11 HIDDEN GEMS OF NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
Here’s something to make you proud of your area... we have rounded up the best ‘hidden gems’ as rated by Tripadvisor. Each of the 11 attractions are in Stoke-ontrent, and there’s something for everyone. reports...
1. FOXFIELD RAILWAY, CAVERSWALL ROAD, BLYTHE BRIDGE
What visitors say: “We visited during their autumn gala, so there were more trains than usual and the colliery end of the line was open. We started the day with an excellent breakfast at their café and a wander around the museum shed. Exhibits were clearly labelled and explained. Dilhorne Park station is a small platform in the middle of nowhere, but only a short walk further along the line to the colliery (not open every running day, so check with staff before walking off) which is also fascinating to see. The steep track makes for spectacular trains (even though this section is freight only).”
2. BIDDULPH GRANGE GARDEN, GRANGE ROAD, BIDDULPH
What visitors say: “Stunning. An absolutely perfect National Trust property – hidden gardens that seem to go on forever, dedicated volunteers and a really interesting geology section. Of course a lovely little tea room too.”
3. THE SPODE MUSEUM TRUST HERITAGE CENTRE, ELENORA STREET, STOKE
What visitors say: “We called into the museum quite by chance and so glad we did. The two ladies who greeted us were so interesting and had time to explain about our heritage in a way that took you back in time. We can’t praise this little museum enough and so relieved this site was saved – it really needs local support to survive, it would be such a loss to the Potteries. The shop at the back was also well worth a visit. We came away with some beautiful Spode mugs at a fraction of the price. We will return.”
4. KNYPERSLEY RESERVOIR, BIDDULPH
What visitors say: “Knypersley Pool is on my doorstep, I played up there as a kid at weekends and summer holidays and still go there regularly as an adult for a peaceful walk, nature and the wildlife. It is much better cared for now than it used to be with new information boards, and it offers a lot for visitors especially during spring with a carpet of bluebells around the Serpentine Lake and an Arboretum.”
5. TITANIC BREWERY, LINGARD STREET, BURSLEM
What visitors say: “We had a fantastic afternoon at the Titanic brewery in Burslem. This tour was bought as a Christmas present for us. However we’ve only just been able to use the voucher for one reason or another. What a great afternoon, though, and amazing value. Unfortunately I can’t remember our tour guide’s name, but he was so knowledgeable, and passionate about his job there. He was a pleasure to listen to. Three pints of beer as well as a bowl of the most amazing lobby thrown in too. A great way to spend the afternoon with family and friends. Highly recommended.”
6. GLADSTONE POTTERY MUSEUM, UTTOXETER ROAD, LONGTON
What visitors say: “I really enjoyed this visit. We found it very easily, just followed the brown signs. On entry you are given a map to follow as it’s a large site, but everything is numbered and easy to find. Very atmospheric, particularly the bottle kilns. The workshops were great, I learnt a lot from just watching. My mum used to collect the pot flowers so it was interesting to actually watch them being made, I wish she could have seen it.”
7. BIDDULPH COUNTRY PARK, GRANGE ROAD, BIDDULPH
What visitors say: “An excellent destination for anyone who appreciates a beautiful natural setting. A free car park, café, toilets and a great place to walk the dog. Paths and trails enable you to explore at will and a picnic by the lake in warmer weather is a must. I love visiting in all seasons – there’s always something to see. It feels safe and is remarkably well kept and litter free. Well done to whoever is responsible for managing the area.”
8. MIDDLEPORT POTTERY, PORT STREET, BURSLEM
What visitors say: “We really enjoyed our time going around the pottery factory. Fabulous guide
– I can’t thank him enough – so knowledgeable and brought the place alive with his explanations of the processes, his enthusiasm for the pottery and the history of the Potteries in general. It would be great if he recorded it for future generations. Thank you. Scones and tea in the tea house cafe not to be missed. It was great way to start our two-day visit to the Potteries before going to the V&A Wedgwood museum. Put it all in context.”
9. EMMA BRIDGEWATER FACTORY, LICHFIELD STREET, HANLEY
What visitors say: “I visited for my birthday. I had baby decorating booked and then afternoon tea. From start to finish every staff member we encountered was friendly, helpful, polite and welcoming. The baby-decorating experience was lots of fun and sadly I didn’t get the name of the girl who helped us – but she was excellent and so kind and helpful with our daughter. The afternoon tea was delicious, a great mix of food. The cafe is a lovely environment. To top it all off the factory shop and other shop were brilliant. I would love to return to do some more decorating. It was well worth the visit from Leeds”
10. BOTTLECRAFT, PICCADILLY, HANLEY
What visitors say: “A lovely specialised craft beer bar and shop in the centre of Hanley. I just visited last Monday – there were a dozen keg beers, a couple of hand-pumped ales and many more national and international bottled and canned craft beers available. Something for everyone! The friendly staff recommended several cans and a keg beer to me (American style PAS and a Porter), and they were all excellent. Prices are moderate, and you can buy a keg or hand-pumped ale in 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 or full pint. There aren’t very many craft beer bars in this town – this seems to be the best of them. It’s just a short walk from the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. Highly recommended!”
11. BURSLEY ALE HOUSE, WEDGWOOD PLACE, BURSLEM
What visitors say: “My dad, son and I visited here on Saturday before the Port Vale v Tranmere game. After walking up from Longport station, we got there after passing a few other places and arrived just as it opened. It is only a small place but very welcoming. We had a chat with the staff who were really friendly and happy to accommodate away supporters. We picked a table outside under a tent – this will be a godsend on rainy away days – and ordered a few beers. There was a good selection of high quality ales, ciders and lager. Very reasonably priced at around £3.30 a pint.there was even a BBQ with burgers and hotdogs from around £2.20. The original plan was for our group to visit a few pubs in the area but we found this pub so good we decided to stay until we had to leave for kick-off. It was only a 5 to 10 minute walk to the ground.”