Stoke-on-Trent - Theme Parks and China Factories

Stoke-on-Trent is one of the largest cities in the North of England, and has, for many years been at the very heart of British industry thanks to its place as the nation's principal producer of ceramics. The Stoke on Trent area is known as the Potteries thanks to its relationship with the industry, and along with its near neighbors Burslem and Hanley that make up the three cities, are one of the most popular university towns in the country, meaning that aside from plenty of history, they also offer great nightlife.

Stoke on Trent has a long and diverse history that has seen the city and surrounding area transformed from rural countryside less than two hundred years ago into being a massive urban center at its industrial peak before recent economic changes have sent he town transformed once more into a modern and vibrant place that has embraced the European cafe culture and become a major leisure destination in its own right.

One of the best things about Stoke in the past few years has been the way in which the city center has been completely redeveloped to make it a much friendlier place. New shopping malls have been built that offer a wide range of different retail outlets and there are also a number of high end factory shops that provide the best quality china from the many local factories.

Within easy reach of Stoke on Trent, there are many different attractions in Staffordshire including the stunning landscapes of Cannock Chase, and the Derbyshire Peak District a short drive away. Many visitors to the region enjoy the chance to spend the day at one of the theme parks nearby such as the famous Alton Towers -- one of the longest established parks in the country that also offers well developed gardens and a stately home.

As part of the country's industrial heartland, Stoke on Trent has always been a major center of transportation, and in nearby Crewe there is the opportunity to see many of the most important milestones in the development of the railways in the country from the earliest steam locomotives through to the latest tilting trains that have immeasurably improved transportation around the country.