subject: Stoke Sensations - The Pleasures of Stoke-on-Trent [print this page] Author: Michiel Van Kets Author: Michiel Van Kets
If you're visiting Stoke-on-Trent for business or for pleasure, you'll find a thriving metropolis with a host of things to see and do. For one thing, it's the UK's prime pottery making site. Plus, Stoke's a great place for your next conference with Stoke conferencing facilities available for all types of event. In Stoke you'll encounter a modern cultured city with gardens, theatres, shops, pubs and clubs. And as for Stoke accommodation, you'll be pleased to find that Stoke hotels are second to none. Stoke is well known as being the centre of the pottery industry but there's more to this Staffordshire city than ceramics. Here you'll find green spaces such as the Trentham Estate covering 800 acres along with a rich smorgasbord of pleasures for the children including a Monkey Forest and Waterworld. You'll also encounter an abundance of theatres, restaurants, and a vibrant shopping scene. When it comes to Stoke accommodation, you won't be disappointed either, the city boasts an array of four star hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and self catering units. In short, Stoke offers something for everyone. Stoke-on-Trent is unique in being made up of six towns - Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley (the city centre), Stoke, Fenton and Longton. Locally known as 'The Potteries', the city has long been the centre of the pottery industry. If pottery is your thing, then Stoke is your place being replete with ceramics museums, factory shops and tours and visitor centres. All the great names are here - Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Emma Bridgewater, Portmeirion, Moorcroft and Aynsley. In the daytime, downtown Stoke is a shopper's heaven, especially for ceramic lovers who can browse for hours in the Potteries Shopping Centre. You can also take in the spanking new Wedgwood Museum and find out how this city became the centre of the country's ceramics industry. You can even try your hand at pottery making yourself and get hands on experience at the wheel. The Gladstone Pottery Museum offers such delights as pot throwing, china flower making in its full schedule of events. As night falls, downtown Stoke tranforms itself into an entertainment and cultural haven. You can enjoy drinks ranging from wine to real ale in the many pubs, clubs and wine bars. Later you can visit the Regent Theatre, the New Vic Theatre and Victoria Hall featuring performances ranging from West End hits to serious drama to comedy acts. Stoke also boasts a number of casinos for those wishing to try their luck. Other than pottery buffs and party goers, Stoke has something for all the family. Of special note is the Trentham Estate, a garden and parkland restoration project that's home to the UK's only Monkey Forest. While the kids are monkeying about, the parents can amble through the Shopping Village which houses more than 70 retail stores. You can survey the area from the Observation Wheel and relax in the beauty of the stunning Italian Gardens. Other attractions that make this the perfect family day out in Stoke include an adventure playground, maze and tearoom. You've also got Waterworld, the tropical waterpark at Festival Park. If you'd prefer the pleasures of walking in the Peak District national park, just jump in your car and its just a short drive away. Location-wise Stoke has a lot going for it, too. It stands near the M6, alongside junctions 15 and 16. If you prefer to travel by train, there are railway links with London and the South, Birmingham and Manchester. Virgin Rail offers half hourly services to London and to Manchester every 15 minutes. As for air travel, Stoke's location between Manchester and Birmingham offer access to the International Airports at both these cities. Meanwhile East Midlands airport is just an hours drive away. Stoke accommodation is varied and you'll find Stoke hotels for all tastes and pockets. So whether youre visiting Stoke for business or conferencing or you want a family holiday or a short city break, the city will not disappoint. In 1990 Stoke won the Destination of the Year award in the English Tourist Boards England for Excellence Awards. Come and see for yourself why. When visiting Stoke, be sure to check out Quality Hotel Stoke on Trent located in the heart of the Potteries. With 136 hotel Stoke Bedrooms to choose from, you can find a comfortable stay here. It's ideal, too, for Stoke conferencing with 10 meeting/conference rooms and full facilities.About the Author:
Michiel Van Kets writes article for the Prince Hotels Collection with a portfolio of properties in both the UK and Germany. The Prince Hotel Group aims to deliver a friendly and efficient service to ensure that the stay is an enjoyable one. Visit the website for information on hotel Stoke Conferencing and accommodation. Whether on business or pleasure Prince Hotels are the perfect place to stay with comfortable hotel Stoke Bedrooms and good value for money.
