Attractions
The following visitor attractions listings provide a quick overview and where we have them some brief accessibility details - we believe that having a disability should be no barrier to enjoying what North Staffordshire has to offer the tourist and we support Accessible Countryside for Everyone in promoting access to leisure activities and attractions
Alton Towers is probably the most popular attraction, with it’s Theme Park, Water Park, CBeebies Land, Extraordinary Golf, Enchanted Forest Tree Top Quest, Hotels, Spa and exceptional Gardens
Accessibility - Accessible toilets, wheelchair access to most of the park - note from access statement "Please note, due to the very hilly nature of our site which can make powered buggies very unstable, we do not allow them into the Theme Park and in CBeebies Land", Changing Places facilities are located in the X Sector and in the Gloomy Wood toilet block
and a Space to Change facility is located in Fountain Square
www.altontowers.com
Churnet Valley Railway – 11 mile return journey along the valley between Kinglsey & Froghall station and Leekbrook through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s “Little Switzerland”, “Moorlander” dining train, events, footplate experience
Accessibility - It is recommended that wheelchair users board the train at Kingsley & Froghall Station due to a lower platform level at Cheddleton.
Take a look at our Churnet Valley Railway photo album on Flickr -
www.flickr.com/photos/visit-north-staffordshire...
www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
Etruria Industrial Museum and Heritage Centre – Etruria, Stoke on Trent – “home of Jesse Shirley’s 1857 Bone and Flint Mill, the only remaining operational Steam Driven Potters’ Mill in the world”, Victorian factory mill, cafe, canal-side walks
Accessibility - disabled toilets "Unfortunately there is limited access for those with mobility difficulties to enter the mill"
www.etruriamuseum.org.uk
Emma Bridgewater factory – Meet the jiggers, jolliers, fettlers, casters and decorators whose traditional skills and craftsmanship go into creating every piece of pottery. Bookable factory tours, decorating studio, experience days, cafe, garden, shop
Accessibility - "the factory is accessible and we have space for one wheelchair so please get in touch tel: 01782 201328 to book"
emmabridgewaterfactory.co.uk
Foxfield Railway – Caverswall Road Station, Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge - Heritage Steam Railway, period carriages, 5 mile round trip through rural Staffordshire pulled by historic steam engines as well as a Miniature Railway, café, shop, fully licensed real ale bar, experience days - running every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter until Christmas
Accessibility - The railway has a specially adapted wheelchair carriage; access is via a portable ramp
foxfieldrailway.co.uk
Foxfield Colliery – Whitehurst Lane, Dilhorne - Visit the historic Foxfield Colliery - "Opened in 1880, the Foxfield Colliery was the raison d’etre of the Foxfield Railway: book a guided tour of the colliery buildings and spend some time in the Colliery Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the colliery, as well as the role of women, children and animals in coal mining"
Accessibility - Unfortunately, due to uneven surfaces, the tours are not suitable for under 5s or those with limited mobility. We recommend you wear stout footwear. Male, female, and disabled toilets with changing facilities are available at the Colliery.
Tours generally take place on the third Sunday of every month. The colliery will be open from 10am to 3.30pm.
foxfieldrailway.co.uk
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre animal sanctuary and Bird of prey hospital - can be found at Fletcher’s Country Garden Centre nr Eccleshall(which also has a cafe and childrens play area) A small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey. As well as a hospital unit for the treatment of wild raptors, (not on display), the centre is home to over 30 different species of Bird of prey, Primate, Reptile, Invertebrate, Raccoons, Cats and many more - flying displays on some days
Please see their website for opening times and the small cost of entry
gentleshawwildlife.uk
Kingsley Bird & Falconry Centre – Kingsley, Cheadle – Limited opening for general admission but offer bird experiences including bird handling and bird flying also guided tours. It has one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the country, and offers Lantra courses approved by the Hawk Board
kingsleyfalconry.co.uk
Middleport Pottery – Burslem, Stoke on Trent – World famous Burleigh pottery has been created here using traditional methods since 1889. Visitor Centre which comprises Victorian offices, historic collections, bottle kiln and mould store, factory tour, café, shop
- it will be familiar to many who watched The Great Pottery Throw Down television programme as it was their home up to the end of the 2020 season
Accessibility - accessible toilet, access is limited in some areas, please see the access statement on their website
re-form.org/middleportpottery/information
Peak Wildlife Park – Winkhill, Leek – large walkthroughs allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents, family picnic area, Jungle Bounce and large outdoor play area
Accessibility - "The whole of the Park is accessible by wheelchair and able-bodied pusher. The paths are wide and can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters." Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk
