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StaffordshireVisit Stoke on Trent

Stoke on Trent was created in 1910 with the federation of the Six Towns: Burslem, Hanley, Longton and Stoke, together with districts from Fenton and Turnsall.  Before this the towns were known as 'The Potteries' and many locals still refer to the towns by this name rather than Stoke on Trent.

Stoke on Trent was given city status in 1925 and became an authority independent of Staffordshire County Council, in 1997. 

Today the linear city stretches for almost 12 miles and adjoins Newcastle-under-Lyme. This conurbation now has a population exceeding 360,000. 

Although the city is named after Stoke and the City Council offices are located there, the city centre is located in Hanley, an earlier commercial centre.

The area's coal and clay, suitable for earthenware, made it perfect for the production of pottery.  Since the 17th century it has been famous for manufacturing pottery on an industrial scale.

Firms such as Minton, Royal Doulton, Spode and Wedgewood were all established here.  Later, the opening of the Trent and Mersey Canal meant that china clay could be imported from Cornwall enabling the production of bone china and creamware. 

However, it was the research and experimentation of Josiah Wedgewood, and the development of artistic talent in the local community, that lead to the Staffordshire Potteries acquiring their dominant position in the international market. 

The coal industry was also important and iron and steel was produced in the valley below the hill towns of Burslem, Hanley and Tunstall.  

From 1881 to 1930 Stoke was the home of the locomotive manufacturer Kerr Stuart & Co. and it also housed the repair shops of the North Staffordshire Railway from 1864 to 1927. 

In the late-20th century the city's economy was hit by the general decline in the British manufacturing sector and many potteries, steelworks, mines and factories closed.  

Today the economy has now recovered and the city is one of the 100 top business locations in the UK.  Stoke on Trent is internationally known for the world's finest ceramics and it has also become an important tourist destination.

Stoke on Trent's main shopping area is in Hanley.  Here, the Potteries Shopping Centre houses a number of independent specialist retailers as well as established high street names.  Hanley is also home to the Cultural Quarter of Stoke on Trent.  The city's many theatres include the Mitchell Memorial Theatre in Hanley, the Stoke Repertory Company, Victory Hall and Regent Theatre in Stoke, and the Queen's Theatre in Burslem. 

There are also several cinemas including the long-established 'art house' cinema at Shelton. 

Recently the city has gained a reputation for lively nightlife with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs. 

Stoke on Trent has two Football League clubs: Stoke City FC , the Potters, who play at the Britannia Stadium and Port Vale FC , the Valiants, whose ground is Vale Park in Burslem. 

Many football fans visit the fine memorial to Sir Stanley Matthews (1915 - 2000) in the churchyard of Stoke Minster.  Sir Stanley was born in Hanley and played for Stoke City FC for most of his career.  Outside Stoke City's Britannia Stadium is a new statue depicting Sir Stanley at different stages of his career.  Another statue stands in the centre of Hanley.  

The Potteries, Stoke on Trent, became a major tourist destination in 1986 when the city hosted the National Garden Festival. Since the city has made the most of its identity as 'The Potteries' and is now recognised as the centre of the ceramic world. 

Many of the pottery factories offer tours to visitors and there are internationally acclaimed visitor centres at Spode, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton.

Stoke on Trent boasts over 30 factory shops and also has several museums to visit relating to the pottery industry,including the Gladstone Pottery Museum and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery ( reopens 2007).

The Trent and Mersey Canal passes south through Stoke on Trent and its towpath forms a intregal part of the city's National Cycle Network.  At Etruria the waterway is joined by the popular Caldon Canal.  This has recently been restored for pleasure craft, with a section running through the Churnet Valley. Reminders of the Industrial Revolution can be seen along its banks including iron workings, iron works and lime kilns.  

Other tourist attractions in Stoke include Trent Festival Park, between Hanley and Burslem, which offers lots of attractions for all the family including retail outlets, a multi-screen cinema and ten pin bowling alley. 

The Stoke Ski Centre, in Festival Park, offers facilities for skiers, snowboarders and toboggans, with a ski school and unique Alpine Rollercoaster .  

Waterworld, also in Festival Park, is the UK's top indoor tropical water park.  The park offers over 30 exhilarating rides and attractions, all set in a temperature of 86 degrees. 

At Smallthorne stands Ford Green Hall, a charming timber-framed yeoman farmer's house dating from 1624, the museum has an outstanding collection of 17th century textiles, ceramics and furniture, illustrating what life was like in the Potteries before the Industrial Revolution.   Surrounding the house is a garden with knot gardens and herb beds, capturing the style of a 17th century garden. Ford Green Hall also has a nature reserve, small shop and café.     

Trentham Gardens in Stone Road, Trentham, were once part of one of Trentham Hall, a 19th century estate, owned by the Dukes of Sutherland.   In the 1911 the house was demolished and the gardens became a popular recreation space for working families.  However, by the late 1980's the gardens had gone into a decline.  Today the 'Trentham Awakes' project is rejuvinating the 750 acre, with over 400 acres of woodland with many walks.  Monkey Forest,, 'Aerial Extreme', lake- designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown - and miniature railway are some of the main atractions.

      Location Map of Stoke on Trent
What To See -

Stoke on Trent Tourist Attractions

 
The Spode Visitor Centre in Church Street offers guided factory tours, a museum, video, Spode factory shop, gift shop and a licenced restaurant.  
 
The Wedgewood Visitor Centre, at Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, is set in sweeping parkland.  The centre, a memorial to Josiah Wedgewood, offers exhibitions and guided factory tours.  
 
Royal Doulton at Nile Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2AJ, Tel: 01782 292434, Visitor Centre with factory Shop and Tours available - prior booking essential.
 
Churchill Pottery in Wheildon RoadStoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 4HQ, offers regular factory tours.  The shop has an extensive range of dinnerware, fine bone chine, teapots and gifts. Tel:01782 847258
 
Etruria Industrial Museum , Lower Bedford Street i, Etruria (near Hanley) at the junction of the Trent and Mersey and Caldon canals.  The last steam-powered potters' mill in the UK, built in 1857 to grind materials for agricultural and pottery industries, the mill ceased operations in 1972 and was scheduled an Ancient Monument in 1975.  Home to 'Princess', a 19th century beam engine that still powers the 1856 bone and flint grinding machinery.  There is also a family-friendly interactive display, shop and café. 
 
The Dudson Museum, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5DD Tel: 01782-821075. is located in a grade II listed bottle oven.  The centre illustrates the history of Dudston Ltd, established in 1800.  Exhibits range from Staffordshire figures to present day tableware.
 
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Bethesda Street, Hanley, is run by the City Council.  Visitors get the chance to travel back in time and discover the history of the 'Potteries'.  Displays include the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics and a Spitfire.
 
The Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre in Sandbach Road, Burslem, has a museum with many historical pieces.  Its shop sells best and slightly imperfect handmade giftware and lamps.
 
Royal Stafford, in Wedgewood Place,Overhouse Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4EE, has a factory shop offering tableware, gifts and selected seconds.  In the ceramic café visitors can paint their own piece of pottery to create a unique gift. Tel: 01782 525419
 
The Gladstone Pottery Museum, in Uttoxeter Road, Longton, is a City Council run museum set in a complete Victorian pottery factory.  Visitors can see traditonal skills still being used in the original workshops and bottle kilns.  There is also a gift shop and café. Tel: 01782 237777
 
Portmeirion Potteries, in Normacot Road, Longton, has a shop offering tableware, giftware and decorative accessories in glass, textile and wood.
 

Where To Stay in Stoke on Trent

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Hotels


? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £84 per room
Stoke-on-Trent Moat House Etruria Hall Festival Way Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5BQ MAP
A friendly, modern hotel convenient for Alton Towers and other leading family attractions. On the doorstep is Festival Park, boasting Waterworld, Ten Pin bowling, Quasar and a 10-screen cinema.

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Express by Holiday Inn Stoke-on-Trent Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EG MAP
A modern, comfortable hotel close to the M6 in the heart of the Potteries. Clean, comfortable rooms with power showers and modem points. Quality accommodation at value for money prices.

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Quality Hotel Stoke-On-Trent 66 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NB MAP
Distinctive hotel in the centre of this famous Potteries town, ideally situated for the rest of Central England. Located within walking distance of the centre of Hanley, the hotel is a perfect location for guests to explore the tow

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £59 per room
North Stafford Hotel Station Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2AE MAP
This fine Jacobean style building is classical and spacious and reflects its original Victorian elegance. Bedrooms are comfortably decorated with modern facilities. Ideally located for visiting Spode, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton and Aynsley. The ...

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Holly Trees Hotel Crewe Road Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2JL MAP
Positioned 3 minutes from junction 16 of the M6, Henry and Sarah are particularly proud of their pristine, light and airy accommodation with superior quality beds.

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The Crown Hotel Times Square, 545 King Street Longton near Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1HD MAP
The origins of The Crown Hotel go back to the early 1800 with the present building being built in 1887 The hotel provides friendly service with no frills comfortable accommodations at realistic prices Situated opposite the Town Hall in London and...

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £35 a room
The Weather Vane Lysander Road Meir Park Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7TW MAP
Situated in the heart of the potteries and close to Alton Towers, a halfway house for journey North or South. A lodge with conference facilities, 180 seater restaurant and lounge bar and external childrens play area.

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? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £49 a room
The Manor 1 Watt Place, Cheadle Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1NZ MAP
Centrally located in the Moorlands and under 5 miles from Alton Towers, this beautiful 250 year old house with a landscaped walled garden was originally built as a rectory.

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? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £40 a room
The George Swan Square Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2AE MAP
Offering a wealth of history, this well-loved hotel is situated in Burslem, one of the 6 towns making up the city of Stoke-on-Trent, known affectionately as The Potteries. The George Hotel gives a warm welcome to both business and leisure guests.

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? Cheapest room - based on price data supplied
Prices from: £42 a room
Plough Motel Campbell Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EN MAP
Friendly individual service in our independently owned motel coupled with excellent cuisine. Close to all major routes with 20 en-suite bedrooms.

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Travelodge Stoke Talke Newcastle Road Talke Stoke-on-Trent ST7 1UP

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Tollgate Hotel Ripon Road Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3BS MAP
Take the ten minute drive from Stoke on Trent's City Centre to the Tollgate at Blurton and you could be in for a surprise. During the 27 years since the Tollgate first opened its doors as a squash club…

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Holiday Cottages


Lockwood Hall Farm Kingsley Holt Stoke-on-Trent ST10 2DH
This cottage is on a working dairy farm overlooking the Churnet Valley. The house provides tasteful and spacious accommodation.Visitors are welcome to come and watch the cows being milked, the calves being fed and sometimes they have ... Sleeps 6

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Little Park Farm Cellarhead, near Stoke-on-Trent
Glorious panoramic views over meadowland and the Staffordshire moorlands and a peaceful farmstead location are enjoyed by visitors to this recently built farmhouse. Perfect for larger groups, it boasts a smart, modern, exceptionally spacious and luxuri... Sleeps 10 + 2 t/cots

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Around The Stoke on Trent Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Newcastle-under-Lyme (2.31 miles) Kidsgrove (4.85 miles) Biddulph (6.30 miles) Alsager (7.20 miles) Cheadle (8.26 miles) Leek (8.38 miles) Congleton (9.59 miles) Sandbach (11.29 miles) Crewe (12.02 miles) Nantwich (14.47 miles) Market Drayton (15.30 miles)

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