Derby and the surrounding Derbyshire area are rich in ceramic tradition, offering a blend of modern workshops, community studios, and creative learning spaces. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned clay artist, these studios provide welcoming environments to explore pottery in all its forms.

WEDGE Ceramic Workshop

A new open access ceramics workshop in Derby, WEDGE runs beginners' throwing classes and hand building workshops, and offers three levels of membership for open access to its facilities and equipment — a good option if you're comfortable with clay but don't yet have your own wheel, kiln or space.

• Website: wedgederby.co.uk
• Contact: info@wedgederby.co.uk
• Address: Unit 26, Perkin Yard, Mansfield Road, Derby DE21 4AW

Paint a Pot Derby

Located in the charming Craft Village at Markeaton Park, Paint a Pot Derby is a family-friendly studio offering paint-your-own pottery experiences. Great for birthdays, school trips, or relaxed weekend fun, the studio provides everything you need to personalise your own ceramic piece.

• Website: paintapotderby.com
• Contact: 01332 202652 (via website contact form)
• Address: Craft Village, Markeaton Park, Derby DE22

Pottery School, Belper

Based in Belper, this educational pottery school provides classes for all ages with a strong focus on skill-building. Run through a Derbyshire school initiative, it's ideal for learners who want to explore pottery as part of a structured curriculum or regular course.

• Website: pottery.derbyshire.sch.uk
• Contact: info@pottery.derbyshire.sch.uk | 01773 823383
• Address: Kilbourne Road, Belper DE56 1HA

Pottery Classes with Kathryn Borg

Held at Artcore in central Derby, Kathryn Borg’s pottery classes are ideal for creative adults looking to try handbuilding, wheel throwing, and glazing in a relaxed studio setting. Sessions are booked through Artcore and run regularly throughout the year.

• Website: Artcore (bookings)
• Contact: craftcore@artcoreuk.com | 01332 366623
• Address: 8 Albert Street, Derby DE1 2DS

Jumping Clay Derby Ltd

Jumping Clay Derby offers interactive, educational workshops using soft, air-drying clay that’s ideal for children and beginners. Their classes promote creativity and fun, often used for school groups, birthday parties, and themed events. Suitable for all ages.

• Website: Arts Derbyshire: Jumping Clay
• Contact: derby@jumpingclay.co.uk | 01332 460079
• Address: 77 Stenson Rd, Derby DE23 1JF

Creative Pottery (Lee Waterman)

Based in the scenic Hope Valley, Lee Waterman’s Creative Pottery studio offers tailored sessions and ceramic sculpture workshops. Perfect for small groups or individuals, Lee brings years of experience in both pottery and teaching.

• Website: creativepottery.co.uk
• Contact: leewatermanarts@hotmail.com | 07762 163938
• Address: Hope Valley, Derbyshire

From paint-a-pot fun in the park to professional tuition in the countryside, Derby’s pottery studios offer something for everyone. Whether you're attending a weekly class, planning a family outing, or preparing to launch your own creative practice, there are plenty of opportunities to play with clay in Derbyshire.