Middleport Pottery

About

Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh, is an exciting visitor destination in the heart of Burslem, the Mother Town of the Potteries. World famous Burleigh pottery has been created here using traditional methods since 1889.

Follow our Heritage Trail to step back in time to explore the Visitor Centre which comprises Victorian offices, bottle kiln, bath house, steam engine, and mould store, and learn about the people and events which have shaped the pottery.

Middleport Pottery also offers a wide range of events and activities including Craft Markets, Food & Drink Markets, Beer festivals, festive events and Christmas Markets, and activities for the whole family to enjoy during school holidays. Middleport Pottery is also a popular weddings and events venue, and the perfect space to hold a corporate event.

Middleport Pottery is home to the Clay College Gallery and Middleport Studios which provide studio and retail space to six independent craftspeople and artists, all of which are free for visitors to browse.

Our traditional Middleport Pottery Packing House cafe serves high-quality, wholesome food, including local specialties such as Staffordshire oatcakes. We also offer delicious afternoon cream teas, which are all served on beautiful Burleigh pottery overlooking the Trent and Mersey canal.

Factory Tour: The famous Middleport Pottery factory tour is unique. It offers the chance to see world-renowned Burleigh pottery being made using the same handcraft methods as in the 1880s. The tour leads visitors through each stage of production in sequence, showing how a lump of clay is transformed into a finished piece of pottery.

Booking is essential for Factory Tours which are not suitable for children under 8 years. Some areas are not suitable for those with limited mobility – please contact us before your visit to see how we can accommodate you.