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The Best Day Trips from Stoke-on-Trent: A Complete Guide

Embark on an fun day out with our guide to the best day trips from Stoke-on-Trent. Explore scenic routes and historical landmarks, with suggestions that are fun for all of the family.

Where is Stoke-on-Trent?

Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent is a city rich in industrial heritage and cultural vibrancy.

Known affectionately as 'The Potteries' due to its history in pottery manufacturing, it is conveniently located at an equal distance from both Birmingham and Manchester, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of the Midlands.

What to Do in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is a hub of activities, offering something for everyone. From the renowned pottery museums and factories, such as the Emma Bridgewater Factory, to the picturesque Trentham Gardens, there's a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore.

Families can enjoy a day out at the nearby Alton Towers, or embrace outdoor adventures at Go Ape Cannock Chase.

Emma Bridgewater Factory

The Emma Bridgewater Factory , situated only 10 minutes from the centre of Stoke-on-Trent, is a delightful celebration of British pottery. Visitors can explore the vibrant factory, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

The factory offers engaging pottery painting workshops, making it a hit with creative visitors of all ages. Beyond the interactive experiences, the factory shop is a treasure trove of beautifully designed pottery, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.

Trentham Estate and Gardens

Discover the beauty of the Trentham Estate , a mere 15 minutes' drive from the city centre. Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Italian Gardens, the charm of the shopping village, and the unique experience of the Trentham Monkey Forest.

Gladstone Pottery Museum

Located just 15 minutes from Stoke-on-Trent, Gladstone Pottery Museum is a captivating step into the world of ceramics. This preserved Victorian pottery factory offers a unique glimpse into Stoke-on-Trent's rich pottery heritage.

Visitors can witness live demonstrations, explore the original kilns, and even try their hand at pottery making.

The museum beautifully combines educational exhibits with hands-on experiences, making it an enriching visit for all ages.

Go Ape Cannock Chase

Go Ape Cannock Chase , about a 30-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent, offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure.

Set in stunning woodland, it features thrilling treetop courses, zip lines, and challenging obstacles. Perfect for families, friends, and adventurers, the park provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Staffordshire.

Whether you're swinging through the trees or enjoying scenic forest trails, Go Ape Cannock Chase promises an unforgettable day of fun and adventure.

Amerton Farm

A quick 30-minute drive takes you to the rural haven of Amerton Farm . Perfect for a family day out, the farm offers a range of activities, including play areas, animal feeding, and a craft centre.

Rudyard Lake

About 30 minutes from Stoke-on-Trent, Rudyard Lake offers a serene escape. Formed in the 18th century for the Caldon Canal, it now provides activities like boating and fishing, along with scenic walking and cycling paths, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers, located just a 45-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent, is a thrilling world of adventure and excitement. Known for its iconic roller coasters like 'The Smiler' and 'Nemesis', the park offers exhilarating rides for thrill-seekers.

But it's not all about adrenaline - families can enjoy gentler attractions in CBeebies Land and captivating seasonal events.

Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, Alton Towers provides a perfect blend of high-excitement fun and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Famous for its delicious tart, Bakewell is a picturesque market town in Derbyshire, less than an hour away.

Visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for authentic Bakewell tarts, explore unique independent shops, enjoy the medieval bridge and stunning riverside views.

Chatsworth House

Just over an hour's drive from Stoke-on-Trent, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is well worth the visit. 

The estate boasts a sprawling 105-acre garden with sculptures, works of art that span 4,000 years and a Victorian rock garden. Inside, over 25 rooms to explore with an impressive art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Lucien Freud.

Day Trips Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is not only a city of rich cultural heritage but also a starting point for an array of diverse and exciting day trips.

Whether it's delving into the world of pottery at the Emma Bridgewater Factory, exploring the serene beauty of Trentham Estate and Gardens, or seeking thrills at Alton Towers, the area surrounding Stoke-on-Trent has something to offer for every type of traveller.

From the tranquility of Rudyard Lake to the historical grandeur of Chatsworth House, each destination provides a unique glimpse into the heart of England.

So, pack your bags and set off from Stoke-on-Trent for a journey filled with discovery, fun, and unforgettable memories. 

Ensure your travels are as smooth and enjoyable as possible, visit Adderley Green Garage.

Whether it's for a pre-trip inspection, regular maintenance, or just expert advice, our team at Adderley Green Garage is here to help you hit the road with confidence.

So, gear up for your next adventure and let Adderley Green Garage be a part of your journey towards a fun day out with the family.

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Top Things to Do in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Places to visit in stoke-on-trent, explore popular experiences, tours in and around stoke-on-trent.

Private Deer Park Tour and Day Out in Leek

Gin Tasting Masterclass

Gin School Experience

Scavenger Hunt in Stoke-on-Trent by Operation City Quest

Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

Beatles Magical Mystery Tour

Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

The Hidden Nature Trail to Tittesworth Reservoir and Beyond

Top attractions in stoke-on-trent.

Other Top Attractions around Stoke-on-Trent

What travellers are saying

• Trentham Monkey Forest
• Trentham Shopping Village
• Westport Lake
• Longton Park
• Biddulph Grange Garden
• Trentham Gardens
• Wetley Moor Alpacas
• Gladstone Pottery Museum
• The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

February 2024

THE BEST Stoke-on-Trent Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in stoke-on-trent.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Black Prince Holidays

2. Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre

3. Bemersley pools

What travellers are saying.

• Black Prince Holidays
• Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre
• Bemersley pools

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The perfect family day out by coach

Get away for a day and escape to somewhere new, our day trips are the perfect opportunity to try something different.

We feature tours to cultural cities and sights from Flower Shows to Concerts, coach trips to historic homes and gardens from Greenway House, Dartmouth to Blenheim Palace, Windsor Castle and The Houses of Parliament, shopping havens and exhibitions, rural retreats and top attractions including London Eye, Legoland and Alton Towers.

With tours operating nearly every day of the week, you’re sure to find something you like.

Here’s everywhere Bakers Dolphin can take you for a memorable day out!

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All days out by coach, gold coach days out.

Travel in luxury on our GOLD Coach tours.

Gardens & Flower Shows

RHS Chelsea and other flower shows plus gardens for the garden lover to enjoy.

Houses, Castles & Palaces

Picturesque, spectacular, stately and fascinating places to visit.

Markets & Shopping Days

Go with friends to grab a bargain and have a great day out.

Exhibitions, Festivals & Fairs

Entry tickets and travel to some of Britain’s biggest events are here.

Experience the wonder of the England's capital and rediscover London's top attractions and rich history.

Theatre Trips

See some of the best musical and theatre shows that London and the rest of the UK has to offer.

Check out travel to big name concerts. Some are as a concert package with tickets and travel, others coach only.

Afternoon Tea & Lunches

Indulge in a slice of one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at the best locations across the UK.

Railway & River Boat Trips

Sail or steam on our heritage railways and waterways.

Seaside & Scenic Tours

Traditional day’s out at classic seaside resorts or market towns.

Attractions, Zoo’s & Theme Parks

Have a thrilling day out at theme park or top attraction.

Step back into the past in Britain’s heritage-themes museum venues.

Sport Events & Venues

Check out our travel and tickets for the season’s top sporting events.

Take off with us to see historic flights and modern jets.

Overnight Stays

Enjoy a picturesque overnight break by coach with exciting excursions and hand-picked accommodation.

Find out more about Bakers Dolphin and our holidays.

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Enjoy the convenience of meeting us at a local joining point en-route and we'll take you direct to the coach, hassle-free.

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1-Day Stoke-on-Trent Itinerary

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Table of contents

1-day itinerary, trentham estate.

Trentham Gardens

Trentham Shopping Village

Trentham monkey forest, bet365 stadium, where to eat, david's brasserie, totally delicious - trentham gardens (tea room), the rabbit hole tea room.

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Popular road trips from stoke-on-trent, what's the weather like in stoke-on-trent.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Stoke-on-Trent for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Stoke-on-Trent in January
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All road trips from Stoke-on-Trent

• Stoke-on-Trent to London drive
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• Stoke-on-Trent to Berlin drive
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• Stoke-on-Trent to Prague drive
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• Stoke-on-Trent to Glasgow drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Cardiff drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Florence drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Oxford drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Milan drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Vienna drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Stratford-upon-Avon drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Budapest drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Bruges drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Venice drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Lisbon drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Llandudno drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Brighton drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Belfast drive
• Stoke-on-Trent to Portsmouth drive

Explore nearby places

• Stoke-on-Trent
• Newcastle-under-Lyme

All related maps of Stoke-on-Trent

• Map of Stoke-on-Trent
• Map of Fenton
• Map of Hanley
• Map of Longton
• Map of Newcastle-under-Lyme
• Map of Trentham
• Map of Burslem
• Map of Chesterton
• Map of Barlaston
• Map of Tunstall
• Map of Meir
• Map of Keele
• Map of Bagnall
• Map of Audley
• Map of Kidsgrove
• Map of Madeley
• Map of Stone
• Map of Cheddleton
• Map of Mow Cop
• Map of Kingsley
• Map of Cheadle
• Map of Alsager
• Map of Barthomley
• Map of Rode Heath
• Map of Froghall
• Map of Ashley
• Map of Ipstones
• Map of Foxt
• Map of Whiston
• Map of Leek
• Map of Sugnall

Stoke-on-Trent throughout the year

• Stoke-on-Trent in January
• Stoke-on-Trent in February
• Stoke-on-Trent in March
• Stoke-on-Trent in April
• Stoke-on-Trent in May
• Stoke-on-Trent in June
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• Stoke-on-Trent in September
• Stoke-on-Trent in October
• Stoke-on-Trent in November
• Stoke-on-Trent in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Stoke-on-Trent?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Newcastle-under-Lyme Itinerary
• 1-Day Leek Itinerary
• 1-Day Stone Itinerary
• 1-Day Burslem Itinerary
• 1-Day Hanley Itinerary
• 1-Day Trentham Itinerary

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Splash & Stroll: 1 Day in Stoke-on-Trent

May 8, 2024 · 1 min read

Embark on a one-day journey to Stoke-on-Trent, where excitement and peace blend seamlessly. Start your day with a splash at Alton Towers Waterpark, a theme park that promises a full day of fun with its exhilarating water rides and attractions. Located at Farley Ln, Alton, this waterpark is the perfect spot for thrill-seekers and families looking to make a splash. After an adrenaline-fueled morning and afternoon, wind down at the Trentham Estate. Spend an hour strolling through the breathtaking landscape gardens, taking in the natural beauty and tranquility. This serene oasis, situated on Stone Rd, Trentham, offers a peaceful retreat from the high-energy thrills of the waterpark. With this itinerary, you'll experience the best of both worlds in Stoke-on-Trent – the rush of a theme park and the calm of picturesque gardens.

• 1 Day in Stoke-on-Trent Itinerary: Day 1

Alton Towers Waterpark

Kickstart your Stoke-on-Trent adventure with a splash at Alton Towers Waterpark, a theme park oasis nestled within Farley Ln, Alton. As the first stop on your itinerary, this waterpark promises a full day of exhilarating water rides and relaxing lazy rivers. Whether you're seeking the thrill of high-speed water slides or looking to unwind in the Lagoona Bay, Alton Towers Waterpark offers a variety of aquatic attractions set to make a splash in your day.

Attraction Info

• Resort Alton Towers, Alton ST10 4DB England
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open on Mon-Fri,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Trentham Estate

After an action-packed day at the waterpark, unwind amidst the tranquil beauty of Trentham Estate. Located on Stone Rd, Trentham, this landscape garden is a picturesque haven, perfect for a leisurely hour-long stroll. Explore the Italianate gardens, discover the enchanting fairy sculptures, and bask in the peaceful ambiance of the floral displays. Trentham Estate is an idyllic conclusion to your day, offering a serene retreat into nature's artistry.

• Stone Rd, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 10:00am-5:30pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Premier inn stoke/trentham gardens, holiday inn stoke on trent m6 jct15, an ihg hotel, top things to do in stoke-on-trent-2024.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Roaming Required

15 fun and worthwhile things to do in stoke-on-trent.

Last updated: 30 July 2023

There’s loads of things to do in Stoke-on-Trent. So start your visit by discovering the history of the pottery industry, see the world’s largest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, and take a tour around a WWII Mk XVI Spitfire. There’s just a couple of things to get you started.

This region, known as The Potteries , is synonymous with pottery and ceramics. So much so, it’s known as the world Capital of Ceramics.   A visit to Stoke-on-Trent is incomplete without exploring this rich industrial heritage spanning 300 years.

Discover the bottle ovens that dotted the skyline for centuries, to processing and moulds, and handcraft techniques which has changed very little in 130 years.  Home to iconic British brands such as Wedgwood and Burleigh, there are numerous museums, factories, galleries and collections worth exploring, so much so we have an entire post dedicated to this part of The Potteries.

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The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery 

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is home to diverse displays of art, local history, natural sciences, and the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. The museum was also the home to a 2022/2023 Majolica pottery exhibition which you can read more about here . 

The Staffordshire Hoard

It’s incredible to think that even in the 21st century there are still significant pieces of history being uncovered.  Specifically significant to Stoke-on-Trent is what’s known as the Staffordshire Hoard.  The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest and most spectacular collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever discovered, found in a field near the village of Hammerwich in Staffordshire in July 2009. 

The Hoard is a mix of around 4,000 gold, silver and garnet items weighing nearly 6kg. Most of the collection were remnants of weaponry such as swords and axes, at least one high status helmet believed to be more than 1,300 years old. Two reconstructions of a magnificent helmet contained within the Staffordshire Hoard are on public display, one at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, the other at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. 

Ho me to the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world . Comprised of over 5000 pieces, the collection walks visitors through the City’s history as the centre of manufacture and design in the pottery industry.

The museum has significant collections of figures, including the Elizabeth Marianne Wood Collection of 18th and 19th century figures and the Pugh Collection of Victorian Staffordshire portrait figures.

Staffordshire slipware is one of the most famous pottery types to have been produced in the region. Ozzy the Owl, hit worldwide fame after being featured on BBC TV show Antiques Roadshow in March 1990. Ozzy’s owners admitted that he was used as a vase and a doorstop, you can imagine their surprise to know this rare piece of slipware pottery dates back to 1680, making him over 280 years old!

The collection is internationally renowned and includes a large collection of Staffordshire and salt-glazed stonewares. Notably, the 18th and 19th centuries are very well represented with collections of the major Staffordshire factories such as Wedgwood, Spode, and Minton. 

36 pieces in the collection were bought from the sale of The Minton Museum Collection, which provided a record of Minton’s ceramics from its foundation in Staffordshire in 1793 until modern times. Reportedly one of Britain’s greatest collections of ceramics was split up at an auction despite last-minute attempts to keep it together for the nation.

In the acquisition, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery acquired the prized Minton’s 5ft-high 1873 majolica peacock which is on display for all to see. 

Dr John Russell left his art collection to the City in 1924.  Largely early 20th century British art, the collection includes works by Wyndham Lewis, Henry Moore, John Currie and Alfred Munnings with a number of local artists and pottery designers also represented. 

Read More: Discovering The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent

Local history.

Visitors can weave through a series of rooms in the Local History gallery to make sense of the region’s intriguing past and provide some insights into domestic and working life it includes a schoolroom, a pub and a chip shop, offering a glimpse at life, and reflecting on the development of The Potteries as an urban and industrial centre. 

The ground floor is home to archaeology and a Natural Science exhibit which focuses on the diverse landscapes and habitats of the Potteries with some 150,000 specimens of plants, animals, fossils and rocks.

There’s also a collection letters, manuscripts, plays, photographs and books focused around local born author Arnold Bennett.

One of the great literary giants, writing thirty novels, some of his best known novels which were set in The Potteries.

World War II Spitfire

Did you know that Stoke-on-Trent has its own piece of wartime history?  Inside the Potteries Museum in Hanley lies Vickers Spitfire Mk LF XVI dating back to 1945. Spitfires are perhaps best remembered for their role in the Battle of Britain, where during the summer of 1940,  Spitfires and Hurricanes defended the skies over southern England against large-scale attacks by the German Luftwaffe. 

The connection between the Spitfire and Stoke-on-Trent is through aeronautical engineer Reginald Mitchell. Born in Talke and educated in Stoke before becoming an apprentice engineer at a locomotive works in Fenton.  It was Mitchell who was responsible for the design of a new fighter aircraft, the Spitfire. 

Trentham Estate

Trentham Estate is the former home of the Sutherland family. 

Today, it’s a major attraction in Stoke-on-Trent with the estate measuring approximately two miles north to south comprising of stunning award-winning gardens, a shopping village, garden centre, monkey forest, and an aerial extreme attraction. 

Trentham Gardens

Trentham Gardens was once known as the Playground of the Potteries.

In the mid-19th century, Trentham was one of the most influential gardens in the country. Victorian designer Charles Barry was commissioned to design and construct an Italian terrace, with an additional smaller terrace, fountains and statuary, which led down to the lake. 

Stunning as they are now, the expansive parks, gardens and woodlands that make up Trentham Estate would not be in the state they are today without contributions from some notable English landscape architects.

The estate was designed by English landscape architect, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown who worked at Trentham between 1759 and 1780. His work touched many grand properties like Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace near London, Brown is remembered as the last of the great English 18th-century artists and England’s greatest gardener.   At Trentham, he expanded Trentham Lake to become one mile long as it is today and remodelling the woodland to incorporate Kings Wood into his design which now has SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) status.

King’s Wood isn’t the only Trentham woodland to have SSSI status. Both the King’s & Hargreaves Woods have formal conservation designation SSSI status. The woods are an ancient oak semi-natural woodland with hazel and holly shrubs and bluebell, and wild garlic which flowers in the Spring. This biodiversity supports a variety of habitats, such as a rich beetle fauna including a high proportion of notable species and locally important breeding birds.  

Are you looking to discover and explore more of the UK?

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The Italian garden is a classic layout of wide paths, borders and fountains that all lead down to the lake. It was overhauled by architect Tom Stuart-Smith and Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf in the 1990s by planting about 70,000 perennials and tens of thousands of bulbs transforming the Victorian scheme to a contemporary ocean of changing colours and textures with dramatic perennial, shady woodland and vibrant meadows featuring fountains and topiary along the lakeside.

The elevated viewing platform in the Upper Flower Garden is the spot to go for the best view of the Italian Garden and the butterfly installation, looking out towards the mile-long lake that stretches through the middle of the manicured grounds and parkland in the distance.

Also nearby in this quiet corner of the gardens is the remains of the 19th century Grade II* listed Trentham Hall which was designed by none other than Sir Charles Barry, an English architect best known for his role in rebuilding the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. All that remains of Trentham Hall today is an impressive porte-cochére, the original grand entrance to the Hall which bears the Sutherland family coat of arms, the Sculpture Gallery which once housed the Duke’s impressive art collection, the Clock Tower, former Estate offices and stables are all of which are Grade II or Grade II* listed as being of historical interest.  

Sadly, the structural integrity of these ruins make it unsafe to enter, but you can freely admire the grandeur from a distance.

There are still a few prized treasures from the Sutherland’s estate. Namely the statues of Hygeia, goddess of good health, and a replica of Perseus, son of Zeus and the slayer of the Medusa. The original 1550s masterpiece by Benvenuto Cellini lies at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.

The Fairies

Everyone knows that fairies live at the bottom of gardens and Trentham Gardens is no different.

Adults and children alike are captivated by the whimsical delight these fairy sculptures that are scattered throughout the garden grounds, surrounding woodland and near the lake. 

Fairies are 8 foot high, made from galvanised and stainless steel wire by a small local family business.  Now numbering more than 20, the ever-growing number of sculptures makes a great addition to a trip to Trentham Gardens with keen-eyed visitors try to discover them all as they’re perched on rooftops, hide high up in trees, hanging from wires strung on one of the many ought iron trellises. 

Monument Hill  

In the southern extremity of Trentham Estate, high up on the hill within the Monument walk proudly stands the statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland upon a tiered pedestal.  This colossal statue, designed by Winks and sculptured by Chantrey, was raised in 1834, watches over the Trentham Estate and the sprawling manicured grounds. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take a walk up the hill for rewarding views. 

Get Barefoot

Possibly the most quirky attraction of Trentham Estate is a barefoot walk. 

The barfuss trail concept, developed by a Bavarian priest in the late 19th century, is for visitors to remove shoes and socks and walk over different surfaces such as woodchip, pebbles, sand and mud as a way of stimulating the soles of the feet and help us reconnect with nature. The priest, Sebastian Kneipp, believed that the process stimulated a person’s internal organs, promoting it as a health and life-enhancing activity.

Summer Concerts

Part of Trentham’s annual summer schedule are open-air summer concerts, which take place throughout June to end of July. 

During our pre-pandemic visit, the shows were a various tribute acts that targeted an eclectic range of musical tastes, catering to from ABBA, Elton John, and Michael Jackson as well as themed nights with iconic tracks from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Our visit coincided with Monster Rock Anthems being belted out by local band Thunder Hammer who promised we ‘Don’t want to miss a t hing’.

While food trucks were present catering to hungry and thirsty revelers, patrons could also pack a picnic and party at the purpose built amphitheatre within the Trentham Estate with views overlooking the lake and gardens.  

The uninitiated will just bring a cooler with supplies, throw down a rug and enjoy the show.  The experienced will at the very least bring a fold-up chair, however kudos must go to the dedicated superfans who predicted rain at a British outdoor event and pre booked a 3m x 3m pitch and erected a marquee! Whichever way you do it, it’s sure to be a good night.

Trentham Monkey Forest

Monkey Forest is home to 140 free ranging Barbary macaques.  With no cages or bars, visitors to the Monkey Forest can walk along paths and observe these endangered monkeys live as they would in the wild, of which an estimated 8000 survive in the wild due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

Hourly feeding talks by the helpful guides who explain the personalities and personal characteristics of each individual, the antics the monkeys get up to, and explaining the different families which live harmoniously in the enclosure.

If you’re lucky you’ll spot one of the three new babies born since 2017, 2 males and 1 female. These tiny bundles clinging to their mothers, under the watchful eye of their larger families. 

For a more interactive experience, you can book a ‘Breakfast with monkey’ experience, which allows you to become a VIP and enter the monkey enclosure before opening hours, and assist in feeding the monkeys their breakfast and prepare their next meal. This was one of our favourite things to do in Stoke-on-Trent.

Trentham Shopping Village

A distinctly different style of shopping to the typical high-street experience.  The shopping village at Trentham is comprised of 77 timber lodges housing independent retailers and big name brands, cafés and restaurants so you can make a whole day of it if you want to. 

If you have a green thumb, stop by the neighbouring award-winning Trentham Garden Centre which offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor lifestyle and gardening products.

Canal Boating

With more than 90 miles of waterways, the historic canals winding their way around Stoke makes the perfect opportunity to punt in a narrowboat.

In the frantic rush to build canals to feed the Industrial Revolution, Staffordshire was at the heart of the action. The opening of the Grand Trunk Canal (now the Trent and Mersey Canal) in 1777, provided an outlet to the ports at Hull and Liverpool to transport raw materials into the city and finished ware for export. 

Canal boating is a gentle-paced leisurely activity, an opportunity to pass through some  beautiful outdoor spaces including Westport Lake and Hanley Park. Understandably, not everyone has days to spare in their exploration of Stoke-on-Trent.  

If this is you and you don’t have enough time to try canal boating, grab a canoe and discover Stoke-on-Trent’s Heritage Canoe Trail! Especially created for paddlers of any ability, this trail covers a beautiful and historically rich section of the waterway. There are different routes available, some as short as 1-2 hours and others lasting the whole day or longer. 

With special route markers guide kayakers along the 20 mile canal-based route from Stoke-on-Trent to Froghall in the Staffordshire Moorlands, along which you’ll encounter a variety of water features alongside many historical landmarks such as Middleport Pottery, Churnet Valley Railway, Westport Lake Visitors Centre and more than half a dozen canal-front pubs where you can stop for a bite to eat or a cheeky pint. 

Map of Things To Do in Stoke-on-Trent

To design your own trip or for more ideas on Stoke-on-Trent, please visit Visit Stoke .

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in Stoke-on-Trent that we will definitely be returning again in the future. Whilst it may not be the first place you think of for a short break, we think that’s one of the many reasons it remains a hidden gem, a surprising wonderful weekend getaway. Do you yourself a favour and book your weekend away before everyone else figures out what they’re missing! 

Roma was raised on the white sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast, and she has called London home since 2012. With an adventurous spirit, a love of regional travel and anything food related, Roma looks to encourage working professionals to follow their dreams to travel the world one adventure and short break at a time. Don't let a full-time career stop you from seeing the world. Come roam with us!

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Comments (3)

[…] Leave time to explore the vast, lavish gardens and parklands, parts of which were landscaped by England’s greatest gardener, ‘Capability’ Brown, who also landscaped Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent.  […]

Hi! I guess every ancient history lover would want to visit the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, it\’s all so magnificent. The Trentham Gardens looks beautiful!

The faries are something I’d be searching for. They are BEAUTIFUL!!! And I would love to take a canoe out on the water. Seems like a peaceful way to explore.

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Any coach/day trips to the potteries at Stoke on trent, - Blackpool Forum

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Any coach/day trips to the potteries at Stoke on trent,

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Coming down to Blackpool for a week in June, would love to pat a visit to the potteries at Stoke on Trent, and wondered if there is any trips by coach from Blackpool? Any info much appreciated

2 replies to this topic

I would think that very unlikely - Potteries residents may take a coach to Blackpool for the day but I doubt there would be much demand to go the other way as it would be quite a long trip.

Thanks for your reply Phil the Bus

• Any coach/day trips to the potteries at Stoke on trent, 3:12 pm
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A crime kingpin from Stoke-on-Trent who organised a network of couriers to deliver drugs across the UK from his prison cell has been locked up for an extra seven years.

Nathan Henshall, 33, formerly of Bentilee, used a secret mobile phone to 'control' his runner Steven Howells and make him do his bidding on the outside world.

Stafford Crown Court heard the phone was discovered in December 2020 and revealed that Henshall had continued to direct Howells from behind bars.

READ: Yob on monkey dust like an 'ape at Longleat Safari Park' as he jumped on taxi bonnet Graeme McLardy has been ordered to pay £750 compensation to the cabbie following the frightening incident in Hartshill

READ: S toke-on-Trent KFC used for £100k cocaine drop as major crime gang busted Three more members of an Organised Crime Group have now been jailed

Howells, 39, from Fenton, was stopped by police as he travelled northbound on the M6 in Staffordshire having made a return trip to Dorset in November 2020.

When officers searched the boot they found two ‘Christmas presents’ containing £8,000 to £10,000 worth of cannabis. A third package also wrapped in festive paper had around £65,000 in cash.

Henshall - described as the boss of an organised crime group (OCG) - pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a class A cocaine. He was sentenced to seven years and four months, consecutive to the sentence he is already serving between February and March 2020. The defendant is currently incarcerated at HMP Oakwood.

Howell was handed a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18-months, after he admitted possession with intent to supply a class B cannabis and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. He was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Rochelle Till, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), said: “Henshall and Howells were intent on profiting from their criminality, flooding communities with drugs and carrying out big deals across the country as part of an organised crime network.

“Around a year ago, we launched Operation Target and have been disrupting and pursuing criminals who plan, organise and commit serious criminal offences across the county, including drug supply, illegal firearms, knife crime, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“We’re working hard each and every day to tackle these groups proactively, protect those who are being exploited by them and to gather intelligence to bring a stop to major criminal networks across the Midlands.”

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