AD - Press Trip | I had such a great weekend at @p AD - Press Trip | I had such a great weekend at @pottersresortsfivelakes with @slwilson84. It was an action packed three nights with a full activity and entertainment programme, great food, lovely drinks and beautiful surroundings. 

The staff go above and beyond to make everyone feel at home and they ensure that everyone has the best time possible. I don’t think I stopped smiling all weekend.

The best thing about Potters holidays is that everything is included in the price you pay. Four meals a day, all your drinks - including wine, Prosecco, most spirits and soft drinks - great accommodation and so many activities. 

I’ll write a full review soon but for now here’s a little Reel of our weekend
I always have a lot of questions about accommodati I always have a lot of questions about accommodation when we stay anywhere as a family so I thought I’d share this little tour of our room at @windjammerlanding which was a pretty perfect place to stay.

It’s the ‘Ocean View Two Bedroom’ which was like a little house, with an upstairs and downstairs, built into the hillside. Both rooms had outdoor space and their own shower rooms. Such a great option for a family.
A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. We’ve been back a few days now but still miss the heat, the food, the pool, the constant sounds of wildlife and the lovely people. It was such a great holiday and I’m sure we’ll be back one day.
And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is watching her grow and what a wonderful young woman she is becoming. We could not be more proud. Love you Pickle, have a great birthday.
We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in S We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in St Lucia staying at @windjammerlanding and it was just the holiday we needed. Two weeks of sunshine and relaxation in what must be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

We can’t wait to go back again in the future. Here’s just a little snippet of our trip.
AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @na AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @national_motor_museum despite the rain! The children loved the Little Beaulieu play area and we loved exploring the National Motor Museum and Top Gear exhibit before having a ride on the monorail! We went on an old open topped bus, explored the Beaulieu Manor House and loved the gardens. 
Beaulieu is always a great day out - whatever the weather. This summer they have a whole ‘Summer of Fun’ planned, with activities most days - parades, bird shows and hundreds of sculptures within the grounds too. If you’re looking for a day out this summer definitely think about heading to Beaulieu.
AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to t AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to their first concert - but it was so much more than just a concert! @abbavoyage is incredible. With CGI ABBA and a live band, it’s like being at an ABBA concert 40 years ago but with modern lighting, effects and sound. ABBA look and sound real, it’s a mind blowing experience.
The set includes all the songs you know and love as well as a few less familiar ones.
You can’t take photos during the show which actually made a refreshing change. A whole arena focused purely on the show and soaking up the moment. It’s definitely something the four of us will always remember.
Now, I’m off to sing Dancing Queen all the way home.
AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdo AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdockyard today. They have a fantastic Ultimate Explorer ticket that lets you visit all the attractions as many times as you like for 12 months - and after a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard we can see that you need more than one day to really do everything!

We explored HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Exhibition - which is incredible! We also saw where ships are built and restored and spent time in Action Stations where the kids climbed and did an assault course.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is such a fun, educational day out with something for all ages - we can’t wait to go on their harbour tours next time we visit!
AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To cel AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To celebrate #100YearOfARoads National Highways have launched their #ARoadsToSummer competition! It's all about celebrating summer holiday moments, time together, fun in the sun, days out and more.

So why not be in it to win it? To enter, all you have to do is send @nationalhways a DM on here with a photo or video of your favourite holiday moments. You can also comment on their Facebook or Twitter #ARoadsToSummer posts with your holiday photos. I've shared a few of our favourite photos to give you some inspiration.

The best six entries will each win a £500 @nationaltrust holidays voucher! SO what are you waiting for? Dig out your favourite holiday photos or take some new ones to share!

The #ARoadsToSummer competition runs from 24 July to 10 September 2023. Winners will be announced in September 2023.

Good luck!
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Fudge Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • About
  • Featured In…
  • Work With Me/Contact
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Travel

What the Redhead said

The Future's Bright, The Future's Ginger

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • As Featured In…
  • Work with Me

Days Out · November 11, 2022

Family Days Out in Stoke on Trent

We’ve been to Stoke on Trent a few times now and it’s always a fantastic base for a holiday or weekend away as a family. There’s so much to do in Stoke and the surrounding area, with so much history and a really eclectic mix of activities on offer.

So here are a few ideas for when you next find yourself in Stoke. And, if you’re looking for somewhere to have a nice weekend away, Stoke on Trent is a fantastic choice.

Family Days Out in Stoke on Trent

Theme Parks

Alton Towers

I had to start this post with the most obvious attraction near Stoke on Trent – Alton Towers. Just a half hour drive away, it’s easily accessible from Stoke and has something for all ages – and plenty of accomodation options if you wanted to stay on site too.

With CBeebies Land and so many rides and attractions, as well as the water park and seasonal events throughout the year, it’s a great place for the whole family to visit.

You can read about our trips to Alton Towers here:

  • Tips for Visiting Alton Towers CBeebies Land
  • Our Annual Alton Towers Weekend

The Potteries

The potteries are a huge part of Stoke history and there are many in and around Stoke that are well worth a visit.

Emma Bridgewater Factory

The Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory is a great place to spend a day. With factory tours, a shop, cafe and decorating studio, there’s loads to entertain the whole family – and they do fantastic afternoon tea too.

You can read about afternoon tea at Emma Bridgewater here

Royal Stafford Pottery Factory Shop and Ceramic Cafe

The Royal Stafford Pottery Factory Shop and Ceramic Cafe is another great place to visit. The Royal Stafford Factory shop is a shopper’s dream of perfect gifts or treats for yourself. Plus, you can visit the cafe and paint your own pottery too.

World of Wedgwood

The World of Wedgwood is fantastic to visit with a factory tour, clay studio sessions, the decorating studio, shop and cafe. But, there’s also the vast outdoor space of Barlaston to explore, including a fantastic nature trail.

You can read more about the World of Wedgwood here.

Gladstone Pottery Museum

The Gladstone Pottery Museum was one of our favourites when we visited Stoke. The bottle kiln ovens are amazing and there’s so much to learn on site – as well as opportunities to get hands on with pottery and spend time in the cafe and shop afterwards.

You can read our full review of Gladstone Pottery Museum here.

Museums and Educational Fun

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is home to a collection of Staffordshire pottery that is widely acknowledged as the finest in the world, plus other collections of fine and decorative arts, natural science, social history and archaeology which all have local, regional and national significance. It’s a fantastic, free place to visit.

You can read our full review of Potteries Museum and Art Gallery here.

Dudson Museum

The Dudson Museum is housed in an old bottle oven, making it a really unique place to visit. It teaches you all about the history of Dudson Pottery.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

There are so many places to visit within a short drive of Stoke on Trent and Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker is just half an hour away. The bunker stayed secret for more than 50 years but now it’s open and you can discover the world inside a nuclear bunker.

Jodrell Bank

Another fantastic day out, just a half hour from Stoke, is the Jodrell Bank Observatory. Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. It’s a world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction. It’s a science centre like no other.

You can read our full review of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre here.

Crewe Heritage Centre

Another real hidden gem half an hour from Stoke is the Crewe Heritage Centre. Crewe Heritage Centre is a mostly open air railway museum, nestled between the railway and the town centre. You can watch live demonstrations, taking a trip on the Miniature Railway and even visit the record breaking InterCity APT.

You can read our full review of Crewe Heritage Centre here.

Outdoor Adventures

Trentham Estate

Trentham Estate is a fantastic day out, with 725 acres of spectacular natural beauty, award-winning gardens, ancient Woodland and an outdoor shopping village.

From the tranquillity of Trentham garden and wildlife walks at Trentham Monkey Forest and the thrill of Treetop Adventures, there really is something for everyone within the Trentham Estate.

You can read more about the Trentham Estate here:

  • Trentham Monkey Forest Review
  • Trentham Gardens – exploring the ruins
  • Going wild in Stoke-on-Trent & the Trentham fairy trail
  • Exploring Trentham Gardens

Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre

Just 25 minutes from Stoke, Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre is a small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey. The centre is home to over 30 different species of birds of prey, primates, reptiles, invertebrates, raccoons, cats and much more.

Peak Wildlife Park

Just a little further away is Peak Wildlife Park. The zoo offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience with large walkthrough exhibits that allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals. It’s a day out that the children will love.

Wheelock Hall Petting Farm

Wheelock Hall Petting Farm is a beautiful place that the whole family will really enjoy. The farm has pigs, sheep, goats, calves, donkeys, chickens and ducks that you can see and feed. Plus, there’s a garden centre, a large outdoor play area and a fantastic tearoom and farm shop.

Brampton Park

Brampton Park is one of many parks around Stoke and the surrounding area. Brampton Park has a fantastic adventure play area for all ages, plus a giant sandpit and a water play area too. There’s also the sensory and rose gardens to explore and an aviary and a pond. There’s a museum in the park and a little miniature railway. It’s a fantastic place to visit.

Hanley Park

Hanley Park is one of the Stoke’s heritage parks. Has is home to the beautifully restored Pavillion Cafe, a Boathouse and a floodlit sports zone for cricket, football, basketball, hockey and tennis with a bowling green; fishing; lake and fountains; sensory play area; children’s play zone; and art sculptures. It’s such a lovely park and a great place to spend time.

You can read about our visit to Hanley Park here.

Westport Lake

Westport Lake is a beautiful place. Home to the RSPB Visitor Centre, it’s a great spot for bird-watching and walking, with a welcoming cafe, regular family activities and a lovely play area too.

Biddulph Grange Garden

Biddulph Grange Garden is a really lovely National Trust site just twenty minutes from Stoke that the whole family will enjoy. The amazing Victorian garden takes you on a global journey from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and a re-creation of a Himalayan glen.

Cotton Dell

Half an hour from Stoke, Cotton Dell is park of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. It’s a pretty nature reserve with ancient woodlands and flower-rich grassland, all located within a secluded river valley.

Stafford Castle

Stafford Castle is just half an hour away and well worth a visit. The castle was first built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious population, and it has dominated the Stafford skyline since – for over 900 years! Visit to uncover the secrets of the castle through Norman times, the medieval period, the English Civil War, right up to the present day. It has over 26 acres to explore and a fantastic day out.

Bewilderwood Cheshire

Bewilderwood is 45 minutes from Stoke but is well worth a visit. It’s like the best adventure playground you have ever been to – a whole world of fun woven into a forest. Things to discover at every corner and shows, slides and ziplines that even the adults will love!

You can read our full Bewilderwood review here.

Railways

Apedale Valley Light Railway

There are so many railways around Stoke and the Apedale Valley Light Railway is just one of them – and it’s a little one at that! The Apedale Valley Light Railway is built to a narrow gauge with just 24 inches between the rails. Historic steam and diesel locomotives haul trains on a 15 minute round trip beside the Apedale Community Country Park.

Foxfield Steam Railway

Foxfield Railway is one of Britain’s oldest heritage steam railways and a really traditional family day out. It’s the perfect place to create magical memories and it hosts fantastic seasonal events too.

Churnet Valley Railway

Churnet Valley Railway offers a nostalgic steam train ride through Staffordshire’s hidden valley, and into the Staffordshire Moorlands on the outskirts of the Peak District. It’s a beautiful way to spend a day and they have special events throughout the year.

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway

The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is a great family day out, running alongside Rudyard Lake. The railway is 10.25 inch gauge and the trains run whatever the weather with covered coaches.

Indoor Activities

There are so many indoor activities in and around Stoke on Trent too with things like Team Sport Indoor Karting or Laser Quest, KilnWorx Climbing Centre and the XPVR Virtual Reality XPerience, now known as GameGrid.

Whatever your family’s interests, there’ll be something for you. From Ninja Warrior UK to Waterworld or maybe skiing at Stoke Ski Centre or Kidsgrove Ski Centre. There are also plenty of soft play options, bowling alleys and cinemas, not to mention Jurassic Golf Bridgemere at Bridgemere Garden Centre that we loved when we visited.

I hope that’s given you some inspiration for your next day out in or near Stoke. It’s a fantastic place to visit, with so much history and so much to see and do. It’s perfect for a family break away. You could also do a Treasure Trail whilst you’re there – we did one around Hanley and loved it.

If you’re looking for other content around Stoke, these posts may be of interest:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Stoke Review
  • A Week in Staffordshire

In: Days Out

You’ll Also Love

Kenilworth Castle {English Heritage}
Our Top Tips for Discovery Cove
Waddesdon Manor – National Trust, Buckinghamshire Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery Stoke On Trent

About Me
Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

Sign up for Emails

looking for something?

Reader Favourites

Privacy Policy | Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 What the Redhead said · Theme by 17th Avenue