
Leach Pottery
Birthplace of British studio pottery, showcasing historic kilns, a working studio, and a curated shop of contemporary ceramics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Leach Pottery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Birthplace of British studio pottery, showcasing historic kilns, a working studio, and a curated shop of contemporary ceramics.
"An essential visit for anyone interested in ceramics, offering a glimpse into a living artistic legacy."

🚶♀️ Walk from St. Ives
The walk up the steep hill from St. Ives is rewarding, offering great views and a sense of arrival . :athletic_shoe:
🏺 Engage with the Studio
Observe the potters at work; it's a unique insight into the craft. Be mindful of their concentration .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Studio
Working Studio
Witness the birthplace of British studio pottery, where tradition meets contemporary creation. See potters at work!

Bernard Leach's Legacy
Museum Exhibits
Explore original pieces and learn about the profound influence of Bernard Leach and the Mingei movement.

The Leach Pottery Shop
Gift Shop
Discover beautifully curated ceramics from resident potters and unique souvenirs. A true treasure trove!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Understanding the Value of Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from St. Ives
The walk up the steep hill from St. Ives is rewarding, offering great views and a sense of arrival.
:athletic_shoe:🏺 Engage with the Studio
Observe the potters at work; it's a unique insight into the craft. Be mindful of their concentration.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Gifts
The shop features stunning pieces from resident potters, perfect for souvenirs or heirlooms.
📅 Check for Workshops
Look out for special events like pottery decoration workshops – they're a fun, hands-on experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from St. Ives
The walk up the steep hill from St. Ives is rewarding, offering great views and a sense of arrival.
:athletic_shoe:🏺 Engage with the Studio
Observe the potters at work; it's a unique insight into the craft. Be mindful of their concentration.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Gifts
The shop features stunning pieces from resident potters, perfect for souvenirs or heirlooms.
📅 Check for Workshops
Look out for special events like pottery decoration workshops – they're a fun, hands-on experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Leach Pottery for its historical significance and the opportunity to see a working studio. The curated shop is a highlight, offering beautiful ceramics. Some find the entrance fee a bit steep for the duration of the visit, and the steep walk from St. Ives can be a consideration.
"Well, we seemed to end up visiting a load of galleries and workshops on our visit to Cornwall this year and the Leach Pottery came out as our favourite. The staff were helpful and friendly and the museum is modern and attractively laid out. There was a range of modern and original Bernard Leach pieces on display and interesting easy to access information displays and videos.
Highlight was getting involved in pottery decoration. It seemed to be a holiday special event but was well organised and kept everyone entertained. Hopefully the pieces survive firing and they will be sent to us 🤞"
S Keep
"Went on a weekday, was very quite which was nice as we didn't feel rushed, though because it is still currently a working studio you are looking around while people are working. It did feel like we was intruding so felt like we couldn't actually enjoy the museum and due to them working rather loudly it was hard to listen to the video. Even though there was lots of beautiful pieces, the video was informative and there was original part of Leach's studio there, you wouldn't spend more then 30 minutes here and not sure I would say coming today and our experience it was worth £8 each. I would recommend going if you have a spare hour but I wouldn't rush to come see it unless your a massive pottery fan."
Hannah Body
"The Leach Pottery is an essential visit for anyone with an interest in ceramics. The facilities are excellent and the history of this place is outstanding. If you're in St Ives then a visit should be a priority. Recommended."
Dr Jamie Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from St. Ives town center, though it's a steep hill climb that's well worth the effort for the views.
Alternatively, local buses or taxis are available. Parking is also available on-site.Yes, Leach Pottery is accessible by public transport. Local bus routes serve St. Ives, and from there, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the pottery. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Leach Pottery offers on-site parking for visitors. This is convenient, especially if you are driving to the location.
The walk from St. Ives to Leach Pottery involves a steep hill. While rewarding, it requires a moderate level of fitness. Consider this if you have mobility issues or are traveling with young children.
Absolutely! Leach Pottery is a great addition to a day trip to St. Ives and the surrounding South Cornwall area.
Plan your route to include it alongside other attractions.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately £8 per adult. While some find it a bit pricey for a short visit, it's considered worthwhile by serious pottery enthusiasts.
It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially if you visit on a weekday. However, checking their official website for any special events or booking recommendations is always a good idea.
Leach Pottery is typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, with hours often extending into Sunday afternoons. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening times, as these can vary seasonally.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized. It's advisable to check the official Leach Pottery website or contact them directly for any potential concessions or group rates.
The museum and studio are generally accessed together with a single entrance fee. This allows visitors to experience the full history and the working environment.
🎫 🏺 Onsite Experience
You can explore the museum showcasing Bernard Leach's work and the history of British studio pottery, observe potters working in the studio, and browse the curated shop.
While not always explicitly advertised as a formal tour, staff are often available to provide insights. Some visitors have mentioned watching documentaries narrated by Leach himself.
Leach Pottery occasionally hosts workshops, such as surface decoration or tile decorating events, offering a hands-on experience.
Keep an eye on their schedule for these opportunities.Children can enjoy seeing the pottery being made and the displays. Special workshops can also be very engaging for younger visitors.
A typical visit can last from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest level and whether you participate in any workshops or spend time in the shop.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The shop features a beautiful selection of ceramics made by resident potters, including tableware, decorative pieces, and unique art objects.
Prices vary, with some items being investment pieces and others more affordable. The shop is known for its curated collection of high-quality ceramics.
Leach Pottery does not have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, St. Ives offers numerous dining options within walking distance.
While the shop primarily sells contemporary work by resident potters, you might occasionally find vintage or original pieces, though this is rare. The museum displays original works.
'Standard Ware' refers to functional, everyday pottery produced at Leach Pottery, designed to be both beautiful and affordable. Pieces like the 'Mead goblets' are examples.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in most areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in the museum exhibits or when potters are actively working.
Capture the textures of the clay, the vibrant glazes, the historic brick kilns, and the potters in action. The shop's displays also offer great visual appeal.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission. Contact Leach Pottery directly to inquire about arrangements for professional shoots.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wider studio shots and detailed close-ups of pottery. Good lighting is key, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
Look for the interplay of light and shadow on the ceramics, the raw materials, the tools of the trade, and the finished products in the shop and museum displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for any special workshops that might be running, as these hands-on activities, like decorating tiles, are often a big hit with kids and provide a fun, interactive element to the visit. The shop also has beautiful items that can inspire young artists, though they are primarily for viewing unless you plan to purchase.
🎨 Art & Ceramics Enthusiasts
Appreciate the curated collection in the shop, featuring works by resident potters that showcase contemporary interpretations of traditional craft. Even if you find the entrance fee a bit high, the opportunity to immerse yourself in such a historically significant artistic environment is often considered well worth the investment.
🚶 Day-Trippers from St. Ives
Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half for your visit, allowing time to see the museum, observe the studio, and browse the shop. It's a perfect way to spend a part of your day before returning to explore more of St. Ives' attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Legacy of Bernard Leach
Leach established the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, Cornwall, in 1920, creating a hub for ceramic artists. He believed in the collaborative nature of pottery, fostering a community of potters who shared his ideals. His influence extended globally, inspiring generations of ceramicists to explore form, function, and the inherent beauty of clay. The Leach Pottery Museum preserves this rich history, showcasing original works and providing context for his groundbreaking contributions to the art world.
Today, the Leach Pottery continues to be a vibrant center for ceramic art. It operates as a working studio, a museum, and a place for learning and inspiration. Visitors can witness contemporary potters at work, continuing the tradition of creating beautiful and functional ceramics, often drawing inspiration from Leach's original principles while incorporating modern techniques and aesthetics. The shop offers a chance to own a piece of this ongoing legacy.
Experiencing the Working Studio
It's important to approach the studio with respect for the artists' concentration. While many visitors enjoy the opportunity to see the creative process unfold, some reviews suggest it can feel a bit like intruding if not managed carefully. The sounds of the studio, though part of the authentic atmosphere, can sometimes make it difficult to hear informational videos. However, the chance to see contemporary potters working in a space steeped in history is a significant draw, offering a tangible link to the legacy of Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada.
For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Leach Pottery occasionally offers workshops, such as tile decorating. These events provide a fun and engaging way to interact with the craft and create your own piece inspired by the studio's heritage. These workshops are often highlighted as a particularly enjoyable aspect of a visit, offering a memorable takeaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit