Living in Stone

Stone is a socially active town, where community life centres around the market square, local clubs, and societies. Events such as the Stone Food & Drink Festival, monthly farmers’ markets, and the summer Carnival highlight the area’s sociable and inclusive nature. The local community centre hosts a variety of classes and interest groups, while town parks serve as informal meeting places throughout the year.

Outdoor living is a real feature of Stone, with numerous walks along the Trent and Mersey Canal and through adjacent countryside. Westbridge Park and Victoria Park provide large green spaces for children, exercise, and communal activities. Many residents are involved in volunteering, sports teams, and charity projects, reflecting a genuine sense of neighbourliness.

Safety in Stone is generally perceived to be good, with the town boasting lower crime rates than many areas of similar size in the region. Policing is locally focused and visible, and neighbourhood watch initiatives across Stone contribute to a sense of reassurance for families and older residents.

Crime figures reflect mainly low-level incidents, and the area is often described as one where people feel safe walking both during the day and at night. Investment in community spaces, as well as targeted safety campaigns by Staffordshire Police, help to maintain Stone’s reputation as a secure place to live and raise a family.

Parking in Stone is relatively straightforward compared to larger town centres. The town has several public car parks, most of which are centrally located and offer both short and long-stay options. On-street parking is available in some residential areas, sometimes requiring a permit. The central high street and market square areas can get busy, especially during events and weekends, but overall congestion is typically low.

Road access is excellent. Stone lies at the intersection of the A34 and A51, providing smooth connections to Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, and the motorway network via Junction 14 of the M6. This ease of access makes Stone practical for road commuters and visitors alike.

Distances to nearby towns and cities:

• Stafford – approx. 8 miles (15–20 min) via A34
• Stoke-on-Trent – approx. 9 miles (15 min) via A34
• Newcastle-under-Lyme – approx. 12 miles (20 min) via A34
• Crewe – approx. 28 miles (35 min) via A51/A500

Stone is renowned for its independent food scene, drawing visitors with its annual Food & Drink Festival and host of well-regarded restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Options range from contemporary gastropubs and traditional alehouses to wine bars and stylish bistros. Notable venues include The Swan Inn, The Poste of Stone, and Little Seeds, each offering their own unique dining experiences. Locally owned bakeries and coffee shops cluster around the high street, offering atmospheric settings for a relaxed bite to eat.

Takeaway options range from classic fish and chips to Indian, Thai, and Italian cuisine. Nightlife in Stone leans towards sociable, relaxed evenings rather than late-night partying, with its focus on quality food, craft beers, and intimate venues. Occasional live music nights, food-focused events, and theatre performances at community venues add further social draw.

School quality: Stone is renowned for its well-rated primary and secondary schools, offering excellent academic options locally and making it attractive to families with children of all ages.

Parks and green spaces: The town is rich in parks such as Westbridge Park and has easy access to countryside, providing plenty of safe outdoor areas for play and recreation.

Childcare: A choice of nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders serve local families well, ensuring childcare options are both accessible and varied.

Safety: Low crime rates and a visible community police presence, combined with strong community ties, add to Stone’s family-friendly appeal.

Family activities: Regular events, local sports clubs, and activities at the community centre ensure that families can enjoy a busy social calendar and make the most of life in Stone.

Stone is particularly accommodating to pet owners, with a wide range of walking options provided by the canal towpaths, riverbanks, and surrounding countryside. Local parks are popular with dog walkers, while pet-friendly pubs, such as The Swan Inn, help ensure four-legged friends are welcome members of the community.

A number of local vets and pet shops serve Stone and the surrounding villages, offering healthcare and supplies with a personal touch. The general attitude among residents and landlords in Stone is open to pets, and many rental properties indicate a willingness to consider pets on application. Regular dog training classes, pet shows, and charity walks take place in the area, highlighting Stone’s strong pet-friendly credentials.

Stone’s central Staffordshire location makes it a sought-after spot for commuters. The town is served by Stone railway station, which sits on the Stafford to Stoke-on-Trent line, providing frequent direct services to both cities as well as to Crewe and London (via Stafford). Local bus networks connect Stone with surrounding villages and towns, while the nearby A34 and A51 link to key trunk roads.

The M6 motorway is only a short drive away, facilitating travel northward to Manchester and southward towards Birmingham. For air travel, Birmingham Airport is around 55 minutes by car, while Manchester Airport is about an hour’s drive.

Key commute times from Stone:

• Stafford – approx. 15 minutes by train, 20 minutes by car
• Stoke-on-Trent – approx. 20 minutes by train, 15 minutes by car
• Birmingham – approx. 1 hour by car (M6)
• Manchester – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car (M6)

The town’s walkable high street, local bus options, and canal paths offer alternatives for short journeys, giving Stone a pleasant, accessible feel for everyday life.

Schools in Stone are renowned for their quality, with a strong focus on both academic attainment and pupil wellbeing. The town’s educational offering caters well to families with children of all ages, including a selection of both mainstream and independent options.

Primary Schools: St. Dominic’s Catholic Primary School (Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, 2019) is highly regarded for its warm community feel. Christ Church CE First School, another popular choice, consistently receives positive feedback from parents and is rated ‘Good’. Pirehill First School and Walton Priory Middle School are also well-attended, both praised for dedicated staff and a strong curriculum.

Secondary Schools: The town’s principal feeder is Alleyne’s Academy, which offers education from age 13 to 18 and is recognised for its inclusive approach and ‘Good’ Ofsted rating (2023). The school also has a sixth form, making it a popular choice for ongoing education.

Colleges and Sixth Forms: Students seeking further education options often attend Stafford College or Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, both highly regarded locally, offering academic and vocational courses.

Universities: While Stone itself is not home to a university, it sits within easy reach of Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent) and Keele University, both accessible within 25–30 minutes by train or road and offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.