Spode

The oldest English pottery company operating on the same site, since 1770, and the birthplace of fine bone china, Spode offers regular factory tours lasting about 1 1/2 hours and connoisseur tours lasting 2 1/2 hours. In the Craft Centre, visitors can see demonstrations of engraving, lithography, hand painting, printing, and clay casting. An unrivaled collection of Spode's ceramic masterpieces is on display in the Spode Museum. The Blue Italian Restaurant cooks up refreshments and lunch -- all served on Spode's classic blue tableware, Blue Italian. The Factory Shop sells seconds at reduced prices.

Details

• Phone: [phone]
• Website: https://www.spode.co.uk
• Hours: Visitor Centre Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm. Tours Mon-Thurs at 10am, 1:30, and 3pm, Fri 10am-11am
• Prices: Free admission for Spode Visitor Centre and Museum. Basic factory tour £4.50 adults; £4 children 12 and older, students, and seniors. Connoisseur factory tour £7.50 adults; £6.50 children 12 and older, students, and seniors
• Transportation: Spode is a 10-minute walk from the Stoke-on-Trent train station. If you're driving from London, follow M1 north until you reach M6. Take it north to Junction 15, which becomes A500. Follow the signs for Stoke