Local parks and green spaces are an integral part of a happy, healthy city. In an era of urban regentrification, it is important for cities to maintain the appropriate levels and quality of green space to keep up with their growth. Fortunately, Stoke-on-Trent has this in abundance!
As summer begins to return with its much needed sunshine, rainbows of blossoming flowers and luscious greenery, we thought we would highlight the best parks in Hanley for a stroll, jog or whatever the day calls for.
Hanley Park
Hanley Park is a heritage site in Stoke, listed as a Grade II* landscape.
Featuring a bandstand, a terrace garden, a lake and amazing views towards Stoke Minster, Hanley Park is a great place to relax during the warmer months of the year.
For any avid fishermen with a valid Environment Agency rod license, fishing is permitted in the lake too! For kids, there are three play areas: toddler, sensory and adventure.
The Boathouse at Hanley Park is an ideal location for meetings and conferences of up to 50 attendees and social gatherings for 100 guests. The Pavillion Cafe offers seating for 80 people inside and space for a further 50 people on the veranda.
Location: Cleveland Road, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 4DX
Central Forest Park
Central Forest Park is a pleasant green space in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
The park is home to a safari-themed adventure play area with boulders to climb, as well as Europe’s largest street-style skate park.
With 49 hectares of land, the park is brimming with wildlife that you may not expect to find in a city centre location. The lake provides a home for a range of water birds, such as great crested grebes and coots. The grassland provides a home for insects and some unusual plants, such as wild carrot, can be found due to lime in the soil. There are also some plant and fish fossils that can be spotted in some of the loose shale.
With a picnic area and enough green space to find a peaceful spot and enjoy the fresh air and summer rays, Central Forest Park is a great place to go on a lovely spring/summer day.
Location: Chell Street, Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6BB
Burslem Park
Slightly further away from Hanley is Burslem Park – a wonderfully attractive Grade II listed Victorian green.
Undergoing a generous restoration in 2012, the park offers a Victorian terrace garden complete with ornamental fountains and a stunning lake. As well as that, Burslem Park features a heritage mosaic designed by Rob Turner and the ‘Mayfly Sculpture’ by Andy Edwards and Philip Hardaker.
Beautifully kept by local volunteers, the park is also home to a multi-sports court, tennis courts, skate facilities, a children’s play area and a playing field – Burslem really does have it all!
Location: Burslem Park Lodge, Moorland Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 1EA
So, there you have it!
We hope that you’ve found this useful and we would encourage you all to get outdoors and enjoy some local greenery in Stoke-on-Trent!
To keep up to date with activities across Smithfield, and the wider Stoke region, make sure to follow Smithfield on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.