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<p>Tourist Information Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Stoke-On-Trent, the
Potteries, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire UK - Borough
Arms Hotel</p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Hawkstone Park</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Hawkstone Park has a unique combination of hidden pathways, concealed
grottoes, secret tunnels and follies, created in the 18th Century
by Sir Rowland Hill.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Described as a lost world deep in the heart of Shropshire it is,
without question, one of the most interesting historic parklands
of Britain, recently restored to its former glory with visitors
once again privileged to be able to enter the remarkable Hawkstone
labyrinth.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">There are lots of attractions, surprises and features. Paths twist
and turn, rise and fall, and you'll find something unexpected
around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers, monuments, tunnels,
passageways, precipitous rock tracks, rustic 'sofas', and romantic
secret valleys.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">The location for filming BBC TV's Land of Narnia, Hawkstone has
recently been claimed to be the final resting place of King Arthur.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Dorothy Clive Garden</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The intimate and informal Dorothy Clive Garden embraces a wide
variety of landscape features, including a superb woodland garden,
an alpine scree, a damp garden and spectacular summer flower borders.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">There are many unusual species, a great variety of form and colour,
with fine views of the surrounding countryside. The season begins
with spring bulbs and flowering trees and shrubs and, as the magnificent
display of rhododendrons and azaleas fades, summer heralds a green
oasis with the spectacular waterfall as its centrepiece. Shrub
roses are at their best in June, when the striking display of
herbaceous flowers begins. Autumn is a time when the garden displays
hips, berries and an array of spectacular colours.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Chatsworth</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The Elizabethan House, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire,
was built in 1555 by Bess of Hardwick. Richly furnished, it boasts
a number of world famous exhibits. Over 100 acres of gardens provide
many surprises: a maze, a cascade, fountains and tropical greenhouse.
The 1,000 acres of surrounding parkland was landscaped by Capability
Brown.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Weston Park</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Less than 30 minutes drive away, Weston Hall is set in spectacular
Shropshire countryside. A magnificent 17th century house is surrounded
by 1,000 acres of parkland and is held in trust for the nation
by the Weston Park Foundation.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Garden Centres and Nurseries</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Whether you are actually buying plants or accessories for your
garden, or simply browsing, there are a number of nurseries and
garden centres in Newcastle under Lyme, Stoke on Trent and around
Staffordshire and Cheshire, that are well worth a visit.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Two that are well known nationally are Bridgemere Garden Centre
and Stapely Water Gardens. Both are close to each other, within
easy reach and could easily form an entire day out, as they have
many other attractions besides their garden sales areas.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Alton Towers <br>
</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">What can we say that has not been said before? Acres and acres
of mind blowing, tummy twisting thrills, interspersed with rides
for the more sedate and wonderful gardens.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">If you've never visited it, Alton Towers is a must, whatever your
age or sense of adventure.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Europe's favourite leisure park awaits.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Newchapel Observatory</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The Natural Sciences Centre at Newchapel Observatory houses the
main observatory, displays of alternative energy, and a planetarium.
Combine a visit here with a walk up to Mow Cop folly, to enjoy
countryside views.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Churnet Valley Railway</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
For a more sedate excursion, why not try this fascinating little
railway?</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Ideal for children from 2 to 90, you can travel a 6.5 mile round
trip drawn by a steam engine on Sundays, Bank Holiday Mondays
and some Wednesdays in Summer. The railway is home to several
special events throughout the year, including "Friends of Thomas
the Tank Engine" - the steam train immortalised by Rev. Wilbert
Vere Awdry.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">The Staffordshire Potteries is regarded widely (and we agree)
as the world's home of ceramic industry.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Wedgwood</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">.<br>
Most famous, perhaps, is Wedgwood, originally based at Etruria
(a stone's throw from the hotel) and now at its purpose built
industrial village beside Barlaston (approximately three miles
from the hotel). At the magnificent Visitor Centre you can see
craftsmen and women at work, view Wedgwood's treasures and learn
about its history, which dates from 1789. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Spode Visitor Centre</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Josiah Spode opened his pottery in the early 1760's and founded
a tradition of excellence that exists to the present. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">The oldest pottery company in England to be still operating from
its original site, Spode is famed for its fine bone china.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Particularly known for its classic Blue Italian china, Spode is
also highly important in the area of hand painted work, such as
this vase from the late 18th Century, painted by F. Adams.<br>
The Spode Visitor Centre offers factory shop, museum, restaurant
and regular factory tours.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Royal Doulton Tours</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Royal Doulton is world renowned for china tableware and giftware
and perhaps best known for the incredible hand painted figures
that adorn households around the globe. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">On a guided factory tour, you can see the creation of tableware,
giftware and figures by skilled craftsmen and women. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">After the tour, you can visit the Sir Henry Doulton Gallery and
indulge any acquisitive instincts in the factory shop.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>The Gladstone Pottery Museum</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The "living" museum of pottery, the Gladstone, is a must for visitors.
With a great deal of the original pottery buildings remaining,
including the bottle kilns, you can get a real feel for the potteries
of yesteryear. You can also normally see fascinating demonstrations
of the potter's art and, sometimes, have a go yourself.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Among the other potteries you may choose to visit are Aynsley,
Minton, Portmeirion (historically famous for their under-bed pots!),
Royal Worcester and Brierley, Royal Grafton, Royal Stafford, Beswick
(known for Toby Jugs and Beatrix Potter characters), and Moorcroft.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Other manufacturers</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The Potteries has a multitude of smaller potters, some well known,
such as Moorcroft and others newer, yet equally collectable, like
Lorna Bailey, whose art deco style is becoming enthused about
throughout the world (and providing an investment opportunity).
Ask at the Borough Arms reception for ideas.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>New Victoria Theatre</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Almost on our doorstep, the New Vic presents a wide range of drama
and entertainment in this superb, almost brand new building. An
absolute "must visit" for enthusiasts of theatre "in the round".</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Within 10 minutes drive is the Hanley Cultural Quarter, currently
an area of much renovation and providing entertainment for all.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>The Royal <br>
</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Hanley's historic variety theatre lovingly renovated and the venue
for a wealth of light entertainment programmes.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>The Victoria Hall</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <br>
(known locally as the Viccy 'All)<br>
Recently the subject of much restoration and sympathetic modern
extension, the Victoria Hall is best known as a superb concert
venue, with excellent accoustics and a magnificent organ.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>The Regent</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Having lain unoccupied for several years, since it was last used
as a cinema, the Regent has now been restored to its former art
deco glory and is the location for larger performances. The repertoire
ranges from Priestley to Pantomime and from Classical Ballet to
Broadway style shows. If you love theatre, you'll be enraptured
by the Regent!</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Ceramic City Choir</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The Ceramic City Choir forms the backbone of the Festival Chorus
in the Potteries' greatest classical musical event for 100 years
- The North Staffordshire Triennial Music Festival.<br>
The Festival's Centenary Concert marks the anniversary of the
world premiere of Coleridge-Taylor's The Death of Minnehaha and
also provides two choral works; Delius' luxuriant setting of Watt
Whitman's poem Sea Drift and Dvorak's hymn of praise in the more
familiar words of the Te Deum.<br>
The Festival Finale includes Elgar's choral apotheosis, The Dream
of Gerontius. Doyen of Elgar conductors, Donald Hunt, directs
both concerts with soloists of international claim and the world-renowned
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.<br>
At Christmas, the Pentagon Brass Ensemble and Fanfare Trumpets
from The Band of the Prince of Wales's Division, in concert with
the Choir bring a touch of warmth, sparkle and a sense of wonder,
which puts you in the mood for a 'Cracking Christmas'.<br>
Spring 2000 is the Ceramic's first concert of the new millennium
at St. George's Church, Newcastle, with its fine organ. Just the
setting for the Heavenly Sounds - a selection of the finest, favourite
choral music of the romantic period.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Deep Hayes Country Park</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <br>
Large stepped spillways, sheltered woodlands, canals, marshy areas
and steep cliff faces are the backdrop here. At the visitor centre
where you can learn about iron smelting and brick making.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Dimmingsdale</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
This Forestry Commission woodland is a wonderful spot in which
to walk and view the impressive Staffordshire Moorlands from outcrops.
It's hardly surprising that this area is known as Little Switzerland.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Dovedale</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <br>
The most famous of the Derbyshire Dales, and possibly the most
beautiful is mostly owned by the National Trust and situated in
the Peak National Park. The haunt of the 16th century anglers
and writers Charles Cotton and Isaac Walton, it is a very popular
spot with fly fishers today. Be dwarfed by spires and crags of
limestone, cross the famous stepping stones or climb Thorpe Cloud,
a distinctive pointed hill.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Ilam Village</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
If you visit Dovedale, don't miss Ilam, where secret grottoes
nest in the quiet woodland at this National Trust property, mysterious
waters bubble from deep underground and the spectacular Italian
Gardens wait for you to walk. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Mow Cop</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
A gothic folly where you'll find magnificent views over Cheshire
at the centre of a network of footpaths. See the Newchapel Observatory
while you are here.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Park Hall Country Park</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
333 acres of heath, woodland, secluded valleys and sandstone canyons.
Far reaching views to the Potteries and beyond, the distant backdrop
of the Welsh mountains (weather permitting). To the north you'll
see the outlines of the Roaches and the Peak District.</font></p>
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<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Our own - Newcastle-under-Lyme</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The town used to be the main commercial centre in the area and
today still has the Stones open air market, with various markets
most of the week - including collectors stalls on some days. The
centre includes some fine old buildings and the Borough Museum
and Art Gallery is well worth a visit. Within walking distance
of the town centre is Brampton Park with its large-gauge steam
railway.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Bakewell</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
A wealth of historic buildings includes Victoria Mill, which is
open to visitors. The parish church of All Saints displays a variety
of different architectural styles, from the Saxon cross of the
eighth or ninth century to the Norman arches. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Buxton</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
This spa town dates from Roman times, when the Natural Baths were
created for soldiers garrisoned there. Sample the waters at the
old thermal spring then see the fascinating architecture of the
Opera House, the old Victorian Letter Box or the Pavilion Gardens
Concert Halls. The town's museum and art gallery is reckoned to
be very interesting.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Cheddleton</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
The village is best known for its railway history and its mill.
Cheddleton Railway Centre comprises the fine Victorian station
building and locomotive display hall with steam trains at weekends
and in school holidays. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Congleton</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <br>
This old textile town has half-timbered buildings and a fine,
recently overhauled, "Venetian Gothic" town hall. New features
include a brasserie and children's indoor play area. It also includes
the Congleton Museum.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Crewe</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
A huge draw for railway enthusiasts, the Railway Age, features
miniature and standard-gauge railways, working signal boxes plus
restored electric, diesel and steam engines. There is also a model
railway and children's playground. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent's City Centre)</b></font></p>
<div align="left">
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">The main town and centre of the six towns which make up Stoke-on-Trent,
Hanley has excellent shops, both around the pedestrianised streets
and in the Potteries Shopping Centre, regarded by many as one
of the country's finest. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery has much to interest everyone,
especially those with interests in ceramics and fashion. This
is the home of the famous BBC Antiques Roadshow Owl.</font></p>
</div>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Leek</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"><br>
Queen of the Moorlands, with lots of pleasant shops and Brindley
Mill - which illustrates the history of milling.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"><b>Market Drayton</b></font><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <br>
The birthplace of gingerbread, you can see where it was first
made, and where traders tried to sell it. Market Drayton was home
to Clive of India and locals claim the British Empire in India
was founded in the town's Old Grammar School. </font>
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