Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Great Potteries Outlet Tour
(
&
01782/821075
). See review under
“Exploring the Area,” below.
W
Moorcroft Factory Shop,
Phoenix
Works, Nile Street, Cobridge, Stoke-
on-Trent (
&
01782/820505
). See
review under “Exploring the Area,”
below.
W
Portmeirion Factory Shop,
473 King St.,
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (
&
01782/
326661
), has tons of choices, with sec-
onds (pieces that have minor flaws),
and Spode and Royal Worcester ware,
at least 30% off retail prices.
With around 25 high-quality factory
shops and outlets spread around the
Stoke area, your biggest headache is
likely to be shipping all your purchases
back home.
Wedgwood
(see below) is
an obvious target, but there are plenty
of other worthy choices:
W
Aynsley China,
Sutherland Road, Long-
ton, Stoke-on-Trent (
&
01782/339420
),
has a wide selection of the U.K.'s
favorite best-quality fine bone china.
W
Dudson Factory Outlet,
Nile Street,
Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent
12
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
MUSEUM Stoke's premier
museum is the best place to learn about the history of the Potteries, with the world's
greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics and even a World War II Spitfire on
show. But the real star attraction is the Staffordshire Hoard, the most precious col-
lection of Anglo-Saxon treasure and gold ever found (valued at over £3 million in
2011). Wonder at intricate filigree gold hilt collars from swords made 1,500 years ago,
and ornate gold mounts in the shape of a bird's head.
Bethesda St., City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent.
&
01782/232323.
www.stoke.gov.uk/museum. Free admis-
sion. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Bus: 23, 23A, and 25 from Stoke-on-Trent train station to Hanley
bus station.
Wedgwood Museum & Visitor Centre
MUSEUM Wedgwood is the most
celebrated pottery brand in England, and these two related sites offer an enlightening
introduction. The museum covers 3 centuries of design, beginning with the birth of
Josiah Wedgwood in 1730, and including his Etruria factory and the company's Vic-
torian showroom.
The nearby
Wedgwood Visitor Centre
(
&
0870/606-1759;
www.thewedgwood
visitorcentre.com) includes a demonstration hall where you can watch clay pots being
formed on the potter's wheel, and witness plates being turned and fired, then painted.
An art gallery and gift shop sell factory-made items (note that factory tours are no
longer available).
Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent.
&
01782/371919.
www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk. Museum admission £6
adults, £5 seniors, students, and children 5-16, £18 family ticket. Visitor Centre and Museum £10 adults,
£8 seniors, students, and children 5-16, £32 family ticket. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.
Closed Dec 24-Jan 2. Take a taxi from Stoke-on-Trent train station, a 6-mile trip that will cost around
£10. If you're driving from London, head north along the M1 until you reach the M6. Continue north to
junction 14, which becomes the A34. Follow the A34 to Barlaston and follow the signs.
Where to Eat & Stay
The Old Plough
PUB FARE This atmospheric old-fashioned pub is the best
place to eat in Stoke, with a menu anchored by a choice of perfectly chargrilled,
hearty steaks and homemade sauces. The dining room is decorated with all sorts of
