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Discover the Top 10 Pottery Painting Studios in Manchester for Fun and Art
Pottery painting always sounded like a good bit of fun, so my mate and I decided to give it a go in Manchester. The idea of creating something colourful and personal felt like the perfect way to chill out and get creative.
As we started checking out studios, we realised they all had a different feel to them. Some were great for a family day out, others had a proper cosy cafe-style vibe, and a few had a brilliant selection of pottery and glazes.
It didn’t take long to see why pottery painting has become a top way to spend an afternoon in the city. We’ve rounded up our favourites for you. Read on for our top picks of pottery painting studios in Manchester for a bit of fun and art!
ClassBento
– Media credit: classbento
Address: 86 Princess St
Contact details: +447830303084
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
If you’ve ever wanted to put your own spin on pottery, ClassBento is a brilliant way to dive right in! The sessions are relaxed, and you’ll get to play around with bowls, cups, or plates while learning from a patient instructor.
The best part is how open-ended the designs can be—you can go as simple as or as detailed as you like. Whether you’re into patterns, funky shapes, or just experimenting with colour, it’s all encouraged.
It’s also a fantastic option for group activities, whether you’re planning a team outing or just want a creative afternoon with friends. The classes are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need any prior experience.
| Pro tip: If you’re booking as a group, check if they offer private sessions—you’ll have more space and freedom to experiment. Also, take photos of your progress; it’s fun to see how your piece transforms before glazing. |
Space Studio Manchester
– Media credit: spacestudiomcr
Address: 45 Henry St, Ancoats
Contact details: 01612055508
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday – 4 to 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 12 to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Space Studio Manchester feels more like a cosy hangout than a typical pottery spot. The mid-century-inspired interiors add a cool, retro vibe while you paint.
Unlike family-focused studios, this one is tailored for adults, making it a fun option for date nights or even winding down solo with a brush in hand. You only pay for the ceramic piece you choose, and everything else is included.
The staff are friendly, giving you enough freedom to get lost in your designs without hovering. With a BYOB setup, it’s easy to turn your session into a relaxed social night.
| Pro tip: Bring along a small snack or your favourite drink to enjoy while you paint—it makes the whole session feel like your own little event. Also, snap a quick photo of your piece before glazing, as the colours shift beautifully after firing. |
Pottery Corner
– Media credit: pottery_corner
Address: 34 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Contact details: +441618820010
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Pottery Corner is one of those studios where you can walk in with no experience and still leave with something you’ll be proud to show off at home. The relaxed vibe makes it easy for both kids and adults to get creative without pressure.
You’ll find shelves lined with all sorts of ceramics, from mugs and vases to quirky animal figures, so there’s something for every taste. Staff are warm and always ready to offer a tip if you’re stuck on colours or designs.
It’s a lovely choice for families, but equally fun if you want to do a quiet session on your own or a creative date with friends. The real magic happens when your piece comes back from the kinm with its glossy finish!
| Pro tip: Book ahead, especially if you’re going on weekends, as tables fill quickly. If you’re painting with little ones, pick simpler shapes like animals—they’re easier for tiny hands and still look adorable once fired. |
7 Limes Pottery
– Media credit: 7limespottery
Address: 85 N Western St
Contact details: +447443860612
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – 3 to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
If you’ve ever wanted to dive a bit deeper into pottery than just painting, 7 Limes Pottery is a brilliant place to start. The studio feels welcoming from the moment you step in, and it has that community vibe that makes it easy to relax and learn.
The classes are varied, so you can take a short taster, commit to a six-week course, or even book a private workshop with friends. Whether you’re trying hand-building, throwing, or glazing, the tutors break it down in a way that just makes sense.
It’s also one of the few studios in Manchester where you’ll meet people working on long-term projects, which gives the space a creative buzz. Watching your mug or bowl come to life through each stage feels so rewarding.
| Pro tip: Picking up your finished pieces after glazing feels a bit like Christmas morning, so don’t miss the follow-up. If you’re booking for a group, go for a workshop—it offers more flexibility to chat, laugh, and make something memorable together. |
Brooklyn Pottery
– Media credit: brooklynpottery1
Address: Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS
Contact details: +441614805139
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
There’s something about walking into Brooklyn Pottery on a rainy Manchester afternoon that feels instantly comforting. The studio has a cosy, relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for both families and solo visits.
The shelves are stacked with plenty of pottery pieces to choose from, and the staff are patient whether you’re painting slowly or going bold with colours. Kids love it here too, especially when paired with their much-talked-about hot chocolates.
What makes it extra special is how the team never rushes you. They’ve even been known to stay open a little longer so you can finish your piece without stress. It truly feels like a place where time slows down just enough for creativity.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting with little ones, plan to arrive early so they can take their time choosing what to paint. Pair their painting session with one of the studio’s hot chocolates for a complete treat. |
Fired Paint a Pot Cafe
– Media credit: firedpaintapotcafe
Address: 7 Peter St, Bury BL9 6AB
Contact details: +447497376206
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 2:30 to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Fired Paint a Pot Cafe makes it easy to spend a couple of hours getting lost in colour and creativity. With shelves full of ceramics, you’ll always find something that suits your style or budget.
The staff here are warm and attentive, guiding you through choices while still letting you do your own thing. Drinks, toasts, and cakes add a cosy cafe feel, which is great if you’re painting with friends or kids.
Evening events are a big draw, and you can bring your own food and drinks, making it feel more like a social gathering than just a class. It’s a lovely way to try something creative while winding down.
| Pro tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday here, bring your own cake and make it a painting party. Pieces take about one to two weeks to fire, so time your visit if you’d like them ready for a special occasion. |
Minikin Paint a Pot Family Art Studio
– Media credit: minikinartcafe
Address: 132A Northenden Rd
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12:30 to 4 PM
Cost: $$
Minikin is one of those studios where you instantly feel at ease. The space is full of light, shelves of pottery, and a calm vibe that makes painting feel effortless.
It’s popular for all sorts of occasions—family birthdays, baby showers, or even just a mindful solo afternoon. Kids and adults alike receive equal attention, and the staff are always nearby to offer handy tips.
What makes Minikin stand out is the personal touch because the staff treat every visitor like a guest rather than just a customer. You leave not just with painted pottery but also with a lovely memory.
| Pro tip: Planning a group visit? It’s best to book ahead, as weekends fill up quickly. If you’re after something sentimental, consider capturing baby handprints or footprints on a mug or plate. |
New Dawn Pottery
– Media credit: newdawnpottery
Address: Courtyard groundfloor, 4 Pollard St E
Contact details: +447783175116
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 9 AM to 2:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Tucked away in Ancoats, New Dawn Pottery is the kind of place where you feel part of a creative community. The studio vibe is friendly, relaxed, and all about learning at your own pace.
Whether you’re dropping in for a taster session or diving into a four-week course, you’ll be hands-on from the start. The tutors are approachable and happy to give one-on-one guidance whenever you need it.
It’s also a great spot for a day out with your partner or mates—many come for a shared experience and leave with personal pottery pieces. You’ll walk out with more than just ceramics—you’ll feel like you’ve joined a little community.
| Pro tip: Classes are small and fill up quickly, so book early if you want a guaranteed spot. If you’re unsure which course to try, start with a taster before committing to a longer one. |
Three Sixty Pottery Studio
– Media credit: threesixtypotterystudio
Address: 477 Princess Rd, Withington
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – Appointment Only
- Thursday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Friday – 1 PM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost: $$
Three Sixty Pottery Studio is known for its fun and interactive two-hour classes where you’ll get hands-on with clay right away. You’ll usually make two pieces—a starter item like a trinket dish, then something of your own choosing, which makes every session feel personal.
The instructors guide you through each step, whether you’re hand-building or painting a bowl, but they also give you freedom to experiment. It’s a great setup if you want to try different techniques in just one class.
What makes this studio stand out is how much variety you can bring into your creations, from practical bowls to playful custom designs. Your pieces are then fired and ready to collect in a few weeks, giving you something lasting from the experience.
| Pro tip: If you’re booking with friends, plan your designs in advance so you can spend more time working on details. For unique projects, ask about combining hand-building with decorative finishes. |
Community Clay Studio Manchester CIC
– Media credit: claystudiomcr
Address: 20 King Street, Stretford
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost: $$
Community Clay Studio is all about creating a space where everyone feels welcome to explore pottery. They run part-time courses and workshops, making it easy for you to try out clay whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills.
The sessions are small, so you’ll get plenty of guidance from the tutors while still having freedom to make your own creative choices. It’s a place where you can learn techniques, experiment, and share the experience with others in a relaxed setting.
What makes this studio special is that people often come back here not just for the pottery but for the sense of connection. It’s a rewarding space to grow your skills while making something tangible to take home.
| Pro tip: Book early if you want a weekend slot as classes fill up quickly. If you’re planning a family visit, ask about their group sessions for a more tailored experience. |
