Emma Bridgewater Factory
Create your own masterpiece at the iconic Emma Bridgewater Factory, with pottery painting, factory tours, and a charming cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Emma Bridgewater Factory
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Create your own masterpiece at the iconic Emma Bridgewater Factory, with pottery painting, factory tours, and a charming cafe.
"A truly wholesome and creative day out, perfect for making memories and unique souvenirs."
🎯 Book Pottery Painting Ahead
Essential to book your studio slot in advance, especially on weekends! :ticket:
✨ Factory Tours Are Fascinating
Don't miss the guided tour to see how the pottery is made. :factory:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pottery Painting Studio
Decorating Studio
Unleash your creativity by painting your own unique piece of Emma Bridgewater pottery. A fun, mindful activity for all ages.
Factory Tour
Factory Floor
Witness the magic of hand-decorated pottery being made. Learn about the intricate process from start to finish.
Factory Seconds Shop
Shop Area
Score amazing deals on slightly imperfect Emma Bridgewater pieces. A treasure trove for bargain hunters!
Emma Bridgewater Cafe
Cafe
Enjoy delicious food and drinks served on iconic Emma Bridgewater tableware. Try the Staffordshire oatcakes!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Pottery Painting Slot
Consider a Factory Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Pottery Painting Ahead
Essential to book your studio slot in advance, especially on weekends!
✨ Factory Tours Are Fascinating
Don't miss the guided tour to see how the pottery is made.
🛍️ Hunt for Bargains
The factory seconds shop offers great deals on slightly imperfect items. :moneywithwings:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy lunch or cake in the cafe, served on beautiful EB pottery. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Pottery Painting Ahead
Essential to book your studio slot in advance, especially on weekends!
✨ Factory Tours Are Fascinating
Don't miss the guided tour to see how the pottery is made.
🛍️ Hunt for Bargains
The factory seconds shop offers great deals on slightly imperfect items. :moneywithwings:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy lunch or cake in the cafe, served on beautiful EB pottery. :coffee:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially on tours. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Your Creations
Take photos of your painted pottery before it's fired and glazed! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Emma Bridgewater Factory for its engaging pottery painting experience, fascinating factory tours, and charming cafe. The staff are frequently highlighted for their friendliness and knowledge. While prices have increased, many still find it a worthwhile and enjoyable day out, especially for families and couples. Some mention the factory can get quite hot inside.
"Great experience. This is my 3rd time. Prices have gone up so some of the packages don't feel as good value as when I did it first time. We just went for pottery decorating this time. Lots of fun and stamps to choose from. The time goes so quickly (they kindly let us stay a bit longer).
We also ordered a la carte from the cafe for lunch and the Staffordshire oat cakes were delicious! It's all got an amazing ambience and everything is served on EB items. It was very hot inside so could do with some fans.
The factory shop was also great. They had some amazing prices and lots to choose from. It has varied each time so not always this good. The main shop also had some good prices for tea towels. There is a little garden near the toilets and a courtyard in the middle so some places to chill."
Kitty Fong
"Fab day out. Lorraine our tour guide. Was absolutely amazing. So knowledgeable. Felt like we have been friends for years, made it very enjoyable."
Sarah Kempton
"We had such a wonderful day at the Emma Bridgewater Factory. We booked the afternoon tea, factory tour, and decorating studio, and each part was a delight. The afternoon tea was absolutely delicious, and the café itself had a cosy, relaxing atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff.
Our factory tour, led by Nicole, was a real highlight. She was so welcoming and knowledgeable, and it was fascinating to go behind the scenes to watch the team creating future pieces – definitely a must-do experience!
We finished the day in the decorating studio, which was really well organised and staffed by such lovely people. We spent a fun hour and a half painting a pot, and we can’t wait to see the finished result once it’s posted to us.
Overall, it was an amazing experience from start to finish, and we would highly recommend it! 🤍"
Hollie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Emma Bridgewater Factory 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 train stations nearby and bus routes serving the area.
Yes, there is parking available at the factory. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can visit without a car. Stoke-on-Trent has train stations, and local buses run to the factory.
It's about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Manchester and around 2 hours from London.
Many visitors travel by car for flexibility. Trains are also a good option, with services connecting to major UK cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your pottery painting studio slot in advance, as they can sell out. Factory tours and cafe visits generally don't require pre-booking, but checking their website is wise.
Opening hours vary, but typically the factory, cafe, and decorating studio are open daily. It's best to check the official Emma Bridgewater website for the most up-to-date hours.
The cost of pottery painting depends on the piece you choose to decorate. Prices range from around £15-£30, covering the pottery and the painting process.
Yes, you can visit the shop and cafe without a prior booking. However, for the popular pottery painting studio, booking is essential.
Yes, you can often book packages that include a factory tour, pottery painting, and afternoon tea. These offer a comprehensive experience.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can paint your own pottery, take a guided factory tour, browse the shops, and enjoy food and drinks in the cafe.
A typical pottery painting session lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, but they are often flexible if you need a little longer.
The factory tour is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Emma Bridgewater pottery is made and decorated by hand. Guides are very knowledgeable.
Absolutely! Pottery painting is a fantastic activity for kids, and the factory environment is engaging for all ages. +1
Yes, there's a main shop with current collections and a factory seconds shop offering discounted items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a range of options, including breakfast, lunch, cakes, and afternoon tea. They serve delicious Staffordshire oatcakes and often have daily specials.
Yes, the cafe typically offers vegetarian and vegan options on their menu.
Many visitors rave about the afternoon tea experience, enjoying delicious treats served on Emma Bridgewater pottery. It's a popular choice for a special occasion.
Generally, it's expected that visitors will purchase food and drinks from the on-site cafe.
The cafe has a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, with the added charm of being served on iconic Emma Bridgewater tableware.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially in the decorating studio and shops. Be mindful of other visitors and factory operations during tours. +1
The decorating studio with your painted pottery, the cafe with its charming tableware, and the exterior of the factory building are all great photo opportunities.
While you can usually take photos, it's best to ask your guide if there are any specific areas or processes where photography is restricted for safety or proprietary reasons.
Absolutely! Many visitors love to document their pottery painting journey from start to finish. +1
Drone photography is typically not permitted at attractions like this due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check with management if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family slot in the decorating studio and perhaps a factory tour if your children are old enough to appreciate the process. It's a memorable day out that combines fun, creativity, and a touch of British heritage.
💖 Couples & Date Ideas
Combine your visit with a delicious lunch or afternoon tea in the charming cafe. A factory tour can also add an interesting dimension to your date, offering a shared learning experience. It's a thoughtful way to spend quality time together.
+1🛍️ Bargain Hunters
These pieces are still beautiful and functional, offering a chance to own a piece of the brand without the premium price tag. It's worth checking out the main shop too, as they often have sales on items like tea towels and other accessories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Pottery Painting
+1Don't worry if you're not an artist; the staff are on hand to offer tips and guidance. The process involves painting your design, which is then taken away to be glazed and fired. You can either collect your finished piece a few days later or have it posted to you. Many visitors describe it as a wholesome and rewarding experience, with the joy of creating something unique to take home.
Pro-tip: Book your studio slot well in advance, especially for peak times, as it's a very popular activity. Consider the size and complexity of the piece you choose, as this will affect the time you spend painting and the final cost.
Behind the Scenes: The Factory Tour
Guides, like Lorraine and Nicole, are often praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness, making the tour both educational and entertaining. You'll learn fascinating facts, such as how each piece is touched by around 30 pairs of hands before it's ready for a customer. It's a chance to appreciate the artisanal quality and the heritage of British pottery making.
This tour is highly recommended for understanding the value and craftsmanship behind every Emma Bridgewater item. It truly brings the brand's story to life and provides a deeper appreciation for the products.
The Emma Bridgewater Cafe Experience
Whether you opt for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful afternoon tea, the cafe offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The menu often features daily specials, and there are usually options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan choices. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a creative session in the decorating studio or an insightful factory tour.
Reviewers consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff and the overall ambiance. It's a place where you can savour your meal while surrounded by the beautiful pottery that has made Emma Bridgewater a household name.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit