Frequently asked questions at Middleport Pottery,… | Re-form

Middleport Pottery Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to provide as much assistance as possible to make your experience visiting Middleport Pottery memorable.

Why not take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you plan your visit.

If you have any further questions before your visit email info@re-form.org or feel free to speak to our team in the Visitor Centre during your visit.

General FAQs

Q - What are your opening hours?

A - We are open 10am – 4pm every day.

Q - What are the Burleigh Factory Shop opening hours?

A - Burleigh Factory shop is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Q - What are the Port Street Range & Harper Street studio opening hours?

A - Each studio has different opening hours. Please click here to view their opening hours

Q- Are dogs allowed on site?

A - Yes, we welcome all well-behaved dogs on lead on-site.

Q - Is the site and experience child-friendly?

A - Our Heritage Trail is suitable for both children and adults, with under 5's going free. We also have takeaway clay which can be purchased from the Visitor Centre so your child can take it home and create something of their own. We also have a colouring activity in the Davenport Gallery where you will find colouring pencils and free colouring sheets.

Q - Can I moor a narrowboat?

A - Yes, during opening hours. Please take a look at our virtual map to see where you can moor, Middleport Pottery is one of many fantastic sites you can stop at along the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Q - Can we purchase Burleigh Pottery on-site?

A - Yes, Burleigh have a factory shop on-site, where you can purchase from a full range of ceramics all made right here at Middleport. For opening hours click here

Q - Do you have toilet facilities on site?

A - Yes we have including disabled toilets, shower rooms and baby changing facilities. As part of the current Harper Street regeneration project, a 'Changing Places' toilet is being built on-site. We will announce this when it is open for public use.

Q - Is there a cafe on-site? Do I need to book a table in advance?

A - Yes we have a café, you do not need to make a booking at present.

Q - Is there a picnic area?

A - We have picnic tables on site. They are located by the entrance on the site or by the canal and are accessible through the car park.

Q - Am I allowed to take photos while on-site?

A - Yes, for your own personal use.

Q - What protective measures do you have in place?

A - Masks are not mandatory but we would prefer them to be worn in busy indoor spaces. We have washing or sanitisation facilities throughout the site and all our team are following social distancing measures.

Q - What clothing/shoes should I wear for the visit?

A - Sturdy shoes are recommended due to the cobbles on site.

Q - Is smoking allowed on site?

A - We do not have any designated smoking area on site.

Booking and Tickets

Q - Do I need a ticket to visit the site?

A - The site itself is free to visitors who wish to use the Tea Room or visit the retail areas. Tickets can be purchased on-site for the Heritage Trail.

Q - Do you offer concessions?

A - Over 65s, under 18s and students are concessions, under 5s free. Carers are able to access the site for free when accompanying a person with a disability.

Q - What payment methods do you accept?

A - Cash and credit and debit cards are accepted.

Q - I have an annual pass do I need to book to visit?

A - Not for Heritage Trail but you do need to book factory tours.

Q - Can I buy tickets for the Heritage Trail on-site or is it pre-booked only?

A - Tickets can be purchased on-site, no prior booking is required. They can also be purchased online to be used for a visit in the following 12 months.


Parking and Accessibility

Q - Is there lift access to the upper floors?

A - There is lift access to all rooms except the Arden Mezzanine.

Q - Is the site wheelchair-friendly?

A - Yes, although bumpy due to cobbles. There is lift access to Victorian offices, but the bath house is not accessible. Wheelchairs are unfortunately not allowed in the factory.

Q - How do you reach Middleport Pottery if you aren’t travelling by car?

A - Take a train to Longport Station. We aren't located on a very good bus route so taxi may be the easiest option to get here. We are approximately a 15 minute walk from Longport Station which includes part of the canal.

Q - What parking facilities do you have?

A - We have one car park next to the factory shop and a disabled car park opposite. There are also car parks in the next street.

Q- How can you access the site by foot?

A - If you wish there is a nice cycle route that brings you to our site, we have bicycle racks in the car park. The canal offers a wonderful walk to the site and you can walk to and from Etruria and Westport Lake. The Steelite Bridge across the canal is not accessible to the public. You will need to use the public bridge to the south to access the site from the opposite side of the canal

Q - Do you offer accessibility aids?

A - We have a lift to the first floor and a stair lift to the lodge. Disabled toilets, shower room and baby changing facilities are all available on site.