Stoke has so much to offer, and one aspect which certainly makes this city a cut above the rest is its second-to-none transport infrastructure. It’s perfectly located equidistantly between Manchester and London, with trains to both bustling metropolis’ running frequently. There are three airports (Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands) all less than an hour’s drive away, and the M6, M6 toll & M1 (via M42) are all accessed incredibly easily.
With so many great options at your fingertips, you can be out and about within minutes and see all the incredible sights right on your doorstep. Here, we’ve pulled together the best ways to take advantage of the great transport links Stoke has to offer, and compiled a list of the most amazing days out, trips away and adventures you can go on – all within easy distance of the centre of Hanley.
Trentham Monkey Forest – 22 minutes
You can hop on the 101 bus and be at the Trentham Estate in 50 minutes, but whichever way you arrive, the Monkey Forest is well worth a trip out. It’s the only place in the UK you can stroll amongst 140 Barbary macaques – and it’s set in 60 acres of beautiful Staffordshire woodland. There are hourly feeding talks, and guides dotted around the forest to help answer any questions you might have.
Alton Towers, Staffordshire – 44 minutes
The UK’s best theme park can also be reached by bus (the X32) in just over an hour. Needing no introduction, this thrill-seeker’s paradise is home to everything from rollercoasters to slides and even a spa – meaning there’s truly something for everyone/
Go Ape, Cannock – 45 minutes
If swinging from trees is your thing, round up your friends and head to Go Ape in Cannock, where you can embark on a series of aerial adventures at 120 feet – including zip wiring, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and more. If you aren’t fond of heights, you can also try out their Segways and explore the forest on two wheels instead.
MediaCityUK, Salford – 48 minutes
Manchester’s leading tech, digital and creative hub is also home to the BBC’s northern arm, ITV and a variety of fantastic bars & restaurants. You can call in at the Imperial War Museum North, try open water swimming in the Quays with U-Swim and catch a show at The Lowry theatre, meaning it’s the perfect destination for a family day out. Finish your trip with a cocktail on The Alchemist’s terrace, which hangs over the water and gives a beautiful view of the glittering estate.
Bakewell, Derbyshire – 1h 6m
This tiny, chocolate box-town in the Peak District is well worth the drive, and is a foodie haven with all the independent eateries and shops dotted around. The famous Bakewell tart hails from here, so make sure to stop off at The Old Original Pudding Shop to get your hands on one. Whilst in the area, don’t forget to call in at Chatsworth House, one of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK – it’s worth the visit for the farm shop alone.
Ready for an adventure?
So, there you have it – just a selection of the amazing things you can do around Stoke! Have we missed off your favourite? Tweet us at @smithfieldST1 to let us know!