![Westport Lake Visitor Centre panorama](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_default/public/2018-06/ME1_5302.jpg?h=98bde24e&itok=JKWKRAu_)
Westport Lake Visitor Centre
A sad farewell
Sadly, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will leave Westport Lake Visitor Centre at the end of September. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly but it’s one we’ve had to make because we are not able to operate the cafe and conferencing facilities profitably.
We’ve given notice to the owners, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, that we will be leaving and understand they will be going to tender to find new occupants. Staff are aware and are being supported through this transitional period. Volunteers are also aware.
We’d like to thank the many customers and those who have visited us over the years. While we've leased the centre, Stoke-on-Trent City Council have always continued management of the surrounding site, supported by a team of incredible volunteers. We're sure the lake and its wildlife will continue to provide joy to the local community regardless of the centre's future purpose or occupants.
We’ll remain in Stoke through various projects. This includes running various activities and events, along with our community and conservation work in the Trent Valley, with huge investment in environmental improvements in the area. Should an alternative suitable site become available to us in future, we’d love to have a base in the city again.
A brew with a view
We'll continue to serve food and hot drinks in the cafe until we leave at the end of September and would love to welcome you...
Our balcony offers an incredible view over the lake as the Visitor Centre is situated right on the edge of Westport Lake, a great spot for bird-watching and walking. It is the perfect place to visit for families, walkers and nature lovers.
- 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
- The lake and surrounding grounds, which are looked after by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 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 - the conservation area at the northern end of the site is home to many animals including kingfishers and dragonflies.
- There is a children's play area by the visitor centre, which is managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Opening times
10am to 4pm daily
Toilets:
There are toilets in the visitor centre. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities can be used from a seated position.
Other facilities and services
Conference facilities: There is a room available for hire at the Westport Lake Visitor Centre for meetings, conferences and other functions.
Contact:
Tel: 01782 826985
Parking:
There is a car park next to the visitor centre managed by Stoke City Council.
Getting there:
Postcode: ST6 4RZ
By car: The main car park is off Westport Lake Road, Longport, Stoke-on-Trent. Leave the A500 at the Longport, Tunstall slip road (A5271). At the mini roundabout take first exit for Davenport Street, turn left into Westport Lake Road. It is also served by the Westport Greenway and the Trent & Mersey Canal.
By bus: Westport Lake Visitor Centre is a short walk from the bus stops on the A527. The 94/94A and 99/99A both stop every 30 minutes.
By rail: Westport Lake is served by Stoke station, just 5 miles away, while Longport Rail is just 1 mile from the Centre.
By bicycle: We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Westport Lake Visitor Centre is easily accessible by bicycle, being adjacent to National Route 5. Please visit the National Cycle Network website to plan your route: www.sustrans.org.uk