Stoke is located in North Staffordshire and its history is closely linked with the country's pottery industry. The area is known as 'The Potteries' and Stoke-on-Trent remains the leader in the nation's ceramics industry. The city is also close to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Leek and Kidsgrove, while the picturesque Peak district is within easy driving distance.
Stoke-on-Trent has plenty to attract visitors. Its association with the pottery and ceramics industries makes the area particularly popular and the city boasts a number of ceramics museums including the famous Wedgwood Museum. Alton Towers, the leading family entertainment and leisure facility, is also close to the area. Another attraction to entice visitors is the 'Staffordshire Hoard', a treasure trove of Anglo Saxon artefacts claimed to be worth over £3 million. Stoke is also home to its own 'Stoke Beer and Cider Festival' that is held in October.
Stoke-on-Trent has two professional football clubs. Stoke City is one of the top teams in the country and plays at the plush Britannia Stadium while local rivals Port Vale are based at Vale Park. Fenton Manor Sports Complex is a major sports and leisure complex in the region, complete with sports halls, gym and fitness facilities.
The city's history and economy is closely entwined with the pottery and ceramics industry and it remains the largest producer of clay ware on the planet. The area has, however, diversified and its industry now includes rubber and chemical works, paper mills, textiles engineering and electronics. The city is also a leading producer of tyres. Thousands of jobs have also been created at the Festival Retail Park.