Stoke-on-Trent the World Capital of Ceramics

Stoke-on-Trent is conveniently located in the heart of England. This unique Staffordshire City is made up of six separate towns: Burslem, Fenton, Hanley (the City Centre), Longton, Stoke and Turnstall.

Boats on the Trent & Mersey Canal

Made famous by its Pottery Industry, the City lives up to its fame through its various visitor centres, ceramic museums and factory shops. Famous brands include Wedgewood, Dudson, Royal Doulton, Aynsley, Emma Bridgewater and a host of others. At the factory shops, visitors can purchase "seconds" at a much reduced price (up to 75% off). Although the seconds are not perfect, their defects are only noticed by the trained eye. You can own magnificent ceramic items at giveaway prices; an excellent way to commemorate your memorable stay in Stoke-on-Trent.

The City also offers excellent leisure and entertainment facilities, some in the City and others nearby. Stoke-on-Trent is the closest city to Alton Towers, so it makes perfect sense to use the city as a springboard for an exciting weekend or holiday.

One of the features that contributed to the City's success in past centuries in the potting industry is the Trent & Mersey and Caledon Canals. These two canals merge near the Etruria Museum. Watching the canal boats float past is quite entertaining as each boat has its own decorations that reflect the personality of it's owners. A feature well worth visiting is the Harecastle Tunnel which is just less than 2 miles long.

The City boasts extensive cycling routes. The network of cycle routes extends over 125km. The routes include many quiet off-road routes, containing greenways, canal towpaths, river routes and other tourist attractions. Cycling is an ideal way of exploring the many sites and venues that make Stoke-on-Trent so unique.

Stoke-on-Trent contains 1,380 hectares of open spaces, gardens and parks. This makes it one of the greenest cities in the UK. The famous Peak District is also right on its doorstep. An exciting garden and parkland restoration project and the Trentham Estate has created stunning gardens and unique family entertainment opportunities. Other gardens include Burslem Park, Central Forest Park, Westport Lake, Henley Park and Fenton Park.

The City is less than an hour from Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Manchester. From London Euston it takes less than one and a half hours by train, making Stoke-on-Trent an ideal location for a day out or weekend break.