Fishponds Pottery
BEST FOR
Ages 16+
WHERE
Bristol
What it’s like
A hands-on taster in throwing or glazing clay, but this one's strictly for the grown-ups and older teens.
This is not one for the kids, or at least not the younger ones. The minimum age is 16, and anyone under 18 has to come with an adult, so it's really an outing for a parent and a teenager who fancies getting their hands dirty rather than something to fill a half-term afternoon with a five-year-old. The taster session is a two-hour introduction to clay, and there's glazing sessions too if you fancy decorating rather than throwing.
Wear something you don't mind ruining. Clay and glaze don't wash out, so that favourite jumper stays at home, and closed-toe shoes are the sensible call. Everything has to be booked in advance, there's no wandering in off the street, and if you're doing a longer course rather than a one-off, missing a session means it's gone, no catch-up and no refund, which feels a bit harsh if life gets in the way.
Once your piece is made it doesn't come home with you that day. It sits to dry for a week before the first firing, then goes through a second firing to finish it off. Extra pieces beyond the one included in your session price get fired for £12 each.
Parking is tight, just three or four spaces on site, though there's free on-street parking close by if you're not lucky enough to grab one. The studio's a converted space and isn't fully step-free, so if access is a concern it's better to email ahead than turn up and find stairs in the way.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 16 plus; under-18s must come with an adult
- Parking
- Limited parking for 3-4 cars on site
- Wheelchairs
- Not fully step-free. Contact studio in advance to discuss access needs
- This is an adult and teen activity, not one for younger children
- Finished pieces need a week to dry before the first firing, so nothing comes home same day
- Extra pieces beyond the one in your session price cost £12 each to fire
- You can pass your booking to someone else at no charge if you can't make it
Plan your visit
What age is this suitable for?
Classes are for adults, with a minimum age of 16. Under-18s need to come with an adult, but if you want something for a younger group you can ask about a private session.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, every session has to be booked, there's no turning up on the day.
What should we wear?
Something you're happy to get properly messy, clay and glaze don't come out. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea and tie long hair back.
Is there parking?
Only three or four spaces on site, so it fills up fast. There's free on-street parking nearby as a backup.
Is the studio accessible?
It's a converted space and not fully step-free. Email ahead of booking if you've got access needs so they can talk through what's possible.
What happens if we miss a session on a course?
Courses run to a fixed schedule, so a missed session can't be refunded or made up. There are practice sessions you can use to catch up time on the wheel though.
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