Car Hire Stoke-on-Trent - Mini guide to Stoke-on-Trent

Located in the heart of England, Stoke-on-Trent, known as the Potteries, is a unique city made up of six separate towns. The city has long known fame for its ceramics, and is home to the famous names of English china, such as Spode, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton, whose factories and visitors’ centres are popular tourist attractions.

Of the attractions in the city centre (the town of Hanley), the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery should not be missed. The museum houses the finest collection of Staffordshire Ceramics in the world, as well as a fascinating review of Stoke’s role in the Industrial Revolution.

However, the city offers more than just china. The Cultural Quarter and Festival Park offer a dazzling array of entertainment options, and the city also boasts a number of outstanding gardens, parks and historic buildings. Of note are Biddulph Grange, a rare Victorian Garden, and Stapeley Water Gardens, the world's largest water garden.

For shopping options the Potteries Shopping Centre is worth exploring, offering high street favourites and independent retailers, as well as a vibrant indoor market. The city’s nightlife centres around the 'Cultural Quarter' where you can enjoy West End musicals and award-winning drama. There’s also a wide choice of cafes, restaurants, and bistros catering for all tastes. Finally, Festival Park has a host of entertainment facilities, including a multi-screen cinema, a dry slope ski centre, a busy marina and a fun-packed water theme park.

For a break from the city centre, many visitors drive to the nearby Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District National Park, both of which offer stunning scenery and great hiking. Alternatively, Alton Towers, England’s premier theme park is just a short drive away. Another popular day trip destination is Shugborough Hall, set in 900 acres of lovely parkland, ideal for walks and picnics.

Reaching the city is easy, with Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands Airports all less than an hour away, and London Euston station to Stoke is only two hours by train.

The major suburbs in Stoke-on-Trent are: Abbey Hulton, Bucknall, Meir, Longton, Middleport, Penkhull, Shelton, Sneyd Green, Trentham and Trent Vale.