Ceramics and architectural history give Burslem two distinct sides to explore during a stay: production continues to this day at Middleport Pottery, while churches, the market hall, the School of Art and Burslem Park offer a different focus. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether ceramics or architectural and park history will be at the heart of your trip.
Ceramics: from production to visiting
Middleport Pottery is beside the Trent & Mersey Canal and is a Grade II* listed building. It is regarded as the last working Victorian pottery in the United Kingdom with continuous production. Middleport Pottery is also still the home of Burleigh Pottery. Here, continuing production and an important chapter in ceramics history come together in one place.
Visitors can choose a guided factory tour or follow the Heritage Trail independently. The formats differ in whether you join a guided tour or plan your own walk. Middleport Pottery is about a 15-minute walk from Longport railway station; walking times may vary depending on the route.
Moorcroft: museum, tour and practical details
The Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre offers another distinctive ceramics experience. The Moorcroft Museum traces the history of ceramic art through the ages. The centre also includes a factory tour and a Grade II listed bottle kiln. The Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre, shop, museum, bottle kiln and car park are free of charge.
The centre also has specific accessibility features to help you plan your visit: it has ramp access, no stairs and an accessible toilet. Each year in May, it holds an opening weekend. If you’d like to plan your visit around it, check the latest dates and visitor information in advance.
Churches, market hall and park
The Roman Catholic Church of St Joseph is a Grade II* listed building. Its elaborate interior includes artworks, mosaics and stained glass. St John the Baptist offers a different historical landmark: its west tower is considered the oldest surviving building in Stoke-on-Trent. The churchyard contains memorials to Josiah Wedgwood and his family.
The other buildings also differ in their age and design. Burslem Market Hall dates from 1879; its original patent glazing on the iron roof and original market stalls have been preserved. Burslem’s School of Art is a Grade II listed building. It dates from around 1905 and was designed by A R Wood.
Burslem Park offers a contrast between buildings and open space. The public park was laid out by Thomas H Mawson and opened in 1894. It is also Grade II* listed. Along with the churches and market hall, it adds a distinct perspective on Burslem’s architectural and design history to the ceramics sites.
Discover more destinations: Stoke On Trent.
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