Alton Towers - what is nearby

[Claymoreiron]

My teenager wants me to take him and his mates to AT. It’s about an hour and an half away by car for us. I loathe theme parks so ideally I would drop them and spend the day elsewhere. Any suggestions?

thanks.

There are some lovely walks at Dimmingsdale, and a tea room there called The Rambler’s Rest.
Denstone Hall has a very good farm shop, cafe and gift shop.
Further afield, World of Wedgewood makes a nice day out.

I second Denstone farm shop in Denstone. It has a really nice café and food store. It does get really busy though, so maybe worth calling them to book a table.

Also be aware that traffic can be a nightmare getting to and from Alton Towers, so make sure you leave enough time to get back.

I’d venture in to Stoke-on-Trent. You can visit The World of Wedgwood in Barlaston, Middleport (where they film the pottery throw down) or Emma Bridgewood’s factory and cafe - they do lovely lunches there.

Dovedale is also nice for a walk around if you want some fresh air or Trentham Gardens. You need to pay to walk round the gardens but the alpine village shops are nice for a mooch as is the Blue Diamond garden centre there.

Thank you all