A Traditional English Market Town
The Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire is a typical traditional English market town situated 5 mile west of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. There is a misconception that Newcastle-under-Lyme is part of Stoke-on-Trent because outlying districts of both merge into one another. This gives the impression of one large city when in fact they are two separate entities.
Known simply as ‘Castle’ by locals there is a traditional open-air market held in the High Street, also known as the “The Stones” 6 days a week. This is a popular attraction bringing in many visitors from neighbouring towns and village.
Although the cattle and livestock market is no longer held an antiques market trades on Tuesdays and a bric-a-brac market trades Thursdays and a general market trades every other day except Sundays. There are also regular Farmer’s Markets selling local and traditional produce and Continental Markets selling goods and produce from many European countries.
Beautiful Floral Features
Great use is made of flowers to provide colour and cheer to the many historic and traditional buildings in the town centre. The market and town centre are pedestrianised areas so it is safe to wander at your own speed while safely browsing the many stalls and taking in the atmosphere. Beautiful floral features can be found all around the town centre and there are many benches where shoppers and visitors can relax and appreciate the flowers, perhaps while enjoying a snack.
Follow Your Nose
A good selection of bakers offer fresh sandwiches, rolls , baguettes, paninis, pies and pasties while street vendors serve up baked potatoes, burgers, hot dogs and the local delicacy of oatcakes. There are also cafes serving traditional cooked English breakfasts and of course there are fish and chip shops. Just follow your nose to your favourite food and enjoy.
All these wonderful colours and smells and with the odd busker, or public performer providing street entertainment there is a lively and stimulating atmosphere. This helps attract people to the town centre with its many and varied shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
A Glimpse of Victorian Times
For those who are interested in history and tradition the Borough Museum and Art Gallery provides a glimpse of Victorian times with life-size scenarios from within Mellard’s Ironmongers and inside a Victorian chemist shop with all its weird and wonderful cures. There is also a fearsome display of the kind of surgical instruments a Victorian doctor would use.
For a glimpse into childhood up to 150 years ago the Toy Gallery with its collection of dolls, games and teddy bears is much loved by visitors of all ages. There is also a set providing a glimpse into every day life in the 1930s and 40s.
The Gifted Midlands' Makers Gallery displays contemporary work from artists and crafts people from across the Midlands some of which is for sale.
Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK with many rides and attractions. There is also a Water Park, a Spa, golf and many other attractions and forms of entertainment on site. The resort is well signposted and well served by public transport from Stoke-on-Trent and nearby towns.
If you are seeking a little retail therapy there is a fantastic range of shops selling arts, crafts, clothing old fashioned sweets and much more situated in a village of pine log-style chalets with many cafes and restaurants. There is also a large indoor shopping area and well stocked garden centre.
You can also buy a ticket to explore the Adventure Trail, Barefoot Walk and Woodland Walk as well as the Italian Gardens. You can also walk around the lake or enjoy boat trips across it.
Living freely in 60 acres of woodland and meadows are 140 Barbary macaques. As you walk through the woods you can view them jumping from branch to branch through the trees and often encounter them on the ground also.
The Adventure Rope Course takes you on an exciting journey 3m to 14 metres above ground level. Bookings can be made for families and groups and children over 6 years old are welcome.
Football
Stoke City playing at the Britannia Stadium in the Premier League is the biggest football club in the area though fans of Port Vale FC playing at Vale Park, Burslem in the Coca Cola Football League Two would undoubtedly lay claim to their club being the best. Superstar pop singer Robbie Williams is a long time fan of Port Vale and has also strong links with the area.
Nightlife
There are many traditional pubs, bars and many different restaurants providing cuisine from many different cultures as well as traditional English food. There is also a cinema complex and the New Vict Theatre which is a theatre in the round such as they used to be in days gone by. Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent is also a favourite nightspot with many pubs and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.
Getting Around
The FirstGroup provides most of the local buses though there are a also a number of smaller companies operating regular local buses running to and from the bus station in Hassell Street, just behind the town centre, to most local towns and villages and destinations in Stoke-on-Trent. There are also National Express coaches running to London, Birmingham and many other cities and towns nationwide. There is also a taxi rank very near the bus station alongside the Nat West Bank. If arriving, or leaving by train there are numerous bus services from the Train Station to other parts of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
There is a range of good hotels such as The Ramada Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Premier Inn, the Holiday Inn Stoke-on-Trent and many bed and breakfast and guest houses offering accommodation to suit all pockets.
Contrasting Landscapes
To the east and within easy driving distance of the Staffordshire Moorlands and the rugged Peak District there is marvelous countryside, villages and towns to explore. To the west the landscape is the rolling farm and woodlands of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire with many little villages and country towns waiting to be discovered and Newcastle-under-Lyme makes a good base to explore and experience the many enjoyable and unique attractions and the contrasting landscapes of the area.