These 7 best pottery classes in Edinburgh are wheel-y good fun!
I’m not much of an arts-and-crafts enthusiast, but if I had to pick a hobby, pottery would be the winner. I’ve tried it a few times and loved every session.
Pottery is way harder than it looks, but that’s the beauty of it. The process of spinning the wheel, shaping the clay, glazing, and painting is oddly soothing, even if your first few attempts end up looking more abstract than intentional.
If you’re considering giving it a go, there are lots of fantastic local pottery classes. Here are my top picks!
The Edinburgh Pottery Studio
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Address: Unit 9, Peffer Business Centre, N Peffer Pl
Contact Details: +44 131 661 6079
Operating Hours:
Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £160 per person for 4 hours
If you’re keen to try your hand at pottery for the first time, I can’t recommend the Edinburgh Pottery Studio enough. This charming wee spot is where I dipped my toes into the world of clay a while back, and I still use the handy tips I learned along the way.
The studio offers a broad range of wheel-throwing classes tailored to all skill levels.
Beginners can choose between a quick crash course to get their hands dirty or a more in-depth session, where you’ll master the art of working with clay both on the wheel and by hand.
Tips:
- The crash course for beginners is only available on Saturdays, and slots tend to fill up quickly (usually a week before it starts). I highly recommend signing up as soon as the next class is available to ensure you get a seat in the session! Learn more about the class here.
- If you want to take your kid along with you, the studio offers private pottery classes for two people. Note that only kids under 12 years old are allowed to join these private sessions. Any kid older than that will be charged the regular price.
James Chincharo Ceramics
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Address: 151 London Rd
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £230 per person for 6 weeks
James Chincharo’s love for pottery inspired him to start his own ceramics studio in 2019. It’s always so refreshing to discover and support local artists, especially when they have the passion to teach others about their craft.
This is one of the reasons why taking a pottery class here is a solid idea. James offers beginner, intermediate, and wheeling lessons for anyone who wants to pick up pottery as a hobby or serious profession.
If you’re looking for private lessons, I highly recommend taking them here!
Tips:
- Note that James’ classes are private workshops that require students to free up at least 6 weeks of their schedule for the lessons. In case you can’t free up your schedule, James can adjust class dates according to what’s most convenient for you. However, you’ll have to be upfront about your availability during your consultation to avoid disappointment.
- If you’re feeling under the weather and need to reschedule a session, you’re in luck; one make-up class is allowed per six-week course. Just be sure to give as much notice as you can when cancelling to keep things running smoothly!
Cyan Clayworks
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Address: 5 Commercial St, Leith
Contact Details: +44 131 285 7119
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £70 per person for 2 hours
Cyan Clayworks has been a trusted art studio for many years, and their ceramics workshops are great for anyone who has had experience with pottery. While they do offer beginner classes, they are also known for their specialist training.
They teach you wheeling, hand sculpting, glazing, and painting in their studio. A small space is dedicated to classes while at the front are their exhibitions where you can find their many past works and collections up for sale!
Tips:
- If you want to take up classes in private, they offer individual tuition classes for students with a little bit of background in pottery or art. These classes are mainly designed for art students or professionals, but they can adjust for those who have little experience.
Each class is tailored, so long-term commitment is advisable. Scheduling will vary and depend on your time, which will be discussed during the initial consultation.
- Pottery classes here are not suitable for kids, unfortunately. The youngest they can accommodate is 16 years old, though!
The Potter of Leith – Leith Community Pottery
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Address: 4a Marine Esplanade, Seafield Rd, Leith
Contact Details: +44 750 511 3836
Operating Hours:
Monday to Tuesday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Wednesday to Friday, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £90 per person for 2 hours, £20 per person per succeeding 30 minutes
Taster sessions at The Potter of Leith are always fun and exciting! I took a class here once and thoroughly enjoyed learning how to spin wheels, hand sculpt ceramics, and paint them alongside other eager ceramic lovers.
They offer group lessons for those who want to learn pottery but in a private class. At least 3 people must sign up for a private group class to push through, though, but I recommend doing it because you get better bang for the buck this way.
Tips:
- There is a minimum time for participants to join a pottery class. Each person must sign up for at least 2 hours of lessons in order to confirm a booking. If you’re coming with a group, you can negotiate the price with the studio (especially if you’re bringing kids along with you!).
- If you’re planning a party soon, I highly recommend booking the studio’s pottery classes as a party activity. They offer such services for larger groups, granted that you book them at least a month or two in advance.
Potter Around
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Address: Potter Around Overton Farm, Kirknewton
Contact Details: +44 150 623 8961
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £20 per child for 90 minutes, £25 per adult for 90 minutes
For pottery classes tailored to kids, I highly recommend keeping Potter Around on your radar. The studio offers a taster session on the wheel for kids, but adults are more than welcome to join in to pique their interest in ceramics.
Sessions are shorter than average pottery classes in town, but they’re ideal for anyone who simply wants to explore the craft without any long commitment. Kids are welcome to join in on the painting sessions as well if wheeling isn’t up their alley!
Tips:
- Sessions can only accommodate up to 3 people at a time, on specific dates and times. If you want to take a lesson within your schedule, make sure to confirm a booking at least a week in advance.
- If your kids are keen on painting, don’t forget to come back after about 4 weeks. Any ceramic you make during your taster session can be painted and coloured after firing in the kiln for a month. It’s an extra £10 per person to cover the underglaze paint and tools to be used.
Honey Pot Creative Cafe
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Address: 1 Longcraig Rd, South Queensferry
Contact Details: +44 798 314 9534
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Class Fee: Starts at £35 per child for 60 minutes, £50 per adult for 90 minutes
Honey Pot Creative Cafe offers pottery classes for all levels, with a keen specialisation in teaching young kids how to spin, glaze, and paint ceramics.
And just as the name suggests, they also run a cafe where you can purchase a selection of snacks like sandwiches, soup, toasties, and drinks. You don’t have to book a pottery class to enjoy the food here, but I really recommend that you try them out!
Tips:
- Ceramics you create on the wheel during class must be picked up after they have been fired and dried. However, if you live far away from the studio, you can request to have it sent by post for an added fee.
- The best time to book and visit is on a weekday. Weekends are usually fully booked. I recommend booking at least 3 days ahead of your preferred date just to make sure you get a seat at the table.
Studio Frostwood
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Address: Unit 7a, 78 Albion Rd
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Wednesday, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Class Fee: Enquire online for quote
Studio Frostwood, founded by artists Hazel Frost and Natalie Wood, is driven by a passion for ceramics and a commitment to sustainable art. Their projects prominently feature recycled ceramic waste, reflecting their dedication to eco-friendly practices.
They offer 4-week and 8-week intensive pottery classes for adults, providing hands-on learning opportunities. While one-off workshops are offered occasionally, the studio frequently hosts special sessions led by guest artists from across Scotland.
Tips:
- Their intensive classes are designed for small groups since the founders are the ones teaching. It’s best to confirm a slot at least 2 to 3 days in advance to ensure you get a booking at your preferred time.
- You can rent studio time, complete with access to one of two pottery wheels or a workspace at the communal table. It’s a self-guided session, but don’t worry, help is available if you have questions. Clay, tools, and aprons are all provided, and you’ll only need to pay for the pieces you choose to fire.