Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour - Thursday 30th July 2026

Guests will hear and see the stories of the craftspeople who shaped our city, beginning at the Gladstone Pottery Museum, where they will experience a Victorian pottery factory, explore the industrial heritage of the Potteries, and learn about the social impact of those who made Stoke-on-Trent ceramics a global phenomenon. Then, a short walk across the road takes you to the original doors of the Duchess China 1888 Ltd factory for a tour of a working factory, where artisans produce fine bone china that is exported worldwide. Tour the historic 138 year old Duchess China 1888 working factory, with its skilled craftmanship. See the process from clay to finished product and all the heritage hand skills. 

By the end of this tour, guests will gain a renewed understanding of the contemporary pottery industry through an authentic experience. They will also discover the tenacity and passion of the city's people amidst the challenging climate of modern manufacturing.

What to Expect

Start your tour at Gladstone Pottery Museum at 10:30am with a deep dive into the history of ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent, enjoy a potter's lunch of Staffordshire Oatcakes in the cafe, and finish off with the future of pottery with a factory tour of Duchess China 1888, located across the road from the museum. The event lasts approximately 3-4 hours. 

How to Book

Please book online here or call the museum on 01782 237777, Weds-Sat 10:00-16:45, Sunday 11:00-15:45 to book a place on the tour.