Welcome to the 2013 Free Days Out Guide by KeeleSU Activities. This guide is intended to show you that
although it may sometimes seem as though Keele is in the middle of nowhere, it is actually surrounded by
history, heritage and lots of bustling towns and villages for you to explore. Plus there are major cities less
than 40 minutes away.
Keele University sits within the small village of Keele, a local parish settlement just outside of the large
borough town of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Keele is in a perfect location in Staffordshire, close to the
industrial heritage city of Stoke-on-Trent, the Peak District of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, Cheshire,
Shropshire and Worcestershire. The local city of Stoke-on-Trent also has fast rail connections to big cities in
the West Midlands and the North West including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Manchester, all of
which take less than an hour by train.
In this guide, I will talk you through places you can visit easily by foot or on bike and attractions that you
can reach on a short bus or car journey from Keele. The first section is all attractions and events you can
visit for free and the second section includes locally charged attractions. But don’t worry; we will always
make sure you get the best discounts around, so let’s get exploring!
Newcastle-under-Lyme is a borough town just outside of Stoke-on-Trent, a large city near the Peak District.
Newcastle is the second largest town in the area, with a wide range of facilities and shops. It has a thriving
night-time atmosphere, with a variety of eateries and entertainment venues. As for Stoke-on-Trent, to an
outsider it has a very unusual layout as it is the only city in the UK to comprise six separate towns, named
the federation of Stoke-on-Trent. These are Hanley, Longton, Fenton, Stoke, Tunstall and Burslem.
Hanley is now named the City Centre of Stoke-on-Trent and has the largest range of restaurants and shops
in the area, including Primark, TK Maxx and Debenhams. It is where the city’s central bus station is based,
with buses and coaches leaving Hanley for the rest of the UK. Stoke is another of the city’s towns and
home to Staffordshire University and Stoke-on-Trent’s main train station, (although train stations do exist
in Longton and Kidsgrove). Shopping in Stoke and Fenton is fairly limited, but they do have small shopping
streets available. Longton and Tunstall however, both have thriving high streets with large modern
shopping arcades and shops like Matalan, Next, Boots and Tesco. Burslem is quiet in the daytime, but again
has an active evening atmosphere with a range of eateries and bars.
On your doorstep:
Keele Hall Walking Tours
Price: FREE
The history of the Keele Estate actually dates back to Henry II of England in 1155. The Estate and manor
was given to the famous Knight’s Templar in 1168. In 1308 the Templar disbanded and the Estate was then
passed onto the Knight’s Hospitaller. In 1544 The Sneyd family took over control of the Estate and
continued to own the estate until 1951. The family built many properties on the land, with the current
Keele Hall being built in 1856. The estate was also used in WW2 as an American army camp. If this is
something you would like to find out more about, there are FREE guided talks of the Hall by the Alumni
Office. If a group of you are interested in this, please contact: [email protected]
The Raven Mason Ceramic Art Collection
Price: FREE
The Raven Mason Collection is a fine art ceramics collection based within Keele Hall. It contains many
important pieces outlining the development of Mason ceramics in Staffordshire from the beginning of the
nineteenth century. Whilst admission is by appointment only visitors are encouraged, so if this is
something you’d like to see just email: [email protected] or go to:
http://www.keele.ac.uk/ravenmason/.
Keele Arboretum and Lakes
Price: FREE
Keele has one of the largest green campuses in the whole of Europe, with 240 hectares of land for you to
explore. The Arboretum consists of over 240 different varieties of tree, (mainly Cherry) and has been
awarded National Collection status. The Estate also has 8 small lakes and a variety of woodland walks. If
you are interested in finding out more and want to start rambling around campus please go to:
http://www.keele.ac.uk/arboretum/ for interactive games, virtual maps and information about recent
sighting of rare plants and animals.
Keele Observatory
Price: FREE
Interested in astronomy and space exploration? Keele Observatory is open for the public to attend for
free, every Tuesday night between 8-10pm and Saturdays 1-3pm. So don’t miss the chance to see the stars
on your own campus. For more information, please visit: http://www.astro.keele.ac.uk/Observatory/.
Keele Community Day
Price: FREE
Each year during the summer Keele host a Community Day, where they invite the local community for a
fun-packed day. Last year the event had 70 events including: historical and geographical tours, science
experiments, Muggle Quidditch, outdoor Zumba and a penalty shoot-out with Stoke City FC. For more
information about next year’s activities, visit http://www.keele.ac.uk/kcd/
Welcome Festival
Price: FREE
On the Sunday before Freshers week, the university and KeeleSU join together to put on a day of fun
activities for students. Events include music and dance performances, music society sign up, inflatables,
workshops and classes. The events are all on campus, with the majority inside and outside KeeleSU. There
is no need for tickets, for more information check the KeeleSU website http://www.keelesu.com/ or the
university website http://www.keele.ac.uk/newstudents/welcomeweekevents/welcomefestival/
Geocaching
Price: FREE
Geocaching is a new phenomenon. It is a real world treasure hunt, whereby people use their phones to
navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then find the container hidden at that location. There are
lots of Geocach locations locally, such as the Sustainability Hub and Silverdale Country Park. For more
information visit: http://www.geocaching.com/
Swishing
Price: FREE
Swishing is basically clothes swapping with friends and others. It is a great way to save money, be
environmentally friendly and get rid of unwanted clothes by swapping them for clothes you like. The
Sustainability Hub on Keele Campus hosts regular Swishing events, for more information about upcoming
events, contact Colette Smallwood on 01782 733555 or visit
http://www.keele.ac.uk/keelehub/events/title,82164,en.php
30-45 minute walk (8 mins by car):
Silverdale Country Park
(Most are accessible by bus)
Price: FREE
Silverdale Country Park is characterised by a largely open grassland landscape with a number of distinct
level changes created as a result of the stockpiled colliery spoil. The resulting plateaus are separated by
steep embankments colonised with natural grass and young tree planting. A small plateau at the highest
point of the site, affords extensive views of the surrounding area. Skylarks are abundant on the site in
spring time and great crested newts can be found in the small ponds. A large pond known as Furnace Pool,
is leased by the Silverdale Angling Society. Although this is not available for public use, many local people
are members of the society. For more details see: http://www.silverdalecountrypark.org.uk/
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Castle Remains
Price: FREE
We didn’t get the name Newcastle, without having a famous castle and this year the Borough Council has
spent £87,000 on the conservation and development of the two castle sites. The castle dates back to the
medieval period and was originally a Motte and Bailey style Castle. The remains of the castle can now be
seen from a viewing platform near John O’Gaunts Road. For more information visit:
http://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/leisure_index.asp?id=SXD8E9-A7813439&cat=1553
45-60 minute walk (10 mins by car):
(Most are accessible by bus)
Brampton Park
Price: FREE
Brampton Park offers a fantastic adventure play area and a giant sandpit to get creative in. There are also
sensory and rose gardens to explore, plus an aviary and a pond. As a bonus there is an excellent little
miniature railway, which runs on Sundays from May to September in fine weather.
Newcastle Borough Museum and Art Gallery
Price: FREE
Currently displaying a temporary exhibit on the historic castle of Newcastle, and English chivalric heritage,
The Borough Museum and Art Gallery is hidden within the grounds of Brampton Park. There are
permanent displays exploring Roman Newcastle, WW2, local fossils, children’s toys and an impressive
Victorian Street Scene. The museum also has a programme of events including art competitions, craft fairs
and evening classes. The museum is open daily.
New Vic Theatre
Under 26’s Go Free
The New Vic Theatre is the perfect place to wander to if you fancy a free night out at the theatre. They
offer 50 free tickets for every New Vic production to local people under 26. Free tickets are available on a
first come first served basis, so make sure to book in advance. Call the Box Office to find out more: 01782
717962 or visit them online at www.newvictheatre.org.uk
The Trent & Mersey Canal Walk and Etruria Industrial Museum
Price: FREE
The Trent & Mersey Canal and the Caldon Canal run through Stoke-on-Trent. The canals were a key part of
the town’s industrial heritage, and are still at the heart of the community today. The canal towpaths are
popular walking and cycling routes, linking several of the town’s green spaces, including Hanley Park,
Forest Park, Festival Park and Westport Lake. These are accessible through footpaths across the region.
Apedale Heritage Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
10-15mins
Free Museum
With a country park, museum, heritage centre, mine and light railway on your doorstop this is a perfect
day out for anyone interested in the history of the area. The museum and country park are free of charge
with student prices for the mine tours just £4.
Stoke-on-Trent attractions accessible on the X25, 25 Bus
The Potteries Museum
(Hanley)
16mins
Price: FREE
This city museum is home to the rare WW2 Spitfire Plane, as well as the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold
found in the UK, The Staffordshire Hoard. The museum also has a comprehensive art collection including
Picasso, Durer and Degas, a beautiful textile and fashion collection, including a stunning Japanese Kimono
and one of the largest ceramics collections in the world, which includes modern pieces designed by local
students at Staffordshire University. It is a fab day out with a cinema, café, shop and temporary exhibits. So
hop on the bus to Hanley City Centre and give the free museum a visit.
The Dudson Museum
(Hanley)
16mins
Price: FREE
History in a Bottle! The Dudson Museum is a unique little museum based in Hanley City Centre in the
Dudson Centre on Hope Street. It’s a brilliant day out with a small café, courtyard and museum, which
sits on two floors of an original bottle kiln, built in the 19th century. Recently, the museum was filmed for
the BBC’s Antiques Roadtrip Show. So if you have ever wondered what it is like to stand inside a bottle
kiln and look up to the sky and want to see some of the original designs for Dudson ceramics, visit:
http://www.dudson.com/company/dudson-museum, for more details
Hanley Park
16mins
Price: FREE
Hanley Park is one of the city's heritage parks. It is close to both the City Centre and the railway station. Its
facilities include: an all-weather floodlit sports zone for cricket, football, basketball, hockey and tennis; a
bandstand; crown green bowling green; fishing; lake and fountains; sensory play area; children's play zone
and public art sculptures.
Emma Bridgewater Factory and Café
16mins
Price: FREE
Fancy a break from campus to wander around a designer’s studio, then visit Emma Bridgewater’s Factory
just down the road from Hanley Bus Station. There is a small café on site, as well as a quaint English garden
next to the canal. The site also gives factory tours for £2.50 and there is the chance to decorate your own
personalised ceramic gifts.
The Nicholson Institute and Market Town of Leek x18
35mins
Leek is a large market town on the edge of the Peak District, just 30 minutes away from Keele. You can get
there by catching the X25/25 bus into Hanley Bus Station and then getting the No 18 bus onto Leek. Once
there, you can enjoy the cobbled streets and vintage antique shops, as well as visit the Antique Market and
famous Library and museum, The Nicholson Institute, based within the Leek College Campus. Leek is a
quaint town to visit, with traditional English charm and a range of eateries and bars.
Buxton Spa and Bakewell, Stone Villages of the Peak District –x18 54mins
Catch the 118 or X18 bus from Hanley Bus Station and be transported into the Peak District, the land of
Bakewell tarts and Buxton Water. Both of these towns are known for their beauty, with stone built
cottages and unique boutiques. Buxton is home to one of Derby University’s campuses and has impressive
buildings such as the Buxton Opera Theatre, Buxton Spa and Buxton Glass Pavilion. These buildings are all
remnants of Buxton’s famous heritage as one of the most important spa towns in Victorian England. One
little bit of advice though, wrap up warm as it can get rather cold on the peaks. For more information visit:
http://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/
Tittesworth Water and The Roaches- X18 bus out of Hanley to Buxton 40mins
Tittesworth is a large reservoir, just outside of Blackshaw Moor, on the edge of the Peak District. There is a
new visitor’s centre, interactive exhibition, shops, water-saving garden, bird-watching hides and trails and
an enlarged restaurant on site. The reservoir lies just below The Roaches, a famous rocky ridge which
forms a spectacular backdrop and is very much worth a visit. The Roaches also have a famous Aussie
marsupial resident, the Wallabies, who escaped from a private zoo in World War II and have since bred up
to 50 pairs, living in and around the Roaches.
Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield, Staffordshire 49mins
Price: FREE
Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield within Staffordshire it is the only medieval English cathedral with
three spires. The Diocese of Lichfield covers all of Staffordshire, much of Shropshire and part of the Black
Country and West Midlands. Although the Cathedral is free, they ask for a contribution.
Erasmus Darwin House and Dr Samuel Johnson’s House-Lichfield 49mins
Price: FREE
Erasmus Darwin House, the great grandfather of Charles Darwin and the creator of one of the first English
Dictionary’s both have small museums based in Lichfield. Dr Johnson’s House is free throughout the year
and the Erasmus Darwin House has free entry every summer, with a small charge thereafter.
National Memorial Centre, Lichfield
54mins
Price: FREE
The National Memorial Arboretum is a national site of remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield. Its purpose
is to honour the fallen, recognise sacrifice and foster pride in our country. It is a spiritually uplifting place
and is emerging as a world-renowned centre for remembrance.
Stafford Castle and Visitors Centre, Stafford
34mins
Price: FREE
Stafford Castle lies two miles to the west of Stafford, just off the A518 Stafford-to-Newport Road and can
be seen to the east of the M6 motorway. The stone building is an early example of a 19th-century Gothic
Revival Keep. The structure was built on the foundations of its medieval predecessor and incorporates
much of the original stonework.
Wild at Heart?
Westport Lake, Longport-Stoke-on-Trent 16mins
Fancy a day out at one of Stoke-on-Trent’s many nature reserves? Then why not head to Westport Lake,
just 15 minutes away from Keele. The site was recently leased by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who have
extensively developed the site by building a large visitors centre, education centre and café. It’s a great
place to take a picnic and walk along the nearby canal and footpaths. Perfect for a wildlife lover!
Coombes Valley Bird Reserve, near Leek
40mins
A little further out towards the Peak District is one of the area’s most famous bird reserves- Coombes
Valley. This reserve, just outside of Leek, is perfect for people looking for a challenging steep walk and
features meadows, marsh land and ponds. The site has basic facilities on site, including toilets and one of
the RSPB offices and is nice if you fancy escaping for a couple of hours. For more details go to:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coombeschurnet/
Rudyard Lake, near Leek
34mins
Lying in a fold in thickly wooded hillsides, Rudyard Lake is a haven of peace and tranquillity less than a mile
from the A523, near Leek. The two and a half mile long lake was created more than two centuries ago to
supply water for the expanding canal system of the West Midlands. Today it is a popular day out, offering
walks, boating, sailing, light railway and fishing for visitors from a wide area. There is a popular visitor’s
centre and pub right next to the lake, with free parking for guests, so why not take a few friends, some
bikes and head over for a nice rural trek.
Knypersey Pool, near Brown Edge 28mins
Knypersey Pool is another large British Waterway reservoir based within the Greenway Bank Country Park.
It was originally designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1827. It provides a feed for the Cauldon Canal
and from there into the Trent & Mersey Canal and is a popular base for local angling. The Pool is famous
for its secret castle folly, which used to be the Ranger’s House. Recently a small café opened at the Pool,
which has become popular for walkers and anglers.
Dovedale, Ilam, Peak Distict 45mins
Dovedale is a renowned beauty spot, around 2-3 miles along the river Dove, with stunning scenery and
walks. It also has a dramatic limestone ravine, busy with wildlife and rare wild flowers, impressive rock
outcrops, tranquil woodlands and of course the much-loved stepping stones crossing the River Dove. The
River Dove flows through Milldale, which is a great starting point for the walk down through Dovedale to
the Victorian stepping stones, Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale. From here there are a network of
footpaths and walks either along the river or over the surrounding countryside following in the footsteps of
people such as Charles Cotton and Izaak Walton.
Other free attractions in Stoke-on-Trent:
Middleport Pottery- Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent 18mins
Price: FREE
Fancy seeing inside one of the oldest ceramics factories in the UK, before it is open to the general public?
The Prince's Regeneration Trust in 2012 saved the Middleport pottery site and is embarking on a
regeneration project that will open up this thriving, living example of British heritage as a centre of
creativity and enterprise. Although the site is currently under construction the pottery remains operational
and you are able to visit the site and have a tour. If you are interested in visiting, let the Activities Team
know or email [email protected]
Trentham Estate and Shopping Village, Trentham 17mins
Price: FREE
The Trentham Estate is one of the country’s top visitor destinations. Comprising 725 acres, it is the last
remnants of one of England’s great garden estates. The estate attracts in the region of 3 million visitors a
year, due to its wide appeal and diverse activities to engage every generation. The site has a free shopping
village with restaurants, shops and cafes, as well as a large garden centre and picnic space. There is also a
bowling club, angling club, canoe polo society, watersports facilities, hot air balloons rides and deer study
group based on the estate. So if you fancy some window shopping and ice cream, this is the place to be.
The Peak District:
Eyam, Plague Village
1hr 15mins
Price: FREE
Another famous village in the Peak District is Eyam who in 1665 chose to isolate themselves from the rest
of the world when the bubonic plague was discovered in their village. The belief is that the plague came
into the village from a chest of cloth shipped over from the Far East. Two-thirds of the village died in this
outbreak. The village has an interesting museum about this period in England History and is well worth a
visit. The museum in the village is free, but Eyam Hall is now owned by the National Trust.
Pop-Up Emporium and Toast- Newcastle-Under-Lyme- Monthly
Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme high street, the Totally Original Artisans Staffordshire and Pop-up
Emporium run a monthly event in unoccupied shop premises in town. These include designer makers,
vintage, antiques, collectables, artists, organic producers, musicians and small family run enterprises within
the Midlands. For more information go to: http://www.visitnewcastleunderlyme.co.uk/news/toast-town
Holly Holy Day Civil War Re-enactment Day- Nantwich-Jan
Holy smoke! Roundheads, cavaliers, fire eaters and other historic entertainers converge upon Nantwich
town centre to re-enact the Battle of Nantwich from the second English Civil War. Holly Holy Day, as this
date is known, annually marks the siege in January 1644 which was one of the key conflicts of the English
Civil War. It provides a chance for residents and visitors to dress up and enjoy a memorable history lesson
that is a worthy celebration of the relief of the parliamentarian town from the royalist army. This is an
event not to be missed! For more information visit: http://www.battleofnantwich.co.uk/
Staffordshire Well-Dressing- Endon, Brown Edge- May
Staffordshire is famous for its unique ‘Well-Dressing’ Festivals. Annually every May-June, certain villages in
the area including Brown Edge and Endon (both accessible by No18 and 8 buses from Hanley) have a huge
fete and fair to celebrate the coming of spring/summer and to give thanks for the water springs that the
villages have had since medieval times. Morris and Maypole dancing is often performed at these events,
along with competitions such as Plastic Duck racing and Hay-Bail throwing. There are also fairground rides,
craft fairs, beer festivals, ice cream and BBQs. This year’s Endon Well Dressing had performances from the
Civil War Reenactment Society, the Sealed Knott, falconry shows, animal agility competitions, a beer and
Pimms Bar, craft fairs and evening tea party. Most of the event is free but it’s £2 to enter the funfair.
http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/Leek-Endon-Well-Dressing/details/?dms=13&venue=6100270&feature=2
Lymelight Festival- Newcastle Under Lyme- May
The Lymelight Festival for music-lovers, hits Newcastle-under-Lyme on May Day on the bank holiday
weekend. Here 30 local bands and musicians take to the stage. There will be something for everyone at the
event, with talent such as live street performers, buskers, classical music in the Queen’s Garden, arts and
vintage stalls as well as a host of food and real ale producers from Staffordshire.
Stafford Arts Festival- Stafford- 7th Sept
Promoted by Stafford Town Centre Partnership, a collaboration of around 120 Town Centre businesses and
organisations, this event showcases all aspects of the arts including music, dance, painting, sculpture,
textiles, literature and more. Iconic buildings such as the Ancient High House, County Buildings, Shire Hall
Gallery as well as commercial and business properties, open their doors to the public and welcome visitors
to enjoy a whole host of activities. The festival takes places in various venues and locations, both indoor
and outdoor, around the town centre, with the main performance area being in Market Square. For more
information please go to: http://www.stafford-towncentre.co.uk/events/199/Stafford+Arts+Festival.htm
Staffordshire Fringe Festival-May
Now in its second year, the Fringe Festival is a month-long festival of free performances, exhibitions,
workshops, talks, markets and activities open to everyone in Staffordshire to enjoy and participate. The
Fringe runs mainly in and around the Stoke-on-Trent campus of Staffordshire University and ends with a
Fantastic Fringe Finale. The Fringe Festival 2013 is co-ordinated by the Fringe team at Staffordshire
University led by the Creative Communities Unit in partnership with B Arts Ltd. For the full programme
follow the festival organisers on Twitter @StaffsFringe or www.facebook.com/staffsfringefest
Heritage Open days- Sept
This happens between 12-15th September, across the whole of the UK, allowing people who cannot
normally afford to go to heritage sites, to explore for free. During this week, the project opens up venues
that are normally closed to the public such as Chatterley Whitfield Mines and Bethesda Chapel. So make
sure to look at the beginning of September to see what is happening locally.
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Museums At Night! - May
At the Museums at Night events happen afterhours in the evenings. Often activities are based around
sleepovers and games at the museum. Annually the Newcastle Borough Museum, Gladstone and Potteries
Museum put on events for this event in mid-May, including drama productions, craft fairs and children’s
activities.
British Ceramics Biennial- August
As you are living so close to Stoke-on-Trent, why not make the most of its art and design festivals. Back for
a third time in 2013, Stoke-on-Trent’s British Ceramics Biennial will run for 6 weeks from 28 September –
10 November. The festival will present work from the UK’s leading contemporary ceramic artists in a series
of new exhibitions and special events across the city at the spectacular China Hall at the original Spode
factory site in Stoke town. In addition to the FRESH exhibition showcasing the best of the current crop of
UK ceramics graduates, there will be a strong international flavour with work on display from France,
Norway and China. In the city centre the prestigious award exhibition will return to The Potteries Museum
and Art Gallery.
Etruria Canal Festival- June
This is another free festival, regularly attracting thousands of visitors to the junction of the Trent, Mersey
and Caldon canals in the middle of Etruria. Now in its twentieth year, the festival follows on from last
year’s special Royal Jubilee event which saw the pageant of the Jubilee come to Stoke-on-Trent. Taking
place over the first weekend in June, there is a historic boat parade, a Real Ale Festival, music and dancing
and lots of activities for children and adults. There is also vintage cars, boat trips and the popular
greyhounds from Greyhound Gap, alongside special displays from Foxfield Railway and the Middleport
Pottery. http://www.etruriacanalsfestival.org.uk/
You may have to pay to get in but these are some must see attractions before you leave Keele
University. Most have annual 2 for 1 offers and reduced entrance fee prices, so keep an eye out.
Please note: We often run annual trips to these attractions, so please keep an eye out for posters, the
Give it a Go Calendar and online to see if we are running a trip. We endeavour to always get the best
reduced price for our students, so do not be put off by the entrance fees, as these are often reduced for
Union trips:
Jubilee Baths and Climbing Wall, Newcastle-Under-Lyme- 10-15mins
Price £3.00-10.00
Jubilee 2 is a new gym complex with a swimming pool based within Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Many students
go to the gym for one off sessions or to make the most of their brand new climbing wall.
Stoke Ski Centre 10-15 mins
Price: 10.00-15.00
Missed the snow this year? Then head to Stoke Ski for Dry Ski Slopes and Outdoor Adventure Centre, in the
heart of Stoke on Trent. They do skiing and snowboarding lessons, from beginner to advanced.
Odeon Cinema Hanley, Vue Cinema Newcastle-Under-Lyme
10-15 mins
Price: £7.45
There are two major cinemas in the region. Vue cinema is based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and has a large
cinecomplex with shops and restaurants. Odeon Cinema is based at Festival Park, just outside of Hanley
and is connected to other entertainments venues like Quasar and Bowling. Both do a reduced rate for
students and Orange Wednesdays.
Tenpin Bowling-Festival Park, Hanley 10-15mins
Price: £7.50
Fancy a spot of bowling, then head to Festival Park and hit the lanes at Tenpin Bowling. Inside there is also
a large arcade and restaurant. Games cost £7.50 per person.
Gladstone Pottery Museum and Toilet Museum 20 mins
Price: £5.75
Yes you read that right, the toilet museum! Gladstone was funded by the Big Lottery Fund to create their
new exhibit ‘Flushed with Pride’. See state of the art toilets from the Far East to seventeenth century hand
flushing toilets. The museum also has a tile collection, bottle kiln, Victorian doctor’s house and café. The
museum is charged, but there is a reduced rate of £5.75 for students. They also have an annual Music and
Beer Festival at this site every summer called GLASTONEBURY, so don’t miss your chance to party in a
museum
Alton Towers and Splash Landings Waterpark 40mins
Price: £25.00-30.00
Alton Towers is the 9th most visited theme park in the whole of Europe and the largest theme park in the
UK. The theme park now has a large indoor waterpark, two hotels, a mini golf experience, renovated
stately home and gardens, annual music festival and firework displays. KeeleSU has a exclusive deal with
the theme park giving you reduced price tickets which you can buy directly from KeeleSU Reception. We
also run annual trips to Alton Towers in Fresher’s Week and near Bonfire Night most years. To get there
independently just catch the X25 into Hanley Bus Station or Stoke station where the Alton Towers shuttle
bus X39 sets off from. For more details see:
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/staffordshire_cheshire/journey_planning/alton_towers/
Aerial Extreme, Trentham
15mins
Price £20.00
Come and try one of the World's most awesome Adventure Ropes Courses, boasting over 30 exciting
obstacles! This experience is guaranteed to exhilarate you and includes a variety of challenging obstacles
from speedy zip wires, mid air jumps, suspended gravity defying climbing walls and much more! We
have a revolutionary clip and go safety system meaning that you remain connected to an overhead
support line throughout your aerial adventure therefore you can concentrate on having fun knowing
that you are in complete safety.
Biddulph Grange Gardens
36mins
Price: £7.00
This hidden gem is just half an hour away from Keele and takes you on a globe trek around the world from
Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and a re-creation of a Himalayan glen. The garden
features collections of rhododendrons, summer bedding displays, a stunning dahlia walk in late summer
and the oldest surviving golden larch in Britain, brought from China in the 1850s. There is also a small tea
room and shop on the estate, which is free to enter, so if you can’t afford the entrance fee, but fancy a
cream tea on the balcony over-looking the hall and gardens, feel free to go along. Entrance is £7.00, but do
look out for 2 for 1 offers and free entrance vouchers given out by the National Trust.
The Monkey Forest, Trentham
15mins
Price: £7.00
Unique in the UK, the Monkey forest is set in 60 acres of beautiful Staffordshire woodland and meadows
where 140 monkeys live in total freedom. You are plunged into the Barbary macaques fascinating world as
you hear rustling in the trees, chattering in a strange language and see the monkeys crashing through
branches. Whilst there why not visit the Shopping Village and Gardens. For more details visit:
http://www.trentham.co.uk/
Waterworld Aqua Park , Festival Park, Hanley 10-15mins
Price:£9.49-10.49
Based on Festival Park Retail Park, in between Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Hanley City Centre, Waterworld
is the number one tropical aqua park in the UK and has both indoor and outdoor water rides. Prices range
from £9.49-10.49, but we often run reduced rate trips to this attraction. For more information please visit:
http://www.waterworld.co.uk/
Shugborough Estate, Stafford 40mins
Price: £7.50
Another jewel of Staffordshire, the mysterious Shugborough Estate is the ancestral home of the Earls of
Lichfield, cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The fine Georgian mansion house is rumoured to have connections
to the Holy Grail and the 364-hectare (900-acre) classical landscape is peppered with unusual monuments.
Come and watch costumed characters at work in the servants’ quarters and farmstead: doing laundry,
cheese making, milling, brewing and baking. You’ll also find the Staffordshire County Museum collections
here, which include a reconstructed chemist shop, tailors’ shop, Victorian schoolroom and puppet
collection.
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton 25mins
Price: £7.20
Little Moreton Hall is another of the Staffordshire based National Trust properties. It is an iconic moated
Tudor manor house from around 1500 AD. Again keep an eye out for those 2 for 1 and free entry vouchers.
Ford Green Hall, Norton Green 20mins
Price: £2.00
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse complete with period garden. Also an awardwinning museum, the Hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into life in the 17th century. The rooms are
furnished with an outstanding collection of textiles, ceramics and furniture.
The National Brewery Museum, Burton-on-Trent 55mins
Price:£7.95
The National Brewery Museum, formerly the Bass Museum is a tourist attraction in Burton upon Trent. The
centre celebrates the brewing heritage of Burton and features exhibits showcasing the history of brewing
techniques. The centre also houses a bar and cafe, a history of the town, a collection of historic vehicles,
a micro brewery and a shire horse collection
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield
37mins
Price: £4.50
Jodrell Bank is a British observatory that hosts a number of radio telescopes and is part of the Jodrell Bank
Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. The observatory was established in 1945 by Sir
Bernard Lovell, a radio astronomer at the University of Manchester who wanted to investigate cosmic
rays after his work on radar during the Second World War. It has since played an important role in the
research of meteors, quasars, pulsars, masers and gravitational lenses and was heavily involved with the
tracking of space probes at the start of the Space Age. The main telescope at the observatory is the Lovell
Telescope, which is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. There is also the Jodrell Bank
Visitor Centre and an arboretum on site.
Tamworth Castle, Tamworth 56mins
Price: £6.00
Tamworth Castle, is a Grade I listed Norman castle, located next to the River Tame, in the town
of Tamworth in Staffordshire. The site has been fortified since Anglo-Saxon times, when Ethelfleda,
the Mercian Queen, built a burh to defend against Danes (Vikings); it also served as a residence of the
Mercian kings. Rebuilt and enlarged by the Normans, it is today one of the best preserved Norman motteand-bailey castles in England. The Castle has the second largest motte in England, after Windsor Castle.
The Snowdome-Tamworth, Staffordshire 55 mins
Price: £8.50
The Snowdome is an indoor ski slope just off the A5 road in Tamworth, Staffordshire. It opened in May
1994 and was the first full sized recreational indoor ski slope in the UK. Inside is a full size ski slope, ice
skating, restaurants, cafes and a waterpark.
The Film and TV Trail:
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
1 hr 15 mins
Price £9.00
Famous for being the house of the Duchess of Devonshire and the home of Mr Darcy in the film Pride and
Prejudice. Chatsworth House is one of the most famous and beautiful stately homes in England. Based just
outside Staffordshire, in the Derbyshire Peaks it is a must see sight. KeeleSU often run a trip to the House,
near Christmas when the house is decorated from head to toe in traditional English Christmas designs and
over 30 Christmas trees. For more information visit: http://www.chatsworth.org/
Hardwick Hall
1 hr 15 mins
Price: £5.45
Fancy visiting one of the Harry Potter film sets? The Elizabethan grandeur was brought up to date when
used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The houses most famous resident was Bess of Hardwick, the
sometime keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. The 16th century home is famous for its giant glass windows and
decorative brickwork in Bess’ initials.
Haddon Hall 1hr 15 mins
Price: £9.50
Inside this Medieval and Tudor manor house there is a fine example of a medieval kitchen and an
Elizabethan long gallery - the most modern room in the house! The exterior walls are adorned with
climbing roses and there is a beautiful terraced garden. Haddon Hall is a popular choice as a film and TV
location as it was one of the new Jane Eyre film locations, as well as Elizabeth, The Princess Bride and The
Other Boleyn Girl. Entrance is £9.50 but reductions are available if KeeleSU Activities organise a trip, so let
us know if you are interested. Please email [email protected] if interested in visiting.
Lyme Park 1hr 10 mins
Price: £6.30
The film set of the famous BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice, Lyme Park is another place to visit on the
local film set tours. The 1,300 acre estate with its medieval herd of red and fallow deer offers fantastic
walks, runs and stunning views. Free walk leaflets are available including a Pride and Prejudice route which
takes in the famous film locations. You can pay to get into the house and gardens, but most of the estate is
free to walkers.
The Peak District:
Castleton Caves and Blue John Mines 1 hr 10 mins
Price: £7.00
It may be an hour’s drive from Keele, but just past Buxton is the hidden secret of the Castleton caves and
Blue John Caverns. These are a must see whilst so close to the Peak District, with Castleton having the
famous Speedwell caves and Devil’s Arse Cavern. The caves at Castleton were originally used for mining
and rope-making, with Speedwell now completely flooded and only accessible by boat. Blue John caverns
have recently become famous after 4,000 year old human bones were found in the caves. Both have
beautiful stone formations that will leave your imagination flowing. For students it is just £7 entrance and
if there enough interest, we may run a trip this year to the caves. For more information go to:
http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk/
Pooles Cavern, Buxton 50mins
Price: £7.80
Take a journey beneath the earth with expert guides and explore the vast Limestone caverns, seeing how
crystal Stalactites and Stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Back above ground
explore the beautiful country park woodlands and complete your day with a stroll to Grin Low and
Solomon’s Temple viewpoint with superb views of the Peak District. The Cavern costs £7.80 for students
but there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.
Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham 1hr 15 mins
Price: £13.50
Since first opening its gates to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has become one of the Peak
District's most popular destinations. Originally the Heights of Abraham was only accessible to visitors who
could scale the steep slopes of Masson Hill but in 1984 Britain's first al pine style cable car transport system
was installed. Rising from the valley floor, the observation cars transport you in comfort and safety and
offer stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District. Situated on the site of historic
lead mining the Heights of Abraham originally opened as a Regency style 'Savage Garden'. The site has
cavern tours, exhibitions, woodland walks, shopping and eating, so there is something for everyone.
Blackbrook Zoological Park
44mins
Price: £5.50
Blackbrook Zoo is a small local zoo, just outside of Leek, on the way to Alton Towers. It exhibits the largest
collection of birds in the country and is known for breeding rare bird species, with over 300 successfully
breeding species to date. The zoo also has other popular residents such as penguins, meerkats, wallabys,
zebra, warthogs, lemurs and African antelope. There is also a café, restaurant and shop on site. Tickets are
just £5.50 and the Activities Department are looking at running a trip to this venue in the winter if enough
interest is shown. A little bit of insider knowledge is that during winter for one week only the Zoo offers
entrance for just 50p! For more information visit: http://www.blackbrookzoo.com/
Total Access Live
Price £15.00
On your doorstep, at Betley Court Farm, this music festival is hosted by local radio broadcasters Signal 1
and 2 at the beginning of August. At just £15 a ticket, it’s one of the cheapest music festivals in the whole
of the UK. This year’s line-up includes, The Happy Mondays, Status Quo, Union J, Lawson, Blue, Professor
Green, Lovable Rogues and John Newman.
Agricultural Shows-Cheshire, Nantwich, Leek, Bakewell
Price: free-£10.00
It is worth a day out to visit the local agricultural shows with a mix of stalls, lifestock displays, local
producers and farm shops. Some shows have free entry, whereas others i.e. the Cheshire County Show
cost up to £10, but they all give a unique look into British Farm Life.
1. Use your student card at all times!
NUS Extra and Keele have worked hard to get you discounts in a wide range of venues and attractions
across England, so make sure you always ask if there is a student/concession rate available when visiting.
2. Hunt the internet for vouchers, deals and 2 for 1 Offers
If you are interested in going on a trip to one of the paid venues, always check the internet for offers and
deals. Many large organisations like the National Trust and English Heritage have seasonal offers to get
people visiting so always check and see what on offer.
3. Get yourself an Enjoy Staffordshire Card!
Whilst your living in Staffordshire why not make the most of your time here by sending off for a free Enjoy
Staffordshire card which gives you deals, discounts and free entry to a range of events and activities across
Staffordshire. For more details visit: http://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/enjoycard/
4. Be nice to friends with cars!
Fancy going somewhere off the beaten track, then why not think about a car share scheme, or speak to
friends with cars about organising a trip.
5. Look out for organised trips by the University and KeeleSU
GIVE IT A GO EVENTS
For more information please look at our monthly Give it a Go calendars or email: [email protected],
call 01782 733822 or drop in to the Activities Office on the top floor of the SU.
EXTERNAL TRIPS
We organise monthly trips to local attractions and can help you find organised trips leaving from Stoke
bus/train stations. So please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Activities team if there is somewhere
you want to go to that isn’t accessible by public transport and we will try our best to organise a trip there.
The university also run a varied schedule of trips through departments and the international department.
Also, if anyone has any ideas of destinations to add to this publication please let us know.
Useful Bus routes:
To Newcastle, Hanley, Stoke- X25 and 25 from Keele Campus
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/staffordshire_cheshire/jour
Hanley City Centre(X25, 25): links to the central city bus station, with buses to all over the country, National Express,
Alton Towers Express, and buses into the Peak district
Stoke Train Station (X25,25): Access to all UK rail connections
Into the Peak District: X18 or the 118 to Buxton (from Hanley Bus Station)
Nearby cities by train from Stoke Station (can get to from Stoke Station using the X25 bus):
Wolverhampton- 30 mins
Manchester- 39 mins
Chester- 48 mins
Birmingham- 49mins
Derby- 51 mins
Liverpool- 1hr 30 mins
*Why not get a 16-25 railcard to knock 1/3 off all rail travel. They are £30 a year or free with all student accounts
with Santander and are often on offer or have discounts online.*
Useful Contacts:
http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/whats-on/events/
http://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/
http://www.keelesu.co.uk/getinvolved
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186375-Activities-Staffordshire_England.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/stoke/hi/things_to_do/newsid_8962000/8962472.stm
Please note this is not a complete guide to all the attractions in the area, there are many more places to visit, so
make sure you make the most of your time at Keele and explore all areas of Stoke, Staffordshire and the Peak District.
Published: 01 September 2013
All prices and information were correct at the time of completion of this document. Prices may be subject to change.
Created by: Jennifer Holland, KeeleSU Activities & Representation Co-ordinator