The Potteries of Staffordshire

Insights from curators, a Champagne afternoon tea in the Wedgwood tearoom, and museum halls lined with centuries of fired brilliance. From gleaming art pottery to factory-floor precision, this journey through The Potteries invites you to discover the craftsmanship, creativity and quiet beauty that Staffordshire has passed down through generations.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the hotel from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, dinner with wine and talk from Dr Maddie Hewitson.

Day 2: Wedgwood Factory and The Potteries Museum and Gallery
Begin your journey into the heart of British ceramics at the iconic Wedgwood Factory, home to the world-renowned V&A Wedgwood Collection. Enjoy a guided factory tour and visit to the museum and V&A collection followed by a champagne afternoon tea in the Wedgewood tearoom. In the afternoon visit the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Listen to an introductory talk from the museum’s curators, offering insight into the region’s rich pottery heritage followed by a visit of the museum. Evening talk at the hotel from Maddie followed by dinner with wine. 

Day 3: Middleport Pottery and Gladstone Pottery Museum
Begin the day with a visit to Middleport Pottery for a guided virtual tour of the working Burleigh Factory from clay to cup. This is a chance to see traditional methods of pottery manufacture still in use today, with a special hands-on 'show and tell' of the various molds used. After lunch in the café, we then visit the Gladstone Pottery Museum, a beautifully preserved Victorian factory where you’ll explore traditional methods of pottery production and the lives of the workers who shaped the industry. While here we will also have the chance to get our hands dirty and take part in a clay vessel building workshop. Your final masterpiece will be fired at the museum and be sent in the post to you approx. 2 weeks after the tour. Return to the hotel for 17.30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. Please visit the mobility page on our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hilton Garden Inn Stoke, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• First night welcome drink 
• Two talks from Dr Maddie Hewitson
• 2 dinners at the hotel with wine 
• 1 afternoon tea
• 1 lunch
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Expert guide Dr Maddie Hewitson throughout the tour
• Tour manager throughout the tour 

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £100
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke offers a welcoming, peaceful stay in Hanley’s Cultural Quarter. Stylish, rooms include fridges and tea/coffee makers, while dining at the on-site restaurant and bar provides friendly, relaxed service. It is within walking distance of the Cultural Quarter, including the Regent Theatre, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, and Potteries Shopping Centre. Bedrooms are modern and comfortable with air-conditioning, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, mini fridge, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Complimentary car parking for Travel Editions clients is available at the hotel.

Hotel Website

Recent Reviews

“What really stood out on this tour was the efficiency and friendliness of both the tour guide and manager, which made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable throughout.” Mrs B, travelled May 2026

“The tour was enjoyable throughout, with an excellent itinerary, comfortable accommodation and a very well organised experience overall.”  Mrs F, travelled May 2026

“Learning about how the potteries were run 200–300 years ago was a real highlight and made the history feel very vivid and interesting.” Mrs C, travelled May 2026

“We knew very little about how pottery is made before the tour, so it turned out to be a fascinating and excellent learning experience throughout.” Mr B, travelled May 2026

“A lovely highlight of the tour was the afternoon tea at Wedgwood, which was a really enjoyable and memorable experience.” Sharon Wiggins, travelled May 2026