Stoke-on-Trent City guide, including Stoke-on-Trent Hotels

Stoke-on-Trent has been an industrial centre and has been a favourite tourist spot for generations. Its five cities, collectively known as ?The Potteries? have provided the world with the best names in English ceramics, such as Wedgewood, Spode, Portemerion and Moorcraft. Stoke-on-Trent is also a favourite place for holiday makers with its classic walks, gardens and theme parks, which provide activities for the whole family.

Places of Interest:

Most visitors to Stoke-on-Trent visit museums and take factory tours, which are available at almost any time, except when there is a factory break. Visiting Gardens and nostalgic cottages and going on long nature walks are also favourite holiday pastimes.

Factory Tours: Most of the factories, such as Wedgewood, sponsor factory tours on a regular basis and have small museums dedicated to the company, as well as pleasant tea shops to relax and enjoy refreshments. The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery: This museum gives an overview of the history of ceramics around the world and in Britain. It houses the most extensive display of Staffordshire ceramics in the world. Moorlands Peak District: This nature park is an excellent place to unwind, take a hike, cycle, and go on a pony ride. There are also spots that are perfect for hang gliding and rock climbing. Trentham Gardens: These famous gardens are currently going through a 100 million pound renovation to recapture its former design originally conceived by Capability Brown. The Charles Barry Italian gardens are also currently being restored to their former state. The Monkey forest, with 140 Barbary Macaques inhabiting 60 acres of English forest, is definitely worth a visit. Ford Green Hall: Go back in time and visit a timber framed cottage from 1642. This small museum will give the visitor an idea of what life was like in the Potteries before the advent of the Industrial Revolution.

Things to Do:

Choose from a variety of activities on your holiday to Stoke-on-Trent. The Potteries provide great opportunities for shopping, relaxing at amusement parks, and going for a night out at the theatre.

Alton Towers: One of Britain?s most popular theme parks, Alton Towers provides the visitor with many exciting activities such as rides, walks, musical performances and special events. Festival Park: Enjoy the multi screen cinema, the bowling alleys and the gaming rooms at Festival Park. It is not far away from Waterworld, which provides hours of aquatic fun. Potteries Shopping Centres: As one would expect, you can find great places to shop for English ceramics at Stoke-on-Trent at Potteries Shopping Centres. The best known brands are available as well as products from independent retailers. Each of the five towns in Stoke-on-Trent has its own Potteries Shopping Centre, so it is worth combining travel and comparison shopping by visiting each one. Pottery Festival: The annual pottery festival celebrates Stoke-on-Trent?s best loved product through displays, pottery demonstrations and fun for children as they learn how to work a kiln and to make their own pottery. Regent Theatre: This classic theatre with a striking Art Deco design originally opened as a silent movie theatre at 1929. Since then, it has been restored to its former state, and was re-opened by the Queen in 1999. The Regent theatre hosts many performances a year, including operas, dance performances, concerts and plays.

Food & Drink

Coffee Shop and Edward?s China: This coffee shop has a charming and warm environment, and is noted for its traditional, English home-cooked food served by friendly wait staff. This coffee shop is extraordinarily family-oriented, and provides changing areas and even bottle warming services. The coffee shop and Edward?s China was awarded with a food excellence award in 2002, and was voted Best Scones in 2001. The Elms: If you want to enjoy high-quality, classic Indian food in an elegant setting, the Elms is a good choice. The menu serves traditional Indian favourites, such as Madras and Korma dishes as well as Tandoori and even Vindaloo for the brave. Ye Old Crown Pub: This pub gives has the warm, friendly feel of an Old-fashioned English pub, and the staff is noted for being amiable and quite welcoming. There is an outstanding collection of quality ales and other drinks to choose from, as well as bar snacks available. The Ruddle Inn- This 17th century inn is located in the Staffordshire countryside and is an excellent place to enjoy home-cooked English favourites in the inn?s splendid oak rooms. There is also a bar and a pool room for after-dinner enjoyment.

Stoke-on-Trent Hotels and Accommodation

Whether you are looking for a five-star hotel or a traditional B &B in the countryside, Stoke-on-Trent has a great selection of places to stay for any tourist. The hotels are situated close to the Potteries? shopping areas and not far from Stoke-on-Trent?s major attractions. You can also find an inexpensive Bed and Breakfast that is well-located and contains all of the basic amenities including a private bathroom, cable TV, coffee and tea service and a Continental Breakfast.

Express by Holiday Inn Stoke-on-Trent Best Western Manor House Hotel Plough Motel Crown Hotel The North Stafford Hotel Quality Hotel Stoke-On-Trent Stoke On Trent Moat House The Swallow George Hotel The Weather Vane

If you prefer to spend time in the English countryside, there are some beautiful, old-fashioned Staffordshire inns with friendly staff and comfortable beds and rooms. These country inns are pleasant places to relax and watch a game on television, enjoy a meal, take a stroll and get to know fellow tourists.

Entertainment

If you like to laugh, go to the Zero Room, which hosts the best of professional an amateur comedy. The Stoke-on-Trent playhouse presents five productions a year featuring amateur talent and touring companies. The famous Regent Theatre is a picturesque theatre which features operas, dance performances, concerts and plays.

Stoke-on-Trent has something for every tourist, from amusement park rides, to ceramic shopping and sightseeing. Whether you want to spend the day exploring factories by tour or you are looking for the finest dining available, Stoke-on-Trent is the prefect place to fulfil your desires. At Stoke-on-Trent, you can witness the best of Britain?s past, present and future.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of hotels in Stoke-on-Trent.

Biography Name: Maria Williams Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK providers of discounted uk hotels.