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'The Potteries', as the city is known, is famous for its ceramics. The likes of the world renowned Wedgwood, Spode and Portmerion have their homes in Stoke, their works both an essential part of the local economy and a draw for tourists. Ceramica, a major visitor attraction, tells the story - interactively!

CULTURE

Stoke’s Cultural Quarter in the heart of Hanley provides entertainment in all its forms – music, bars, clubs, museums, theatre. Here you’ll find the Regent Theatre, a stunning Art Deco home to big West End shows and Glyndebourne opera, as well as The New Vic. Live music comes courtesy of the Victoria Hall and places such as the self styled ‘number one alternative music venue’ Sugar Mill.

Variety is the spice of Stoke’s shopping experience. The central Potteriers Shopping Centre provides High Street names (Debenhams, The Pier, Next) and unique independents as well as a bustling indoor market. Freeport Outlet Shopping Mall, 5 miles to the north west of the city centre, offers designer goods at discounted prices.

LEISURE

There’s plenty to get active about in and around Stoke. Parks across the city – such as Hanley Park with its lake, courts and play areas – provide space in which to relax or get active. The city is also well served by sports facilities. Fenton Manor, for example, prides itself on providing ‘the widest range of sport and leisure opportunities in North Staffordshire’ – everything from squash, tennis and badminton to a Roman health spa, martial arts and aquarobics.

Then there’s Festival Park, a retail and leisure site in the heart of the city. It boasts Waterworld tropical indoor aqua park, a dry ski centre, multi-screen Odeon cinema, ten pin bowling, restaurants and nightclubs alongside big name stores and varied places to eat. Meanwhile, the nation’s favourite theme park – Alton Towers - is only 17 miles to the east.

RELAXATION

For a more gentle time, head for Trentham Gardens. A 750 acre site currently benefiting from a £100 million restoration, it features historic parkland and Italian Gardens as well as ‘Monkey Forest’, a first for the UK with 140 Barbary Macaques roaming free in their own 60 acre woodland!

To the east lies the Peak District National Park. Whether a confirmed outdoor adventurer or a casual sightseer this impressive expanse of wild moorland, high peaks, reservoirs and idyllic villages is ready and waiting.

And, of course, there’s the Trent and Mersey Canal on the doorstep: the perfect location for boating, angling, cycling or simply lazing!