City Guides
Pottery Classes in Manchester: A Complete Guide for 2025
From Northern Quarter workshops to suburban community studios, here's where to throw pots in Manchester.
Manchester's got a brilliant creative scene, and the pottery community here is exactly what you'd expect from the city – friendly, down-to-earth, and dead supportive. Whether you fancy a wheel throwing taster in the Northern Quarter or a hand-building course in Chorlton, you'll find something that suits.
I've spent time exploring Manchester's pottery studios, and what strikes me most is how welcoming they are. No art-school pretension, just good teaching and decent brews. Here's your guide to finding the perfect pottery class in Manchester.
City centre & Northern Quarter: Creative hub pottery
The Northern Quarter is Manchester's creative heart, and the pottery studios here reflect that energy – industrial spaces, friendly faces, and evening classes perfect for after-work stress relief.
- Clay Space Manchester – Right in the city centre, offering beginner wheel throwing and hand-building courses. Their six-week programmes are comprehensive, and the instructors really know their stuff.
- Northern Clay Studio – Tucked away in a converted warehouse near Ancoats. They specialise in wheel throwing but also run occasional raku firing workshops, which are absolutely brilliant if you want to try something different.
- Spin Ceramics – A boutique studio offering date-night pottery sessions and BYOB classes. Very popular for birthdays and hen parties, but they also do serious tuition if you want to progress your skills.
South Manchester: Chorlton, Didsbury & community spaces
South Manchester has some lovely community-focused pottery studios, often with brilliant value for money and a really supportive atmosphere.
- Chorlton Potters – A community pottery that's been going for years. Affordable membership, open studio time, and beginner courses that won't break the bank. Very welcoming to complete newbies.
- Didsbury Clay Works – Small classes (max 6 people) mean you get loads of individual attention. They offer both wheel throwing and hand-building, and their evening courses fit nicely around work schedules.
Salford, Stretford & outer Manchester
Don't overlook the studios in Greater Manchester – they're often easier to get to by car and have great facilities.
- Salford Community Pottery – Brilliant value and a really friendly bunch. They run daytime and evening courses, plus kids' classes during school holidays.
- Trafford Ceramics Studio – Near the Trafford Centre, so easy to combine with other errands. They specialise in hand-building and surface decoration techniques.
What to expect from Manchester pottery classes
Manchester pottery studios are generally laid-back and welcoming. Most beginner classes start with a demo, then you'll get hands-on time with an instructor keeping an eye on you. Expect to get messy, have a laugh, and probably make something wonky but loveable in your first session.
Prices are pretty reasonable compared to London – expect £35-£55 for a two-hour taster, or £180-£280 for a six-week course. Most studios include clay and basic firing in the price, but check before you book.
Making the most of your Manchester pottery experience
Pair your pottery class with exploring Manchester's brilliant creative scene. Grab breakfast at Federal in the Northern Quarter before a morning class, or hit one of Chorlton's indie pubs after an evening session. The pottery folk here are chatty – don't be surprised if you make mates as well as mugs.
Use our Manchester pottery directory to compare studios, read reviews, and book your spot. Most places offer trial sessions, so you can test the vibe before committing to a longer course.
Pottery questions we’re always asked
- How much do pottery classes cost in Manchester?
- Beginner taster sessions typically cost £35-£55 for two hours. Six-week courses range from £180-£280 depending on the studio. Community pottery spaces like Chorlton Potters tend to be more affordable than boutique city-centre studios.
- Which Manchester pottery studio is best for beginners?
- Clay Space Manchester and Chorlton Potters both have excellent beginner programmes. Clay Space offers structured courses in the city centre, while Chorlton Potters provides a relaxed community atmosphere with great value for money.
- Are there pottery classes suitable for couples in Manchester?
- Yes! Spin Ceramics specialises in date-night pottery sessions, and many studios offer couples workshops. These usually include wheel throwing or hand-building together, and some venues even offer BYOB options.
- Can I book a pottery party or group event in Manchester?
- Absolutely. Studios like Spin Ceramics and Northern Clay Studio regularly host private groups for birthdays, hen parties, and corporate team-building. Contact them through our directory listings to discuss group rates.