Welcome to Banks Farm Bed and Breakfast
Welcome to Staffordshire
In Staffordshire you'll find the best of Britain in an area that's easy to reach, a unique blend of world-class attractions, fascinating heritage and magnificent Peak District landscapes.
For sheer, wide-eyed excitement, nowhere else comes close to Staffordshire. This is where you'll find Alton Towers, the UK's No. 1 theme park, a magical world with over 125 rides and attractions set in magnificent gardens. Drayton Manor Family Theme Park is home to the world's first stand-up tower drop 'Apocalypse' and offers a variety of entertainment for all the family. www.altontowers.com
Where can you see the world's finest china take shape before your eyes, have a go at throwing a pot, and discover how beer has been made for centuries? Staffordshire is home to many world-famous names, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Spode. In the Potteries, over 40 factory shops offer beautiful china at bargain prices. Burton upon Trent is home of the brewing industry, and the Coors Visitor Centre (formerly the Bass Museum) tells the story of beer and brewing. www.wedgewood.com www.royaldoulton.com www.spode.co.uk
Stories of Staffordshire's past come alive in its stately homes and gardens. Shugborough, the magnificient home of Royal photographer Patrick Lichfield offers you the chance to experience life "below stairs", as well as a glimpse of some of the Earl's private rooms and his work.
Staffordshire is home to some of England's best scenery, the Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District, where dramatic uplands and dales are perfect for any number of outdoor activities from cycling to hang-gliding. Cannock Chase, an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" has miles of woodland and heath where Britain's largest herd of fallow deer roam free. www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk
Heritage railways will take you deep into hidden countryside. Travel through "the secret valley" on the Churnet Valley Railway from Froghall station. Foxfield Railway also offers steam trips and a lively programme of events.
Take a breath of fresh air in The National Forest, Britain's most exciting environmental creation with over 400 new and ancient woodlands. With more miles of canal than any other shire county, you can explore breathtaking countryside from the network of waterways, trails and country parks through the County. If you happen to find yourself in Stroke-on-Trent and fancy doing a bit of shopping, you need to have a look in the Potteries Centre in Hanley. www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
It's set on various levels with the market being on the ground floor. There's a good selection of stalls to look at from second-hand jewellery to of course fresh fruit and veg and the meat counters. There are some good clothes stalls too, and there's also a cafe where you have a good old bacon buttie and a cup of tea under the tree.
On the next level there are plenty of shops to look at, selling everything from cards to suits, and on the next level again. The Food Court offers a wide variety of foods if you get peckish while shopping - anything from backed potatoes to pizza or pasta.
The shops range from the usual like Top Man and Body Shop to Vision Express and Dixons. There are some good book shops as well.
The Centre has it's own multi-storey car park so you can park up and wander into the Centre without having to go outside in the cold and rain (unless of course you choose to park on the top floor). www.potteries.uk.com
The downside is, like every shopping centre, Saturday's tend to rather busy, especially when the Sales are on. But it's worth having a look round to see what you can find.
Don't forget to get your oatcakes!
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST STOKE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
The Britannia Stadium is a football stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home of Stoke City Football Club. The club had played at the Victoria Ground until 1997 and the move was the brainchild of then-Chief Executive Jez Moxey. The club's manager at this time was Chic Bates. The stadium holds 28,383 supporters, with the highest attendance being recorded for the sell out fixture against Everton in their FA Cup 3rd Round tie in 2002. The first goal in the stadium was scored by Graham Kavanagh for Stoke in a league cup game against Rochdale.[4]
Sir Stanley Matthews had his ashes buried under the centre circle of the pitch when he died.
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