Considered a shopper’s paradise, Newcastle-under-Lyme is known for its bustling markets held in the town centre every day of the week. The charming village is a treasure trove of antiques, artisanal goods and classic English tearooms.

Things to do

Stroll the cobblestone streets along the Castle Walk, lined with a variety of stores, from independent boutique crafts to high-street stores, such as Burton and Wilkinson. Rest your legs in one of the many tearooms and enjoy a warm drink and homemade scones.

Journey to nearby Stoke-on-Trent and see the famous Gladstone Pottery Museum, the only complete Victorian pottery factory in the world. Tour its humorous Flushed with Pride toilet exhibit, admire the Tile Gallery and buy handmade ceramics while learning about the industrial revolution.

A truly unique experience awaits at Trentham Monkey Forest, where you can walk amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaque monkeys in the serene Staffordshire woodland. Join a tour to learn more about this extraordinary endangered species or sit and watch the entertaining monkey antics.

Spend a day slipping, sliding and splashing around at WaterWorld Stoke-on-Trent. Race family and friends on The Nucleus, an enthralling 115-metre-long indoor water roller coaster. Hang ten in a tropical wave pool, bounce around in the bubble pool or simply relax in a Jacuzzi. Thrill-seekers will love the Black Hole, an exhilarating downhill slide in complete darkness.

Getting around

Located between Manchester and Birmingham, Newcastle-under-Lyme can be reached by car or bus, while trains arrive at Stoke-on-Trent station from London, Manchester and Birmingham. Newcastle-under-Lyme has 150 kilometres of paved bike baths and is small enough to explore on foot.