Turn that clay into creation with these 10 best pottery classes in London
In a world where it feels like everyone’s glued to their screens, it might be nice to switch things up with a hobby that doesn’t involve one. If you’re on the lookout for something like that, I’ve got a suggestion for you—pottery!
It’s a hands-on activity that really gets your creative juices flowing, and some folks even make extra cash selling their pieces. If you’re curious and want to dive in, London has some great spots offering pottery classes.
Keep reading to find out more!
1. Crown Works Pottery and School
Media credits: crownworkspottery
Address: Crown Works, 11 Temple St, Bethnal Green
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
Price: $$
Crown Works Pottery is tucked away in a charming Victorian mews near Bethnal Green. Run by Giulietta Hextall, it’s a welcoming space where potters of all levels can explore their creativity.
The studio has two main teaching spaces. One is focused on wheel throwing, and the other is on hand building. Both are led by skilled instructors who tailor their guidance to suit the technique.
They also offer specialised masterclasses for those who want to explore specific techniques. With a maximum of ten participants per session, the small class sizes mean you get plenty of personal attention, making the learning experience even more enjoyable.
Pro tip:
Think about whether you want to focus on throwing on the wheel or handbuilding. Each technique has its own dedicated classes, so pick the one that sparks your interest.
2. Colour and Clay Studio
Media credits: colour.and.clay
Address: Studio 13, ACAVA, 54 Blechynden St
Contact details: +44 7424 697618
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $$
Colour and Clay Studio in North Kensington is just a short walk from Latimer Road tube station, making it super convenient to get to. The studio itself is bright and spacious, with everything you need to dive into pottery.
With only four students per class, you get plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor. Plus, the course fee includes everything—clay, colours, and even firing your pieces. You won’t need to worry about extra costs.
The studio is also thoughtfully designed to be accessible for people with mobility issues, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. There’s even tea and coffee on hand to keep the creative energy flowing.
Pro tip:
If you have specific requirements or concerns, like mobility issues, reach out to the studio ahead of time. Colour and Clay Studio is known for being accommodating and responsive to students’ needs.
3. Class Bento
Media credits: classbento_uk
Address: Aldwych House
Contact details: +44 7830 303084
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Class Bento’s pottery workshops are a great way to spend time being creative and learning something new. Whether you’re just starting out or have tried pottery before, the classes are designed to be approachable and enjoyable for everyone.
You can experiment with hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques while shaping and glazing pieces that feel uniquely yours. The instructors are there to guide you without taking over, so there’s plenty of room to try things your own way.
Class Bento also emphasises the therapeutic aspects of pottery. They promote mental well-being through creative engagement. The act of working with clay is not only enjoyable but also serves as a mindful practice that can reduce stress and enhance focus
Pro tip:
Stuck on gift ideas? Class Bento gift cards are a thoughtful option for friends or family who’d love to try something creative and hands-on.
4. Social Pottery
Media credits: socialpottery
Address: 221-223 Royal College St
Contact details: +44 20 7419 5248
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: $$
Social Pottery is all about getting creative, whether you’re moulding clay from scratch or decorating pre-made pieces. If you’re up for a hands-on challenge, the pottery-making classes teach you how to shape and design unique creations.
For something more laid-back, the painting sessions let you choose from over 300 items and bring them to life with vibrant designs.
Everything’s provided, so you can jump straight in. Sessions last just an hour or two, making it easy, fun, and stress-free.
Don’t worry if you’re new to it—the friendly instructors will guide you every step of the way. And if you opt for the “Sip and Paint” option, you can even enjoy a drink while you create.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for their themed events, like “Boozy Pottery Painting” nights. They’re a fun way to shake up the usual creative experience!
5. Studio Pottery London
Media credits: studiopotterylondon
Address: 29 Eccleston Pl
Contact details: +44 20 8004 9439
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: $$
Studio Pottery London’s studio feels open and bright. It really adds to the creative vibe and makes it easy to feel at home while learning or honing your skills.
The setup is thoughtfully designed. It has two classrooms, each equipped with six pottery wheels, keeping class sizes small and personal.
There’s also a cosy members’ area where you can practice, flip through pottery books from their little library, or take a break in the kitchenette.
They’ve got a nice mix of offerings, from beginner to advanced classes, that cover the basics like hand-building and wheel-throwing. Their special workshops with guest artists also let you try new styles and techniques.
Pro tip:
For a personalised pottery experience, book a private lesson with one of the resident potters and get one-on-one guidance to refine your skills.
6. Ceramics Classes London
Media credits: ceramicsclasseslondon
Address: 57, Railway Arch, Cambridge Grove
Contact details: +44 20 8876 4129
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Ceramics Classes London offers a variety of ceramic courses. For those starting out, the 1.5-hour taster sessions offer a chance to try throwing a pot or hand-building a small piece. Then, your work will be fired and glazed for pickup in three weeks.
If you’re looking for something more structured, the 4 or 8-week courses offer a deeper dive into the craft. These 2.5-hour sessions help you learn and refine your skills, starting with centring the clay and working on cylinder shapes.
For experienced artists looking to take their practice to the next level, membership offers up to 20 hours a week in the studio, with 24-hour access and use of a 524L kiln. You’ll also get technical support and discounted tuition to fine-tune your skills.
Pro tip:
If you become a member of their studio, you’ll have opportunities to network with other artists, sell your work at the studio, and promote your creations on the studio’s Instagram.
7. Sheen Pottery Studio with Lindy Barletta Ceramics
Media credits: sheen_pottery
Address: 263 Upper Richmond Rd W
Contact details: +44 20 8487 1038
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $$
Founded by potter Lindy Barletta, Sheen Pottery Studio offers a range of classes for all skill levels. It’s tucked away in the charming East Sheen area, making it easy for locals and visitors to pop in.
The studio itself is well-equipped, with plenty of space for pottery work. There’s also a small gallery and a shop where you can check out and purchase unique ceramic pieces.
They offer a bunch of different classes, like hand building, where you can create pottery without a wheel. There are also specialist courses if you want to dive deeper into certain techniques, plus fun classes for kids that encourage hands-on learning.
Pro tip:
Sign up for the studio’s mailing list to stay updated on private views, demonstrations, and talks by visiting makers. It’s a great way to get the most out of your experience at Sheen Pottery Studio.
8. Cernamic
Media credits: cernamic
Address: 36A Windus Rd
Contact details: +44 7985 138854
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 2 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Cernamic offers a variety of classes and workshops to suit different interests. If you’re new to pottery, the taster workshops are perfect. They’ll give you a chance to get hands-on with basic techniques and create simple pieces.
For those who want to take it further, there are beginner courses where you can build foundational skills over a few weeks. Seasoned potters can also sign up for advanced classes to hone their craft and experiment with more complex forms.
And if you’re looking to do something creative with your team, Cernamic organizes corporate events for team-building through pottery.
Pro tip:
If you want to keep practising outside of classes, consider signing up for one of Cernamic’s membership plans. It’s a great way to improve your skills at your own pace and make the most of their studio facilities.
9. Dalston Clay
Media credits: dalstonclay
Address: Unit 308, 10B Bradbury St
Contact details: +44 7586 258554
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Dalston Clay has something for everyone. They offer taster sessions for beginners. There’s a five-week course if you’re looking for something more in-depth.
What makes it unique is that a bit of meditation is thrown in at the start of each class to help you focus.
They offer regular classes and special events that blend pottery with mindfulness. One such event is Clay Day, a full—or half-day experience that combines yoga, meditation, and ceramics for a truly holistic approach to well-being.
If you’re looking to relax, try their Sound Bath + Clay Afternoon. You can enjoy a pottery session followed by a sound bath to help you unwind and tap into your creativity.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to improve your wheel-throwing skills, opt for the small group sessions for a more personalised experience. For even more focused guidance, private tuition is also available here.
10. Lotty Potty Pots
Media credits: lottypottypots
Address: 7a Trouville Rd
Contact details: +44 7941 653311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: $$
Lotty Potty Pots offers two-hour taster workshops that are perfect if you’re new to pottery or just want to brush up on your skills.
In these sessions, you’ll create three pots. The studio will trim, bisque fire, glaze, and fire them again for you to pick up later.
If you’re looking to dive a bit deeper, their mini-courses are a great next step. You’ll get three sessions over five hours, where you’ll learn how to wedge clay and throw on the wheel in the first two and then glaze your pieces in the final session.
They offer rolling sessions for those wanting to keep building on their pottery skills. These two-hour classes are great for experimenting with techniques like throwing and glazing. The instructor will also provide helpful guidance as you work.
Pro tip:
If you’re confident in your pottery skills and prefer working on your own projects, consider renting the studio. It’s a great way to get creative while still having access to the studio space.