Great Reasons You'll Love Pottery Making in London

If you’re looking for fun things to do in London that allow you to flex your creative muscle, soothe your soul, or fill your cupboards with handmade ceramic cups, then our 2024 pottery classes in London might be the next thing to tick off your bucket list.

Equally, if you’re frantically searching for fun rainy-day activities for kids, these clay-tastic classes are a great way of keeping their minds – and hands – entertained for hours whilst you relax and watch them express themselves. Let them coil their way to success at a handbuilding class, sculpt up a storm at an arty pottery workshop or go pro at a wheel turning experience – whichever they choose, they'll come away with a host of new skills. And delightfully messy hands!

Whether you’re keen on making pottery at home or heading out to a sociable craft class with a couple of pals, pottery making is guaranteed to be one of the more unusual activities in London that you can get up to. 

These are our top six reasons why you’ll leave our London pottery classes wanting more.

1. Using your hands

If you’re a fan of that scene from the film Ghost, you’ll know that pottery-making is very a very hands-on and sensory activity. It’s for this reason that a London pottery workshop can be incredibly therapeutic. The link between art and positive mental wellbeing has been proven time and time again. 

If you’d like to have a go at wheel throwing, or want to get the decorative pattern on your glazed handmade pottery just right, your attention will be on the task in front of you – not on your inbox. By using your hands and focusing your attention on your creation, you can escape the limits of your own mind and encourage it to concentrate on something other than your never-ending to-do list. 

Pottery making is therefore undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London for your mental wellbeing – you’ll come away from the class having experienced a personal, positive mindful moment and feel better able to face the world.

2. Getting creative

Carve out some time in your busy schedule of yours to open your mind and tap into your inner artist. We know work and life can be a huge weight on your shoulders, and getting those creative juices flowing isn't always easy. So let pottery classes help you out. Whether it's wheel throwing, ceramic painting or just going to town on some clay, you are sure to nurture your creative mind.

Do you need a new vase for flowers, or are you searching for the perfect mug for your morning brew? Is a pretty pastel colour scheme your cup of tea, or are you all for big, bold splashes of primary colours? Whatever your preference, you’re in the driving seat with a London pottery workshop. 

3. Learning a new skill

Booking a pottery workshop in London is the perfect way to scratch that creative itch and reap a plethora of benefits in the process.

Picture this: a collaborative space where colleagues, regardless of experience, learn side-by-side, experiencing the pure joy of transforming clay into one-of-a-kind pieces. This shared journey fosters collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, all while unleashing their creative spirit and escaping the usual office routine.

But the magic doesn't stop at teamwork. The rhythmic hum of the potter's wheel, the cool clay yielding to your touch – pottery offers a unique mindfulness experience. Studies have shown its calming effect, melting away stress and leaving you feeling rejuvenated. Imagine your team not only walking away with a sense of accomplishment but also a tangible reminder of their creative adventure – a handmade piece of pottery they can proudly display.

So, ditch the tired team building activities and embrace the wonder of clay. In a London pottery workshop, your team will unearth hidden talents, forge stronger bonds, and de-stress in a way they never thought possible. It's the perfect blend of fun, creativity, and team spirit – precisely what your London office needs!

4. Experiencing family time

It can be tricky finding things to do in London with kids that you feel they’ll really enjoy. London pottery classes are guaranteed fun for all the family – after all, who doesn’t love getting their hands a bit dirty? Kids will love being able to come away from class with their own creations – and you’ll get a treasured family possession to pass through the ages.

Alternatively, you could book a ceramics class as a unique birthday experience, allowing the teacher to take the reins somewhat and direct even the most energetic child into soothing but stimulating pottery making.

5. Great for unique experiences

Whether you’re based in Clapham or Dalston, Hammersmith or Hampstead, pottery making classes are a particularly distinctive experience gift. Maybe you have a mother who’s always been keen on getting up close and personal with clay, or perhaps you’re looking for fun team building activities for your office mates.

Whichever it is, a pottery class is a great way of getting social, starting conversations, and cementing relationships. If nothing else, it’ll provide a fun opportunity for everyone to have a good giggle – even if you don’t come away with a Barbara Hepworth-worthy ceramic!

6. Great for relaxation

Need a little you-time? Whether you've been working super hard or you just need a break from the busy city life, a pottery class is a great way to switch off and relax – after all, clay making is one of the most soothing hobbies around!

From the meditative effects of kneading clay at a hand building ceramic making class, to immersing yourself in the gentle repetition of a wheel turning workshop, getting creative with clay will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and restored. That's better!

FAQs about pottery making in London

Where can I do a London pottery workshop?

At ClassBento, we offer multiple clayful workshops in London – whether you’re based way west in Putney or south-east in Peckham. You can choose a class at your leisure depending on which best suits your particular needs – we aim to make our pottery classes as accessible as possible to all. Grab your best pals, your partner, or just yourself, and start your pottery making journey.

What should I wear to ceramic classes?

We won’t sugar-coat it, you will most likely end up getting your hands dirty during pottery making, but that’s part of the fun! Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in. We’ll provide aprons, but it’s vital that you feel ready to tackle whatever challenge the class brings – whether it’s learning how best to handle clay or the sophisticated techniques of Japanese pottery.

Can I take a course in pottery for beginners?

Absolutely! All of our pottery classes specify what level of skill they’re aimed at so that you can go into class feeling calm and confident. Whether you’re an expert, or just learning the techniques of pinching, coiling, or slab building, there are plenty of pottery courses for your skillset.