Spode Museum
Spode Museum
4.5
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Spode Museum tells the story of Spode and its importance to Stoke over the 250 years of its operation with displays of its history, working conditions and people and of its products from the 1770s until the factory closed in 2008. Activities at the Centre include demonstrations of China Painting and transfer printing on antique machinery from the original copperplates. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10.30am to 4.00pm. Parties and Groups by appointment. Admission is free with guided tours of the Blue Room and the factory site at a small charge. There is a large retail shop selling vintage and antique Spode and Copeland ceramics.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Shirley E
    Dronfield, United Kingdom381 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gem tucked away on a back street
    I got there, after the sat nav taking me round the block a couple of times, parked up but then couldn’t see the entrance. Had to ask the nice security man who directed me to it. It was obvious actually, just me that couldn’t see it. Was just behind a coach party so it was very busy. The shop is massive but the prices are great, very affordable. There’s a small coffee shop and after much confusion, as the lady thought I was with the coach party, I had a coffee and biscuits. Very welcome after the long drive. Very lovely staff, very attentive even though they were obviously busy. Lots to see. A good trip.
    Thank you for your Review, much appreciated.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 September 2023
  • Alison W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well-run little museum staffed by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers
    Very interesting little museum run by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers. There was a lady demonstrating transfer printing, i.e. the use of an intaglio printing plate and a cobalt-based ink to create a paper transfer to print onto ceramic. It was really interesting. The shop had a nice range of new and second hand ceramics for purchase. I was impressed by the dedication and helpfulness of the group of volunteers who run this place. A lovely place to spend an hour or two.
    Thank you for your Review, delighted that your enjoyed your visit.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 26 November 2023
  • Fiona H
    Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom382 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Afternoon tea
    3 of us ladies went to the Spode museum for late afternoon tea. Table pre-booked so minimal wait for the table. Very relaxed atmosphere. Dark when we arrived, so lots of fairy lights to light the area - very pretty! Able to order food straight away and delivered very quickly. Fabulous selection of cakes, scones and sandwiches served on a 3 tier plate. Limiless supply of tea/coffee. Great little coffee pots! Ambience great. Not too loud, not too quiet. We really enjoyed our couple of hours there. Good value for money, though I didn't pay the bill! Would definitely go again.
    So pleased you enjoyed your experience, do come again.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 January 2024
  • William A
    888 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice venue
    A lovely little museum which is constantly evolving. Informative information and will get better as the new work is completed. Needs everyone's support to keep going. The shop has an amazing range of pottery for sale at bargain prices. Hope the cafe is up and running soon - the Quarter at Potbank is next door but a little odd and not really geared up to coffee and a snack.
    Thank you for your review and your support, much appreciated.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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William A
Staffordshire888 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
A lovely little museum which is constantly evolving. Informative information and will get better as the new work is completed. Needs everyone's support to keep going. The shop has an amazing range of pottery for sale at bargain prices.
Hope the cafe is up and running soon - the Quarter at Potbank is next door but a little odd and not really geared up to coffee and a snack.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and your support, much appreciated.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Fiona H
Stoke-on-Trent, UK382 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
3 of us ladies went to the Spode museum for late afternoon tea. Table pre-booked so minimal wait for the table. Very relaxed atmosphere. Dark when we arrived, so lots of fairy lights to light the area - very pretty! Able to order food straight away and delivered very quickly. Fabulous selection of cakes, scones and sandwiches served on a 3 tier plate. Limiless supply of tea/coffee. Great little coffee pots! Ambience great. Not too loud, not too quiet. We really enjoyed our couple of hours there. Good value for money, though I didn't pay the bill! Would definitely go again.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed your experience, do come again.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alison W
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
Very interesting little museum run by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers. There was a lady demonstrating transfer printing, i.e. the use of an intaglio printing plate and a cobalt-based ink to create a paper transfer to print onto ceramic. It was really interesting. The shop had a nice range of new and second hand ceramics for purchase. I was impressed by the dedication and helpfulness of the group of volunteers who run this place. A lovely place to spend an hour or two.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review, delighted that your enjoyed your visit.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shirley E
Dronfield, UK381 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
I got there, after the sat nav taking me round the block a couple of times, parked up but then couldn’t see the entrance. Had to ask the nice security man who directed me to it. It was obvious actually, just me that couldn’t see it. Was just behind a coach party so it was very busy. The shop is massive but the prices are great, very affordable. There’s a small coffee shop and after much confusion, as the lady thought I was with the coach party, I had a coffee and biscuits. Very welcome after the long drive. Very lovely staff, very attentive even though they were obviously busy. Lots to see. A good trip.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review, much appreciated.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DMC
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
What an amazing little find! Brought back many memories of working in the Potteries industry. So pleased that they have saved such an important part of history and is set in the actual factories. Please support this museum.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review, much appreciated.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

KMB
United Kingdom11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Lovely museum. Enjoyed chatting with David and admiring his work. Amazing history on the premises. I hate I didn’t get to see the Blue Room- it was being renovated.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David is so talented - delighted you enjoyed your visit.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Faburt
Cardiff, UK110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
All the staff here seemed to be volunteers with a passion for pottery and a love of Spode in particular. The gilder doing demonstrations of applying gold (yes, real gold) to the plates had spent his working life making prestige pieces for Spode - now he does it for fun. They have a free cafe serving real coffee and biscuits from Spode willow pattern crockery. They fund the museum by selling Spode and other ceramics at rock-bottom prices, so you can feel virtuous about taking home your own little pieces of history (or an investment antique). What a privilege to be able to visit.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review, we are delighted you enjoyed your experience.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claytontravellers
Pontefract, UK45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
We visited this museum as my friend's dad is an avid collector of Spode and had told us about it. Yes the building needs some TLC - but it is good that it is based in part of what was a real working factory - and remember it is run by volunteers and is a real piece of the region's and the UK's heritage. The help and information provided by Michael and his team was first class and celebrates skills passed down across the centuries. I loved it - and the 2 pieces of pottery I bought from the extensive shop will be cherished. It is like stepping back in time and something to be experienced.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this Review and we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit. Hopefully if you come again you will see that the building contractors have been in attendance and some of the problems with this old building have been rectified.
Written 4 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Master Jonjon
London, UK344 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
[Description]

Once Spode's ceramic factory, now celebrating his life and invention of "bone china".

Temporary exhibition near the stairs.

[Perks]

You can make yourself a cuppa in the tea room (next to the shop).
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review - come and visit us again after our refurbishment works are finished late autumn 2022 - our Shop will remain open throughout.
Written 29 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

IanRWilliams
Norwich, UK20 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Solo
It was closed. If it hadn't of been for couple of local people, who ran a sewing business nearby, I would have got nothing from this journey.
Having just arrived in City I wandered down to visit Spode as it was nearby.
It was closed - no volunteers to run it.
Come on Stoke this is tour heritage.
Looks run down. No tourist information office or leaflets or maps at site.
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Trust is very sorry to hear that your visit was not fruitful. The Centre has been closed for several months due to the COVID restrictions imposed. The volunteers (many of a certain age) have been staying at home and the one part time member of staff furloughed. The building, owned by Stoke City Council is indeed run down - hopefully now that the world is opening up again they will be able to continue their work of regenerating the former historical Spode site into an area of which the City and the Nation can be proud and hopefully include the corner occupied by the Spode Museum Trust Heritage Centre, caretakers of one of the most important collections from a single ceramic factory in the world.
Written 13 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SPODE MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Spode Museum

Spode Museum is open:
  • Wed - Sun 10:30 - 16:00