Out & About in Stoke-On-Trent

As a city with a rich industrial history, Stoke-on-Trent has plenty to offer. Home to some of the country's best pottery museums and displays, exclusive factory shops and the Britannia Football Stadium, there is something of interest for the whole family.

Shopping

Stoke-on-Trent offers everything from bustling shopping centres through to smaller factory shops stocking some of the countries most famous and historic brands, such as Wedgwood and Portmeirion.

In the heart of the city you will find the Potteries Shopping Centre, which offers all of the main brands you would expect - all the way from Primark to Gucci. The centre also organises regular events such as fashion shows and family quizzes, all of which are free of charge. For bargainn hunters, there is also Freeport Talke, a designer outlet situated just out of the city centre offering designer brands at discounted prices./p>

With Stoke-on-Trent's historic potteries industry, it is certainly no surprise that there is an impressive range of factory and independent shops, including the Moorcroft Factory Shop and the Portmeirion Potteries. Some of the stores also offer the opportunity to mould and paint your own pottery creations, such as Emma Bridgewater and the Paint a Pot Studio.

There are also plenty of markets on offer, including the city centre's regular indoor market, which boasts more than 130 stalls.

Food and Drink

Stoke-on-Trent certainly offers far more than the humble oat cake, with a wide selection of eateries to choose from.

If you love Indian food, then you are spoilt for choice. Restaurants such as Chandni Cottage, the Indian Nest and the India Cottage Tandoori prove to be very popular with locals and visitors alike. Other cuisines such as Italian, Chinese and Thai are also well catered for, both with sit-in restaurants and takeaways.

Even if you simply fancy a cup of tea and a cake as you wander around the city, there are numerous tea rooms and cafés to choose from. Terry's Bar at the Haney Market is a local favourite and is easy to find, being situated in the heart of the city centre.

In the evenings Stoke-on-Trent will not disappoint. As a home to thousands of students, the centre is packed with large night clubs and themed bars - great for those who love a night on the town. If you are after a slightly more sophisticated outing, then the selection of wine bars and cask ale pubs might prove more tempting.

Arts & Entertainment

Stoke-on-Trent is the home of English pottery, and with such a pronounced history in the trade, it is unsurprising that there are a number of different museums and galleries showcasing the very best.

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is a must see for any enthusiast. The attraction displays contemporary pieces of art and ceramic, whilst also looking in great detail at the history of the trade, and some of the key events in the area's past. One of the most popular items throughout the exhibitions, is RJ Mitchell's Spitfire, which was presented to the city in 1969.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Etruria Industrial Museum, which houses the last steam powered potter's mill in Britain. Listed as an ancient monument, the engine can be seen working seven times a year, powering the Flint Mill that is found on site. The museum also features interactive exhibitions and a café.

For a slightly more hands on experience, attractions such as Ceramica are designed to show you how ceramics are made. People of all ages can try their luck at making their own china product, taking you all the way from raw ingredients through to the finished item. The Gladstone Pottery Museum also offers a first hand look at the making of pottery, but using the techniques of the Victorian era as opposed to the modern processes used today.

Hotels and Travel

Whether you are looking for a luxurious five star hotel such as the Choir Cottage, or a patch of grass to set up your tent, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from in Stoke.

With such a central location,the city is also very easy to get to, sitting just an hour away from Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham. A busy city centre bus service and more than 100km of cycle routes help to make sure you can get from A to B without too much hassle.