This historic region is anchored by bustling Birmingham, the UK's second largest city, known for its excellent culinary scene, cultural offerings, and labyrinthine canals. The unmissable heart of "The Potteries" is Stoke-on-Trent, a city steeped in beautiful ceramics, family fun, and a vibrant food scene. Nestled between Birmingham and Manchester on the banks of the River Trent, Stoke-on-Trent is recognized by the World Crafts Council as a "World Craft City" for its ceramics production. Visitors looking to connect with its pottery heritage can take a factory tour of Middleport Pottery, one of the city's last working Victorian potteries still using original techniques. For family fun, pop into a pottery studio and get creative spinning clay confections.