7 Great Indoor Activities near Stoke on Trent

The Royal Stafford Ceramic Cafe

Stoke-on-Trent, the renowned pottery capital of England, the Royal Stafford Ceramic Café offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. As part of the Royal Stafford factory, the Ceramic Café provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of pottery and ceramics, allowing you to unleash your creativity and craft your very own masterpiece.

Upon entering the Royal Stafford Ceramic Café, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with friendly staff on hand to guide you through the pottery painting process. Choose from a wide range of ceramic items, such as plates, mugs, vases, and figurines, all waiting to be transformed into personalised works of art. With an extensive selection of colours, patterns, and tools at your disposal, the possibilities are truly endless.

The Ceramic Café is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and even team-building events. Children will love the opportunity to express their creativity, while adults can enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic experience away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. No matter your artistic skill level, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to offer advice, tips, and encouragement, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all.

In addition to pottery painting, the Royal Stafford Ceramic Café offers a range of workshops, events, and themed sessions throughout the year. From seasonal celebrations to specialised techniques, these events provide an opportunity to learn new skills, meet fellow pottery enthusiasts, and create lasting memories.

After you’ve finished creating your ceramic masterpiece, you can relax and unwind at the on-site café, which serves a delicious array of hot and cold drinks, light lunches, and homemade cakes. The perfect spot to refuel and recharge, the café provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors to enjoy.

Don’t forget to explore the Royal Stafford factory shop before you leave, where you’ll find an impressive selection of high-quality ceramics, tableware, and gifts. With a variety of stunning designs and collections on offer, it’s the perfect opportunity to take home a piece of Staffordshire’s rich pottery heritage.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

Hidden away in the Cheshire countryside lies the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, a once top-secret government facility that now offers an intriguing and immersive glimpse into the history of the Cold War. With a rich and fascinating past, this decommissioned bunker provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the inner workings of a crucial piece of British military history.

Originally constructed as a decoy site during World War II, Hack Green was transformed into a nuclear bunker during the Cold War, designed to protect government officials and essential personnel in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, the site has been painstakingly restored and opened to the public, offering a fascinating and educational journey through the bunker’s secretive past.

As you venture into the depths of Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, you’ll be transported back in time to the height of the Cold War, when the threat of nuclear conflict loomed large. The bunker’s labyrinthine corridors are filled with authentic equipment, artefacts, and exhibits that bring the period to life, providing a vivid insight into the day-to-day operations of this hidden facility.

One of the key highlights of a visit to Hack Green is the powerful and thought-provoking audio-visual presentations, which explore the chilling reality of nuclear war and its potential consequences. Through a combination of historical film footage, newsreels, and interviews, these presentations offer a sobering and eye-opening perspective on this tumultuous period of history.

In addition to the Cold War exhibits, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker also houses a unique collection of military hardware, including decommissioned nuclear weapons, radar systems, and even a fully restored Royal Observer Corps post. These exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the technology and tactics employed during this critical time in global history.

Visitors to Hack Green can also enjoy the on-site shop and café, which offer a range of souvenirs, books, and refreshments to complete your experience. The bunker is fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this intriguing and educational attraction.

The Alton Towers Waterpark

Located within the iconic Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, the Alton Towers Waterpark offers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Featuring a fantastic array of slides, pools, and interactive water attractions, this indoor and outdoor waterpark is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day, regardless of the weather.

As you enter the Alton Towers Waterpark, prepare to be immersed in a tropical paradise, complete with lush greenery, vibrant colours, and the sound of cascading water. The waterpark’s temperature-controlled environment ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience year-round, making it an ideal destination for both summer splashes and winter warm-ups.

The Alton Towers Waterpark boasts impressive attractions to suit all thrill levels and abilities. For the adrenaline-seekers, the Master Blaster Water Coaster offers a thrilling high-speed ride, propelling riders through twisting tunnels and steep drops. Meanwhile, the Rush and Rampage slides provide exhilarating twists and turns, perfect for those looking to test their nerves.

For younger visitors or those searching for more gentle fun, the waterpark offers a range of interactive and imaginative play areas. For example, the Wacky Waterworks Treehouse is a multi-level adventure featuring water cannons, tipping buckets, and slides. At the same time, the Little Leak offers a safe and shallow splash zone for toddlers and their parents to enjoy.

If relaxation is on the agenda, the Alton Towers Waterpark has you covered. Unwind in the soothing waters of Lagoona Bay, a tropical lagoon complete with geysers and water jets, or take a leisurely float down the lazy river, where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the warm water as it carries you along.

When hunger strikes, the Waterpark’s Flambos Exotic Feast restaurant offers a range of delicious meals and snacks to keep you fuelled for more fun. With a diverse menu that includes options for all dietary requirements, there’s something to suit every taste.

Tamworth Snowdome

Tamworth SnowDome is an innovative and exciting attraction that offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of winter sports and snowy adventures all year round. With its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse range of activities, the SnowDome caters to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out, a unique date, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure with friends.

As you step into Tamworth SnowDome, prepare to be transported into a magical world of ice and snow. The centrepiece of the SnowDome is its impressive 170-metre real snow slope, which is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With expert instructors on hand to provide tuition and guidance, beginners can gain confidence on the slopes, while more advanced skiers and boarders can hone their skills and technique.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the SnowDome also offers a range of other icy activities to enjoy. The adrenaline-pumping ice skating rink provides a fun challenge for all abilities, with skate hire and penguin skate aids available to ensure a smooth glide across the ice. For those in search of a more leisurely experience, the enchanting SnowPlay area offers the chance to engage in a friendly snowball fight, build a snowman, or simply enjoy the feeling of fresh snow underfoot.

One of the most popular attractions at Tamworth SnowDome is the exhilarating tobogganing experience. With specially designed tubes that glide effortlessly down the slope, visitors can race down the snowy incline and enjoy the thrill of speed in a safe and controlled environment.

To warm up after your icy adventures, the SnowDome’s Alpine-themed bars and restaurants provide a cosy retreat, offering a range of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages to suit all tastes. The SnowDome also features an on-site shop where you can purchase winter sports equipment, clothing, and accessories, as well as souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Stoke Ski Centre

Stoke Ski Centre offers a fantastic opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to practice and perfect their skiing and snowboarding skills, all within a convenient and accessible location. Catering to visitors of all ages and abilities, this popular dry slope facility provides an excellent range of activities and lessons, ensuring a thrilling and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.

As you arrive at Stoke Ski Centre, you’ll be greeted by a welcoming atmosphere and a bustling hub of activity. The centre’s main attraction is its impressive 180-metre artificial ski slope, which is designed to mimic the feel of real snow, allowing skiers and snowboarders to experience the thrill of the mountains all year round. The slope is divided into a main slope and a nursery slope, ensuring that all visitors can find a suitable level of challenge.

For those new to skiing or snowboarding, Stoke Ski Centre provides expert tuition through a team of friendly and experienced instructors. Offering group lessons, private sessions, and specialist coaching, the centre ensures that everyone can learn at their own pace and develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Stoke Ski Centre also offers a range of other exciting activities, such as tubing and tobogganing. These exhilarating experiences are perfect for those looking for a fun and unique way to spend time with family and friends without the need for any prior experience or skill.

To fuel up after a day on the slopes, the centre’s Alpine Lodge Café serves a variety of delicious meals, snacks, and drinks, allowing you to relax and unwind in a cosy and comfortable setting. With its warm and friendly atmosphere, the café is the perfect place to share stories of your adventures on the slopes and plan your next visit.

CineBowl iSKATE

Located in the vibrant city of Stoke-on-Trent, CineBowl iSKATE offers a unique and exciting combination of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Featuring a state-of-the-art cinema, a thrilling ten-pin bowling alley, and a fantastic ice-skating rink, this all-in-one entertainment centre guarantees a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.

As you step into CineBowl iSKATE, prepare to be amazed by the variety of activities on offer. The centre’s cutting-edge cinema showcases the latest blockbusters, as well as timeless classics and family favourites. With comfortable seating and top-quality audiovisual technology, moviegoers can immerse themselves in a world of cinematic magic and escape reality for a few hours.

For those seeking a more active form of entertainment, CineBowl iSKATE’s ten-pin bowling alley provides the perfect setting for some friendly competition. With its modern lanes, electronic scoring, and glow-in-the-dark lighting, visitors can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and a fun challenge, no matter their skill level. The centre also offers a range of bowling packages, making it an ideal venue for birthday parties, corporate events, or simply a great night out with friends and family.

One of CineBowl iSKATE’s most popular attractions is its impressive ice-skating rink, which offers a cool and exhilarating experience for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, the rink’s friendly and experienced staff are on hand to provide assistance and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time on the ice. Skate hire is also available, so there’s no need to worry about bringing your own equipment.

To round off your visit, CineBowl iSKATE features an on-site restaurant and bar, serving a delicious selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty burger, a refreshing drink, or a tempting dessert, the centre’s dining options cater to all tastes and preferences.

Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke

Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke offers a thrilling and unique experience for adventure-seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Boasting an impressive array of climbing facilities, including bouldering walls, top-rope climbs, and lead climbing routes, this state-of-the-art indoor climbing centre caters to climbers of all ages and abilities, ensuring a fun and challenging experience for everyone who visits.

As you enter Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke, you’ll be struck by the sheer scale and variety of the climbing challenges on offer. The centre’s expansive climbing area features over 100 individual routes, ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced and technical challenges, guaranteeing that every visitor can find the perfect level of difficulty to test their skills and push their limits.

For those new to the world of climbing or looking to improve their abilities, Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke offers expert instruction through a team of experienced and qualified climbing instructors. Offering a range of courses and coaching sessions, the centre ensures that all climbers can develop their skills and confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

Bouldering enthusiasts will find a dedicated area within the centre, featuring an array of challenging and varied problems to solve. The bouldering area is perfect for those who prefer to climb without ropes and harnesses, allowing climbers to focus on strength, technique, and problem-solving skills.

To ensure a well-rounded experience, Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke also offers a range of additional facilities to cater to the needs of its visitors. The on-site cafe provides a selection of refreshments and snacks, while a comfortable seating area allows climbers to relax, socialise, and watch others tackle the walls. In addition, the centre features a fully stocked climbing shop, offering a range of climbing gear and accessories for purchase or hire.

In conclusion, Awesome Walls Climbing Stoke provides an unparalleled indoor climbing experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. With its diverse range of climbing challenges, expert instruction, and excellent facilities, the centre guarantees an exciting and memorable day out for all those with a passion for adventure and fitness. So, strap on your harness and reach new heights at this fantastic Staffordshire climbing centre!

If the weather is unexpectedly dry, why not check out some outdoor activities in our area?