How to get to Westport Lake
Wherever you are in Britain, Westport Lake is easy to get to.
The nearest railway station is Longport Station, which is just a five-minute train from Stoke-on-Trent Station. From Longport Station, Westport Lake is just a 15-minute walk away, making it a convenient option for visitors travelling by train.
If you prefer the convenience of driving, the main car park is accessible via Westport Lake Road. This is just off the A500 at the Longport, Tunstall slip road (A5271).
Follow the signs to Davenport Street and turn left into Westport Lake Road. The visitor centre offers free parking next to it.
There are also several bus routes that serve the area you can take. The 94/94A and 99/99A buses stop every 30 minutes and drop you a short walk from the visitor centre on the A527.
Westport Lake Park is even accessible by the Westport Greenway and the Trent & Mersey Canal. This makes it possible to both walk and cycle into the centre.
What to do at Westport Lake
Westport Lake offers a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages. It is open year-round from 10:00 to 16:00.
The visitor centre is a great starting point for your visit. The centre includes the welcoming Westport Lake café with panoramic views of the lake, offering a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks. You can enjoy your refreshments inside or outside on the lakeside balcony.
The centre also hosts a regular programme of family activities during school holidays, alongside a children’s play area just outside. This means you can be sure there’s something to keep the little ones entertained.
The lake and surrounding grounds are perfect for a stroll, with a level footpath around the lake and a health walk around the conservation area. The trails are ideal for nature enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.
Bird watchers will be delighted by the variety of species found here, especially during migrations. Look out for the nuthatches, tufted ducks, greylag geese and many others. At the conservation area at the northern end of the site, you might also chance a sighting of a kingfisher.
About Westport Lake
Westport Lake was created alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal and is Stoke-on-Trent’s largest expanse of water. It is made up of two lakes and a nature reserve, making it a prime location for bird-watching and walking.
Originally developed as a pleasure resort in the late 19th century, it fell into disrepair before becoming one of Stoke's first regeneration projects in 1986. Today, it is managed in partnership between Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Stoke City Council.
It is a site of ecological importance in the UK as it is an overwintering site for many water birds. This means a range of unique and unusual species rely on Westport Lake during their migration.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Westport Lake
Booking early can help you save significantly on your train fare. By securing your tickets up to 12 weeks in advance, you can benefit from substantial discounts, sometimes up to 70% off.
Using a Railcard is another excellent way to save. Railcards offer up to a third off rail travel and are ideal for regular travellers looking to save on their journeys.
Get Ticket Alerts to stay updated on when the best fares are available. Setting up these alerts ensures you never miss out on the lowest prices for your train tickets.
Travelling Off-Peak is another great way to reduce costs. Off-Peak tickets are cheaper and allow for more flexible travel times, perfect for those not bound by a strict schedule.
Finally, save with Family Tickets or Group Tickets if you’re travelling with others. These can cut travel costs significantly, especially with children under five travelling for free.
Get the app
Booking your train tickets to Westport Lake through the Avanti app ensures you get the best deals available. The app offers a convenient seat picker, multiple payment options and exclusive discounts.
Download the app today to start planning your visit to Westport Lake and make the most of your journey.
