Discover Stoke-on-Trent: The World Capital of Ceramics
Stoke-on-Trent is a unique city affectionately known as The Potteries – a creative destination where art, heritage and entertainment combine to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Awarded World Craft City status in 2024, Stoke-on-Trent’s reputation as the World Capital of Ceramics is truly cemented, with centuries of pottery production shaping the city’s identity, culture and visitor attractions.
Pottery Heritage & Experiences
No visit to Stoke-on-Trent is complete without exploring its world-famous ceramic heritage. The World of Wedgwood in Barlaston offers the ultimate pottery experience, with factory tours, the V&A Wedgwood Collection, hands-on experiences and luxury shopping. At Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh, you can watch craftspeople using traditional methods unchanged since 1889 in this beautifully preserved Victorian working factory.
The Emma Bridgewater factory sits alongside the Caldon Canal, offering factory tours, pottery painting and the chance to see the famous polka dot designs being created. Gladstone Pottery Museum – VisitEngland’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2020 – is the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days of coal-burning bottle ovens, offering a fascinating insight into the industry that built the city.
For hands-on creativity, LoveClay ceramic studio offers pottery wheel experiences perfect for beginners, while numerous factory shops including Churchill’s, Portmeirion and Moorcroft offer exclusive pieces at special prices.
Museums & Galleries
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley is a must-visit, housing the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics alongside the spectacular Staffordshire Hoard – the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found. The museum’s Spitfire Gallery pays tribute to local hero Reginald Mitchell, designer of the iconic aircraft, with a stunning Spitfire plane and flight simulator.
The Dudson Museum is housed in an atmospheric Grade II listed bottle oven, while Barewall Gallery in Burslem showcases art and ceramics connected with the industrial Midlands.
Family Attractions
Trentham Estate offers the perfect family day out, with award-winning Italian Gardens, a scenic Capability Brown lake, adventure playground, boat rides, train, magical fairies trail and the barefoot walk. Trentham Monkey Forest is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques living in freedom within 60 acres of woodland – the only place in England where you can walk among monkeys in a natural environment.
Waterworld is the UK’s number one indoor waterpark, with over 30 rides and features for all ages, while Adventure Mini Village offers imaginative role-play fun for younger visitors. For thrill-seekers, Alton Towers Resort is just a 40-minute drive away, offering world-class rollercoasters and attractions.
Nature & Outdoors
Westport Lake is a beautiful nature reserve with two lakes, conservation area, visitor centre and play area, perfect for walks and wildlife spotting. The city boasts over 150km of cycle routes including canal towpaths and greenways, while Trentham Gardens offers over 700 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens to explore.
Mow Cop Castle sits on a dramatic hilltop offering panoramic views across the Staffordshire moorlands, while the nearby Peak District National Park provides endless opportunities for walking, cycling and outdoor adventure.
Shopping
The Potteries Centre in Hanley offers over 90 high-street shops, while Trentham Shopping Village houses 80+ charming timber lodges with well-known retailers and independent traders. Pottery lovers will find more than 20 factory shops offering exclusive discounts on world-famous brands.