Middleport Pottery Factory Tour

About

Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh, is an award-winning 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.

Factory Tour

Book on one of Middleport Pottery's unique factory tours and you will see the Burleigh pottery being made using the same handcraft methods as in the 1880s. The tour will take you step by step through each stage of production in sequence, showing how a lump of clay is skillfully transformed into a finished piece of pottery using traditional methods. You will also see the historic steam engine which once powered the whole factory.

Each tour lasts for around one hour. Tours must be booked in advance.

Heritage Offices, Steam Engine, Grade II listed Bottle Kiln & Ceramic Design Archive!

Middleport's unique visitor centre allows you to step back in time to explore and learn all about Middleport Pottery. Explore the mould store which houses Europe’s largest collection of ceramic moulds. View the beautiful showroom which showcases Burleigh ware produced over the years. Walk around the original Victorian offices, and learn about the people and events which have shaped Burleigh pottery. Also on site is a huge grade II listed bottle kiln - one of only 46 remaining in the city. Take a look inside this iconic reminder of the city’s great industrial heritage. Middleport's team of friendly volunteers are on hand to answer any questions and bring the history to life. Middleport Pottery also offers a wide range of events and activities including film evenings, schools holiday crafts and birthday parties.

Our traditional Middleport Pottery Cafe serves good quality, wholesome food, and local specialties such as oatcakes. We offer specialist afternoon cream teas, which are all served on beautiful Burleigh pottery whilst viewing the Trent and Mersey canal.