At the heart of the Trent and Mersey Canal is a town with a long history that was truly put on the map during the Industrial Revolution.
The history of Stone in Staffordshire stretches back to the Bronze Age, and according to local legend, the town got its name from a 7th-century Saxon burial site where stones were placed over the graves of the sons of an Anglo-Saxon king.
The River Trent runs through the town and was used as far back as Roman times, although only limited cargo could pass through the narrow passageway. In the 18th-century, a canal was built to connect the Mersey and Trent rivers, turning the town into a lively trading hub. Today, many reminders of that era remain in the town, from its weekly market to its local pottery and historic architecture.
And one attraction in the town drew attention last year after winning the prestigious Overall Great British Pub of the Year and Best Town Pub titles at the Great British Pub Awards. Crown Wharf was built in 2019, finally opening its doors two years later, but you wouldn’t think it was a new building. Crafted from recycled and reclaimed materials, the pub has a cosy and rustic vibe.
But this canalside pub isn’t just a place to enjoy a pint, although there are plenty of ales to choose from. It’s also home to the community-led Crown Wharf Theatre, which offers a range of shows and events for all ages, from hosting local talent to film screenings. It also hosts community arts and heritage events, putting it at the heart of the town.
Beer lovers should also look out for tours of local Lymestone Brewery, a family-owned microbrewery in town that produces a range of award-winning independent beers. On selected dates, there are evening tours available of this working brewery where you can see the manufacturing process and sample lots of different brews.
A historic high street runs through the town centre with cobbled streets and beautifully preserved Victorian buildings. Here you’ll find a range of independent shops sitting alongside high street branches and cosy pubs. Market Square hosts Stone Farmers Market on the First Saturday of every month except January, and the area is packed with trucks selling international cuisine alongside stalls selling locally produced food.
There’s an easy walk that covers Stone town centre and the canal, and here you’ll see the colourful boats gliding along the water and the imposing brick buildings that sprung up during the industrial revolution. You can even hire a canal boat for a short break if you want to take to the water yourself.
Just outside of town is the National Trust site Downs Banks, a heath and woodland area where you can enjoy rugged country walks and wide-reaching views across Staffordshire.
A short drive away is the Trentham Estate, the ruins of a manor house which sit among 725 acres of countryside. You can still see some of the grand structure such as the entrance to the grand hall which escaped the demolition. Nowadays, the land is home to the Monkey Forest, a unique sanctuary where the monkeys roam freely and visitors can spot them hiding among the trees.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
