Image by Richard Amor Allan
You can usually spot someone from Stoke on Trent a mile away. If you see somebody randomly turn over a piece of pottery to see the backstamp – congratulations, you’ve spotted someone from Stoke on Trent. If you hear somebody craving a cheese and bacon oatcake – yep, they’re from Stoke on Trent! We have an abundance of little quirks!
I was talking to my friends via skype the other day, they live in gorgeous parts of the world, one in New York and one in Sweden. We joked that they might come to Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire one day and I’d be their tour guide. I’m always embarrassed that the city seems to be lost in its own time capsule, so I wanted to challenge my wanderlust personality and find the diamonds in the rough. Without further ado, here’s my Staffordshire* tour guide.
*Some locations are on the outskirts of Staffordshire.
Ilam & Dovedale
Ilam is home to Ilam Hall which is a 17th-century manor house now owned by the National Trust. It has its own well-manicured lawns and sits on the edge of Hinkley Woods which looks like something right out of middle earth. A little way up from the small village of Ilam you’ll find Dovedale. Dovedale is a picturesque walk through rolling hills, stepping stones and you can even stumble on the odd cave. Perfect for a picnic! Dovedales stepping stones were also used in the filming of the 2010 Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe and 2008 film The Other Boleyn Girl starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.
The Rabbit Hole Tearoom
I had a photoshoot here with Richard Amor Allan in the beginning of 2019. The Rabbit Hole Tearoom sits in the heart of the city in Stoke itself. As soon as you step through the doors you’re transported to wonderland. There is no better way to enjoy afternoon tea, surrounded by oddities and the smell of freshly baked pastries swirling in the air. Heavenly!
Trentham Gardens
Trentham Hall’s history can be traced back as far as 1540 however, the estate and gardens were recognised far before that. Sadly a lot of the hall was demolished in the early 1900s. In 2000 The gardens underwent a huge restoration project costing millions and eventually, the Faries appeared. Along the walk, you can spot several faries made from wire by FantasyWire. The gardens look beautiful at any time of year, always full of colour!
Monkey Forest
In 2005, as an extension of Trentham Gardens restoration, the Monkey Forest opened. It’s roughly 60 acres of cute little Barbary Macaques roaming free amongst the public. The forest’s primary purpose is to preserve the gene pool and raise awareness of this endangered species. You can watch them play, being fed, and just enjoy the surroundings.
The Roaches
Ever since I was small the Roaches have always been in my life. My family and I used to enjoy walks to the top, enjoy picnics there and wander through the mossy woodland. Throughout my teenage years, I used to hike and climb there with friends. As an adult, I still love climbing there, but I also like to be present and sit on one of the ginormous rocks in the elfish-like woodland and just breathe, feeling the moss in between my toes. There’s something almost spiritual about being there. Oh, and of course- its the perfect location for photoshoots!
Chatsworth House
Pride and Prejudice, The Wolfman and The Duchess, among a few more, were all filmed in the gorgeous stately grounds of Chatsworth House. The whole building is a work of art, you can look up, down, left and right and be blown away by the intricate architecture. Construction started on Chatsworth in 1687 and finished in 1708 to accommodate the lavish lifestyles of the Dukes that lived there. The gardens also capture the maximalism life with grand water features, manicured lawns, beautiful outhouses, greenhouses and a plethora of exotic plants. The house isn’t far away from the picturesque village of Bakewell.
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is the perfect location for short or long walks. You can choose to walk around the whole reservoir or simply enjoy a picnic in the park and then treat yourself to ice cream at the cafe by the shops. The water is crystal clear and perfect for sailing, I haven’t been brave enough to go out on a boat myself, but it does look stunning!
Biddulph Grange Gardens
Another National Trust property. Biddulph Grange is a victorian mansion, however, the more unique aspect of this location is its gardens. The house sits in 15 acres of themed gardens, Chinese (pictured above) Egyptian, Italian, English countryside among others. The gardens were created and designed by James Bateman during the 1800s however sadly fell into disrepair when Bateman sold the estate to become a hospital in1923. The National Trust stepped in in 1988 and started to clean up the grounds to restore them to their former glory for all to enjoy.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is a must when visiting Staffordshire. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Disneyland but it does cater to the thrill-seekers with crazy rollercoasters. Oblivion was the world’s first dive coaster with a vertical drop into a dark hole in the ground (terrifying!). Rita is an insanely fast rollercoaster, and the Smiler holds the world record for the most inversions on a rollercoaster. Food even comes to your table via a track (middle picture above) at the rollercoaster restaurant. Alton Towers also has a gothic Hall in the middle of the grounds however, its mainly used for scare nights. Alton Towers also has tame rides for the non-thrill-seekers (me) and rides for children.
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