Café · Stoke-on-Trent
Tucked into the Churnet Valley, this is the kind of find you'd walk past if you didn't know it was there — and the setting does a lot of the work with children in tow. There's plenty of outdoor space with shade, huts you can shut yourselves away in, and signed woodland walks right from the door to burn off the fidgets before or after. Food is made to order but comes out quickly, with Staffordshire oatcakes, generous sandwiches and a lemon meringue people genuinely rave about. Staff stay calm and friendly even when it's heaving. Two honest snags: it gets very busy, so expect a queue or book ahead in peak season, and the lanes getting there are narrow. Free parking, high chairs, a kids' menu and buggy access make the logistics easy.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
Cracking Thai food minutes from Alton Towers, with a garden, free parking, high chairs and staff who make a fuss of children.
A mid-range Stoke-on-Trent restaurant with a kids' menu and outdoor seating, making family mealtimes that bit easier.
A well-liked Stoke-on-Trent pub with outdoor seating and reasonable prices, rated 4.5 stars by nearly 900 happy visitors.