There’s no denying that Stoke is rich in history. Built on a large and successful pottery industry, it is a city combining 6 historic towns and still to this day is the centre of the British ceramics industry.
As such, Stoke-on-Trent is an area that is bulging with things to do, all of which make for a lovely day time excursion. So you have an idea of where to start, we have picked out our top 4 most exciting and enjoyable days out, in and around The Potteries!
The Trentham Estate
Located south of Smithfield is a country estate that is jam-packed with things to do…
The award-winning Trentham Gardens is home to amazing displays, with both peaceful and quiet gardens, as well as family-orientated areas, making it a great place to visit over the summer months to see an array of colourful flowers in full bloom.
On the grounds of the Trentham Estate is also the Trentham Shopping Village. A bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops that is the perfect place to find a gift. The shopping village is also a local foodie destination, with some fabulous food vendors housed in beautiful wooden lodges.
Also found on the estate is Trentham Monkey Forest. Yes that’s right, a monkey forest! Here you can walk alongside 140 Barbary macaques on a ¾ mile long meandering pathway. A magical sight, and certainly a rare one.
On the estate you can also find a stunning lake, boats, trains, an adventure playground, fairy sculptures, a barefoot walk AND Trentham Treetop Adventures. Get it on your Summer To Do list!
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
As well as boasting the world’s best selection of Staffordshire ceramics, here you can also find breathtaking works of art. Whether it’s fine and decorative art, local artefacts, archaeology, costumes or staggering pieces of natural history, you will no doubt dig out something truly amazing at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
Located in the centre of Hanley, just a few hundred metres from Smithfield, this is a great place to visit during the day. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions, so get stuck in and learn about the history of Staffordshire.
Waterworld
With no introduction needed, this place is nothing but fun. Often depicted as the UK’s best waterpark and open all year round, Waterworld has over 30 rides. A recent addition to the park is ‘Thunderbolt’, the UK’s first trap-door waterslide.
The grounds of the leisure resort are also home to two 18-hole mini golf courses and an M Club Spa and Fitness facility. Oh, and an outdoor pool too!
If you want a great place to take the family out for a fun-fuelled day, then the Waterworld Leisure Resort is the place for you.
Apedale Country Park
A mere 15 minute drive from Smithfield is Apedale Country Park- a sprawling 454-acre country park that was previously an opencast mine.
Set against that background of industrial activity, Staffordshire’s newest country park offers a varied landscape of woodland, meadows and pools crossed by many paths and tracks. Perfect for nature-lovers, this is a great spot for those sunny Stoke days.
And that’s only the beginning…
So there you have our 4 favourite summer day trips near Smithfield for this summer, but rest assured Stoke has so much fun and frivolity to offer, whatever the season.
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