The Icky Picky

The Icky Picky sits just outside Stoke-on-Trent and is exactly the sort of low-key leisure spot that works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Luzlow or Holly Grove Farm - the kind of place where you can kill a couple of hours without breaking the bank or your schedule.

It's primarily a soft play and adventure centre, so if you've got under-tens in tow, this is where they'll burn off energy while you grab a coffee. The setup is fairly standard - climbing frames, slides, ball pits, that sort of thing - but it does the job well enough. Parents consistently rate it as decent value, which counts for something in this market.

The real question is whether it's worth planning a whole trip around. Honestly, no. It's a rainy-day filler or a morning activity if you're based nearby, not a destination in itself. Older kids will likely get bored within an hour, and there's not much for adults beyond supervising.

If you're caravan-hopping in the Potteries area and the weather turns, it's absolutely fine. Combine it with a walk around Hanley Park or a pottery visit in Stoke itself, and you've got a reasonable day. Just don't expect anything more than a functional soft play venue. Check their current opening hours and prices before you go - these things change seasonally and websites aren't always bang up to date.