The 21 BEST things to do in Stoke-on-Trent

1. Trentham Monkey Forest

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Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique wildlife experience and the only place in the UK where you can walk among free-roaming Barbary macaques. Home to 140 monkeys, the 60-acre woodland provides a natural environment where visitors can observe these fascinating primates up close, with no cages or barriers separating them.

As you stroll along the woodland path, you’ll see the monkeys interacting, playing, and foraging just as they would in the wild. Informative talks take place throughout the day, offering insights into their behaviour, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting this endangered species.

The Monkey Forest is a family-friendly attraction, with a play area, picnic spots, and a café on-site. It’s an unforgettable experience for animal lovers of all ages, providing a

2. Trentham Estate

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Trentham Gardens is such a lovely day out in Staffordshire and offers so much to do, including scenic walks, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Set around a mile-long lake designed by Capability Brown, the gardens provide a stunning backdrop for a relaxing day out. Visitors can explore the immaculate Italian Gardens, woodlands, and floral displays that change with the seasons.

The shopping village features 80 timber lodges, home to independent boutiques, gift shops, and artisan retailers. The monthly Makers Market is a highlight, showcasing local crafts, food, and unique handmade products. For families, the outdoor adventure playground provides plenty of entertainment, with climbing structures, sandpits, and space to run and play.

Trentham Gardens is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets on leads throughout most areas. There are several cafés and restaurants on-site, offering everything from casual bites to indulgent treats, with the Crêpe and Waffle House being a popular choice.

Whether visiting for a peaceful walk, a shopping trip, or a day out with the family, Tre

3. Emma Bridgewater Factory

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The Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke is well worth a visit and is home to one of the best ceramic cafés in Staffordshire. Enjoy delicious cakes, drinks, and afternoon tea, or book a session in the decorating studio to paint your own pottery. You can also take a factory tour or browse the factory shop for your favourite Emma Bridgewater patterns.

Keep an eye out for special events throughout the year, including afternoon tea experiences and wreath-making workshops.

4. Gladstone Pottery Museum

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A popular museum for educational visits, Gladstone Pottery Museum offers a wonderful insight into the history of Stoke-on-Trent (famously referred to as the Potteries). Experience what it was like to work at the centre of the world’s pottery industry and take part in activities and watch demonstrations.  

5. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

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FREE TO VISIT

There is so much to do for families at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. There are interactive galleries, trails and family activity packs. Find the Natural Science Gallery, crawl inside a large tree and read a story together. In the Archaeology Gallery play on the giant board game as a family! 

6. World of Wedgwood

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There is so much to do at the World of Wedgwood for families. Choose from guided tours, throw a pot on a Potter’s wheel, or get creative in the studio. There is a café and a tea room for a bite to eat and a drink, and keep a look out for events including the World of Wedgwood Artisan Market and clay club, and afternoon tea experiences

8. Middleport Pottery

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Middleport Pottery, located in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, is a great place to visit with kids. The on-site café serves homemade lunches, cream teas, and delicious cakes; perfect for a relaxing break. During the school holidays, look out for family-friendly activities and events, such as the popular “Play with Clay” sessions.

9. Go swimming

Swimming is a great activity and there are plenty of places to choose from for a swim in Stoke-on-trent. Visit individual venues for prices and family swim sessions.

• Dimensions Swimming pool
• Fenton Manor Sports Complex
• Jubilee 2
• Waterworld Festival Way

Alternatively, if you’re looking forward to a wild swimming spot local to Stoke-on-Trent, then head to Whitmore Lakes, just to the southeast of the city.

10. Flip Out Stoke

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Flip Out Stoke is Stoke’s biggest and best indoor trampoline and adventure park. Suitable for all ages, Flip Out is packed with trampolines, soft play, and a foam pit.

A standard jump starts at just £8 and provides access to all attractions and one hour in the arena

11. Indoor climbing

Climbing is a brilliant rainy day activity for all ages, and Stoke-on-Trent has two excellent indoor centres to choose from.

Clip ‘n Climb Stoke, based at Stone Business Park, offers 26 colourful climbing challenges suitable for ages 2 and up. Highlights include the Vertical Drop Slide and themed climbs, with sessions lasting around 75 minutes. There’s also a cosy café on-site and options for birthday parties and group bookings.

Awesome Walls Stoke caters to all experience levels, offering top-rope, lead climbing, and bouldering. New climbers can book 60-minute taster sessions, and there are regular NICAS Bouldering classes for kids aged 7+. Open throughout the week, it’s a great place to build confidence and skills in a safe, friendly environment.

12. Go to the Theatre

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Stoke-on-Trent is home to two standout theatres that offer top-class entertainment year-round. The Regent Theatre, located in Hanley, is one of the city’s cultural gems. This beautifully restored Art Deco venue regularly hosts major touring productions, including hit musicals, West End shows, opera, dance, and drama. Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or the latest stage hits, there’s always something exciting on the bill.

Just around the corner is Victoria Hall, a historic concert venue built in 1888. Originally a town hall, it has been transformed into a vibrant performance space while retaining its stunning Victorian architecture. Today, Victoria Hall welcomes a wide range of events, from comedy nights and live music concerts to family shows and community performances.

13. Go to the Cinema

Stoke-on-Trent offers a variety of cinemas perfect for a rainy day outing. Here are the top cinemas in the area:

• Odeon Stoke
  Located at Festival Park, this multi-screen cinema showcases the latest blockbusters in 2D and 3D formats. Enjoy a comfortable viewing experience with RealD 3D technology.

• Cineworld Stoke-on-Trent
  Situated in The Hive, Hanley, within the Intu Potteries Centre, this 9-screen cinema offers a range of films in 2D and 3D formats.

• Vue Cinema Newcastle-under-Lyme
  Found in The Square, Market Arcade, this 8-screen cinema features over 740 Lux Seats for a premium viewing experience. Visit the Vue Cinema Newcastle-under-Lyme website to see what’s playing and book your tickets.

14. Go Shopping

If you’re looking to shop in Stoke-on-Trent, there are plenty of great options to explore:

• Festival Park
  A retail park in Hanley featuring shops, restaurants, a cinema, bowling alley, and Stoke Ski Centre.

• Intu Potteries Shopping Centre
  An indoor mall in Hanley offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and coffee spots—perfect for a leisurely few hours.

• Trentham Shopping Village
  Located on the Trentham Estate, this charming village has 77 log cabins filled with high street brands, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Dog friendly with free parking.

15. Stoke Ski Centre

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Stoke Ski Centre at Festival Park is a top spot for an active day out in Stoke-on-Trent. It offers ski and snowboarding lessons for all ages and abilities, fun tubing sessions, and action-packed holiday camps. It’s also a great choice for kids’ birthday parties, with exciting outdoor activities and experienced instructors. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills, it’s a fun, energetic day out. No snow required.

16. Visit a Park

Get some fresh air and explore one of the many parks in Stoke-on-Trent; perfect for walking, cycling, dog walks, skating, or letting the kids enjoy a play area. There are plenty of great green spaces to choose from, including:

• Fenton Park
• Tunstall Park (Victoria Park)
• Central Forest Park
• Longton Park (Queens Park)
• Hanley Park

17. Westport Lake

Westport Lake is Stoke-on-Trent’s largest expanse of water and consists of two lakes, and a nature reserve.  It is a great place in Stoke for bird-watching and walking.  It is now run in partnership between Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Stoke City Council.

18. Bottomless Brunch

Bottomless brunch has grown in popularity over recent years. It typically includes a set menu (think brunch favourites or light lunch dishes) paired with unlimited drinks (usually prosecco, cocktails, or beer) for a fixed price and within a set time slot.

If you’re looking to enjoy bottomless brunch in Stoke-on-Trent, there are plenty of great spots to choose from, including:

• The Quarter At Potbank, Stoke-on-Trent
• The Orange Tree Bar and Grill, Staffordshire
• Bloom Cocktail Bar, Hanley
• 85 Secret Garden, Newcastle-u-Lyme

19. Afternoon Tea Experience

There are a number of afternoon tea experiences on offer in Stoke-on-Trent. Choose from a classic afternoon tea to a Charming Alice in Wonderland Afternoon tea experience. Here are a number of Afternoon Tea experiences in Stoke-on-Trent:

• The Rabbit Hole Tea room
• World of Wedgwood Tea Room
• The Quarter at Potbank
• The Glost House

20. Live Music

If you’re looking for live music in Stoke-on-Trent, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From outdoor concerts to intimate gigs in unique venues, the city has something for every music lover. Here are a few top spots to check out:

• Trentham Gardens hosts a series of outdoor live music events throughout the year in a stunning lakeside setting.
• The Quarter at Potbank features The Factory Floor, a dedicated live music venue located in the historic Spode Pottery site, offering a mix of music, food, drinks, and art.
• Victoria Hall, in Hanley, puts on a variety of live music events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.
• The Underground is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-known live music venues, showcasing everything from local talent to national acts in an atmospheric, gig-focused space.

Do also check out our guide to the best festivals in Staffordshire.

21. The Haunted Museum, Stoke

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For those who love the paranormal, The Haunted Museum & Spirit Shop in Stoke-on-Trent offers a spine-chilling experience. Set inside a historic and atmospheric old cinema, this museum is home to a collection of haunted objects, eerie artifacts, and paranormal exhibits that will intrigue ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts alike.

Visitors can explore rooms filled with haunted dolls, cursed items, and ghostly memorabilia, with guided tours sharing the eerie stories behind the artifacts. The museum also offers ghost hunts, paranormal investigations, and immersive experiences, where brave guests can test their nerves in one of Staffordshire’s most haunted locations.

Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, The Haunted Museum provides a unique and thrilling experience, blending local folklore, history, and paranormal activity.