Hidden Gems of Stoke – 5 Things to do Next in your Summer

Bradley Roberts
Jul 12
2 min read

Summer in Stoke-on-Trent doesn't have to mean the same weekend routine.

Whether you're back from university, taking annual leave or simply looking for something different to do when the sun finally decides to make an appearance, the city is packed with independent businesses, creative spaces and hidden corners that deserve a place on your summer bucket list.

Stone church tower with four spires overlooks a town and green park at dusk under a cloudy blue sky.

From pottery heritage to cozy bookshops and artisan coffee spots, here are some of Stoke-on-Trent's best small establishments to visit this summer.

Get lost in the shelves at Drop City Books

Tucked away in Hanley's Cultural Quarter, Drop City Books has quickly become a favourite among local readers, students and everyone with eyes.

Its more than a bookshop, it's a community space where you'll find carefully curated fiction, non-fiction, art books, graphic novels and independent publications that you simply won't come across in larger chain stores.

Spend an hour browsing the shelves, ask for recommendations or keep an eye out for events and pop-up collaborations, with author events being a staple. It's the perfect place to slow down and rediscover the joy of reading.

Topsy turvy tip: Pair your visit with a wander around Hanley's independent businesses and galleries to make an afternoon of it.

Explore Stoke's world-famous pottery heritage

Stoke earned its nickname as "The Potteries" for good reason, being once the pottery capital of the uk with a rich history interlaced with the city's culture and what better to do than immerse yourself further in it?

For a summer day out that feels uniquely local, head to Middleport Pottery, one of the UK's last working Victorian potteries.

a vintage factory by the name of 'middleport' with its name being plastered on its weathered side, with a large kiln alongside it.

You can take a factory tour, browse the independent shops and enjoy the canalside setting.

Nearby, the Burleigh Factory Shop is a great place to pick up handcrafted ceramics, gifts and classic British tableware.

If you're after a hands-on experience, many local studios offer pottery painting sessions and workshops throughout the summer holidays.

Discover indie coffee culture

a large metal coffee maker with a small collection of white cups atop it

Skip the chain coffee shops for a morning and try one of Stoke's growing number of independent cafés.

The Glost House combines great coffee with creative workshops, local art and a celebration of the city's ceramic heritage, with a beautiful kiln just nearby and wonderful coffee to boot.

Grey building with Glost House sign and glass storefront in a sunny cobblestone courtyard beside old factory kiln.

Reconnect with nature at Trentham

If you're looking for a full day out, it's hard to beat the combination of nature, shopping and food available at Trentham Estate.

a beautiful ornate garden within the Trentham estate with carefully trimmed bushes and topiary with little plots of vibrant flowers.

Browse the independent shops, explore the gardens or take a walk around the lake before visiting Trentham Monkey Forest, where you can walk among free roaming Barbary macaques.

a barbary macaque sitting and look off in the distance with a small macaque on its shoulder.

It's one of those attractions that appeals just as much to families as it does to groups of friends looking for something a little different.

Why supporting local matters!

Independent businesses give Stoke-on-Trent its character.

Every coffee bought, book purchased or workshop attended helps keep money within the local economy and supports the people who are investing in the city's future.

This summer, challenge yourself to swap one chain store visit for a local alternative. You might discover your new favourite spot, and help a small business thrive in the process.

After all, the best parts of Stoke-on-Trent are often the places you won't find in a guidebook!