5 Must-visit Spots in Your Stoke-on-Trent Pottery Adventure
2021-05-27
There is so much for your family to do on a trip to Stoke-on-Trent, from day trips and outdoor adventures like the Monkey Forest or Alton Towers theme park to rainy day activities like Waterworld, the UK's Number one aqua park, or The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
Wondering what should be the first thing on your must-visit list? Let us help you. We recommend: ‘Stoke-on-Trent potteries.’
Almost all of us have a passion for pottery and the itch to shape clay on a potter’s wheel. So why not give it a go?
The hands-on pottery experience in one of the many pottery studios in Stoke-on-Trent gives you the chance to throw your own pot or create your ceramic design.
It is great fun for the whole family. There really is something for everyone. The kids will take a fantastic pottery adventure. They can find out about all the steps of the long process their favourite cartoon mug goes through to reach their coffee table. They will have an entertaining experience to learn about the history and tradition of a time-honoured craft and try a new skill.
While the adults treat themselves to a therapy session to detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of modern life, express their inner artist and relieve stress.
Besides, you can have your custom-designed pottery pieces packed and take them home. There is so much joy in making use of the mugs or pots made or decorated by yourself.
Stoke-on-Trent, Ceramic Capital of the UK
Stoke-on-Trent is a city in Staffordshire, central England. Due to the availability of clay and coal in North Staffordshire, the city became a centre of ceramic and pottery since the 17th century. It is still the home of the pottery industry.
Located 50 miles south of Manchester and only 134 miles away from London (taking an average of 2 hours by train and 3h by car), Stoke-on-Trent can be counted as one of the greatest spots for a weekend staycation.
5 Must-visit Stoke-on-Trent Pottery Sites
1. Moorcroft
Moorcroft has been an art pottery manufacturer since 1897. During its guided factory tours, Moorcroft expert leaders provide you with comprehensive information about all of the aspects of making Moorcroft pottery, which are the same as they were hundred years ago.
The tour takes approximately 60 minutes and costs £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children.
You can also visit Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre Shop and pick unique pieces among their wide selection of pottery.
Moorcroft Factory tours will recommence in summer 2021, but do not forget to read their COVID-19 guidelines and book at least two weeks in advance through an inquiry form on moorcroft.com or calling +44(0)1782 820515.
2. World of Wedgwood
Most areas of World of Wedgwood will be opening on Wednesday 19 May. Visit their factory and get acquainted with this world-renowned brand’s production processes and techniques with over 260 years of heritage.
Besides taking factory tours in World of Wedgwood, you can try hands-on pottery at Master Craft Studio or get creative and design a long-lasting keepsake in the Decorating Studio. You can also relax in the contemporary tearoom or the dining hall and buy souvenirs at Wedgwood Store and factory outlet.
Factory tours are available from Monday to Friday, cost £10 for adults, and are free for children under 12.
Pot throwing at the Master Craft Studio costs £15 per person (includes firing and postage to UK mainland address), and the prices for designing your own piece of Wedgwood starts from £17.50. guided collection tours are £5.00 per person.
3. Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater was founded in 1984 by Emma Rice CBE, née Bridgewater, when she failed to find the cup and saucer, she was looking for her mother’s birthday gift. She created her own pottery as a result and continued this job until her ceramics manufacturing company became one of the largest pottery producers in the UK.
Take a factory tour to explore what’s behind Emma Bridgewater world of patterns and find out about the production process of famous polka dots touched by 30 pairs of hands.
Just like Emma, design and order your customised gifts from their personalised collection, which can be of any pattern, any shape and even printed on any side for your left-handed friends.
Treat yourself to a special breakfast served in Emma Bridgewater tableware at their cosy cafe before heading to your ceramics decorating adventure.
Decorate your own mug, plate, or bowl and have it glazed and fired in about two weeks and receive a 10% discount in the Gift Shop.
Their shops reopen on Monday 12th April and the cafe and decorating studio on Monday 17th May.
4. Middleport Pottery
Built in 1888, Middleport Pottery has been the home of Burleigh, of Burgess and Leigh brand since 1889. It is still an active pottery protected for its historic significance and a popular visitor destination run by the United Kingdom Historic Building Preservation Trust.
There’s plenty to see and do during your visit. You can take a tour around the working factory to learn all about the history of pottery and find out about Burleigh’s unique tissue transfer crafting skill that is not found anywhere else in the world.
Visit Europe’s largest collection of ceramic moulds, roughly 15000 moulds dating back to the 19th century and the Victorian era.
Take a stroll around the Middleport studios and refresh at the Middleport Pottery café and the tearooms before you head off to the visitor centre and the Burleigh factory shop.
Visit Middle port from 11 am and 1.45 pm Monday to Thursday, and 10.30 am on Fridays but don’t forget to pre-book by calling +44(0)1782 499766. Email inquiries to info@middleportpottery.org.
You must pay £9.50 for adults and £8.00 for under 18s, students, senior citizens and local residents.
5. Gladstone Pottery Museum
Familiarise yourself with the history of Stoke-on-Trent in the Victorian era and the pottery industry by visiting the only complete factory of genuine pottery.
Give yourself a chance to test your talents at throwing a pot painting ceramics or bone china flower making.
Take a stroll at the cobbled courtyard and feel what life was like for people working and living in the world’s pottery industry capital. Don’t miss the development process of ceramic tiles over the years exhibited in the tile gallery and the history of toilets in Flushed With Pride.
The museum will re-open for pre-booked visits on Tuesday 18th May. Book your visit ahead of time by calling 01782237777 and check their guidelines for planning your visit during COVID-19.
Admission prices for Gladstone are £7.75 for adults and £5.40 for children (4 – 16 years). You are also required to pay for throwing a pot or ceramic pieces to paint.
For more Stoke-on-Trent Pottery experiences, you can also visit:
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Spode Museum Trust Heritage Centre
What’s there Besides Pottery?
Want to see more of Stoke-on-Trent? Get on the Little Longton Bottle Oven Bus Tour to see the remaining bottle-ovens in Longton on a free sightseeing tour around the town on a historic double-decker bus.
Tours leave Gladstone at 10.30 am 12noon, 2 and 3.30 pm.
Where to stay in Stoke-on-Trent?
With so many sights and attractions, factories, museums and shops, there is so much to see and do for all family members in Stoke-on-Trent Pottery world. It’s not a good idea to dash around in a short visit instead of making a memorable tranquil break.
Find places to stay among a wide variety of budget hotels, homelike bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals of every sort from charming rural cottages to stylish city apartments. Check out Hanley Park House, Forest Park House, The Fenton Lodge provided by Payman Club for the best-rate accommodation.
Pottery has been around since the time of ancient tribes of men but is still one of the well-liked human inventions and forms of art. There is plenty to learn about pottery. It is a means to define cultures and a peaceful ritual to provoke your sense of creativity.
Not only pottery enthusiasts but also everyone should try the exceptional experience of stepping onto a potter’s wheel to try their hands at pot throwing. It would be an unforgettable adventure, especially for the kids who have real fun while keeping the learning up over the school holidays.
Satisfy your craving for clay and plan a visit to the city for this weekend!
