Stone

Stone is an old market town exactly halfway between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford and so if work takes you to either of these places, your new home will be in an ideal location. Over the years it’s reinvented itself, and the Trent & Mersey Canal that used to be its commercial lifeline, is now a fantastic leisure feature for the town. A lifestyle of longboats, towpath walks, rejuvenated dock buildings, and of course some classic canal-side pubs, have all played their part in Stone’s new reputation as a food and drink hotspot, showcased by the Stone Food & Drink Festival in October.

Living in Stone

Getting the shopping

The town has all the usual supermarkets for your weekly shop, including an M & S Foodhall and an M & S Simply Food. As well as a good range of shops in the town centre, there’s a much-loved Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of every month and busy town markets every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. In keeping with its foodie reputation, this is also a great place for world-food restaurants, so you won’t be short of ideas. The town centre is pedestrianised for much of the day, which makes it a great environment for shopping.

Getting around

The M5 passes Stone just to the west, whilst the A34 and A51 link together as they pass through the town. Stone’s train station connects to the West Coast Main Line, in turn connecting all the major centres of the North West and the Midlands. You’ll be equidistant from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Birmingham Airport for international and domestic flights. First Potteries, Select Bus and Bennett’s Travel operate a range of bus services to and from the town.

Going to school

A three-tier school system is in place here, with two middle schools in addition to the range of primary schools. Alleyne’s Academy is the local secondary school.

Enjoying yourself

Stone has got a lovely modern leisure centre. It’s in Westbridge Park to the south of the town. Flip Out Stoke is an action-packed venue for all ages so it’s good to have up your sleeve for a rainy day. Of course, there’s always the canal, and the River Trent too, for boat trips, walks or just for watching the colourful longboats go by.