The pottery from the canal side.
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Middleport Pottery

4.6
·2k reviews·Middleport, United Kingdom

Historic Victorian pottery, home to Burleigh, featured in 'Peaky Blinders'. Explore craft, heritage, and canalside charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere, artisan fairs

CrowdMedium
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The pottery from the canal side.

Middleport Pottery

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere, artisan fairs

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Victorian pottery, home to Burleigh, featured in 'Peaky Blinders'. Explore craft, heritage, and canalside charm.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A fantastic venue all around and I hope to be back again soon!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Heritage Tour

Essential for understanding Burleigh's craft. Book ahead!

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy great coffee & cake by the canal. Breakfast is also delicious!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burleigh Pottery Factory Tour

Burleigh Pottery Factory Tour

Middleport Pottery

Witness the traditional 'tissue transfer' method, the only place in the world it's still used for earthenware.

TikTokInstagram
The Great Pottery Throw Down Set

The Great Pottery Throw Down Set

Middleport Pottery

See where the magic happened for the popular TV show, a must for fans of the series.

TikTokInstagram
Historic Bottle Kiln

Historic Bottle Kiln

Middleport Pottery

Explore the preserved Victorian bottle kiln, a unique and atmospheric part of the pottery's heritage.

Reddit
Canalside Cafe

Canalside Cafe

Middleport Pottery

Relax with delicious coffee, cake, or breakfast overlooking the tranquil canal.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Pottery Tour

Don't miss the guided heritage tour to truly appreciate Middleport Pottery's history and the intricate Burleigh production process. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for peak times, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. InstagramReddit

Canalside Charm & Cafe Delights

Enjoy the peaceful canalside setting and the charming cafe. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing break with coffee and cake, or even a full breakfast. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, artisan fairs
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant canal views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, more intimate experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Pottery #Earthware #FineChina #Tableware #VintageTableware #RetailTherapy #Dinnerware #burleigh #burleighpottery @middleportpottery
@salmaboshor
2.8K likes • 112.9K views

🎯 Book Heritage Tour

Essential for understanding Burleigh's craft. Book ahead! InstagramReddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy great coffee & cake by the canal. Breakfast is also delicious! Reddit+1

Narrowboat to Moddleport Pottery. A pottery tour🎉#fyp #electricnarrowboat #narrowboat #boatlife #canal #pottery #potterytiktok #greatpotterythrowdown #middleportpottery
@narrowboattravelscharlie
287 likes • 2.1K views
Better than I ever imagined. A Potter’s dream. A team of highly skilled people. It was a pleasure to watch them produce beautiful pottery. I learned so much #middleportpottery #stokeontrent #burleigh #factorytour #busmansholiday #everydayisaschoolday #englishpottery #britishpottery #reformheritage
heathviewpottery
4 likes • 125 views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Historic kilns & canals offer stunning backdrops. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Artisan Shops

Discover unique handmade pottery and crafts. Reddit

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since I took on my studio space at Middleport Pottery by myself. For those that don’t know it used to be a shared space so it was a bit of a scary decision taking on a big space and the rent solo. BUT I was determined to make it work and use it as an opportunity to grow my business. It’s meant I’ve been able to run so many more different pottery workshops ...
alexalldayceramics
66 likes • 933 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Heritage Tour

Essential for understanding Burleigh's craft. Book ahead! InstagramReddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy great coffee & cake by the canal. Breakfast is also delicious! Reddit+1

📸 Photo Opportunities

Historic kilns & canals offer stunning backdrops. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Artisan Shops

Discover unique handmade pottery and crafts. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Site

Free to explore many areas, soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Middleport Pottery for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and the fascinating heritage tour showcasing Burleigh pottery. The canalside cafe is a highlight for relaxation and good food, and the artisan shops offer unique finds. Some visitors noted shops being closed on their visit, but overall, it's highly recommended for a cultural and relaxing day out.

"I visited with my husband on a Saturday, and we had a lovely time. The entrance is free, and the whole place has such a peaceful and charming atmosphere. We really enjoyed having tea, coffee, cookies, and cake at the riverside café – it was so relaxing. The museum is informative and well-preserved, and the little shops with handmade pottery were a joy to explore. I’m also looking forward to the river trips starting in June! A perfect spot for a cultural yet relaxing day out. Highly recommended!"

Mrs. Gursoy

"This was a fantastic venue to photograph a wedding at. A stunning historical wedding venue with a lot of rustic charm. Offering a unique backdrop to anyone planning a wedding a little different to the norm. The staff were helpful, cheerful and very organised on the day. There are lots of places for unique photo opportunities for couples, including inside a bottle kiln! Plenty of areas for guests to wander around and look through. The bar and main function room are separate and allow for people to have a more relaxed drink if needed.

A fantastic venue all around and I hope to be back again soon!"

Kelsey Munro

"A lovely surprise. We were passing on our canal boat and thought we would drop in for a coffee. A fabulous place, well worth paying the entrance fee for the heritage tour and also lots of free things to see and do as well as arts and craft shops and good cafe. Extraordinarily friendly and helpful staff and volunteers and a great place to buy original pottery and crafts."

Andrew Grainger

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Fascinating heritage tour
Peaceful canalside setting

What People Dislike

Shops sometimes closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Middleport Pottery is located in Stoke-on-Trent. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site. It's also accessible by public transport, with bus routes serving the area. For those arriving by narrowboat, it's a popular stop along the canal. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at Middleport Pottery for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Middleport Pottery is a well-known stop for narrowboat travelers, offering a charming canalside experience. TikTokReddit

The nearest major train station is Stoke-on-Trent, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Middleport Pottery.

The site is largely accessible, with efforts made to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While many areas of Middleport Pottery are free to explore, there is an entrance fee for the heritage tour, which is highly recommended to understand the history and the Burleigh pottery-making process. Reddit

Ticket prices for the heritage tour can vary, but it's generally considered good value for the in-depth experience. It's best to check their official website or inquire upon arrival for current pricing. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check the official Middleport Pottery website before your visit. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance for the heritage tour is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee your spot. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can explore much of the site, including the canalside, artisan shops, and the general atmosphere, for free. Reddit

🎫 🏺 Onsite Experience

Middleport Pottery is renowned as one of the last working Victorian potteries in Britain, and it's the home of the world-famous Burleigh Pottery, still made using traditional methods. It was also a filming location for 'Peaky Blinders'. TikTokInstagram+1

You can take a heritage tour to see how Burleigh pottery is made, explore the historic bottle kiln, browse artisan shops, enjoy the canalside cafe, and soak in the rich industrial heritage. Reddit+1

Yes, there's a lovely canalside cafe offering coffee, cakes, and meals. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax. Reddit+1

Yes, Middleport Pottery features several artisan shops selling unique, handcrafted pottery and other crafts made by local artists. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The historic architecture, industrial kilns, canalside setting, and the intricate details of the pottery make it a fantastic location for photography. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The canalside cafe offers a range of options, including delicious coffee, cakes (including vegan chocolate cake!), and breakfasts. Reddit+1

Yes, vegan options like a gorgeous vegan chocolate cake are available at the cafe. Reddit

The cafe serves meals, including breakfasts, which are reported to be delicious. Reddit+1

While not explicitly mentioned, the canalside setting might offer opportunities for a picnic, though the cafe is a popular alternative. Check with the venue for specific policies.

The cafe is described as small but with big taste, offering a relaxing and charming atmosphere by the canal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic bottle kiln, the canalside, the factory interiors showing the pottery-making process, and the charming architecture all offer excellent photo opportunities. Reddit

Yes, Middleport Pottery is a stunning historical wedding venue with a rustic charm and unique backdrops, including the bottle kiln, making it ideal for wedding photography. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions within the factory tour itself. TikTokInstagram

It's excellent for heritage, industrial, lifestyle, and even wedding photography due to its unique historical setting and working craft environment. Reddit

As with most heritage sites, drone photography is likely restricted. It's essential to contact Middleport Pottery directly to inquire about drone usage policies. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Middleport Pottery offers a fascinating glimpse into industrial history that can engage older children. The heritage tour provides a visual and auditory experience of pottery making, which can be captivating. The canalside setting offers a pleasant environment for a family stroll, and the cafe is a good spot for a treat. TikTokReddit

While there might not be dedicated play areas, the sheer scale of the historic buildings and the visual storytelling of the pottery process can spark curiosity. Encourage kids to look for details and ask questions about how things were made. The artisan shops also offer a chance to see unique, handmade items. Reddit

💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways

Middleport Pottery provides a charming and unique setting for couples. The canalside cafe is perfect for a relaxed coffee date or a leisurely lunch with picturesque views. Reddit+1 The historic architecture and the peaceful atmosphere create a romantic backdrop for exploring hand-in-hand. Reddit

Consider visiting during a weekend artisan fair for a more lively experience, or opt for a weekday for a quieter, more intimate visit. The opportunity to discover beautiful, handcrafted pottery also makes it a great place to find a special memento of your visit together. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Creatives

This location is a dream for photographers and creatives. The historic bottle kiln, the industrial interiors, and the canalside vistas offer a wealth of visual inspiration. Reddit The intricate details of Burleigh pottery and the working artisan studios provide endless subjects. Instagram+1

Whether you're capturing the essence of industrial heritage, the beauty of traditional crafts, or even planning a unique photoshoot (like a wedding!), Middleport Pottery offers a rich and varied canvas. The blend of old and new, industrial and artistic, ensures a rewarding creative experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Burleigh Pottery

Middleport Pottery is synonymous with Burleigh Pottery, a brand that has maintained its heritage craftsmanship for centuries. What makes Burleigh unique is its exclusive use of the 'tissue transfer' method for decorating earthenware. This intricate process, still performed by hand, involves transferring a design from a copper plate onto delicate tissue paper, which is then applied to the clay. TikTokInstagram

Visitors on the heritage tour can witness this fascinating technique firsthand, seeing skilled artisans at work. The patterns, like the iconic Blue Calico and Asiatic Pheasants, are not just designs; they are a testament to a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The fact that this entire process is still carried out at Middleport Pottery makes it a living museum of ceramic art. Instagram+1

This dedication to traditional methods is what draws many visitors, from pottery enthusiasts to those simply appreciating fine craftsmanship. It's a chance to connect with a piece of British industrial history and understand the value of handmade quality in a mass-produced world. Instagram+1

A Glimpse into 'Peaky Blinders' History

For fans of the hit TV series 'Peaky Blinders,' Middleport Pottery offers a tangible connection to the show's gritty past. The canalside brick buildings and historic industrial setting provided a dramatic backdrop for several explosive scenes in the series. TikTokInstagram

Walking through the site, you can almost imagine the characters navigating these very grounds. This association has brought a new wave of interest to the pottery, attracting visitors eager to see the real-life locations that brought the fictional world of the Shelby family to life. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already rich history of the pottery. TikTok

While the pottery's primary focus remains its heritage and craft, the 'Peaky Blinders' connection offers a unique point of interest, blending historical industrial heritage with popular culture. It's a reminder of how these historic sites continue to resonate in contemporary storytelling. Instagram

A Hub for Artisans and Crafts

Beyond its historical significance, Middleport Pottery is a vibrant hub for contemporary artisans. Several studio spaces within the pottery are occupied by talented makers who create and sell their own unique pieces. InstagramReddit

Visitors can explore these artisan shops, discovering everything from handcrafted ceramics and pottery to other forms of art and craft. It's an excellent opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts directly from the creators. This blend of historical industry and modern craft makes Middleport Pottery a dynamic destination. Reddit

The presence of these working studios not only adds to the lively atmosphere but also supports the continuation of craft traditions in the region. It’s a place where the past and present of making come together beautifully. Instagram

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