Dreaming of visiting Stoke-on-Trent to see your favourite pottery being made? We're sharing local knowledge and our top tips to make organising your trip more enjoyable, with an overview of the different tours available.
Planning A Factory Tour
First, the most exciting part – deciding which factories you want to visit. There are currently five working potteries open to the public for tours. We always recommend booking your ticket(s) in advance to avoid any disappointment. It depends on how you’re planning to get around Stoke but we’d recommend a maximum of two tours in one day. This is to allow enough time for the tour, take photos and any shopping you may want to do – leaving time for travel in between, not forgetting tea and cake-based refreshments!
What To Wear For A Factory Tour
Most pottery factories in Stoke-on-Trent are big, old buildings, which means the temperatures can vary from extreme cold in winter to sudden heat in certain areas, such as the kilns and dryers. There may be multiple steps and levels, possibly with some tight spaces, so make sure to wear comfortable footwear (enclosed toes and no high heels), layer up (a jumper and/or a coat that you can easily remove) and pack light (no big, heavy bags). As these are working factories, there’s a chance you may get a little dusty or dirty.
Transport, Food & Accommodation
To find the best way to travel around Stoke, head to the official tourist information website, Visit Stoke. Or if you're enjoying a slower pace during your visit and arriving by boat, there’s a handy Canal & River Trust canal route planner.
Most of the factories have a café and/or tearoom on-site, with a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and of course Oatcake Shops sprinkled around the city too. Again, if you have specific dietary requirements, it's always best to contact in advance.
Stoke-on-Trent Pottery Factory Tours
Below is a list of the different pottery companies currently offering factory tours – the newest being the Duchess China 1888 x Gladstone Pottery Museum ‘Beyond the Bottle Oven’ experience launched in Spring 2026, with the help of The Great Pottery Throw Down Judge and Ceramicist, Keith Brymer Jones. Seen here with Amy.
Burleigh Factory Tour at Middleport Pottery, Burslem
Learn more about Burgess & Leigh, Middleport Pottery and how to book factory tour tickets on our Burleigh Factory page.
Duchess China 1888 Factory Tour, Longton
Learn more about Duchess China 1888 Ltd and how to book factory tour tickets on our Duchess China Factory page.
Emma Bridgewater Tour, Hanley
Learn more about Emma Bridewater, the factory site and how to book factory tour tickets on our Emma Bridgewater page.
Moorcroft Pottery Tour, Cobridge
Learn more about Moorcroft Pottery and how to book factory tour tickets on our Moorcroft Pottery Factory page.
Wedgwood Factory Tour, Barlaston
Learn more about Josiah Wedgwood, the World of Wedgwood site and how to book factory tour tickets on our Wedgwood Factory page.
Whether you’re interested in ceramics factory tours, sampling the best Staffordshire Oatcakes or visiting the site of Great Pottery Throw Down – everything leads back to craft, culture and community.
We hope you enjoy visiting Stoke-on-Trent and going behind the scenes of our iconic pottery factories.
Hungry for more? Read our latest blogs about craft, culture and community.