Planning a trip to Stoke-on-Trent

Getting There

It's a direct train ride of 1 1/2 hours to Stoke-on-Trent from London's Euston Station. Trains make half-hourly departures daily. For schedules and information, call tel. 0845/748-4950 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Seven direct National Express buses leave London's Victoria Coach Station daily for the 4- to 5-hour trip to Stoke. Many others make a detour to Birmingham. For information, call tel. 0871/781-81-81 (www.nationalexpress.com).

By car from London, drive along the M1 to the M6 to the A500 at Junction 15. It will take you 2 to 3 hours by car.

Visitor Information

The Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre, Bagnall Street, Cultural Quarter, Stoke-on-Trent (tel. 01782/236000; www.visitstoke.co.uk), is open Monday to Saturday 9:15am to 5:15pm. You can pick up a "China Experience" visitor map, noting most potteries, shops, and museums in the area.