Couples on holiday should include Stoke-on-Trent in their list of options, especially given the city’s sights and activities galore.

Tourists have always loved Stoke, and many of them -- a stunning 80% -- would eventually become repeat visitors, and for good reason. Stoke is an excellent place to for that lovers’ holiday – not only is it easy to get to and get around, it is also situated near other prominent cities in the UK.

Here are some of the things that couples must see and experience during their stay in Stoke-on-Trent.

1. Go around The Potteries and buy quality ceramic products.

The city is famous for its world-class pottery industry, which is why it was dubbed The Potteries. Admittedly, the premiere industry in Stoke-on-Trent has experienced some decline because of the influx of cheap and low-quality imports of pottery products from other countries, but it’s still a prime venue for high-quality pottery products. For travellers, a trip to The Potteries is a must. There are numerous shops and factories around the city where couples can browse and buy beautifully-crafted pottery products. Areas such as Wedgwood, Spode and Royal Doulton are also popular destinations for quality ceramic products. Try heading to Hanley, where the Potteries Shopping Centre is located.

2. Nature-tripping at Trentham Gardens

Even without rowdy children in tow, couples can still enjoy spending time in this large public park. It is very accessible from Hanley, a short bus ride from there to get to the gardens. For only a small admission fee, couples can spend time with animals at the petting zoo or watch the children play at the adventure playground. If the weather is all sunny and perfect, couples can explore the lakes through rented boats or jet-skis. If you love being around monkeys. check out "The Monkey Forest" where one can see adorable Barbary macaques for a separate admission charge.

3. Watch movies and plays

Stoke-on-Trent has lots of theatres and cinemas where couples can nurture their love for film and performing arts. Popular options include Victoria and The Regent in Hanley, The Rep in Stoke, The Queens in Burslem or The Vic in Hartshill. If you are looking for something artsy, head to the university campus near the railway station in Stoke to catch some of the highly regarded art films at the public arts cinema.

4. Indulge in retail therapy

Stoke-on-Trent is not really the place to look for unique, hard-to-find items that you show off back at home. But for a wide array of shopping options at very affordable prices, Stoke has just what the doctor ordered. The city has dozens of exciting shopping places that will drive shopaholics wild. You can buy both high-end items and inexpensive ones in the area.

Meanwhile, if you want to buy pottery products but do not wish to risk carrying fragile items back home, you can always avail of the services of the postal delivery services located in majority of the pottery shops. They are a very reliable means of transporting ceramics.

5. Eat and drink.

Vacationing couples must sample the local delicacy in Stoke-on-Trent, particularly at the renowned Staffordshire Oatcake. An oatcake is a dish that looks just like a pancake, but is made of oatmeal, flour, yeast, salt and water. The city has lots of shops where one can buy and enjoy the city’s famous oatcakes.

To enjoy the city’s nightlife, couples have dozens of popular pubs, clubs and restaurants to choose from. There are many such popular places in Burslem, particularly The Bull's Head Inn and The Leopard, which are highly recommended.

For the more adventurous couples out on holiday, Stoke has a host of alternative venues made for gays and lesbians. The homosexual community is thriving in the area, and these establishments are renowned for their laid back atmosphere where people can let their hair down. Some of the famous bars of this type are The Club, Bar Monique and The Three Tuns. Other night spots that you can also try include Chaplins, Blush Cabaret and Pink Bar.

6. Visit neighbouring cities in the Midlands and North West

 

Once you’ve had your fill of Stoke, you may also want to visit nearby cities, an option that is easy to pursue given their accessibility, thanks to the many modes of transportation available.

Try Manchester, the UK’s third largest city, which is great for sightseeing and shopping. It also boasts of one of the most populous gay and lesbian communities.

Birmingham is less than an hour away from Stoke, while Manchester is another popular nearby venue renowned for the Old Trafford, home to the famous Manchester United Football Club.

Meanwhile, music lovers will certainly appreciate Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, which is also famous for its football cub as well as for its museums and docklands.