Stoke-on-Trent is a unique city affectionately known as The Potteries. With its rich industrial heritage it has respectfully claimed the title of World Capital of Ceramics. The city boasts many visitor centres, award winning museums, authentic factory tours, and over 20 pottery factory shops.
A brand new visitor experience, World of Wedgwood, will open in July 2015. This latest city landmark will be the fruition of a £34 million development programme at Wedgwood’s headquarters in Barlaston, and will include an interactive factory, the Wedgwood Museum, inspirational brand spaces, a flagship retail store, stylish Wedgwood Tea rooms and a new restaurant championing locally sourced produce.
The history and heritage of the area is well-preserved at numerous attractions across the city most notably of all, perhaps, at the award-winning Gladstone Pottery Museum, the most complete Victorian pottery factory in the UK, boasting interactive exhibitions and a “Flushed with Pride” tribute to toilets past, present and future!
Newly opened in July 2014, Middleport Pottery, the home of world-renowned Burleigh pottery, is a fantastic visitor attraction where visitors can go behind-the-scenes and learn about the people and events that have shaped Middleport Pottery over the years. As the last working Victorian pottery in the UK, the site continues to produce Burleigh pottery using the same traditional handcraft techniques as in the 1880s.
Factory tours are available at the World of Wedgwood, Moorcroft, Middleport Pottery and Emma Bridgewater, where you can learn about the skills and craftsmanship that go into producing the world-famous pottery. Why not ‘have-a-go’ at creating your own masterpiece with the hands-on opportunities available?
World-famous backstamps such as Wedgwood, Moorcroft and Portmeirion, along with world-class designers such as Sophie Conran, Vera Wang, Martha Stewart, Jamie Oliver and John Rocha, make Stoke-on-Trent the must-visit destination for pottery shopping. These designs can be bought at great prices at over 20 pottery factory shops in the city.
Enjoy the complete ceramics experience by following the Ceramics Trail – www.ceramicstrail.co.uk.
To find out more contact the Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre:
Tel: 01782 236000 Email: stoke.tic@stoke.gov.uk Web: http://www.visitstoke.co.uk/
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