Attractions Nearby Stoke on Trent, Day Trips and Excursions

(Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, England, UK)

A huge choice of Staffordshire attractions present themselves to tourists based in Stoke on Trent. Day trips are possible in all directions, with the natural beauty and endless recreational attractions of both the Peak District National Park and the Staffordshire Moorlands being a mere 20 minutes away from Stoke on Trent and to the north-east.

A number of busy market towns also surround Stoke On Trent, with nearby Leek lending itself to a brief excursion and home to antiques shops, farmers' markets and various seasonal festivals. Newcastle under Lyme is another neighbouring town and in summer its main attractions come in the form of its endless floral displays, since it actively competes in the Britain in Bloom competition, often winning.

General Information

Covering more than 180 hectares / 445 acres, the Apedale Community Country Park offers tranquility in abundance and features interconnecting pathways, meadows, ponds and plenty of Staffordshire flora and fauna. The area's extensive mining history is showcased here at the Apedale Heritage Centre attraction, where visitors are able to learn more about the resident coal mine.

South of Stoke on Trent are many further attractions, such as the historical city of Lichfield and its unusual three-spired 12th-century cathedral, and the rolling countryside and natural beauty of Cannock Chase. Nearby, the National Forest encompasses areas of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, with its acclaimed Conkers Discovery Centre being located next to the village of Moira.

With real snow and advertised as the 'Ultimate Leisure Experience', the Tamworth Snowdome Ski and Snowboarding Centre is within reach and actually has real snow. Close to Tamworth and some 55 km / 34 miles to the south-east of Stoke on Trent, the action-packed attractions of Drayton Manor Park are particularly family friendly and this is very much South Staffordshire's own take on Alton Towers. Drayton Manor Park is brimming with exciting rides and adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, with its most famous including the Stormforce 10 water ride, the Apocalypse freefall tower ride, and the Shockwave roller coaster, where riders actually stand up.

The county town of Stafford is approximately 32 km / 20 miles to the south of Stoke on Trent and makes for another good day trip possibility, being close to the Shugborough estate. Stafford's principal attractions are the Ancient High House and the Stafford Castle, the latter of which was originally built at the orders of William the Conqueror.

If you are prepared to travel a little longer from Stoke on Trent, then many more excursions suddenly become a reality. In just an hour you can reach the city of Derby and check out its famous Royal Crown Derby china factory.

Slightly further away is Birmingham and its almost legendary Bullring shopping complex and NEC venue, Liverpool and its rich Beatles history and vibrant docks, and Manchester, where a big wheel in its Millennium Quarter has spectacular cityscape views. Both the attractions of Nottingham and Sheffield are also a similar distance from Stoke on Trent, with Nottingham being especially popular with families wanting to learn more about its fictional tales of Robin Hood.