Longton Library

Longton Library sits in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent's pottery district, a proper working library that serves the local community rather than playing at being a tourist attraction. You'll find the usual suspects - a decent lending collection, computers for public use, and a quiet space to read if you need escape from the caravan site. The building itself is functional rather than fancy, which somehow makes it more appealing than the heritage libraries that treat themselves like museums.

Worth visiting? Only if you're genuinely after a book or fancy an hour of peace with a cup of tea in a British library. Kids might find the children's section entertaining on a rainy afternoon, but this isn't a destination in itself. What it does offer is a real glimpse of how Stoke residents spend their time - no Instagram backdrops, just bookshelves and locals catching up on the newspapers.

Admission is free and there's no time limit, though the opening hours aren't widely advertised, so ring ahead before you visit. If you're based at Stone Wall Farm CL or Springfields Countryside Caravan and Camping Park, both within five miles, it's a useful pit stop between exploring the potteries and countryside walks. Pair it with a wander around Longton's pottery heritage sites for a proper understanding of what made this town tick.