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Countryside
Stoke-on-Trent is one of the greenest cities in the UK and we are very lucky to have buckets full of green space, beautiful parks, gardens, and open spaces including Westport Lake and Park Hall Country Park. What’s also great is that these green spaces are also connected by over 160km of cycle routes including many quiet off road paths, greenways, canal towpaths and river routes.
The city is also surrounded by stunning countryside too. Within Staffordshire you’ll find a National Park, areas of outstanding natural beauty, national forests and National Nature Reserves.
To the north east of Stoke-on-Trent lies the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District National Park. Here you will be blown away with amazing views from the craggy Roaches near Leek, and discover mystical legends at Lud's Church, a deep chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit bedrock near Gradbach.
Have fun on and around the reservoirs of Tittesworth and Rudyard - the surrounding breathtaking landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for sailing, kayaking, walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits.
The Staffordshire Moorlands has some brilliant paths and trails for walking and cycling – check out the Manifold Valley Way which follows the route of the former Leek and Manifold Light Railway along sheltered valley bottoms through stunning scenery. The 8 mile route is tarmacked throughout, and with only a slight downhill gradient from north to south making it perfect for a family cycle ride! Along the route you can explore Thor’s cave and see the River Manifold disappear down a sink hole near Wetton Mill, to reappear some distance way, at Ilam!
To the south of the City, you can enjoy the open country parkland and secluded byways of South Staffordshire as well as the unspoilt ancient heather heathland of Cannock Chase, perfect for a relaxing walk or an exhilarating day exploring the midlands best mountain bike trails.
To the east lies the peaceful, leafy woodlands of the National Forest. The National Forest embraces 200 square miles of the Midlands, and is taking root in the heart of England across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. It is transforming the landscape with the aim of linking the two ancient Forests of Charnwood on its Eastern fringe with Needwood Forest to its West.
To explore the countryside at a leisurely pace, why not explore Staffordshire’s sleepy canal network by piloting a narrowboat?
Whether you want exhilaration or relaxation, Stoke-on-Trent provides a great base to explore some of the UK’s most stunning countryside.
HighlightsPick Yours
Biddulph Valley Way
Following the former railway along the Biddulph Valley from Stoke-on-Trent to Congleton, the Way a…
Westport Lake Visitor Centre
Westport Lake, created alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal is a nature reserve consisting of two…
Apedale Community Country Park
Once an Open Cast mining site this park now has 155 hectares of woodland, pools and pastureland.…
Caldon Canal
Built in 1776, the Caldon Canal is widely seen as one of the most interesting waterways in the…
Manifold Track
The Manifold Track, a favourite for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, follows the route of the…
Biddulph Grange Country Park
Based on the Victorian theme of landscaped views combined with natural features, the 73 acre park…
Trent & Mersey Canal
The Trent and Mersey Canal is a 93.5-mile long “narrow canal” that runs through the East Midlands,…
The Roaches
Impressive grit-stone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers offering stunning…
Fenton Park
Formal park with football pitches, play area, crown green bowls, and five-a-side area.
Whitfield Valley
Whitfield Valley Local Nature Reserve covers a large area in Norton and Bradeley. The Ford Green…
Central Forest Park
Central Forest Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. It provides facilities for…
Longton Park (Queens Park)
Formal park with a lake, play area, football pitch, crown green bowls and fishing facilities.
Barlaston Downs
Downs Banks is a great place to enjoy a walk or just to relax and enjoy the outdoors. A rock pillar…
Hem Heath Woods Nature Reserve
Although often referred to as Hem Heath, this woodland encompasses four distinct woods - The Oaks,…
The Trentham Estate
Home to Trentham Gardens, Trentham Monkey Forest, Trentham Treetop Adventures and Trentham Shopping…
Park Hall Country Park
Park Hall Country Park is a beautiful area perfect for walks and nature with lakes, sandstone…
Hanley Park
Hanley Park is close to both the City Centre and the railway station. It is a fantastic example of…
- 1Biddulph Valley Way
- 2Westport Lake Visitor Centre
- 3Apedale Community Country Park
- 4Caldon Canal
- 5Manifold Track
- 6Biddulph Grange Country Park
- 7Trent & Mersey Canal
- 8The Roaches
- 9Fenton Park
- 10Whitfield Valley
- 11Central Forest Park
- 12Longton Park (Queens Park)
- 13Barlaston Downs
- 14Hem Heath Woods Nature Reserve
- 15Tunstall Park
- 16The Trentham Estate
- 17Park Hall Country Park
- 18Hanley Park