Top 8 things to do in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent, the biggest city in Staffordshire, is a melting pot of activity. Known for its rich pottering heritage, Stoke is now home to a vibrant art, music, and museum scene. Surrounding the city, you’ll find scenic landscapes dotted with stately homes, theme parks, and parks and zoos. 

Throughout the six districts of the city and beyond, you’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to family days out, solo adventures, and group excursions. In this article, we’ve selected the best things to do in Stoke-on-Trent that will ensure you get the most out of the Potteries. 

8 best days out in Stoke-on-Trent 

To dive right into it, here are 8 things you cannot miss in Stoke-on-Trent: 

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

To get a real sense of Stoke’s past, make a beeline to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Here, you’ll find the best collection of Staffordshire pottery in the whole world. Marvel at the works of Wedgewood, Minton, and Moorcroft as you unravel the history of British ceramics. 

The museum also boasts an extensive collection of art pottery and world ceramics, which allows you to put Stoke-on-Trent in context with the rest of the world. 

At this museum, you’ll also find the ‘Staffordshire Hoard’, the biggest collection of Anglo-Saxon silver and gold ever found. Lastly, Potteries Museum is also home to the Spitfire Gallery, featuring real aircraft. 

Besides providing the most eclectic displays in the whole of the city, this museum is also a must-visit because entrance is free!

Emma Bridgewater Factory 

To understand the city’s modern pottery scene, spend the morning or afternoon at the Emma Bridgewater Factory. Here, you can book yourself on a tour of this relatively new pottery factory. This active factory still produces 1.9 million individual pieces of pottery every year! 

Unlike other factories in the area, Emma Bridgewater still employs potters who work full-time creating ceramics for the city and beyond. No modern machinery is used to do the job – the onsite potteries take a traditional approach to the art of pottery, using their hands as much as possible. 

Emma Bridgewater tours allow you to take a first-hand look at the art of pottery and the ancient skillset that put Stoke-on-Trent on the map during the Industrial Revolution. 

Live music in the Cultural Quarter 

The city’s Cultural Quarter isn’t only good for pottery factories and museums: you’re also guaranteed a premium night out when you visit the centre of Hanley. 

For big-name bands, check out the listings for Victoria Hall. You may get lucky and find that your favourite band is in Stoke at the same time as you! Alternatively, you should check to see who’s playing at the nearby Regent Theatre. Here, you can catch live bands, comedians, pantomimes, plays, and a whole host of other events! 

If you’re looking for something more alternative, head to the Sugarmill on Brunswick Street. Here, you can catch up-and-coming local bands or dance the night away during one of the venue’s club nights. The Sugarmill also hosts an Electric All-Nighter on the last Friday of every month, which sees the club open til 6.00am! 

Foxfield Railway

Staffordshire is full of heritage railways, but if you’re looking for one near the centre of Stoke, head to Foxfield Railway. Not only is this heritage railway in a good location, but it is also one of the oldest in the whole of the UK! 

The railway was originally built in 1892 as a link between the city and Foxfield Colliery. When the Colliery closed in 1965, a preservation society was set up to preserve the line. In the years since a steam train has been taking guests along the five-mile stretch of track, running from Caverswall Road Station to Dilhorne Park. 

As it trundles slowly along, you can take in the sights of the beautiful English countryside. Aside from the heritage railway line, you’ll also find a Museum & Gift Shop, as well as the Station Buffet and Bar. 

Trentham Estate 

To the southern edge of the city, you have Trentham, a suburb full of fun and activity. Of all the activities offered, Trentham Estate is a must-visit for lovers of stately homes and nature. In the estate, you have Trentham Gardens, which consists of 725 acres worth of woodlands and landscaped gardens. 

The estate is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. It’s also the perfect place to do a spot of shopping, with a unique Shopping Village also on the estate. In the village of log cabins, you can find big-name retailers, independent purveyors, and delicious eateries. Notable shops include Mountain Warehouse, the Candle Shop, and Whittard. You can also find Greek and Italian restaurants, as well as big-name dining options such as Frankie & Benny’s. 

Trentham Estate is also home to an adventure playground, beaver safari, miniature train, and the popular Trentham Monkey Forest. There are also canoeing, rowing, disc golf, and fishing opportunities. 

Audley Climbing Centre 

If you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing but never had the opportunity to do so, the Audley Climbing Centre will provide you with a great introductory rock climbing experience. Loved by locals, the Audley Climbing Centre is constantly changing its climbing wall, guaranteeing a unique climbing experience every time you visit. 

If you’re a new climber, the staff are all friendly and encouraging. So much so that you’ll feel like a professional in no time! Each instructor is also DBS check and first aid certified, so you’ll definitely be in safe hands when climbing at Audley. Instructed sessions are available, which will lead you through the basics of climbing. 

Stoke-on-Trent is a bit of a climbing centre hub in general, with several alternative climbing centres throughout the city. If Audley feels a bit far away from where you’re staying, Stoke also has Kilnworx and Awesome Walle climbing centres. 

Biddulph Grange Garden

Another one for lovers of nature and stately homes, Biddulph Grange Garden boasts a grade-I listed Victorian garden, woodland adventure play, and plenty of other great attractions for the whole family! Stoke-on-Trent days out don’t get more eclectic than a visit to Biddulph. 

As you wander around the expertly landscaped garden, you’ll be able to admire rhododendrons, dahlias, lilies, roses, and a whole host of other plants from around the world. For more oriental plants, you can head to the Chinese garden. 

Biddulph is also home to the oldest stumpery in the UK. Here, the path winds along a sunken walkway flanked by oak tree roots. At one point in the garden, you’ll come across the Egyptian Court, which dates all the way back to 1859. This fascinating stretch of the gardens is complete with sphinxes, baboon statues, and chambers. 

Besides the fascinating gardens, Biddulph is also home to a tea room that serves beverages as well as hot and cold meals, a second-hand book shop, and a garden centre. 

Alton Towers 

It’s impossible to talk about the best things to do in Stoke-on-Trent without mentioning Alton Towers. Obviously, Alton Towers is what a lot of families travel to Stoke for. As this article has proven, there are lots of other things to do – but Alton Towers is still a real highlight of the city. 

The resort is suitable for all ages, with great rides and attractions that’ll definitely keep the whole family entertained. Classic rollercoasters include the Smiler, Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion, and the Spinball Whizzer. 

There are also plenty of rides and attractions that cater to younger age groups, including the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Postman Pat Parcel Post, and the Something Special Sensory Garden. 

Where to stay in Stoke-on-Trent 

If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, Stoke-on-Trent and its surrounding area are full of hotels, accommodation options, and unique stays. For more information, check out our list of the best Stoke on Trent accommodation options here. 

FAQs

Best things to do around Stoke? 

Stoke-on-Trent puts you in a good position to explore either the surrounding countryside or the rest of Staffordshire. It lies at the foothills of the Pennines, at the Uplands of the Peak District, and the north of the county. It’s great if you want to explore the nature of the West Midlands, hike the Pennines, or get familiar with the market towns of Staffordshire. 

What famous food is from Stoke-on-Trent?

Staffordshire doesn’t have many regional dishes, but Stoke-on-Trent is home to the Staffordshire Oat Cake. This savoury snack comes in the form of a pancake made using flour, oatmeal, and yeast. Normally served hot, this pancake is typically filled with bacon, melted cheese, and mushrooms. 

What are the towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent? 

Stoke-on-Trent is made up of six towns: Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Stoke, and Longton. During the Industrial era, these six towns were linked by a cart track which was known as “the Lane”. The towns unified in 1910 to become Stoke-on-Trent.