Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent has been named the third best museum in the UK by Time Out's 2026 list, surpassing the Black Country Living Museum near Dudley. This unexpected Midlands gem, tucked away in the city, is the last surviving complete Victorian coal-fired pottery factory in the country and serves as the backdrop for Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down.
A Victorian Treasure in the Ceramic Capital
The museum offers a unique glimpse into the dying art of traditional pottery making. Stoke-on-Trent, known as one of the ceramic capitals of the world, played a key role during the Industrial Revolution. The Gladstone Pottery Museum preserves this heritage with its original bottle kilns and cobbled yard.
Visitors can explore the factory over a three-hour experience, learning how coal-burning ovens were used to craft fine bone china. Workshops allow guests to try traditional skills, and the site includes a highly rated gift shop and café. The museum is a Grade II* listed building, reflecting its historical significance.
Beating Major Competitors
Time Out's list placed Gladstone Pottery Museum at number three, ahead of the Black Country Living Museum, which was previously crowned best by VisitEngland. The top spot went to The Crab Museum in Margate, Kent, while Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum took second place. Other notable entries include the British Museum at number 10 and Beamish in County Durham at number 11.
Visitor Praise and Practical Information
A recent TripAdvisor reviewer described the experience as "fantastic," saying it "exceeds your expectations" and tells the human story of factory workers in an engaging way. Another visitor called it "a lovely experience" with clear signage and a charming café.
The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Admission costs £9.10 for adults, £6.30 for children aged 4-16, and £7.40 for concessions. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £27.00. From mid-August through October, the museum will be closed on additional days for an external project, so visitors are advised to check ahead.
