Westport Lake Visitor Centre

About

Westport Lake, created alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal, is Stoke-on-Trent’s largest expanse of water and consists of two lakes, and a nature reserve.  It’s one of the best places in the area for bird-watching and walking.  It has come a long way since its initial development as a pleasure resort by a local farmer around 1890 then it descended into a wasteland until becoming one of Stoke's first regeneration projects in 1986.   It is now run in partnership between Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Stoke City Council.

The Visitor Centre boasts a welcoming cafe with panoramic views of the water and it is the perfect place to visit for families, walkers and nature lovers.   The lake and surrounding grounds are ideal for a stroll. There is a good, level footpath of around one mile around the lake, and a health walk around the conservation area.

Look out for wildlife! 

Westport Lake is an important overwintering site for many water birds and unusual species are known to stop-off at the lake during migration. The conservation area at the northern end of the site is home to many animals including kingfishers and dragonflies.

Our friendly cafe offers a wide range of hot and cold snacks and drinks, which can be enjoyed inside or outside on the lakeside balcony.

There is a regular programme of family activities at the visitor centre during the school holidays and a children's play area by the visitor centre,