Stoke on Trent

The Staffordshire town of Stoke on Trent is famous for its connection to the ceramics industry and, in fact, is often referred to as one of the towns within ‘The Potteries’.

A town with a long and illustrious history, Stoke on Trent’s location on the river of that name made it a prime place for a location in times gone by, but it is because it is home to many of the world’s most famous produces of fine pottery that it has such standing in terms of the arts and culture. Royal Doulton, Spode, Minton and – of course – Wedgewood are all names associated with the industry in the town, and many are still producing high quality pottery ware today.

 

The area also has a long history of coal mining, something which is now a bygone industry across the country. With its proximity to the Peak District National Park and excellent road and rail connections, Stoke is a town that is popular with tourists, especially those wishing to revisit the industrial history of this famous area.

The Gladstone Pottery Museum
As original as a Victorian Pottery factory can be, is this Museum. You can watch the craftspeople go about their work, and there are also opportunities for you to be creative as well. (01782 319 232)

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
This Museum is known to have the finest and largest displays of pottery in the world.
You can also see detailed history of not just the arts, but geology, archaeology and the social history of the area. (01782 232 323)

Wedgewood Visitor Centre
With a name that has a long, lustrous history with pottery and dinner ware, this centre is designed to guide you though the history of the prestigious brand name and its works. You can watch and talk to the potters, and also browse the galleries and gift shops. Here you will also find the Wedgwood Museum, that covers 3 centuries of the Wedgwood workings in it’s Victorian showrooms. (01782 282 986)

Spode
This is England’s oldest pottery company and  is the birthplace of fine bone china. The craft centre shows how the work is created and the museum tells the history of the Spode name. If you want to find out if the food tastes better on Spode’s elegant china plates you can dine here in the Blue Italian Restaurant. (01782 744 011)

Alton Towers
Thrill seekers will love many of the 100 rides here and is known to be Britain’s most loved theme park. (0870 444 4455)