The Upper House
A Wedgwood family estate turned country hotel
About this hotel
The Upper House was built in 1845 for Josiah Wedgwood's grandson Francis Wedgwood, and the property still carries extensive period decoration and traditional character across its 24 en suite rooms, some with balconies where smoking is permitted. Two lounges, a real log fire for winter stays, a patio and a conservatory overlooking the gardens give the hotel a country-house rhythm rarely found this close to a theme park, and a full English breakfast is included in the room rate rather than charged separately. A lift serves all floors, useful for families managing luggage or a pushchair. The quiet, restful rural setting sits just a few miles south of Stoke-on-Trent, within easy reach of the A50 and M6 for the drive on to Alton Towers.
- Breakfast included
- 24 en suite rooms
- Period decoration
- Lift to all floors
Our take
This hotel suits families who want a genuine country-house stay with breakfast sorted, particularly those treating Alton Towers as one day within a longer, more relaxed break. It is a strong choice for a couple's anniversary trip that happens to include a family day at the waterpark, less so for a family wanting resort-style convenience right at the park gates.
- ✓Book a family-configured room specifically rather than a standard double, since the original 1845 layout varies significantly by room.
- ✓Take advantage of the included full English breakfast before the drive to Alton Towers rather than stopping en route.
- ✓Ask about balcony rooms if you want outdoor space, since smoking is permitted there but not elsewhere in the house.
Why we love it
- Former Wedgwood family residence
- Full breakfast included
- Two lounges with a log fire
- Gardens and a conservatory
Why guests love itFamilies booking The Upper House for an Alton Towers trip frequently highlight the included breakfast as a genuine convenience on the morning they want an early start, and the period character of the rooms as a memorable contrast to the theme park itself. The two lounges and log fire come up often from guests visiting outside summer. The main note families make is to confirm a family-appropriate room ahead of time, since the historic layout was not originally built around modern family configurations.