Sharpe's Pottery Museum
A historic pottery museum and community hub in Swadlincote, showcasing industrial heritage and hosting vibrant local events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere
Sharpe's Pottery Museum
Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic pottery museum and community hub in Swadlincote, showcasing industrial heritage and hosting vibrant local events.
"A super local museum with excellent attached cafe and a well worth exploring local history archive."
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The cafe is highly recommended for great coffee, breakfast cobs, and delicious cakes – but be quick, they're popular!
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking can be tricky in the small onsite car park; a free car park is available a short distance away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Kiln
Main Museum Area
Marvel at the massive, original kiln that was central to the area's industrial past. A true testament to local heritage.
The Magic Attic Archive
Upstairs (check opening days)
Explore a wealth of local history, including old newspapers and fascinating artifacts, curated by passionate volunteers.
Sanitary Ware History
Museum Exhibits
Discover the history of the area's sanitary ware industry through original pieces and informative displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support This Local Gem
+1Check Opening Days for The Magic Attic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The cafe is highly recommended for great coffee, breakfast cobs, and delicious cakes – but be quick, they're popular!
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking can be tricky in the small onsite car park; a free car park is available a short distance away.
🎨 Creative Workshops
Check for art classes like watercolour painting offered at the museum.
👻 Paranormal Interest
Some visitors report a 'heavier' atmosphere upstairs, with active paranormal experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The cafe is highly recommended for great coffee, breakfast cobs, and delicious cakes – but be quick, they're popular!
🚗 Parking Advice
Parking can be tricky in the small onsite car park; a free car park is available a short distance away.
🎨 Creative Workshops
Check for art classes like watercolour painting offered at the museum.
👻 Paranormal Interest
Some visitors report a 'heavier' atmosphere upstairs, with active paranormal experiences.
🧸 Kids' Play Area
There's a nice little play area outside, making it great for families with children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sharpe's Pottery Museum as a highly recommended historical gem with excellent activities for children and a well-regarded cafe. The local history archive and the preserved industrial heritage are significant draws, though parking can be a minor inconvenience. The friendly staff and the museum's charitable status are also frequently highlighted.
"Very nice historical place with so many great activities for kids...very recommended to visit and will come again and again..kids loved the time spent here.."
Viktorija Timinske
"A super local museum with excellent attached cafe. The local history archive is well worth exploring too. We had a guided tour."
David Moakes
"This place has a lovely cafe and at the top of the building is The Magic Attic, which is only open on certain days of the week. It is run by volunteers who are very knowledgeable and helpful. I was blown away by the fact they had newspapers going back to 18th century amongst other things. The museum of Sharp's is closed on Mondays, it gives a history of sanitary ware with original pieces. There is a lovely little shop by the entrance. It can be difficult to park because it is a small car park"
Ellen Gough
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sharpe's Pottery Museum is located in Swadlincote, DE11 9DG. While the onsite car park can be small, a free car park is available a short distance away.
Yes, there is a small onsite car park. For more options, a free car park is located a short walk from the museum.
Information on public transport routes to Swadlincote can be found on local transport websites. It's advisable to check schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is closed on Mondays. The Magic Attic upstairs has specific opening days, so it's best to check their schedule before visiting.
While specific admission fees aren't detailed, the museum is a registered charity and relies on support. Visitors are encouraged to donate or shop.
Advance booking information is not readily available, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any event-specific ticketing.
Yes, Sharpe's Pottery Museum hosts various events, including craft fairs, art classes, and even murder mystery evenings. Check their social media for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the history of local industries, including sanitary ware, see a massive historic kiln, and delve into local archives at The Magic Attic. There's also a cafe and a play area for kids.
Absolutely! Kids loved their time here, and there's a dedicated play area outside. The museum offers engaging activities for younger visitors.
The Magic Attic is a local history archive located upstairs, run by knowledgeable volunteers. It houses fascinating items like old newspapers and is open on specific days.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the museum's history and exhibits.
Some visitors have reported a 'heavier' atmosphere upstairs and active paranormal experiences, making it of interest to ghost enthusiasts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a lovely cafe attached to the museum that serves great coffee, breakfast cobs, and a selection of cakes and savory snacks.
The cafe offers breakfast items like cobs, as well as a variety of popular cakes and savory snacks.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's always worth asking the friendly staff about available choices.
Yes, the cafe has a garden area with a play space outside, perfect for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions within exhibits or during events.
The historic kiln, the unique exhibits on sanitary ware, and the charming cafe with its garden area offer great photo opportunities.
While art classes like watercolour painting are offered, specific photography workshops are not currently advertised.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting when The Magic Attic is open, as the volunteers there are often happy to share interesting stories that can spark curiosity in children.
+1🎨 Art and Craft Enthusiasts
+1Sharpe's also offers opportunities to get hands-on with art, with watercolour painting classes being a regular feature.
These workshops provide a chance to learn new skills in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Checking their event schedule before your visit is highly recommended to catch these creative sessions.👻 Paranormal Investigators and Curious Minds
This adds an intriguing layer for those interested in ghost stories and hauntings. While not its primary focus, the historical nature of the building and the stories held within its archives could contribute to such perceptions. It's an interesting aspect for visitors who enjoy a touch of the supernatural alongside their historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Heritage of Sharpe's Pottery
Beyond the kiln, the museum also houses The Magic Attic, a local history archive managed by dedicated volunteers. This space offers a deeper dive into the community's past, featuring items like newspapers dating back to the 18th century. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the stories and lives of those who shaped the area. The museum's commitment to preserving and sharing this heritage is evident in its displays and the passion of its staff and volunteers.
As a registered charity, Sharpe's Pottery Museum relies heavily on community support to continue its operations and preservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to contribute through donations, shopping at the onsite store, or simply by engaging with and sharing the museum's content. This collective effort ensures that this important piece of local history remains accessible for future generations.
+1Community Hub and Events
+2 to art classes like watercolour painting, there's always something creative happening. These events not only provide engaging experiences for visitors but also support local artists and businesses. The museum actively promotes these happenings, making it a dynamic destination throughout the year.The museum has also been a venue for unique entertainment, such as 60s murder mystery evenings, showcasing its versatility in hosting different types of gatherings.
This adaptability allows Sharpe's Pottery Museum to cater to a broad audience, from history buffs to those seeking a fun night out. The involvement of local creators and entertainers further strengthens its connection to the community, making it a true local asset. Furthermore, the museum's attached cafe plays a crucial role in its community appeal. Praised for its excellent coffee, delicious cakes, and friendly atmosphere, it serves as a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike. The cafe's garden area, complete with a play space for children, makes it particularly family-friendly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit