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25 pairs of hands - one piece of Burleighware

The Middleport Pottery factory tour is unique. It offers the chance to see Burleigh pottery being made using the same handcraft methods as in the 1880s. Each piece of Burleigh ware goes through 25 pairs of hands. The tour will lead you through each stage of production in sequence, showing how a lump of clay is transformed into a finished piece of pottery including the unique method of decoration, underglaze 'tissue-transfer' - the only place in the world where this technique is still being used. You will also see 'Duchess', our fully restored steam engine which once powered the whole factory.

Prices

Adult £9.50

Concessions - £8.00

Under 18s, Students (with a student card); senior citizens (over 65)

Please note: Under 8s Not permitted on tours

Click Here To Book Tickets

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING

Each tour lasts for around one hour. Tours MUST be booked in advance.

Tours of the factory run from Monday – Thursday at 11am and 1.45pm, and on Fridays at 10.30am only. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour starts to avoid disappointment.

We regret that children under 8 are not permitted on factory tours.

There are no tours at weekends or on bank holidays as the factory is closed during this time.




ACCESS

- The tour is of a working factory which can be noisy in places.

- Due to the age of the building, there are some small, potential trip hazards.

- Access to the factory is via cobbled walkways.

- There are four sizeable staircases and several smaller steps, some of which are narrow and steep.

- There is no seating on the way around.

- Access to some areas of the factory tours for those with mobility needs is possible with alternative tours available. Please contact us in advance to discuss. 01782 499766

- We regret that Factory Tours are unsuitable for wheelchair users.

GET IN TOUCH

ALL MEMBERS RECEIVE A FREE TOUR

All members receive a FREE TOUR, unlimited heritage access and 10% off purchases*. From as little as £15 for an individual membership and £30 for a family of four, you can enjoy our member benefits and help create a future for heritage.

BECOME A MEMBER

Fancy a brew?

Situated at the heart of Middleport Pottery, Totally Delicious' Tea Room serves freshly made coffee, a wide variety of teas, and a selection of juices and soft drinks.

Many ingredients are locally sourced. (There’s always a good choice of vegetarian dishes and some gluten-free treats too).

There is outdoor seating where you can enjoy views of the picturesque Trent and Mersey Canal and inside there are leather sofas and a wood burning stove.


Shopping

Middleport Pottery is home to some of the region's best talent. Handcrafted gifts can be purchased from Burleigh Factory Shop, FourMakers at Number 4, Burslem Pottery, Master Potter Jon French, Emma Bailey Ceramics, Canadian Pine, Potteries Images and Clay College.