The two-year pilot scheme, which has been funded with £100,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to showcase Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage to visitors, local residents, schools and community groups and highlight the city as a cultural destination.

Starting at the Spode Works site and ending at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, the self-led trail takes around one-hour to complete on foot. Other locations featuring in the trail include Stoke Minster Church, Winton Square, Beresford Street, Hanley Park and St Mark’s Church in Shelton.

Participants will be able to take in each of the sites with a physical or digital map which highlights the historical relevance of each location.

The final heritage trail will be launched in March 2025 but people are now being encouraged to walk the route set out in this pilot phase and provide their feedback.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The Living Heritage City Trail will connect the archives and collections of our museums to our buildings and communities in Stoke and Hanley.

“We want to work in partnership with local communities, organisations and our partners to develop this trail and showcase the rich history of the city.

“This is a pilot scheme which is very much in its early stages, so we are now looking for feedback. It’s a self-guided trail, so I would encourage everyone to do it in their own time, tell us their thoughts and share their stories.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this project develops over the next couple of years and eventually launching the final trail in 2025.”

Maps are available at distribution points along the route including The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Spode Museum, Stoke Library and the Civic Centre. A digital version can also be downloaded from the website.

For more information about the trail, or leave your feedback, visit: www.visitstoke.co.uk/livingheritagecity

(Main image Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, outside Stoke Minster Church.)