The Potteries Staffordshire
Including Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap'
5 day holiday - Sunday 28th February 2027
Highlights...
- Wedgewood Pottery
- Spode Museum
- 75th Anniversary
Join us for a fascinating and enjoyable journey into the heart of Britain’s pottery heritage, discovering the unique character of Stoke on Trent and the six towns that make up the historic Potteries. For more than 300 years, this corner of Staffordshire has been at the forefront of British ceramics. Generations of talented craftsmen and women have created beautiful pottery here; famous names include Wedgwood, Spode, Royal Doulton and Emma Bridgewater, all of which are recognised around the world. Our stay at the Doubletree by Hilton offers an ideal base to explore some of these places, and a wonderful opportunity to step behind the scenes and discover how these much-loved ceramics were made. From the atmospheric Gladstone Pottery Museum where the sights, sounds and stories of a traditional pottery come to life, to the magnificent collections at Wedgwood and Spode; plenty to explore and enjoy!
Our visits all provide time to admire exquisite craftsmanship, hear captivating stories and perhaps reminisce about treasured pieces of pottery from years gone by. With its rich history, remarkable creativity and a typical warm Staffordshire welcome, the Potteries provide us with a delightful setting for a memorable few days of discovery, friendship and shared experience!
DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke ★ ★ ★ ★
Nestled on the historic grounds of Etruria Hall, the DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke on Trent seamlessly blends 18th-century heritage with modern luxury, offering a tranquil retreat just minutes from the vibrant heart of the Potteries. The hotel boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a state-of-the-art gym, as well as the sophisticated Giosia’s. There is lift access to all rooms. The contemporary king size rooms include the following comforts: 50-inch HDTV, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, an iron/ironing board, and a laptop safe. All rooms have a walk-in shower (with small step). If you require a bath please enquire on booking as these cannot be guaranteed. Each morning begins with a full English or continental breakfast buffet in the hotel, and each evening our group dinesv together with a three-course dinner and two glasses of wine, beer or soft drink included.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday 28th February
Your holiday begins from the moment we collect you from your home. A door-to-door car transfers you to our meeting point at the Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross. The Cultural Breaks Tour Managers, who will be with you throughout the holiday, will welcome you and there will be tea or coffee and pastries served as the group arrives. From there, the coach heads north with a lunch stop along the way. On arrival at our hotel, your Tour Managers will assist with check-in and porterage is on hand to help you settle in, before our three-course evening meal.
Day 2 – Monday 1st March
Today we will start our exploration of the Potteries by stepping into the charming world of Wedgwood, where more than 265 years of craftsmanship and creativity come to life. Our day begins with an exclusive factory tour, which offers a behind-the- scenes glimpse into the skill and artistry involved in creating Wedgwood’s renowned ceramics. We will
then enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the Wedgwood Tea Room. Following lunch, we will explore the magnificent V&A Wedgwood Collection, home to one of the finest collections of Wedgwood treasures in the world. Discover exquisite pieces, fascinating stories and the remarkable legacy of Josiah Wedgwood. The coach then returns us to the hotel for our evening meal.
Day 3 – Tueday 2nd March
Today we are joined by our Blue Badge Guide who is passionate about ceramics and the rich history of the potteries, for a day of exploration. The knowledge shared will help us discover how through skill, innovation and business acumen the potters of Stoke on Trent made pottery that crossed the Globe. Find out about how each individual Potteries town developed its own skills and how the ingenuity of a few great potters created ceramics which were desired around the world. We will stop at Trentham Gardens for some free time, where lunch will be at your own cost, giving you a choice of where you would like to pop in to eat and an opportunity to explore the shopping village, before continuing our coach tour.
Day 4 – Wednesday 3rd March
Our first excursion today gives us a chance to explore the enthralling story of Spode, one of Britain’s most celebrated pottery manufacturers. We will have a knowledgeable volunteer guide – who actually worked in the original Spode factory for 20 years before becoming a volunteer. Our guide has a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure an informative and engaging tour through the history of Spode and the Museum, as well as special access to the Blue Room! After lunch at the hotel, the coach transfers us to the Regent Theatre for the matinee of The Mousetrap – 75th anniversary show, where the Tour Managers will assist with finding your seat in the stalls. After the show, the coach takes us back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 5 - Thursday 4th March
After breakfast, your Tour Managers oversee check-out and ensure all luggage is loaded before departure. Before we depart Stoke on Trent we will take the opportunity to explore Gladstone Pottery Museum, the UK's only completely preserved Victorian pottery factory—offers a fascinating window into industrial heritage. We will then head to our lunch stop for a two-course farewell lunch with tea or coffee included. From there we continue to our meeting point at the Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross for refreshments. Your Tour Managers will remain on hand until every guest has been
collected by their door-to-door car.
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,995 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
30th November 2026
Whats Included:
• Return door to door car service
• Coach travel throughout the holiday
• Four nights at the 4-Star Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
• 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks every night
• Full English or continental breakfast buffet every morning
• Lunch with coffee or tea on days 1,2 and 4 – Day 3 at own expense
• 2-course farewell lunch on the last day
• Refreshments on the first and final day at the Bull Hotel
• All Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
• Wedgwood Factory and Collection Tour
• History Coach Tour with a Blue Badge Guide
• Trentham Shopping Village
• Spode Museum
• The Mousetrap at The Regent Theatre – Best Stalls Seating
• Gladstone Pottery
• The services of your Tour Managers throughout your stay
• Gratuities & V.A.T.
Upgrades: Upgrade to a Deluxe Room £120
The minimum number required for this holiday is 11.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
