Why a trip to the World of Wedgwood Pottery Museum is a must when visiting Staffordshire with kids.
My daughter and I are keen crafters, we spend hours at the kitchen table painting, drawing and creating. We’ve been known to spend days on those annoying school projects, up to our elbows in papier maché so when we were invited to visit World of Wedgwood in Stoke on Trent to try out their Ceramic Experience Day I jumped at the chance! The Wedgwood Pottery Museum has become a firm favourite of ours.
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What is a Wedgwood Experience Day?
Our day consisted of a guided tour around the Wedgwood Pottery Museum, pot throwing in the Master Craft Studio, designing our own Wedgwood plate and a delicious cream tea in the tea rooms.
Included in any experience day is an Annual Membership Pass giving you unlimited free entry into the Wedgwood Pottery Museum, the Wedgwood Factory Tour plus 10% off dining and purchases from the Flagship Store for an entire year making it well worth it. Check out ticket options for visiting the World of Wedgwood here.
Throwing a pot at Wedgwood
Have you ever tried creating something on an actual potters wheel? They make it look a lot easier than it actually is! Luckily for us, we were expertly guided through the process by the wonderful staff at Wedgwood.
We were provided with aprons for our sessions and honestly that should be enough to keep most people clean. You may get a little messy, I found little patches of clay on me throughout the rest of the day!
Piper and I spent around half an hour shaping, pinching and messing up our masterpieces! Once we had chosen our final design (a vase for Piper and a jug for me), we were led through the process and ended up creating something we are incredibly proud of.
At the end of the experience, Wedgwood will fire the pot and stamp it with the Wedgwood logo. Then post it out so you can to paint at home. We used nail varnish and it worked out perfectly. I loved how it extended our day and gave us something to remember it by. Another fantastic place to try your skills at a potters wheel is Gladstone Pottery Museum, also located in Stoke on Trent. It’s an entirely different day out in the potteries so its well worth visiting both venues.
Designing our very own piece of Wedgwood Pottery
Wedgwood designers are some of the best in the business. So getting the chance to create our very own plate was so exciting. The Decorating Studio has everything we needed to get to work on our 12 cm votive dish. Plenty of pens and crayons, a light box for tracing and drawers full of pattern inspiration. We quickly got to work on our A4 sheet of paper. Even with our rather limited artistic skills, I was pretty pleased with the outcome.
When you’ve finished, Wedgwood will fire your creation. You can either collect it in person or they will post it out to you for a small fee. It was such a treat to receive them in the post. Each piece is dishwasher and microwave safe. Although I don’t think we’ll be using them for anything but decoration.
Wedgwood Museum at World of Wedgwood
I’ve always loved Wedgwood pottery. It’s beautifully designed and well made. It’s aspirational but I never really considered what a fascinating history it has and just how much has gone into its continuing success.
We were guided through the museum by an extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. He explained the family history of Wedgwood. Talked us through the sheer determination of its founder Josiah Wedgwood. And the surprising family tree which joined the science and technology loving Wedgwoods to the Darwins. Josiah Wedgwood’s eldest daughter married Erasmus Darwin’s son – who knew!
There are more than 3,000 pieces on display from all eras. From the iconic white and blue pots to special pieces designed for royalty.
There are also interesting displays on how Josiah Wedgwood developed his passion and continually worked for perfection. From groundbreaking pottery techniques, some still used today to the continued development and growth of his factories.
Kids will absolutely love taking the pottery spotters trail scavenger hunt. They’ll receive a sweet little prize at the end which Piper loved painting at home. Again raiding my nail varnish collection!
Anyone can visit the museum for free. If you’re not taking part in an experience day then a guided tour will cost you just £5. It’s so worth it!
The Tea Room at the World of Wedgwood
This place is any instagrammers dream. The design of the Wedgwood Tea Room is absolutely stunning. With perfectly laid tables, enviable design features and of course stunning Wedgwood pottery.
We enjoyed a cream tea as part of our experience day. We were offered a wide choice of teas to compliment the scones. Earl Grey all the way for us! Piper loved perfecting her afternoon tea etiquette whilst I was in photography heaven!
The tea room also serves a delicious looking afternoon tea. Which has a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones. It will cost you £25 per adult and just £10 for kids.
Other places to eat at the World of Wedgwood
Wedgwood Tea Conservatory
For true tea lovers, the Wedgwood Tea Conservatory is a must visit. They have dedicated tea sommeliers on hand to help you taste and choose your favourite from 50 blends. Again, it’s all seriously pretty and they serve more substantial lunches if you’re feeling peckish. Click here to view the Wedgwood Tea Conservatory menu.
The Dining Hall
The Dining Hall at World of Wedgwood is located outside of the main building, right next to the outlet shop. It’s like a modern day workers canteen and serves substantial, great value meals and some lighter snacks. Their Sunday carvery has got me desperate to return!
Make sure you book any dining experience at the World of Wedgwood on 01782 282986 or email bookings@worldofwedgwood.com to avoid disappointment.
Wedgwood Outlet at the World of Wedgwood
No visit to the World of Wedgwood would be complete without a cheeky souvenir purchase to take home. Pottery lovers will be in their element in the onsite factory outlet which offers many end of line and exclusive Wedgwood pieces for up to 70% off! As we do in most places, we had to treat ourselves to one of their lovely Christmas decorations and may or may not have stocked up on various other gifts for friends and family.
For serious shoppers, there’s also the Wedgwood store near the Tea Conservatory.
Outdoor play at the World of Wedgwood
The majority of your visit to Wedgwood will be spent indoors, making it the perfect place to visit on a rainy day in Staffordshire. If you are lucky enough to visit in the sunshine then there’s plenty to explore outside. We loved the giant willow art pottery themed sculptures by Tom Hare, the rope swing and the sweet splash fountains that Piper was just itching to run through!
Located right next to The World of Wedgwood are Hem Heath Woods with a fantastic nature trail, a perfect way to extend your visit.
What else is there to do at World of Wedgwood?
Honestly, just have a bit of a wander and take it all in. Wedgwood are clearly passionate about all things pretty and that’s reflected in the design of all areas of the venue. From the huge plate mosaic of Josiah himself that greets you in the lobby to the beautiful door display, perfect for pictures, everywhere you look is beautiful.
Piper particularly loved the plate dragon statue and I was blown away by the stunning table displays and picnic set ups, oh to be that creative!
We recently re-visited the World of Wedwood at Christmas time. Their festive displays were just as beutiful as their Summer themed ones. Take a look at our afternoon at the Artisan markets at the World of Wedgwood for more.
Where to stay near the World of Wedgwood
Gorgeous 4 star hotel, The UpperHouse in Barlaston is just a 5 minute drive from the World of Wedgwood and a great place to stay in Staffordshire. It was actually built for Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson in 1845. It’s set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands so the perfect place for burning off some energy if you’re visiting Wedgwood with kids.
How to get to World of Wedgwood
The World of Wedgwood is easy to find from the M1, just take the A50 west and follow the tourist signs as you get close to Stoke. If you’re using the M6 then exit at the A34 and again follow the signs.
The World of Wedgwood is just 15 minutes in a taxi from Stoke on Trent train station.
Wedgwood Pottery MuseumAddress
World of Wedgwood
Wedgwood Drive
Barlaston
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST12 9ER
+44 (0) 1782 282986
info@worldofwedgwood.com
Check World of Wedgwoods opening hours here.
Parking at Wedgwood is free and there are plenty of spaces.
If you’re looking for other family friendly activities in Stoke on Trent then I highly recommend a visit to the Trentham Estate, a fantastic day out for the whole family. Or a wander through the monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest.
If you’re planning on visiting Stoke or looking for family friendly activities in the area, make sure to pin this for later for your visit to the Wedgwood Pottery Museum.
We were invited to The World of Wedgwood as part of my role supporting #mystokestory. An initiative to highlight the many amazing cultural activities Stoke has to offer. All opinions are, as always, my own. I am proud to be an official ambassador of this wonderful campaign. And am really enjoying all the wonderful activities Stoke has to offer. If you’re looking for more fantastic ideas, events and things to do in Stoke make sure you take a look at the Visit Stoke website for inspiration. Make sure to use the hashtag #mystokestory to share all your own days out in Stoke on Trent.