Short explainer
Stoke-on-Trent is surrounded by countryside, country parks and semi-rural villages, giving buyers options if they want more green space while staying within easy reach of the city and major roads.
Some of the best-known local spots include:
- Park Hall Country Park: Situated on the edge of the city, Park Hall offers sandstone canyons, lakes, heathland and woodland, and is designated as Stoke-on-Trent's only National Nature Reserve.
- Apedale Community Country Park: On the Newcastle-under-Lyme side, Apedale provides hundreds of acres of reclaimed countryside, walking routes, wildlife and a heritage centre.
- Biddulph Grange Country Park: To the north, this 73-acre country park includes woodland, meadows and a lake, and sits close to the famous Biddulph Grange Gardens.
- Trentham Estate & Gardens: Just south of the city, Trentham offers formal gardens, lakeside walks, woodland and the well-known Monkey Forest attraction.
- Westport Lake & local parks: Westport Lake and other local parks such as Longton Park and Hanley Park provide easier, day-to-day green escapes.
For buyers, areas close to these parks — such as parts of Trentham, Milton, Baddeley Green, Biddulph and the outskirts of Newcastle-under-Lyme — can offer a more semi-rural lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of central Stoke-on-Trent, major employers and the A500/M6 network.
Tip: When viewing homes near country parks, consider walking routes, parking pressure on busy days and travel times back into the city.