part in UK’s inaugural Barefoot Walk or take advantage of their 42 seat battery-operated catamaran.
This site features a herd of 140 free roaming barbary monkeys that you can view up close in their natural woodland environment. Furthermore, this location serves as an important conservation and biodiversity hub with rare breed herds, black fallow deer herds and the reintroduction of endangered water voles all grazing here.
At one time, coal mining was a thriving industry in Stoke-on-Trent with numerous pits such as Hanley Deep Pit and Trentham Superpit. By 1947 when mining became nationalised, over 20,000 men employed locally. They would commute daily by work-horse between the city and mines before returning for meals at local pubs or restaurants which still exist today.
Trentham became a regroupment camp during World War II for French troops mixed with British troops. Over time, pro-Vichy France faction split in two with some soldiers opting to go overseas while others chose to remain. When remaining Frenchmen chose not to leave Trentham and remain behind for North Africa campaign, local people treated them badly which resulted in complaints of cruelty (herd of deer were killed), lax discipline and fraternization with local girls.
Town is generally safe to explore; however, as with any place it is wise to use common sense when out at night. Stick with friends when exploring unfamiliar areas at night. Stick to main roads and try not to wander alone through dark alleyways. In case of emergency call 999/112/112 from any payphone and request Ambulance Services/Fire Brigade/Police services respectively.
3. Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest is an animal sanctuary with 140 Barbary macaques living in an expansive, tree-filled enclosure. Visitors are invited to interact with and learn more about these primates as they play and frolic around. In addition, guided tours and feeding opportunities may also be provided here. However, please be aware that it may not be suitable for young children or the elderly due to steep terrain in some areas.
Stoke-on-Trent is best known for its ceramics industry, earning it the nickname of “The Potteries”. There are numerous factory shops and galleries showcasing this pottery making heritage; one such gallery, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery features locally made ceramics as well as decorative arts from across Britain as well as a World War II Spitfire exhibit. Other museums include Gladstone Pottery Museum situated within an old Victorian factory as well as Stoke-on-Trent Canal Museum on an restored canal boat.
Stoke-on-Trent boasts more than just museums, art galleries and theatres; it also boasts several major sporting venues. The main stadium of Stoke-on-Trent is Britannia Stadium which hosts national football and rugby matches; other facilities include Trentham Racecourse and Waterworld indoor swimming complex on Festival Park.
Stoke-on-Trent has produced many nationally-renowned television presenters, such as Frank Bough (Nationwide and Breakfast Time host); Anthea Turner (Blue Peter); and Nick Hancock (They Think It’s All Over host and Room 101 host). Other notable residents are master illusionist Andrew Van Buren and vocalist Carl De Marco.
City life includes several newspapers and radio stations, such as BBC Radio Stoke, Max FM local commercial station and community-based 6 Towns Radio. A substantial swathe of Staffordshire countryside is protected by a Green Belt which prohibits further urbanization while restricting convergence with surrounding communities such as Kidsgrove and Biddulph.
4. Crepe & Waffle House
Crepe & Waffle House provides an innovative take on an age-old treat, offering both sweet and savoury options that satisfy vegan, halal and gluten-free diners alike. All dishes are handmade on site; for instance The Hunters Chicken One features a bubble waffle filled with layers of chicken breasts, crisp streaky bacon strips and fresh rocket. If your sweet tooth demands it then try Banana Nutella One which promises to please!
The kids’ section offers an interactive table for children to construct their own crepes or waffles with topping sauces of their choice and ice cream from brands like Smarties, Biscoff crumb and Oreos; strawberries, bananas, Crunchie bars and chocolate sauce. There’s even a dedicated shake section offering flavors like Pavlova to Brownie as well as plant-based shakes!
Crepe & Waffle House can create something extra special for any special event or celebration with their customized crepe and waffle offerings and prices tailored to meet all requirements – be it birthday parties or wedding receptions.
Customers have given this restaurant an average review score of four on Google and have given rave reviews of both its staff and food quality for its price point. Plus, customers love that its atmosphere is modern yet cozy; great for family outings with plenty of seating available for everyone! And for brunch lovers looking for a new spot with amazing breakfast items, paninis, and dessert options – you must definitely stop here.
5. Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Monkey Forest is the only place in Britain where you can walk among 140 Barbary macaques free to roam throughout its 60-acre forest, free from bars or enclosures and behaving just as they would in their native habitat of Morocco. Additionally, informative boards and guides are located along its woodland paths as well as hourly feeding talks which offer fascinating insight into their daily lives.
The Monkey Forest offers school groups an educational destination, designed to meet different ages. Students can explore wildlife conservation, biodiversity and forest ecology through interactive activities with monkeys in this forest environment; seeing first-hand how their actions impact both them and the monkeys teaches them responsibility towards caring for our environment.
Stoke-on-Trent’s nightlife has also flourished over time, with Hanley becoming home to numerous acclaimed clubs such as The Golden Torch in the early 70s serving as the hub of Northern soul while Shelley’s Laserdome played an essential part in house and rave scenes in late ’80s and 90s. Now Hanley serves as an increasingly popular venue for live music performances with venues like Victoria Hall hosting many touring bands and musicians.
As with any city center, it’s wise to exercise common sense when venturing out at night alone or with children – though generally considered safe and family-friendly.
