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.
Guide Prices
General Admission to the Middleport Pottery site is free of charge.
Additional charges apply for the Heritage Trail and Factory Tour.
Heritage Trail includes: Heritage Offices, Steam Engine, Grade II listed Bottle Kiln, Ceramic Design Archive and Harper Street.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Advance booking essential
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
- Free Entry
Catering
- On site café / restaurant
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing - The Burgess Room is our signature room. You may recognise this room from TV favourite, The Great Pottery Throw down, previously used as the judging room in the first couple of series. It hosts a selection of the original moulds previously used in the Burleigh factory which provide great personality to this space. It houses wooden tables and wooden cushioned chairs. This room is located on the upper floor and is on the same level as the lift. A fixed screen and projector are available in this space. Max capacity 65 delegates (including tables). Classroom style approximately 30 delegates. The Regal Peacock is our largest room. This room is bright and full of natural light from the many windows that can be seen from the front of the building. A selection of the Burleigh ware collection is housed in this space. This room hosts wooden tables and wooden cushioned chairs and is located on the upper floor and same floor as the lift. A portable screen and projector can be set up within this space. Max capacity 100 delegates. Theatre style 100 delegates. Classroom style 90 delegates. The Arden Mezzanine has an informal feel to this open space area located above the Packing House café. Consisting of four very large tables with benches this room is not located on the same floor as a lift and therefore careful consideration of your guests is required. A portable screen and projector can be set up in this space. Max capacity 30. The Calico meeting room. Private board room style room with large table layout, cushions chairs, a screen and white board. This room is located on the upper floor, within the Regal Peacock room. A portable projector can be set up in this space. Max capacity 8.
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
- Meeting venue type - Meeting and event space available.
- Wedding receptions
Parking
- Free Parking
- Free Parking on Site
- On site car park
Property Facilities
- Gift shop
- Guided tours for individuals
- Onsite Catering
- Public toilets
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
