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Discover the Joy of Pottery in the Peak District

The Clayrooms

For anyone looking to enjoy a creative experience in the Peak District, The Clayrooms offers the perfect opportunity to discover the art of pottery in a welcoming, relaxed and professionally equipped environment. With studios at Peak Village in Rowsley and Ashbourne, The Clayrooms welcomes complete beginners, hobbyists and experienced makers alike, offering a wide range of workshops, courses and private events throughout the year.

Founded by ceramicists Sarah Heaton and Helen Cammiss, The Clayrooms was established with a simple aim – to share a love of pottery with as many people as possible. Today, the studios have become popular destinations for anyone wanting to learn a new skill, spend quality time with friends and family, celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a mindful, hands-on activity.

Every session is led by experienced ceramicists and tutors who provide expert guidance in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. No previous experience is required for any of the taught workshops, making The Clayrooms an ideal choice for those trying pottery for the very first time.

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Pottery Workshops

The Clayrooms offers a variety of workshops designed to suit individuals, couples, families and groups.

Visitors can try their hand at the traditional craft of wheel throwing, learning the fundamentals of shaping clay on a potter’s wheel under the guidance of experienced tutors. Alternatively, handbuilding workshops introduce techniques for creating beautiful and functional pottery by hand, allowing participants to craft items such as mugs, planters, bud vases and decorative pinch pot animals.

Couples and friends can enjoy dedicated two-person workshops, providing a fun and memorable experience to share together, while family and group sessions offer an enjoyable activity for all ages. Finished pottery is professionally glazed and fired before being ready for collection a few weeks later, giving participants a lasting reminder of their creative experience.

Pottery Courses

For those wishing to develop their skills further, The Clayrooms runs structured five-week pottery courses in both wheel throwing and handbuilding.

Each course consists of five weekly two-hour sessions, allowing participants to build confidence while learning a range of techniques at a relaxed pace. Under expert tuition, students gain a deeper understanding of pottery making while creating their own unique ceramic pieces throughout the course.

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Children’s Activities

The Clayrooms is passionate about introducing younger generations to the world of ceramic through a range of children’s workshops and pottery parties.

Seasonal children’s workshops take place throughout the year, particularly during school holidays, providing creative activities that are suitable for children ages 7-14. All tools, materials and aprons are provided, allowing children to enjoy the experience without needing to bring anything along.

Children’s pottery parties are also available, where guests create their own personalised pinch pot creatures using high-quality clay and professional tools. Finished pieces are glazed and fired before being returned for collection, creating a lasting keepsake from the celebration.

Hen Parties & Special Celebrations

For those looking for a unique way to celebrate, The Clayrooms offers bespoke hen party experiences that combine creativity with plenty of fun.

Groups can choose between pottery making, handbuilding or painting workshops, with sessions tailored to suit complete beginners as well as those with previous experience. Workshops can take place at one of The Clayrooms’ studios, at a holiday property, or even at a local venue, making them a flexible option for celebrations across the Peak District.

Optional extras, including prosecco and light refreshments, can also be arranged to help create a memorable occasion.

Corporate Events & Team Building

The Clayrooms also specialises in corporate workshops and team-building experiences, offering businesses an engaging alternative to traditional away days.

Events can be tailored to individual organisations, combining creativity with collaboration in a relaxed setting. Workshops are available at the Ashbourne studio or can be delivered at workplaces and other venues using The Clayrooms‘ fuflly mobile pottery setup, with all equipment and materials provided.

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The Peak Village Studio

Located within Peak Village in Rowsley, just a short distance from Chatsworth House, the Peak studio provides an inspiring setting surrounded by the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

The studio features six potter’s wheels, a dedicated handbuiling area and fully accessible facilities, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. Guests can also browse a small retail area showcasing ceramics created by local makers, providing the opportunity to purchase unique handmade pieces while visiting.

Its location makes it an excellent addition to a day exploring the Peak District, whether combined with shopping at Peak Village, a visit to Chatsworth, or walks through the surrounding countryside.

The Ashbourne Studio

Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Ashbourne, the original Clayrooms studio has been welcoming visitors since 2016.

The spacious studio hosts workshops, memberships, courses and larger group events throughout the year, providing a vibrant creative space where people can develop new skills and enjoy pottery in a relaxed environment.

A Creative Day Out in the Peak District

Whether visitors are looking for a unique experience with friends, a memorable family activity, a thoughtful gift experience or the opportunity to learn an entirely new craft, The Clayrooms offers something for everyone.

With expert tuition, professionally equipped studios and a welcoming atmosphere, The Clayrooms has become one of the Peak District’s leading destinations for pottery experiences. From one-off workshops and creative celebrations to longer courses that build confidence and skills, every visit provides the chance to slow down, get creative and enjoy the rewarding process of making something by hand.

🎪 Coming Up

Sat 8th Aug – Sun 9th Aug — FAB Market, Whaley Bridge

Sat 15th Aug — Ashbourne Show, Ashbourne

Sat 15th Aug — Glossop Artisan Market, Glossop

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Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.

The Clayrooms Claimed

The Clayrooms

Pottery Workshops

Pottery Courses

Children’s Activities

Hen Parties & Special Celebrations

Corporate Events & Team Building

The Peak Village Studio

The Ashbourne Studio

A Creative Day Out in the Peak District

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