Do I need any prior experience to join a workshop at Upland Clay?

No prior experience is needed for our beginner courses, as all taster sessions, day workshops, and multi-week classes are designed for absolute beginners. Our 1-Hour Throw-a-Pot (£35) taster sessions, Saturday Clay Days (£105), and 6-Week Wheel Throwing (£290) courses guide you step-by-step through the process, whether you are trying the potter’s wheel for the first time or refining basic skills.

How and when do I collect my finished pieces, and do you offer postage?

Finished pottery is ready for studio collection 3 to 4 weeks after your session, and we also offer nationwide UK postage for long-distance students. Because ceramics require drying, bisque firing, glazing, and a final glaze firing, we will message you as soon as your pieces are ready. If you live further away, we securely pack and post your work directly to your door.

Are tools and materials included in the workshop price?

Yes, all clay, tools, aprons, and refreshments are fully included in the cost of every Upland Clay course. You will work with unlimited high-quality stoneware clay. For our full-day Saturday Clay Day workshops, a delicious lunch is also provided.

Do you offer courses for improvers or experienced wheel throwers?

Yes, we offer weekly Improvers Classes (£30) specifically designed for potters who already know the basics of wheel throwing and want to build advanced skills. Under professional tuition, you will learn to throw larger, more complex forms such as teapots, lamp bases, lidded jars, butter dishes, and large plates. We also refine key techniques like hand-pulled handles, precision-pouring spouts, and decorative finishing.

Do you offer pay-as-you-go open studio access?

Yes, our self-guided Clay Club provides pay-as-you-go studio access every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm for £20 a day. Designed for makers who want to practice independently without a monthly commitment, each session includes full access to studio equipment and 6kg of stoneware clay. It is the ideal next step for students who have completed a beginner course and want flexible studio time to develop their technique.

Do you offer full 24/7 studio memberships?

Yes, Upland Clay offers full monthly Studio Memberships for £150 a month, giving experienced potters 24/7 keyholder access to the studio. Members receive dedicated personal storage shelves, access to all studio wheels and equipment, and unlimited stoneware clay. It provides independent potters and developing makers with a permanent creative home and a supportive studio community.

Can I book a private workshop for a birthday, stag/hen party, or corporate event?

Yes! We host private sessions for everything from birthdays, hen and stag dos, and family get-togethers to corporate team days and staff socials.

We accommodate groups from 2 up to 24 people, with prices starting from £35 per person. You’ll get dedicated instruction and your own exclusive studio space to celebrate, create, and tailor the experience to your group.

What should I wear or bring to a pottery class at Upland Clay 

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring a hair tie if you have long hair. All clay washes out easily in a standard laundry cycle, and we supply clean aprons and all necessary tools for every student. For the best experience on the wheel, we strongly recommend trimming long fingernails before your session.

Is there free unlimited parking at Upland Clay

Yes, free on-site parking is available directly by the studio, and our space is fully accessible with one small step at entry. We also have ground-floor wheel setups and accessible facilities—if you have specific physical or mobility requirements, please contact us ahead of your visit so we can tailor your setup comfortably.

We are a friendly and supportive community ceramics studio offering structured learning, state of the art facilities, and a clear progression from beginner to independent maker. 

In 2022 we moved to our new studio at Crofton Hall. It's a gorgeous, bright and airy workshop with plenty of space dedicated to wheel throwing pottery teaching. Ground level access, 12 adjustable professional potters wheels and plenty of workbench space make it the best space in Cumbria to learn pottery in (in our humble opinion :) )

30min from Keswick, Cockermouth and only few minutes outside of Carlisle.

In 2026 we welcomed nearly 600 budding potters into the studio. We've worked through over 5 tonnes of clay so far and fired countless beautiful pots. Anna (our studio technician) along with Becca, Felicity, Kate and Alicja (our teachers) kept the studio running efficiently throughout the busiest year we've ever had.

Teaching wheel throwing well is a difficult but very rewarding work that we take seriously - after all, we are instilling good habits in the new wave of makers, some of whom go on to develop their own creative pottery styles here in Cumbria.

If you would like to join us in the workshop, you're in great hands. Wheel throwing clay and pottery in general is a wonderful craft and a fantastic medium to work with.

The studio is open to the public most days if you fancy having a nosey, but as we work though backlog of work, my online pottery shop will remain empty for a while longer. 

Fancy a visit or want to discuss courses? Drop us a message on upland.clay@gmail.com or give me a call on 07922957819

We are based in Cumbria with easy access from Keswick, Carlisle, Cockermouth and surrounding areas. We offer state of the art, bright and spacious workshop with free unlimited parking and cafe on site which makes for a stress free day out exploring the world of ceramics.

You’ll be learning from experienced potters, with access to all the tools, materials and tuition you’ll need to explore your creativity with clay.

We have pottery courses suitable for beginners, improvers and advanced students.