Visiting Middleport Pottery offers a glimpse into Stoke-on-Trent’s rich industrial past; take a guided tour, watch skilled potters at work, try a creative activity, and enjoy the peaceful canal-side setting.
Middleport Pottery is a Grade II* listed, working pottery factory in Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, and the UK’s last Victorian potbank in continuous production. Built in 1888–89 by Burgess & Leigh (now Burleigh Pottery), it has remained the home of Burleigh for over 130 years. Once facing closure, the site was saved and regenerated by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust. Today, visitors can enjoy factory tours, a heritage trail, a factory shop, and a range of monthly events and activities.
Entry fees and opening times
Middleport Pottery site is free to enter and parking is also free.
Open every day 10am-4pm.
What to expect
At Middleport Pottery, you can take part in a guided factory tour or follow a self-led heritage trail, enjoy a bite to eat at the Packing House Café, browse the independent shops along Port Street Range and Harper Street, and visit both the Middleport Pottery Gift Shop and the Burleigh Factory Shop.
Packing House Café and Tea Rooms
The tea rooms are located beside the historic Trent & Mersey Canal and offer a welcoming, dog-friendly and family-friendly space. Food is freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, with options available for special dietary requirements.
Middleport Pottery is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, with last food orders taken at 3pm.
Afternoon tea is also available, served on classic Burleigh Ware. Prices start from £21.95 per person, and booking is required.
Creative Studios at Middleport
There are also a number of independent studios to explore during your visit. These creative businesses are based in a peaceful courtyard setting:
- Darwin’s Dog Grooming
- Betty and Grace (personalised gifts)
- Gilders Wheel Gallery
- Muddy Publishing
- Canadian Pine Company
- Alex Allday Ceramics
- Burslem Pottery
Middleport Factory Tour
The guided factory tour is only suitable for adults and children over 8. It offers a fascinating look at the working Burleigh Factory, following the process from clay to cup and showcasing traditional pottery-making methods still in use today.
- Adults: £12
- Children (8+): £11
Events at Middleport Pottery
A wide variety of events are held throughout the year, from watercolour and glass workshops to theatrical performances and small community festivals.
Click here for up-to-date event information.
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