StokeonTrent Pottery Is Just The Beginning
When you pay a visit to Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire county, you are visiting not just one but six towns. Together they make up the city with the town of Hanley being the city centre. All together, these pretty towns are locally known as The Potteries.
As you might guess from the nickname, potteries are exactly what these towns are known for. If that is one of your passions, you will be coming to the perfect place. Offerings include museums about ceramics, factory tours and factory shops. It is no surprise, really, considering that the city is home to world-famous potteries, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood. Along with them, you can visit such factories as Moorcroft, Emma Bridgewater, Aynsley and Portmeiron.
There are several other options for your diversions if you just cannot get excited about pottery. For example, you can pay a visit to the 800 acre Trentham Estate and stroll among the gardens there. There is also Monkey Forest close by which is home to 140 Barbary Macaques in an area of 60 acres that can be walked through.
The Alton Towers located just to the east is one of the best known theme parks in the U. K. There is also the Waterworld indoor swimming complex which is a perfect place to bring children. Parks abound and each of the towns has at least one. Burslem, for example, is one of the biggest Victorian parks registered in the U. K. Several of the others are also nature reserves, Park Hall Country Park being a national one.
When you are done with the tourist attractions, you can go shopping in the Potteries Shopping Centre or visit some of the available high street brand offerings. The evening offers several live performances at theatres, a concert hall and several nightclubs featuring a wide assortment of music. There is even a place that shows art-house films. And, of course, you can also choose from a variety of restaurants and pubs.
You will have an easy time reaching the city as it lies less than an hour drive from Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham. Once here, there is a wide range of accommodations. You can find bed and breakfasts, guesthouses or hotels, as you prefer.
For a quick couple of days away or even a bit longer, Stoke-on-Trent is a lovely place to spend some time. If you are in the market for some pottery, it will be even better. Enjoy a holiday while you are picking up presents for the loved ones on your list.
