4 Pottery Classes in London to Try If You're a Beginner

Is there anything more calming for 2024 than getting hands-on with some clay at our pottery classes in London?

Creativity is renowned for its positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, making London pottery classes the perfect antidote to modern life's stresses. With clay covering your hands, checking emails becomes a distant thought, replaced by the focused effort and satisfaction of shaping your own glazed pottery or mastering the potter's wheel.

Looking for a soothing escape? Hand building classes teach you the art of pinching, coiling, and slabbing your way to ceramic success. Craving artistic expression? Pottery painting workshops equip you with the skills to create intricate designs and stunning finishes. Whatever your relaxation needs, pottery holds the answer.

We've curated a list of the best London pottery classes specifically designed for beginners. No prior clay experience is necessary – just bring your eagerness to learn and a touch of enthusiasm. Under the guidance of a welcoming instructor, you'll embark on your pottery-making journey, who knows, you might even discover a hidden passion that leads you to build your own backyard studio!

Whether you fancy pottery painting or clay making, our London pottery classes are ready and waiting for you to get creative! If you’ve never worked with clay before, you can look forward to an inspiring creative challenge – your class will help you make something beautiful and give you a chance to release your inner sense of calm.

If you come away with a wonderful new piece of handmade pottery, then great! But the classes are designed for you to go at your own pace. If that initially means spending all of your time moulding clay with your fingers, that’s fine. Alternatively, if you unlock a newfound passion and suddenly find yourself making ornate Japanese pottery, that’s also fantastic! It’s all about enjoying yourself, spending time learning a new skill, and making the most of a mindful, positive experience. 

Planning a group gathering? Click here to find out where pottery classes are ideal for social occasions! 

Try a mobile clay hand building pottery class

We love this DIY pottery course because your teacher is mobile, which means that they can travel to you – whether you’re based in Hackney or Herne Hill. This class also makes a great experience gift for that reason, as there’s minimal fuss involved, and the class is tailored for each maker.

Maybe you’re on the hunt for unique best friend gifts, or a birthday gift for the special someone in your life? Either way, this class of pottery for beginners makes a great treat, as you’re encouraging someone to step away from the buzz of daily life and get really hands-on with some clay. 

In this ceramic making class, you’ll learn how to hand build your own bowls, mugs, plates, or vases. This class is fab for beginners because it’s a great introduction to pottery making with your hands, which really allows you to learn how clay works and the specific techniques which it responds to best. You’ll be expertly guided by your talented teacher in a warm and supportive environment, learning how to pinch, coil, and slab your clay into a beautiful piece of glazed pottery. 

Or a clay hand building pottery class in the garden!

Half an hour from London, these pottery classes are taught in your teacher’s garden pottery studio. Make a glorious escape from the city’s fast pace and allow yourself a mindful moment as your instructor guides you through the basics of pottery making. Sculpt a fish from clay, or put your mind into shaping a perfect pot – whatever takes your fancy. 

Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with using clay or ceramic making – your teacher is there to introduce you to new techniques and tools. Choose from either white clay which you’ll paint and fire into a beautiful piece of glazed pottery, or select air-drying clay which takes a few days to harden up and has a more rustic finish.

If you discover a new-found affinity for pottery making, you can even try your hand at wheel throwing – just be ready to get a little messy! Treat Mum to a unique birthday experience or enjoy a unique couples’ day out – the choice is yours.

The perfect pottery class for a kids’ party

Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge – we’re all familiar with the frantic Google of ‘things to do in London with kids’. If you’re on the lookout for children’s activities that will get your lot out of the house and provide a memorable birthday experience, might we suggest getting everyone to roll up their sleeves at one of these pottery courses?

A fun and experimental pottery making course, this class will stimulate kids’ imaginations with sensory play whilst teaching them basic clay techniques – it’s perfect pottery for beginners. Plus, they’ll all come away from the experience with a unique piece of pottery – perhaps an animal or a monster, or maybe a pinch pot. What’s more, because the clay is air drying, you won’t have to wait around for it to fire in the kiln, and if you’re happy to do so, the kids can even partake in pottery painting at home with some acrylic paints provided by the teacher. Unlock a birthday experience to remember and unleash their creativity.

What about a wheel throwing pottery class?

If you’re looking for creative craft courses around London, this pottery class is for you. Don’t worry if wheel throwing is new to you – this class is absolutely pottery for beginners. You’ll learn the art of wheel throwing in a peaceful garden pottery studio, getting hands-on with clay and learning the top techniques. 

Be prepared to get messy, as wheel throwing is certainly a wet, sticky business – but that’s all part of the fun. Opt for white clay and create a piece of glazed pottery, or select air-drying clay which you can paint later with provided acrylic paints. Either way, you’ll come away from these pottery classes with your own piece of handmade pottery and the pleasure of having acquired a new skill. Promote creativity and collaboration between team members, or book as a moment for yourself by which to find inner peace. 

Ready to start playing with clay? Take a look at our full range of London pottery classes today.