⚽ VALE PARK ⚽
Port Vale FC – Your Complete Travel Guide
🏟️ ABOUT VALE PARK
Vale Park, opened in August 1950, was ambitiously dubbed “The Wembley of the North” with original plans for an 80,000 capacity stadium! Reality proved more modest – it opened with a capacity of 40,000 for just £50,000 in construction costs (five years in the building), and now holds between 15,695 and 19,052, depending on configuration. Located in Burslem, one of Stoke-on-Trent’s six historic towns, the stadium sits at an impressive 525 feet above sea level, making it the 11th-highest ground in England and the second-highest in the Football League.
The stadium famously hosted 49,768 supporters when Port Vale faced Aston Villa in the 1960 FA Cup fifth round – a record that still stands today. The pitch is clay-based rather than sand, making it vulnerable to freezing temperatures and unusually dry conditions, which often make passing football quite difficult.
Vale Park has four stands: the impressive two-tier Lorne Street Stand (West, 5,000 capacity with executive boxes – the club’s first executive facilities in 127 years), Railway Paddock (East, 2,094), Hamil Road End (South, 4,514), and the Bycars End (North, 3,363), which houses away supporters behind the goal.
Port Vale Football Club, nicknamed “The Valiants”, were formed in 1876 (though historians debate whether it was 1876 or 1879) and has spent over a century wandering through various grounds – The Meadows in Longport, Athletic Ground in Cobridge, and Hanley – before finally settling at Vale Park in 1950. The club has enjoyed spells in all four divisions of English football, with its highest finish being 8th in the old Second Division (now the Championship) in 1931.
Vale reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1954, eventually losing to West Bromwich Albion, but were crowned that season by winning the Third Division North league title by eleven points – their finest hour. The club’s fierce rivals are Stoke City in the Potteries Derby, a fixture not played since 2002 but one that still burns intensely in local memory.
Burslem itself is known as the “Mother Town” of The Potteries and was the birthplace of Lemmy from Motörhead – a stunning statue of him by local artist Andy Edwards now stands in the town centre. Vale Park has also hosted memorable non-football events, including the 1981 Heavy Metal Holocaust concert featuring Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne, Triumph, and Blackfoot, with the young Lars Ulrich attending just months before co-founding Metallica!
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 15,695-19,052 (all seated, varies by configuration) |
| Opened | 1950 (75+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Bycars End (North Stand) |
| Away Allocation | Typically 3,363 seats (entire Bycars End) |
| Record Attendance | 49,768 vs Aston Villa (FA Cup 5th Round, February 1960) |
🚗 GETTING TO VALE PARK
Vale Park sits in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, with excellent M6 motorway access (Junctions 15 or 16 via A500). Transport requires planning: Longport Station is closest (under 2 miles, 30-minute walk, limited hourly services) whilst Stoke-on-Trent Station (4+ miles away) offers far better connections but requires taxi (£10-12, 10 minutes) or bus 7/7A/7B/7C.
Most away fans either drive directly (£4 stadium parking opposite the ground) or take the train to Stoke, then take a taxi. The “inconvenience” becomes a feature when you discover Burslem town centre (10-minute walk) is absolutely packed with brilliant pubs – The Bulls Head (Titanic Brewery tap) opens 11 am Saturdays with nine real ales and matchday BBQs!
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Vale Park Address: Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW
🚂 BY TRAIN
Train travel to Vale Park requires choosing between convenience (Stoke-on-Trent Station, with excellent connections but 4+ miles away, requiring a taxi/bus) and proximity (Longport Station, under 2 miles but with limited services and a steep 30-minute walk). Most away fans sensibly opt for Stoke-on-Trent, then taxi or bus into Burslem.
RECOMMENDED: Stoke-on-Trent Station (4+ miles)
Far superior connections from across the country. Exit station, taxi rank outside (£10-12, 10 minutes) or bus 7/7A/7B/7C from Stoke Bus Station through Hanley to Burslem town centre. Arrive in Burslem with time to spare for the brilliant pub options – The Bulls Head is THE away fans’ destination!
Reaching Stoke-on-Trent Station:
🟢 London Euston: 1h 30m (Avanti West Coast direct services)
🟢 Manchester Piccadilly: 45 minutes (frequent direct services)
🟢 Birmingham New Street: 1 hour (regular direct services)
🔵 Crewe: 20 minutes (very frequent – main interchange, £3.80)
🔵 Derby: Under 1 hour (regular services, £6.50)
Alternative: Longport Station (Under 2 miles)
Closer to Vale Park, but only the hourly Crewe-Derby service stops here. From Crewe: 20 minutes (£3.80). From Derby: under 1 hour (£6.50). Then a 30-minute walk to ground – fairly steep hill up through Burslem town centre, not well signposted (use Google Maps!). Challenging if you have mobility issues. Limited train times make this awkward – most fans avoid this option in favour of Stoke-on-Trent Station’s convenience and connections.
💡 Top Tip: Train to Stoke-on-Trent, then taxi (£10-12) is by far the easiest and most popular option. The taxi rank is right outside the station. Alternatively, take bus 7/7A/7B/7C and stop in Burslem town centre, where you’ll find The Bulls Head (Titanic Brewery tap) – opens 11 am Saturdays, nine real ales, 10 ciders, matchday BBQ! The “inconvenience” becomes a positive when you discover Burslem’s superb pre-match pub scene!
🔗 Plan Your Journey: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🚗 BY CAR – Excellent M6 Access
Driving to Vale Park is straightforward with excellent M6 motorway access via Junctions 15 or 16. The stadium sits in a residential area of Burslem, with a decent-sized official car park and street parking if you arrive early. M6 access makes this very drivable from across the Midlands and North!
Driving Directions:
- From M6 (Junction 15 or 16): Exit the motorway and take the A500 towards Stoke-on-Trent. Follow A500 until A527 Tunstall/Burslem exit. Take A527 towards Tunstall/Burslem. Follow the signs to Burslem. The stadium is on Hamil Road with clear signposting.
- From the South (Birmingham/London): M6 Junction 15 is slightly closer
- From North (Manchester/Liverpool): M6 Junction 16 is your exit
- Postcode for Sat-Nav: ST6 1AW
Parking Options:
- Official Stadium Car Park: £4 on matchdays. Large car park opposite the stadium. Fair-sized capacity, rarely fills completely. Most convenient, hassle-free option. Pay on arrival.
- Street Parking: Available in surrounding residential roads if you arrive early (90+ minutes before kick-off). Free but requires a 5-10 minute walk to the ground.
- Burslem Town Centre: Various car parks within a 10-minute walk of the ground. Explore options if the official car park appears busy.
✅ PARKING STRATEGY: The official £4 car park opposite the stadium is your best bet – fair-sized and rarely full. Street parking works if you arrive 90+ minutes early. Either way, you’re just a 10-minute walk from Burslem town centre’s brilliant pubs – The Bulls Head opens at 11 am with nine real ales and matchday BBQ, Tommy Cheadle’s at the stadium does £2 pints! M6 access is genuinely excellent, making this very drivable from Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and beyond!
💡 Driving Tip: M6 Junctions 15 and 16 both work perfectly – well signposted from both. Park up (£4 official or free streets if early), explore Burslem’s superb pubs (The Bulls Head is legendary!), then a short walk to the ground. Perfect away day for drivers with a brilliant pub scene as a bonus!
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR VALE PARK
✅ EXCELLENT NEWS FOR AWAY FANS: Burslem town centre (10-minute walk from Vale Park) is absolutely packed with brilliant pubs! The Bulls Head (Titanic Brewery tap) is THE away fans’ pub – opens 11 am Vale home Saturdays, nine real ales, 10 ciders, matchday BBQ! Tommy Cheadle’s at the stadium does £2 pints. The Vine welcomes both sets. Burslem has loads more options. This is genuinely one of League One’s best away days for pub choice!
🍺 The Away Fans’ Favourites
🍺 The Bulls Head (Titanic Brewery Tap) – THE AWAY PUB!
14 St John’s Square, Burslem. Absolutely brilliant! Titanic’s brewery tap and flagship pub. Opens 11 am on Saturday at the Vale home, welcoming all football fans, both home and away. Nine excellent real ales (Titanic brews including Captain Smith’s, Iceberg, White Star, Plum Porter) complemented by a selection of up to 10 real ciders.
Wide choice of single malt whiskies, fruit wines, draught and bottled Belgian beers. BBQ EVERY home matchday for all fans – this is brilliant! Bar billiards and table skittles in the public bar. Seven TV screens (Sky Sports/BT Sport). Traditional pub games. Family-friendly atmosphere. Card and cash accepted. Beer garden. Car park. Short walk from the stadium (10-15 mins).
This is THE place for away fans – properly welcoming with superb beer, food and atmosphere. Gets busy matchdays but copes well. Many fans stay until 2:40 pm, then stroll to the ground!
Distance: Burslem town centre (10-min walk from ground) | Price: ££ (real ale heaven!) | Website: titanicbrewery.co.uk
🍺 Tommy Cheadle’s (At Stadium)
Located IN the away fans’ car park at Vale Park. £2 PINTS – genuinely brilliant value! Everyone is welcome, except large groups of away fans (for obvious security reasons). Used to be run by Pete Conway – Robbie Williams’ father! Convenient location right at the ground. Perfect for a quick pre-match pint if you’re short on time or want the cheapest option.
Distance: AT stadium! | Price: £ (£2 pints!) | Robbie Williams Connection: Yes!
🍺 The Vine
Bottom of Hamil Road, halfway between Burslem town centre and the stadium. Welcomes both sets of fans. Gets absolutely PACKED pre-match – testament to its popularity! Good atmosphere, decent beer, friendly locals mixing happily with fans. Perfect stop on the walk from town to the ground. Traditional pub feel.
Distance: 5-min walk from ground (halfway from town) | Price: ££ | Atmosphere: Busy matchdays!
🍺 More Burslem Town Centre Options
🍺 The Park Inn
Heart of Burslem. Top destination for great pint and atmosphere. Electric on matchdays with the buzz of fans building up to kick-off. Perfect place to soak up pre-match atmosphere. Friendly, familiar faces and an unbeatable community vibe. Traditional pub, warm and welcoming. Poker nights, karaoke, live music events. Popular with Vale supporters but mixes fans well.
Distance: Burslem town centre | Price: ££
🍺 The Leopard
Classic-looking pub on the main road through Burslem. Very tidy, classy, antiquated look inside. Traditional atmosphere. San Miguel around £3. Sometimes practically deserted early afternoon, but picks up closer to kick-off. Good for a quieter drink before joining the matchday buzz.
Distance: Burslem town centre | Price: ££
🍺 Duke William
Large Tudor-looking pub on a prominent street corner. A distinctive building you can’t miss. Traditional interior, atmospheric setting. Good choice for exploring Burslem’s extensive pub scene. Part of the brilliant pub circuit between the station and the ground.
Distance: Burslem town centre | Price: ££
🍺 Ye Olde Smithy
Another Burslem town centre option. Traditional name, traditional pub. Part of the brilliant selection available within a 10-minute walk of Vale Park. Worth including in your pub-hopping tour.
Distance: Burslem town centre | Price: ££
⚠️ Important Notes
• Generally welcoming atmosphere in Burslem – not the aggressive “get out of our pub” mentality you find at bigger clubs
• Burslem has LOADS of pubs within a 10-minute walk of Vale Park – far more than listed here!
• The Bulls Head matchday BBQ is brilliant – proper food, not just burgers
• Some pubs require colours covered, others don’t – generally quite relaxed
• Arrive early to make the most of Burslem’s superb pub scene – opens from 11 am on Saturdays
⚽ Away Fans’ Tip: The Bulls Head is absolutely THE one for away fans – nine real ales (Titanic brews!), 10 ciders, matchday BBQ, bar billiards, brilliant atmosphere! Opens 11 am Saturdays. Stay until 2:40 pm, then walk to the ground. Tommy Cheadle’s at the stadium does legendary £2 pints if you’re pushed for time. The Vine, halfway between town and ground, gets packed pre-match. Burslem’s pub scene is genuinely brilliant – one of League One’s best away days for drinking options. The “inconvenience” of Vale Park’s transport becomes a massive positive when you discover these pubs!
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN BURSLEM
Food options around Vale Park combine traditional stadium fare (cheap and cheerful), pub meals (The Bulls Head’s matchday BBQ!), and Burslem town centre restaurants. Don’t miss trying Staffordshire Oatcakes – THE local speciality (savoury pancake-style creation with cheese, sausage, bacon or other fillings). Stadium pies are £2.50, which is decent value. Loads of variety within a 10-minute walk!
🥧 At the Stadium
Vale Park Concourses
Traditional football ground food. Range of Pukka Pies (various flavours including Chicken Balti, Meat & Potato, Steak & Kidney), pasties, hot dogs, burgers, sausage rolls. Hot and cold drinks. Reasonably priced and good quality for stadium food. Pies £2.50 (locally made steak pies described as good but could use more gravy). Sausage rolls £2.90. Hot dogs £4. Cheeseburgers £4. Lager/Cider bottles £3.50. Two refreshment kiosks on the away concourse. Described as “no thrills” but decent value. Some fans report items running out, so arrive early if you want specific choices!
💰 Price: £2.50-4 per item | ⭐ Why Visit: Cheap traditional football food
🍔 Near Ground (Hamil Road Area)
Burger Vans & Food Stalls
Usually, a couple of burger vans are positioned outside Vale Park on matchdays. Quick, hot food option. Usual burger van fare – burgers, hot dogs, chips. Convenient for grab-and-go if running late.
Café (Just Past Church on Hamil Road)
Small café positioned on Hamil Road between the town centre and the stadium. Tea, coffee, sandwiches, light snacks. Traditional British café fare. Perfect for a pre-match breakfast or a quick bite. Convenient location on the route to the ground.
Chip Shop (May Street)
Second Street on the right off Hamil Road – May Street, about 100 yards along from the junction. Traditional British chippy. Perfect for pre-match fish and chips or just chips! Proper traditional away-day comfort food. A few minutes from the ground.
💰 Price: £ | ⭐ Why Visit: Traditional fish and chips near ground
Playful Pike Chippy
Another fish and chip shop option. A few minutes’ drive from Vale Park. Recommended by locals. Traditional British chippy. Good if you’re driving and want to grab food along the way.
🍺 Pub Food
The Bulls Head – MATCHDAY BBQ!
BBQ on EVERY Vale home matchday for all fans! This is absolutely brilliant. Proper BBQ food, not just basic burgers. Combine with their nine real ales and 10 ciders for a perfect pre-match meal. Opens 11 am Saturdays. Family-friendly. Bar billiards and table skittles whilst you eat. Fantastic atmosphere building up to kick-off. Stay until 2:40 pm, then walk to the ground. This is legendary!
💰 Price: ££ | ⭐ Why Visit: Matchday BBQ is brilliant, real ale heaven!
🍽️ Burslem Town Centre (10-min walk)
KFC & Fast Food Chains
KFC and other familiar chains are available in Burslem town centre. Predictable but convenient. Budget-friendly option. A 10-minute walk from the ground makes these viable pre-match.
Vale Curry House
Highly-rated local Indian. Fast food-style service. Good value for money. Perfect for post-match curry. Mixed reviews but popular with locals. Balti specialities.
💰 Price: ££ | ⭐ Why Visit: Local curry house
Sapphire Fine Dining
Indian, Asian, Bangladeshi cuisine. More upmarket option than Vale Curry House. Sit-down restaurant atmosphere. Good for an evening meal. Book ahead for busy matchdays. Balti specialities.
💰 Price: ££-£££ | ⭐ Why Visit: Upmarket Indian
Staffordshire Oatcakes – LOCAL SPECIALITY!
High Lane Oatcakes and JB Oatcake Bakery both serve THE Stoke-on-Trent speciality! Staffordshire Oatcakes are like savoury pancakes made with oatmeal. Halfway between pancake and pizza bread, these griddle cakes are traditionally served with cheese, sausage, bacon, or nowadays spicy chilli and other modern toppings. Locals eat them for breakfast, but they are available all day. Some places serve sweet oatcakes too (lemon drizzle, cinnamon apple crumble). This is Stoke’s answer to Breton Galettes. Unique to the Stoke-on-Trent area. MUST TRY when visiting! This is THE local food experience you cannot miss!
💰 Price: £ (very affordable) | ⭐ Why Visit: Unique local speciality – essential Stoke experience!
Upper Crust Café
Highly-rated local café. Vegetarian-friendly. Good reviews. Traditional British café atmosphere. Sandwiches, light meals, cakes, and coffee. Perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
Various Takeaways
Burslem has various Chinese, Indian, and other takeaway options scattered throughout the town centre. A 10-minute walk from the ground makes these viable for pre-match grab-and-go.
⚽ Foodie Tip: The Bulls Head matchday BBQ is absolutely brilliant – arrive at 11 am opening, enjoy proper BBQ food with nine real ales, stay until 2:40 pm, then walk to the ground! Stadium pies at £2.50 are cheap and decent quality. Don’t leave Stoke without trying Staffordshire Oatcakes (High Lane Oatcakes or JB Oatcake Bakery) – a unique local speciality you won’t find anywhere else! The chip shop on May Street is perfect for traditional away-day chips. Burslem offers a variety for every taste and budget!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
Accommodation around Burslem and Stoke-on-Trent ranges from budget chains to mid-range hotels with some upmarket options. Most hotels are in Stoke city centre (4 miles from Vale Park) or near M6 junctions. Weekend rates are generally reasonable. Alton Towers proximity (30 minutes) makes this popular for combining football with theme park! Book early for Saturday matches. Consider staying in Stoke city centre for more nightlife/restaurant options with easy taxi to Burslem for matchday.
💷 Budget Options (£40-70 per night)
Borough Arms Hotel (Burslem)
Budget-friendly option right in Burslem. Reasonably-priced accommodation. Free parking – big plus! Free in-room WiFi. Restaurant on-site. Short distance from Vale Park – walking distance to the stadium! Convenient for the stadium, convenient for Burslem’s brilliant pubs. Recommended by away fans. Basic but clean and functional – perfect if you want to be right in Burslem near the ground and pubs without spending a fortune.
Location: Burslem (walking distance to Vale Park!) | Best For: Budget-conscious, proximity to ground | Book: Check availability online
Travelodge Stoke-on-Trent Central
Reliable budget chain hotel. Clean, functional rooms you can depend on. Convenient city centre location. Good value for money. Standard Travelodge quality – you know what you’re getting. Free WiFi. Parking available (charges apply). Short taxi to Vale Park on matchdays (£10-12). A good base for exploring Stoke-on-Trent city centre nightlife and restaurants. Book early for the best rates.
Location: Stoke city centre (4 miles from ground) | Best For: Reliable budget chain | Book: travelodge.co.uk
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£60-100 per night)
Holiday Inn Stoke-on-Trent M6 Jct15
Just a 2-minute drive from the M6 motorway Junction 15. 30-minute drive from Alton Towers Theme Park. Less than 10 minutes’ drive from Stoke city centre. Pool available – huge bonus for families! Friendly staff are consistently praised. Clean, comfortable rooms. Great WiFi for staying connected. Breakfast is good value. Excellent motorway access makes this perfect for driving fans. International chain reliability. Popular matchday choice for away fans. Free parking. Modern facilities.
Location: M6 Junction 15 (perfect motorway access) | Facilities: Pool! Restaurant, bar, free parking | Distance: 10 mins to city centre, 10 mins to Vale Park | Best For: Families, drivers
Holiday Inn Express Stoke-on-Trent
Just off Junction 15 of the M6 motorway. Free parking – a big advantage! 10-minute drive from Stoke city centre. Set next to Stoke FC’s bet365 Stadium (Britannia Stadium). Location is perfect for getting in and out of Stoke quickly, as it is right next to the A50. Nice staff consistently mentioned. Good facilities. Convenient location near the motorway. Express format (no pool, but breakfast typically included). Reliable Holiday Inn Express quality. Modern, clean rooms.
Location: M6 Junction 15/A50 (perfect for quick access) | Facilities: Free parking, breakfast included | Best For: Quick motorway access, convenience
Quality Hotel & Leisure Stoke City Centre
Heart of Stoke-on-Trent city centre. A modern leisure club is included with membership. Junction 15 of the M6 motorway is less than 15 minutes away. Award-winning property. Good facilities throughout. City centre location is perfect for nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Comfortable rooms. Short taxi to Vale Park on matchdays. Good base for exploring Stoke.
Location: Stoke city centre | Facilities: Leisure club, restaurant | Best For: City centre nightlife access
Best Western Stoke-on-Trent
Reliable Best Western chain. Good facilities throughout. Comfortable accommodation. Convenient location near the city. Standard Best Western quality you can depend on. Good for business or leisure stays. Consistent service.
Location: Stoke area | Best For: Reliable chain quality
💷💷💷 Higher-End Options (£80-150 per night)
DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent
Combines modern comforts with historic Etruria Hall – former home of master potter Josiah Wedgwood himself! Luxury hotel with genuine heritage. First-class conference facilities. Leisure amenities including pool, gym. City centre location (Etruria area). Stoke’s premium hotel option. Beautiful historic building merged with modern wings. Perfect for special occasions or treating yourself! Short drive to Vale Park. Restaurant and bar on-site. Wedding and conference venue. Hilton’s quality service.
Location: Etruria/Stoke city centre | Special Feature: Historic Etruria Hall (Josiah Wedgwood’s former home!) | Facilities: Pool, gym, restaurant, bar | Best For: Luxury stay, pottery heritage interest
Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent
Purpose-built city centre hotel. Contemporary rooms and suites with modern design. A fitness centre for keeping active. Restaurant on-site. Free parking included. Business and leisure facilities throughout. Suitable for business travellers and leisure guests. Hilton Garden Inn quality – mid-tier Hilton brand. Good central location. Modern amenities.
Location: Stoke city centre | Facilities: Fitness centre, restaurant, free parking | Best For: Contemporary Hilton quality
🎢 Alternative: Alton Towers (30 mins drive)
Alton Towers Resort Hotels
30 minutes’ drive from Vale Park – perfect for combining football with the UK’s best theme park! If making a weekend of it, stay at Alton Towers Resort! Various themed hotels on-site, including: Alton Towers Hotel (4-star themed rooms), Splash Landings Hotel (with Waterpark access – brilliant for families!), CBeebies Land Hotel (perfect for families with young children), and Enchanted Village (woodland lodges). Book hotel-and-theme-park packages for the best value. Absolutely brilliant for families wanting a full weekend. Saturday: Vale Park football, Sunday: Alton Towers rides! Creates a complete weekend break combining sport and entertainment. Oblivion, Nemesis, The Smiler, Wicker Man – world-class rides!
Distance: 30 mins drive from Vale Park | Best For: Family weekends combining football + theme park! | Book: altontowers.com
⚽ Booking Tip: Borough Arms in Burslem is the closest budget option, putting you within walking distance of Vale Park and all the brilliant pubs. Holiday Inn M6 Jct 15 offers excellent motorway access with a pool as a bonus. Stay in Stoke city centre for more hotel choice and nightlife with easy taxi to Burslem matchdays. BEST FAMILY OPTION: combine Vale Park with Alton Towers (30 mins) – stay at resort hotels Saturday night and make it a full weekend! Book early for Saturday matches. Stoke-on-Trent is well-placed for exploring the Potteries heritage and the Peak District too!
🎯 THINGS TO DO AROUND STOKE-ON-TRENT
Stoke-on-Trent – “The Potteries” and “World Capital of Ceramics” (World Craft City status 2024!) – offers a fascinating ceramics heritage alongside modern attractions, including Alton Towers theme park (30 mins) and access to the beautiful Peak District. The six towns (Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke, Tunstall) each have unique character and a proud pottery heritage. Brilliant for combining football with culture and family entertainment – make a proper weekend of it!
🏺 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (Hanley)
Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Designated Collections, including the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics! Houses famous Staffordshire Hoard – largest Anglo-Saxon gold and silver hoard ever found (discovered 2009 by metal detectorist, dates 650-675 AD) – absolutely spectacular! Spitfire Gallery with a real Spitfire plane honouring local resident Reginald Mitchell (designer of iconic aircraft), plus a flight simulator – this is genuinely stunning! Fine and decorative arts.
Costume collection. Local history galleries arranged as Victorian-period room settings (recreated schoolroom, pub, chip shop – a fascinating glimpse into the past). Archaeology showcases Staffordshire’s rich heritage from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Natural science depicting the geology and wildlife of the Potteries area.
Free admission throughout! Café Museum for relaxing lunch or afternoon snack with musical accompaniment. Foyer Shop for unique quality gifts, cards, books, and souvenirs of Potteries. Allow 2-3 hours minimum – there’s LOADS to see! IMPORTANT NOTE: Temporarily closed until April 2026 for multi-million-pound transformation works. During closure, Gladstone Pottery Museum remains open, providing continued access to Stoke’s ceramic heritage. Programme of events running at other venues across the city.
Distance: Hanley (Stoke city centre) | Cost: FREE admission! | Time: 2-3 hours minimum | Website: stokemuseums.org.uk
⚠️ TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Museum closed until April 2026 for transformation. Gladstone Pottery Museum is open as an alternative!
🏭 Gladstone Pottery Museum (Longton)
Uttoxeter Road, Longton. Last complete Victorian pottery factory still standing! Darkened turrets and distinctive bottle ovens offer fascinating insights into the countless factories that shaped Staffordshire’s culture and industrial landscape. Working plant atmosphere preserved. Staff presentations and workshops teach traditional pottery-making techniques – watch skilled potters use methods Stoke families have employed for generations; absolutely fascinating! Hands-on pottery experiences available. Historic buildings showcase the heritage of coal-fired pottery production. Victorian-era working conditions are demonstrated. Perfect for understanding “Potteries” industrial heritage and why Stoke became “World Capital of Ceramics”. Open during Potteries Museum closure (until April 2026), ensuring visitors can continue enjoying Stoke’s ceramic heritage. Allow 2-3 hours. Brilliant for families and pottery enthusiasts!
Distance: Longton (Stoke-on-Trent) | Cost: Admission charges apply | Time: 2-3 hours | Website: stokemuseums.org.uk
🏺 World of Wedgwood (Barlaston)
Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston. World-class visitor centre dedicated to the iconic ceramics brand founded by Josiah Wedgwood, 1759 – an industrial revolutionary who transformed the British ceramics industry! State-of-the-art attraction offering a range of experiences: factory tours showing pottery making process (fascinating!), museum exhibits tracing 260+ years of history, creative workshops where you can try throwing a pot on a wheel (hands-on!), award-winning Wedgwood Tea Room serving exquisite afternoon tea on fine china (gorgeous experience – beautiful presentation!).
Factory outlet stocks end-of-line and near-perfect bargains from Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, and Waterford brands. Beautiful grounds. Shopping village. One of the crown jewels of Potteries heritage. Perfect for pottery enthusiasts and families alike. Allow 3-4 hours. Book a factory tour ahead of time as it is popular. Brilliant day out combining heritage, shopping, and dining!
Distance: Barlaston (short drive from Stoke) | Cost: Various packages available | Time: 3-4 hours | Website: worldofwedgwood.com
🏺 Emma Bridgewater Factory (Hanley)
Lichfield Street, Stoke-on-Trent. Beautiful, sunny Victorian factory alongside the Caldon Canal, in a lovely position. Modern British ceramics brand with distinctive polka dot designs. Factory tours available showing pottery decoration process (award-winning!). Museum exhibits. Creative workshops – paint your own pottery and take it home! Factory shop with a full range. Café for refreshments. Perfect for understanding the modern Potteries industry alongside historic sites. Very popular brand – loved across the UK. Book ahead for workshops as they fill quickly! Allow 2-3 hours. Perfect for pottery fans looking for a hands-on experience!
Distance: Hanley (Stoke city centre) | Cost: Tours and workshops charged | Time: 2-3 hours | Website: emmabridgewater.co.uk
🎢 Alton Towers Theme Park
30 MINUTES from Stoke-on-Trent – perfect for combining Vale Park with the UK’s most famous theme park! Makes brilliant weekend break combining football and family entertainment. 500-acre site around crumbling vestiges of a Gothic stately home ruins – unique, spectacular setting. Split into multiple themed lands. Thrill rides include: Oblivion’s terrifying vertical drop, Nemesis intense corkscrews, The Smiler’s world-beating 14 loops, Wicker Man’s wooden coaster experience, and Galactica’s flying coaster. CBeebies Land for younger children.
Family rides throughout. Waterpark at Splash Landings Hotel. Stay overnight at themed on-site hotels (Alton Towers Hotel 4-star themed rooms, Splash Landings Hotel with Waterpark access, CBeebies Land Hotel, Enchanted Village woodland lodges). Book packages combining hotel + theme park for the best value. Allow a full day (or two days for a complete experience!). Absolutely world-class rides – UK’s premier theme park!
Distance: 30 mins drive from Vale Park | Cost: Admission charges (book online ahead for big discounts!) | Time: Full day+ | Website: altontowers.com
🌳 Trentham Gardens
725-acre historic estate on Stoke’s outskirts. Stunning Italian Gardens – beautifully landscaped formal gardens. Lakeside walks through parkland. Trentham Shopping Village has 80+ charming timber lodges housing retailers, independent traders, cafés, and restaurants. Europe’s largest garden centre! Trentham Monkey Forest nearby (140 Barbary macaque monkeys roaming freely through woodland habitat – drive through or walk amongst them!). Beautiful setting. Family-friendly attraction. Perfect Sunday morning walk combining nature, shopping, and dining. Various seasonal events throughout the year. Allow 2-4 hours, depending on activities. Free to walk the grounds (charges apply to some specific attractions, like Monkey Forest).
Distance: Trentham (Stoke-on-Trent outskirts) | Cost: Grounds free, charges for some attractions | Time: 2-4 hours | Website: trentham.co.uk
🌿 Burslem Park
Burslem. Grade II listed Victorian park opened in 1894. Restored in 2012 by Stoke City Council, bringing back its former glory. Beautiful setting offering scenic, tranquil outdoor relaxation. Lake. Sports courts, including tennis. Restored Victorian facilities throughout. Perfect for walks and enjoying green space. Historical significance as one of the Potteries’ heritage parks. Free entry makes this accessible for all. Right near Vale Park, making it perfect for a pre-match or post-match stroll! Allow 30-60 minutes. Lovely combination of nature and heritage!
Distance: Burslem (near Vale Park!) | Cost: FREE | Time: 30-60 mins for walk
🗿 Lemmy Statue (Burslem Town Centre)
Market Place, Burslem. Stunning statue by local artist Andy Edwards honouring Lemmy Kilmister – legendary Motörhead frontman who was born in Burslem, December 1945! Level of detail is incredible – curly guitar lead, plectrums on mic stand perfectly captured, Lemmy’s iconic stance spot-on, authentic!
A Blue Plaque commemorating Motörhead is also present at the Vale Park main entrance, referencing the 1981 Heavy Metal Holocaust concert. Burslem affectionately renamed “Burslemmy” by locals and metal fans! Famous rock bands visit the town for a photo opportunity with the statue. Part of Lemmy’s ashes is held in the plinth behind the Motörhead mask – an emotional tribute. Whether you’re a rock fan or not, the statue is worth seeing for craftsmanship alone. Right in Burslem town centre near pubs. Free to view, obviously! 5 minutes maximum, but a photo opportunity is essential!
Distance: Burslem town centre | Cost: FREE | Time: 5 mins (photo opportunity!)
⚽ ESSENTIAL AWAY FAN TIPS
🏟️ The Away End (Bycars End): 3,363 capacity North Stand behind the goal. Single-tier covered stand. Decent views though some supporting pillars can obstruct if sitting towards the back – try to get central for best sight-lines. Good atmosphere potential when well-populated and vocal. Adequate facilities. Refreshment kiosks serve traditional football fare (pies £2.50, lager/cider £3.50) at reasonable prices.
🍺 The Bulls Head is THE PUB: Titanic Brewery tap. Nine real ales! 10 ciders! Matchday BBQ on EVERY home game! Bar billiards! Opens 11 am Saturdays. Genuinely welcomes away fans. Short walk from the ground (10-15 mins). This is THE away fans’ pub in League One – absolutely legendary among travelling supporters!
🚂 Train Strategy: Stoke-on-Trent Station (4+ miles) has excellent connections (London 1h 30m, Manchester 45 mins, Birmingham 1 hour) but requires a taxi (£10-12) or bus. Longport (under 2 miles) is closer but has limited hourly trains with a 30-minute steep walk. Most fans choose Stoke-on-Trent over the taxi for convenience.
🚗 Excellent M6 Access: Junctions 15 and 16 both work perfectly, making this very drivable from across the Midlands and the North. £4 stadium car park opposite ground (fair-sized, rarely full). Street parking available if early (90+ mins before). Makes a brilliant away day for drivers!
🥞 Try Staffordshire Oatcakes: THE local speciality (savoury pancake with cheese/sausage/bacon/chilli). High Lane Oatcakes or JB Oatcake Bakery. Unique to Stoke-on-Trent – you won’t find these anywhere else! Must try when visiting Potteries!
🎢 Combine with Alton Towers: 30 minutes from Vale Park! Make proper weekend break. Saturday: Vale Park football, Sunday: Alton Towers rides (Oblivion, Nemesis, The Smiler!). Stay at resort hotels. Perfect family weekend!
🏺 Embrace Potteries Heritage: Visit World of Wedgwood (factory tours, afternoon tea!), Gladstone Pottery Museum (working Victorian factory), or Potteries Museum (Staffordshire Hoard, Spitfire plane – reopens April 2026). Stoke is “World Capital of Ceramics” (World Craft City 2024)!
🎸 Rock Heritage: Lemmy from Motörhead was born in Burslem – stunning statue in town centre! Blue Plaque at Vale Park entrance. 1981 Heavy Metal Holocaust concert (Motörhead, Ozzy!) with young Lars Ulrich attending months before founding Metallica. Vale Park at 525 feet elevation is 11th highest ground in England!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS ON VALE PARK
Vale Park offers a genuinely brilliant away day experience, despite – or perhaps because of – slightly awkward transport links! Originally planned as an ambitious “Wembley of the North” with 80,000 capacity dreams, the reality of 15,695-19,052 (depending on configuration) feels more intimate whilst retaining a sense of ambition and history.
At 525 feet above sea level, it’s the 11th-highest point in England, with a unique clay-based pitch that’s vulnerable to freezing. The record 49,768 attendance when Port Vale faced Aston Villa in the 1960 FA Cup fifth round reminds you that this stadium has witnessed extraordinary moments over 75+ years. The 3,363-capacity Bycars End offers decent views and good atmosphere potential (though some supporting pillars can obstruct), whilst the £2.50 pies represent decent value.
But here’s the magic: what seems like an inconvenience (train to Stoke then taxi/bus, or Longport with limited services and a steep walk) transforms into a feature when you discover Burslem’s absolutely brilliant pub scene! THE BULLS HEAD (Titanic Brewery tap) is genuinely one of League One’s finest away pubs – nine real ales (Titanic brews including Captain Smith’s, Iceberg, White Star, Plum Porter), 10 ciders, BBQ on EVERY home matchday, bar billiards, table skittles, opens 11 am Saturdays, welcoming all fans! Tommy Cheadle’s at the stadium does legendary £2 pints.
The Vine, The Leopard, Duke William, Ye Olde Smithy, and The Park Inn – Burslem have loads of quality options within a 10-minute walk, making this brilliant for pub-hopping! Port Vale fans are friendly without the aggressive pub segregation of bigger clubs. M6 access (Junctions 15/16) is excellent, with £4 stadium parking opposite the ground, making this very drivable.
Try Staffordshire Oatcakes (unique local speciality – savoury pancakes with various fillings you won’t find anywhere else!), explore The Potteries’ ceramics heritage (World of Wedgwood factory tours, Gladstone Museum working Victorian factory, Potteries Museum with Staffordshire Hoard and Spitfire plane), or combine with Alton Towers (30 minutes away – UK’s best theme park with Oblivion, Nemesis, The Smiler!) for ultimate weekend break!
Burslem town centre features a Lemmy statue, a Blue Plaque at Vale Park commemorating the 1981 Heavy Metal Holocaust concert, and Stoke’s 2024 recognition as the World Capital of Ceramics. While Vale Park may be challenging to reach by train, the town offers excellent pubs like The Bulls Head, rich Potteries heritage, proximity to Alton Towers, local delicacy Staffordshire Oatcakes, and traditional football at one of England’s highest grounds. It’s a destination that combines football with cultural experiences and quality real ales, making it one of League One’s most underrated spots.
💛 Come On You Valiants! 🖤
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Port Vale FC: 01782 655 800 | port-vale.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 01782 655 800
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🍺 The Bulls Head: 14 St John’s Square, Burslem | titanicbrewery.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Stoke: visitstoke.co.uk
🎢 Alton Towers: 0871 222 3330 | altontowers.com
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💛 Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.