Indoors

New dawn pottery

Name: New dawn pottery
Address: Courtyard groundfloor, 4 Pollard St E, Manchester, M40 7FS, GB
Telephone: 07783175116

ManchesterAdults only (18+)

Courtesy of New dawn pottery

BEST FOR

Adults only (18+)

SETTING

Indoors

WHERE

Manchester

What it’s like

An adults-only pottery studio in Manchester, strictly no under-18s, so this is one for a childfree afternoon rather than a family outing.

Worth flagging straight away: this one's not for the kids. New dawn pottery is an adult-only studio and nobody under 18 is allowed in, not for classes, not even when you go back to collect your finished pots. If you're after somewhere to take the children while they get messy with clay, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a few hours away from the family, on your own or with another adult, it's a genuine option worth knowing about.

Beginners can book onto wheel throwing or hand building classes, and the site is clear that no experience is needed. There are also one-off sessions pitched as shorter and more relaxed, alongside longer courses, so it depends on whether you want a taster or want to properly learn. On the six-week throwing course you keep up to ten finished pots, which is a decent haul for the money, though how much that money actually is isn't something they spell out.

If you already know your way round a wheel, the Open Studio sessions on Mondays and Fridays let you work unsupervised, no teaching involved, at £20 for two hours or £30 for three. That's the only clear pricing going.

Everything has to be booked through their website, they won't take a booking over the phone or in person, and cancelling within 14 days still costs you a £10 admin fee even if you give plenty of notice, which feels a bit steep for a courtesy call. Parking nearby is limited, so the New Islington tram stop is your best bet if you're not walking or cycling in. Collection of finished work is Mondays 1:30 to 5:30pm and Fridays 1:30 to 6:30pm.

Facilities

Booking required

Need to know

Parking: Limited street parking nearby. Public transport, walking or cycling recommended
Getting there by bus or train: New Islington tram stop, close by

Strictly adults only, no under-18s in classes or at collection
Open Studio is untaught and meant for confident, experienced potters, not beginners
The £10 cancellation admin fee applies even with plenty of notice
Kiln hire isn't offered to the public, only for students, open studio users and members
Gift cards are sold on the website and last 12 months from purchase

Plan your visit

Can I bring my children along?

No under-18s are allowed in classes or even at collection times. This is an adults-only studio.

Do I need experience to join?

Beginners are welcome on the wheel throwing and hand building classes. There are also Open Studio sessions for confident potters who want to work on their own.

How much does it cost?

Open Studio sessions are £20 for two hours or £30 for three. Pricing for the taught classes and courses isn't given here.

How do I book, and what if I need to cancel?

Booking is online only, no phone or in-person bookings taken. Cancel with 14 days' notice or more and you still lose a £10 admin fee from your refund.