Stoke-on-Trent's major entertainment complex is a fun-packed experience, home to a ten-screen cinema, 10-pin bowling, Waterworld (an indoor aqua park) and the Stoke Ski Centre, which boasts an Alpine toboggan run where the brave-hearted hurtle down at speeds of 30mph.
Available :
Daily
The Etruria Industrial Museum is a canal-side monument to Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic-making heritage. Built in 1857 to grind materials for the many potteries operating in the area, it ceased production in 1972 but retains all the original steam-powered machinery.
Available :
Apr - Dec 2013; not Mon or Tue (annual)
The Etruria Industrial Museum hosts a family-friendly summer festival. The colourful Etruria Canal Festival brings together narrowboats, canal boats and the Princess steam engine in a lively carnival atmosphere and everyone is welcome.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
The Potteries Museum holds the world's most impressive collection of Staffordshire Ceramics - unsurprisingly - given that the biggest names in the business (Royal Doulton, Spode, Wedgwood) all have their factories here.
Available :
Daily
Glyndebourne on Tour (GoT) pays its annual visit to Stoke-On-Trent's Regent Theatre bringing world class opera to venues around the country. This year's production is Puccini's classic La Boheme.
Available :
Dec 2013; Wed and Sat only (annual)
Stoke-on-Trent's Fenton Manor Sports Complex hosts the CAMRA Beer Festival, CAMRA being the Campaign for Real Ale. Local producers turn out in force, as the city fills with beer-lovers keen to try over 200 real ales, farmhouse ciders and fruit wines.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
Stoke City FC play their home matches at the Britannia Stadium. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
Available :
18 Aug 2012 - 19 May 2013 (annual)
The Gladstone Pottery Museum is a step back in time to the days of Victorian pottery manufacture. What's more, you can throw your own pot on on a real potter's wheel.
Available :
Daily
The Wedgwood Visitor Centre offers the opportunity to experience almost 250 years of history and heritage, which are still being lived today. Nothing is stage-managed or recreated, so visitors are able to see and participate in the continuing life of this successful English manufacturer and exporter of fine quality ceramics.
Available :
Daily
More than a theme park, Alton Towers is a British institution and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, with three million visitors every year. Large-scale white-knuckle rides abound, but there's plenty for the faint-hearted too.
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Feb 2013 (various dates)
Held at Stafford's imposing Sandon Hall, Plant Fair offers green-fingered visitors the opportunity to peruse and purchase rare and unusual plants and flowers. They may not look quite as impressive when supplanted from the impressive grounds to your humble abode, however...
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May 2013 (annual)
Amerton Farm features an array of attractions for all the family, including a Play Barn, a Tea Room, the Amerton Railway, a complimentary therapy centre and a whole range of craft shops.
Available :
Daily
Staffordshire's bounty is displayed in full bloom during the annual Staffordshire County Show at Stafford County Show Ground. Held over two days, machinery displays, children's attractions and livestock parades all form part of the programme.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
The Nantwich International Cheese Show, held at Cheshire showground, Dorfold Hall, is generally accepted as the definitive cheese show in the British Isles. It provides the opportunity to experience the best traditional cheeses, incorporating both organic and vegetarian varieties.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
The Ancient High House is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Once dominating the skyline of Stafford, it is the largest remaining timber-framed town house in England.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
Stafford Castle sits on an important Norman archaeological site, with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
Available :
Daily
Shugborough estate in Staffordshire provides a complete guide to living in the 19th century, with a working laundry, kitchens, brewhouse, dairy, mill and farm. Its atmospheric interiors reflect 300 years of the changing fortunes of the Anson family.
Available :
Mar - Oct 2013 (annual)
Candlelit Evenings at Shugborough's historic estate could be straight from an outdoor Christmas-card scene. The Victorian hustle and bustle of the working servants' quarters combines with the grand festive atmosphere of the mansion house, decorated with more than 1000 candles.
Available :
Dec 2013 (annual)
Organised by Stafford Round Table, the Bonfire Spectacular at Shugborough Estate is one of the region's biggest bonfire and fireworks displays. As well as the thrills of the display itself there's a family funfair to keep kids entertained as they wait.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is a ritual dance that begins at St Nicholas Church and visits surrounding villages. Six men carrying reindeer horns are accompanied by a hobby horse, a fool, a Robin Hood figure and a Maid Marion.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
The Peak District's very own spa town, Buxton, boasts an exquisite opera house. Every year since 1979, the Buxton Festival has created its own niche in the operatic world by unearthing some rare pieces. There's a literature strand too.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
Tucked away in a secluded valley in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, Atlow has been the site of a mill for more than 1000 years. But now, instead of grinding wheat into flour, it opens its doors to those who are seeking new ways of dealing with the challenges of life.
Available :
Daily
Thousands of visitors gather at Ashbourne's Polo Ground to enjoy a day out at the town's annual agricultural show. With a variety of classes for cattle and sheep, the competition is keen. There's a vintage tractor and classic car parade too.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
Chester celebrates its folk heritage with concerts, workshops and children's events, featuring many local and national folk performers. The fun takes place in the village of Kelsall, about eight miles from the city.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Set within a magnificent deer park, Lyme was a Tudor house transformed in the 18th century into a huge Italianate palace by Venetian architect Leoni. Its splendid facade was featured in the BBC production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Available :
Daily
Tatton Park spans 2000 acres, with 1000 acres of deer park and 50 acres of gardens, as well as containing two historic houses. Originally owned by the Egerton family for nearly 400 years, today it is one of the National Trust's most popular attractions, hosting major events throughout the year.
Available :
Daily
Weston Park hosts one of Staffordshire's biggest and best bonfire celebrations. As well as two firework displays and the lighting of the bonfire there are also a funfair, food stalls and a bar. Music is supplied by Beacon Radio.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
Summer festival fever hits the country once again as the dual-site V Festival comes to Weston Park in Staffordshire and Chelmsford's Hylands Park. Ensuring nobody need miss out, again this year many of the acts play both locations on alternate days.
Available :
Aug 2013 (annual)
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