Known as The Potteries due to its world-renowned pottery industry, Stoke-on-Trent is a city with a unique history and charm that offers a fascinating location for couples to explore.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or just looking for some fun date ideas in Stoke-on-Trent, there are plenty of activities to try and places to see.
From scenic walks and art galleries to cosy cafes and pottery workshops, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Stoke-on-Trent for couples.
1. Have afternoon tea at the Emma Bridgewater Factory
Emma Bridgewater is one of the most famous producers of British pottery, and all this designer’s pottery is manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent.
You can visit the Emma Bridgewater Factory, where 1.9 million pieces of pottery are created each year, and take a tour to see how it’s all made, from the casting and firing to the decorating and glazing.
Along with taking a factory tour, one of the best things to do in Stoke-on-Trent for couples is to enjoy an afternoon tea here, which is all served in the same mugs and teapots that are created in the factory.
Afterwards, you can also treat yourself to a souvenir from the extensive shop. There are also “seconds”, products with minor defects that are sold at a discounted price, which you can handpick and buy.
There’s a selection of other experiences at the Emma Bridgewater Factory that you can try if you’ve got more time. If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at decorating your own pottery, and you’ll even be able to take home the final piece!
2. Visit the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
The Emma Bridgewater Factory is but one of the landmarks that highlight Stoke-on-Trent’s unique culture, and the best way to learn more about how the city earned its nickname – The Potteries – is to visit the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
Originally established in 1911, the museum now contains more than 650,000 individual objects of local, regional and national significance.
It doesn’t just contain pottery either, but also fine art and natural science collections containing 100,000+ animal and plant specimens.
3. Take a romantic stroll in Trentham Gardens
To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Trentham Gardens, part of the Trentham Estate in the south of Stoke-on-Trent.
The series of Italianate gardens form one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the city, and are the perfect location to go on a romantic stroll together.
The mile-long Trentham Lake is especially worth heading to due to its stunning meadows and nature trails that you can explore.
For one of the most fun things to do in Stoke-on-Trent for couples, you can also book tickets to enter the Monkey Forest or have a go at the Treetop Adventures, both located in Trentham Gardens.
4. Make a splash at Waterworld
There are few activities in Stoke-on-Trent that are more fun than Waterworld, and even as a couple it should be on your list of places to visit.
This waterpark is one of the best in the UK, and, as it’s indoors, it’s open all year round so you don’t need to worry about needing good weather.
There’s a selection of different waterslides, such as Thunderbolt and Cyclone, that offer a range of thrills – perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping.
In the summer months, you can also have a more leisurely experience by enjoying the outdoor pool.
If you ever grow tired of the water, you can also try some other activities found at Waterworld, such as minigolf.
5. Catch a show at the Regent Theatre
For couples seeking a romantic date night out in Stoke-on-Trent with great entertainment, the Regent Theatre is the perfect destination to head to.
While it first operated as a cinema when it was first built in 1929, it was restored in 1999 to its original Art Deco style and is now the best theatre in the city.
It hosts a variety of performances, including some of the most popular touring shows and musicals such as Mamma Mia and War Horse, so you can get a taste of the West End without needing to travel to London.
Romantic places to eat in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent has many fantastic places to eat out if you’re planning a special date night or just need a bite to eat after trying out one of the activities on this blog.
You can find a full guide of the best restaurants in Stoke-on-Trent here on restaurantji.com, but here are a few of our top picks:
- The Orange Tree Bar & Grill: This restaurant has a stylish interior that can be perfect for a romantic dinner, as well as being a great choice for pre-theatre dining.
- Peaches Restaurant: If you’re after Chinese and Cantonese cuisine, Peaches Restaurant is one of the best locations for it in the area.
- The Quarter Cafe: While more of a cafe setting, The Quarter has a charming atmosphere and offers a range of dishes that might be suitable for a cosy and casual romantic date in Stoke-on-Trent.
- The Art of Siam: If you and your partner enjoy Thai cuisine, The Art of Siam is a fantastic eatery located in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
- Blanc NRI: For a fine-dining Indian restaurant and one of the best places for a romantic meal out in Stoke-on-Trent, head to Blanc NRI.
Day trips out from Stoke-on-Trent for couples
Stoke-on-Trent is well-situated in the UK for exploring other locations nearby, whether you’re seeking an escape into nature or unparalleled thrills. Here are our top recommendations for day trips near Stoke-on-Trent for couples:
1. Alton Towers
As one of the UK’s most famous and popular theme parks, Alton Towers offers the perfect destination for any thrill-seeking couples, and it’s only a few miles east of Stoke-on-Trent.
From Nemesis to Oblivion, Alton Towers contains some of the most exhilarating rides and rollercoasters in the country.
2. Peak District
The Peak District is right on Stoke-on-Trent’s doorstep, and this National Park contains plenty of stunning hills, rivers and walking routes that are worth discovering.
Along with must-visit locations like the stepping stones at Dovedale and the beautiful town of Bakewell, you can read more in our blog about the best things to do in the Peak District for couples.
3. Manchester
Only 40 minutes away, Manchester is a vibrant city that can be easily reached as part of a day trip from Stoke-on-Trent.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Manchester for couples, including visiting the free-to-enter People’s History Museum, exploring Manchester Chinatown, or attending a concert at the AO Arena.
4. Birmingham
At the southern end of Staffordshire, Birmingham isn’t far from Stoke-on-Trent and is one of the best UK city breaks for couples.
As the second-largest city in the UK, there’s plenty to see and do, including walking around its many canals, treating yourself to something from the Jewellery Quarter, or visiting one of its many museums.
Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent for couples FAQs
What are the best museums in Stoke-on-Trent for couples?
Stoke-on-Trent contains many fascinating museums, including some which couples may find very interesting. These include the Gladstone Pottery Museum and Wedgwood Collection, where you can learn much more about the city’s rich history of pottery and ceramics.
What are some romantic outdoor activities in Stoke-on-Trent?
Stoke-on-Trent offers beautiful outdoor spaces for couples to explore. The two best locations are Trentham Gardens, which contains many beautiful gardens and a stunning lake, and Westport Lake, where you can take a romantic stroll around its perimeter. In summer, you can also take a dip in the outdoor pool at Waterworld.
What are the best free things to do for couples in Stoke-on-Trent?
One of the best free things to do in Stoke-on-Trent for couples is to visit The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery which, unlike some other museums in the city, has no cost to enter. You can also take a romantic stroll around some of the many parks in the city, such as Hanley Park, Central Forest Park, or Longton Park.
