A Place In The UK: Stoke-on-Trent - https://englishenglish.biz/

Stoke-on-Trent is a medium sized city of 249,000 people, in the country of Staffordshire, England. It’s located about half-way between Manchester and Birmingham. It’s about 150 miles northwest of London.

Stoke-on-Trent is most famous for its pottery industry. It is considered to be the home of the pottery industry in England. Because of this, Stoke is known as ‘The Potteries’. Companies such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Royal Albert were all established in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Pottery Industry

Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry started in the 17th century. There was a lot of coal and clay in the area, and this made it suitable for making pottery. The River Trent runs through Stoke, and this meant the pottery could be easily transported around the country.

Stoke-on-Trent wasn’t the first place in England to produce pottery, but it quickly became known for producing high quality pieces. Josiah Wedgwood was the man who made Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry successful. He helped many local potters increase their skills, and he also attracted other artists to the area.

Most of the major pottery companies in Stoke-on-Trent have factory shops and visitor centres. The Wedgwood Museum visitor centre is probably the most popular. It has a large demonstration area where visitors can watch pottery being made.

Next to the museum and visitors centre is a restaurant and tea room, which of course serves everything in Wedgwood tea cups and dishes.

: Wedgwood Blue

: A Royal Doulton ceramic figure

: Royal Albert

Alton Towers

10 miles east of Stoke-on-Trent is a large theme park called Alton Towers. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous theme parks. If you like riding roller coasters then it’s a great place to spend a day. There are many different kinds of rides and attractions, so everyone can enjoy something.

Are you brave enough to ride ‘Air’ or ‘Oblivion’?

Air

‘Air’ was the first roller coaster in the world where the riders are in a flying position – superman style! The ride hits a top speed of 75 km/h and during the ride the riders change position – face down to the ground, face up to the sky – as the track twists round.