Travel bucket list idea:
The Leach Pottery [pottery classes]
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 28 April, 2024
Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, the pioneering Leach Pottery in St Ives went on to become the world’s most influential pottery studio; Eastern and Western ceramic traditions and the use of locally sourced materials continue to influence ceramic artists to this day.
It still trains potters from around the world, and you too can learn the art of pottery here from the best in the business. They offer a selection of workshops ranging from a 2-hour tasting session, to evening classes and 5-day courses. Adults only (18+)
There’s also a museum and gallery and shop if you want to explore the history of pottery, and a shop to purchase some first-rate, hand-crafted ceramics.
Especially for the under 12s
There are special workshops in school holidays for ages 7-12 and teens. There are also sensory experiences for toddlers, also during school holidays on selected dates.
Logistics
Price from: £8
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The studio is a 20-minute walk up the hill from central St Ives; if you’re driving, there are a handful of parking spaces on site, or public parking nearby. Guided tours are offered on Thursdays and must be booked ahead on the website.
When to do it
The museum and shop are open every day in summer, but close on Sundays in winter months. Pottery classes are run on selected dates – see the website for options and times.
