Stoke-on-Trent is in fact six separate towns – Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton.

It may sounds unlikely, but one of the most exciting attractions in this part of the country is a bone china factory. The Wedgwood Story Visitor Centre offers a fascinating insight into the production process, with an extensive collection of historic pieces to gawp at, artisans who calmly pain freehand designs onto china while you watch, and best of all, a troupe of Star Wars-esque anthropomorphic robots dutifully churning out perfect plates and mugs with the Wedgwood stamp.

About thirteen miles east of Stoke, Alton Towers is Britain’s largest amusement park, which preserves its number-one ranking by introducing more terrifying rides each season. If the white-knuckled stuff is too strong for you, there are endless food outlets to escape into, along with landscape and themed gardens and an array of less stomach-churning fairground attractions.

For alternative family fun, you can also spend a day at Waterworld on Festival Park. At Stroke-on-Trent, the Cultural Quarter is always buzzing with nighttime activity. Visit the theatre, go to a club or out for a meal.

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