The Pottery Experience
ENTRY
from £10
WHERE
Newcastle upon Tyne
What it’s like
Pick a mug, unicorn or plant pot and paint it while the studio glazes and fires it for you to collect later.
You choose a piece from the ready-made shelf, mugs, jugs, plant pots, the odd unicorn, and sit down to paint it however you like. Painting pottery starts at £10 and the price is really just the price of the piece, so a small mug and a big platter aren't the same bill. Babies get a look in too, with footprint pieces on offer if you fancy something less about the painting and more about keeping a tiny handprint forever.
The catch, and it's a proper one, is that you don't walk out with your masterpiece. Everything gets glazed and fired after you leave, so you either go back to collect it or pay to have it posted, which adds a few pounds to what felt like a cheap afternoon. Worth knowing before you commit a toddler to painting six different things.
If you've got an older child who wants more than a paintbrush, taster throwing on the wheel is available from age 12, at £38 a head including two pots and the firing. Younger ones aren't included in that one, it's a hands-on skill session and the wheel just isn't built for small kids. Hand building and the proper courses are adults only, so that's one for a grown-up outing without the kids in tow.
Booking is strongly recommended, especially at weekends, which the studio says can fill up weeks ahead. Pop-ins are allowed if there's space, but turning up on a rainy Saturday and hoping is a gamble. The ground floor is step-free for both painting and making, though the toilets are upstairs, so mention any access needs when you book.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Painting suits any age including babies; throwing needs 12+
- Booking
- Strongly recommended. Pop-ins welcome subject to availability
- Parking
- Limited free parking spaces in front of shop
- Food
- On-site refreshments: drinks and treats including options from Two by Two brewery at events
- Wheelchairs
- Ground floor accessible for painting and making
- Dogs
- Welcome. Mention in booking and send separate email to confirm
- Getting there by bus or train
- Jesmond Metro 0.7 miles (13 min walk) or West Jesmond Metro 0.6 miles (12 min walk)
- Closed all day Tuesday, and shut for a few days in October and over Christmas and New Year
- Under-16s need supervision throughout, whatever they're painting
- Pregnant visitors are fine to paint at any stage, though throwing might be awkward if you're heavily pregnant
- Gift vouchers last one year from the date on them and can't be extended
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Painting pottery runs from £10 to £45 depending on the size of the piece you pick, plus any drinks. Taster throwing on the wheel is £38 a head and includes two pots, materials and firing.
Do we need to book?
It's strongly recommended, especially at weekends which can book up weeks ahead. Pop-ins are welcome if there's space on the day.
What age is it suitable for?
Pottery painting works for all ages, including babies for footprint pieces. Taster throwing is 12 and up, and hand building or courses are adults only.
Can we take the piece home the same day?
No, it needs glazing and firing first. You can collect it later or pay for post and packing, which costs £5 to £22 or a bit less per person for large groups.
Is the finished pottery actually usable?
Once it's glazed and fired it's fully food-safe and functional.
Does the paint stain clothes?
The underglazes aren't permanent and wash out, but it's still worth wearing old clothes or grabbing an apron.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor is step-free for both painting and making. The toilets are upstairs, so mention access needs when you book.
Is there food or drink on site?
There are drinks and sweet treats available while you paint.
What about parking?
There are a few free spaces right outside, plus permit-free street parking nearby between 9:30am and 5pm.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome, but mention it when booking and send a separate email to confirm.
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