Top 10 best pottery classes in Bristol

There is something really satisfying about seeing your finished pottery piece after it's fresh out of the kiln. Whether you're looking to create ceramics on the pottery wheel, looking to paint with pottery glazes, or wanting to learn the art of hand-building pottery, there will be pottery classes in Bristol that will help you create a masterpiece no matter your previous experience or skill. 
  
You can find one-to-one pottery throwing classes for beginners, pottery taster sessions to try a bit of everything, BYOB pottery nights, or you can find more casual clay dates where you can just get stuck into the joy of creation.  
  
Pottery is a relaxing craft that does wonders for your wellbeing, and it can be taken as seriously or as casually as you like. You don't need to go into a pottery class knowing what you are going to create, you can let your imagination run wild because one of the beauties of pottery as a craft is that if you make a mistake it's really easy to start your project again! 
  
The workshops below can be done by yourself as a way of learning a new skill, enjoyed as an unusual date night activity, or you can take your friends to a pottery class and treat it as a fun day out to make mucky memories. 
  
You can find pottery classes across Bristol, and we've included classes in Fishponds, Bedminster, Stokes Croft, and more so that you can find a pottery class near you

•  Private pottery wheel workshop for two in Bedminster
• Pottery and pints at The Coronation pub in Southville
• Pottery and bubbles in Stokes Croft
• Make a mug and coaster pottery workshop on Gloucester Road
• Porcelain jewellery making workshop in Emersons Green
• Summer garden pottery session in Montpelier  
• Pottery hand-building and wheel throwing session in Fishponds
• Make a ceramic vase at the Bristol Loaf (Bedminster)
• Bubbles and butter dishes in Bedminster  
• Self-guided pottery session with Trylla's Clay Club in Bedminster   

Here are the top 11 pottery classes in Bristol, from pottery at the pub with pints to wheel workshops for beginners that will have you throwing like a professional.

On Bedminster's North Street you can take a private pottery wheel class for one or two people at Trylla. If you've ever watched The Great Pottery Throw Down and wanted to give throwing on a pottery wheel a go, this is your sign! During this session the focus is on throwing pots until you feel confident enough to create one on the wheel without guidance.  

Coloured slip is available to decorate your pots once they've been thrown and before they are fired and glazed. Coloured slip is a watered-down clay that is coloured with pigments and you can apply this to a pot before it's fired. With glazes you need to have a pot fired once before applying them, but the coloured slip allows you to decorate your creations on the day that you make them. 
A pottery wheel class for two makes a great date (you can make things for each other- cute!), or something special to do with a family member or friend. The location of this ceramics studio is perfect for going for food and drinks after. 
  
🏺Private pottery wheel workshop for two in Bedminster, £100 for two people 

Pot Heads at the Pub is a great choice for people wanting to do pottery in a more social and casual setting. This pottery workshop is based at Southville favourite local The Coronation, which is known for its cheap prices, good roasts, friendly and relaxed dog-friendly atmosphere, and the two resident pub cats. A drink of your choice is included in the ticket price, and The Coronation stocks a wide variety of local brews, an eclectic gin collection, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. 
  
Pot Heads are handmade ceramic beings that bring a bit of silly into the world. The idea was born when ceramics artist Tasha Bee was working at a pottery studio which supports individuals with learning difficulties and autism. She wanted everyone to benefit from the playful and relaxing nature of clay so she created a step-by-step process that could be mastered by anyone. Every Pot Head is uniquely different and reflects the nature and personality of the potter creating them, and they look incredible finished off with a plant of your choice supplied by Tasha. 
No experience is needed for this workshop, Tasha will guide you step-by-step as you learn simple hand-building techniques. You'll then have the confidence to unleash your own creativity and create your own unique Pot Heads character. 
  
You'll be able to take your Pot Head, a plant 'hairstyle' of choice, and a Pot Heads goody bag away on the day. 
  
🏺Pottery and pints at The Coronation pub in Southville, £32 per person 

Pottery and prosecco. You can't really go wrong can you? This pottery experience is great for a date night with a difference in Bristol. It would also suit a very Bristol hen do party (we love cool and quirky, don't we?) or just an excuse for some seccy with the girlies!  
This workshop is on a Friday, so it's a banging way to start the weekend. Plus you are right in the middle of Stokes Croft, one of the best locations in Bristol for a night out. Did somebody say pottery pre-drinks?? Bring it on! Your hand-built pieces will be glazed and fired ready for collection a few weeks later.  
  
Right, now let's organise our night out after this ultimate pre-drinks in Stokes Croft. We already know Pipe & Slippers does a good cocktail, or we could grab a burger from The Cadbury which is right around the corner from Picton Lane. Then after some grub, maybe there's some good music at Crofter's Rights? Or we could head to Love Inn for music and dancing? Oh there's so much choice!  
  
🏺BYOB pottery and prosecco night in Stokes Croft, £35 per person

If you are a tea or coffee drinker then this pottery workshop will definitely be your cup of tea (pardon the pun). Refreshments such as teas and coffees are available to keep you fuelled as you create your masterpiece and you'll have access to all the tools, templates, letters to emboss with, and support from artist and hand-built pottery ceramicist Jess from Made this Mess. 
  
Everyone has a 'special' mug at home. You know the one. The one that everyone knows not to use, and the one that tea and coffee just doesn't taste right without. Well that mug is about to have a rude awakening; there's going to be a new mug in town and it's going to be hand-built by you. This workshop uses hand-building and slab techniques to create a mug and coaster that are then glazed and fired by Jess in order to make them food and dishwasher safe. 

Bedminster is a great location for this pottery workshop, and you'll find the studio close to lots of brilliant eateries. Some venues to check out whilst you are in the area include The Bristol Loaf (incredible pastries, next-level brunch, and amazing wine), Zena's Bistro (an authentic Italian deli and restaurant), and COR (a gorgeous small plates resturant bringing the best ambience).

🏺Make a mug and coaster workshop, £38 per person

Discover the beauty and versatility of porcelain in this hands-on jewellery-making workshop in Stokes Croft. 
In this creative session, you’ll learn how to work with fine porcelain clay to design and make your own unique pieces of wearable art. Guided by an experienced ceramic artist, you’ll shape and decorate items like earrings, pendants, or brooches using simple hand-building techniques. 
Porcelain is known for its delicate appearance and strength — ideal for elegant, minimalist jewellery. You’ll explore texture, form, and colour to bring your ideas to life. Whether you prefer modern and clean designs or something more rustic and organic, there’s room to experiment and make pieces that truly reflect your style. 
After the workshop, your creations will be carefully dried, glazed and kiln-fired by your host. Once finished, they’ll be posted back to you — ready to wear or gift to someone special. This workshop is a great introduction to ceramics for beginners, as well as a relaxing and creative session for anyone looking to try something new with friends or solo. 
 
🏺Porcelain jewellery workshop, £75 per person 

Soak up the sunshine and get creative with clay in this relaxed outdoor pottery session, set in a peaceful pub garden in the heart of Stokes Croft. 

In this seasonal workshop, you’ll enjoy the slower pace of summer while hand-building your own ceramic pieces -  think plant pots, garden ornaments, or summery tableware. Guided by a friendly and experienced tutor, you’ll learn simple pottery techniques using air-drying clay that’s perfect for beginners. 
  
With birdsong, fresh air and creative energy all around, it’s the ideal way to unwind, get your hands messy, and enjoy time in nature. You’ll have plenty of freedom to explore your own ideas while receiving guidance and inspiration throughout the session. 
This is a brilliant experience for anyone looking to try pottery without needing to commit to a kiln-fired process. You'll leave with your own handcrafted piece that you can decorate, paint, or seal at home. 
Whether you come solo or with friends, this calming garden session offers a perfect slice of slow summer creativity. You can even make a full day of it and arrive a bit early to order some of the pub’s delicious food!  
  
🏺Summer Garden pottery session, £38.50 per person 
 

Unsure of whether you'll prefer hand-building or throwing on the wheel? This crafty pottery session with Ridgeway Studios in Fishponds will give you a taste of both worlds.
This pottery evening in the north-east of Bristol (about 3 miles from the city centre) is led by the resident ceramics artists at Ridgeway Studios. You'll be supported by a team of passionate ceramicists that each specialise in a different area of clay work. You will learn how to throw on the wheel and will be guided as you create your first pot. 
Whilst you are not on the wheel you'll be hand-building with stoneware clay. There are plenty of tools and forms available so that you can easily construct bowls, mugs, decorations, sculptures, dishes, and ornaments. This workshop is ideal if you can't decide on which form of ceramics you want to discover, or if you just want to try them all! 

🏺Pottery hand-building and wheel throwing session in Fishponds, £45 per person 

 In this friendly, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of designing and hand-building a vase using stoneware clay. Using slab-building techniques, you’ll shape, texture, and personalise your piece - whether you’re aiming for sleek and minimal or organic and textured. 
  No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Your host will help you bring your design to life while you enjoy the relaxed café setting, with refreshments available to purchase on the night. 
  
Once your vase is complete, it will be carefully dried, glazed, and kiln-fired for you. A few weeks later, you’ll be able to collect your finished piece. This is a great way to dip your toes into ceramics, enjoy an inspiring evening out, and leave with something beautiful to display at home or give as a handmade gift.. 
  
Bedminster (in my opinion) is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon, so head down a bit earlier. The Windmill City Farm is really nice and relaxed (I enjoy giving the piggies a little belly scratch if I can reach them), and there are a number of great independent cafes and shops in the area too. 
  
🏺Make your own ceramic vase at the Bristol Loaf, £38.50 

Hosted in a cosy ceramics studio in Bedminster this workshop invites you to design and hand-build your very own ceramic butter dish from scratch. No experience with pottery? No problem. The session is beginner-friendly, and your host will guide you step-by-step through the process — from shaping the clay to decorating your piece with stamps, textures or carving tools.

You’ll be working with stoneware clay, using slab-building techniques to create both the base and lid of your butter dish. There’s plenty of room to add your own flair — whether you’re into rustic, minimalist designs or something more quirky and colourful. 

After the workshop, your butter dish will be fired and glazed in the studio, ready to use and collect a few weeks later. It’s fully functional and perfect for storing your favourite spread.
This makes a great gift idea or weekend treat for foodies, pottery lovers, or anyone who enjoys doing something a little different. And the best part? You get to say “I made this” every time you reach for the butter. 
 
🏺Bubbles and butter dishes, £38 per person 
 

Want to be left to it and do your own thing? You've got it! This self-led pottery session at Trylla is the pottery experience for you. 
You'll have access to all the tools and the wheel at Trylla to make whatever you want, and you can choose which clay you'd like to work with. From memory there was a stoneware clay (it's a grey colour and good for hand-building but can be a bit rough when throwing on a wheel), a terracotta clay (a reddish clay that is smoother and suitable for wheel throwing), and there was a white clay (I think this was a ceramic potter's clay, but don't quote me). 
  
You get a kilo of clay to work with, and you can make whatever you want in the time you have. Your pieces are fired, but not glazed, so you can book in another Clay Club experience and go back to apply ceramics paint to your piece before it gets fired again and glazed. 
This is a great experience to go to if you are unsure you'll like pottery, but still want to give it a go. It's only £20 for the session, and although you don't get any help in making something it's a great way to dip your toe into the water. 

🏺Self-guided pottery session with Trylla's Clay Club in Bedminster, £20 per person 

Want to browse through the other pottery classes available on Yuup? Check out the full pottery collection here!