Sharpe's Pottery Museum

Swadlincote

Museum in Swadlincote, England, United Kingdom

Opening Museum: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Sweet Caroline Café: Tuesday–Saturday 9.30am–4pm; closed Sunday and Monday.

Price Check details

Typical visit Not provided yet

Age fit Not specified

Setting indoor

The experience

About this day out

Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote, at the heart of The National Forest, tells the story of pottery and sanitary ware, 'from toilets to teapots', and South Derbyshire's industrial past of coal mining and clay extraction. Its Grade II listed bottle kiln and attached workshops are believed to be the oldest surviving sanitary pottery works in the country, founded by Thomas Sharpe in 1821. The museum also covers the area's transformation into a 21st century sustainable landscape led by the creation of The National Forest.

When to go

Opening calendar

Museum: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Sweet Caroline Café: Tuesday–Saturday 9.30am–4pm; closed Sunday and Monday.

Check the venue calendar ↗

What it costs

Prices at a glance

Admission: Check venue for current prices

Prices can change. Confirm ticket terms with the venue before booking.

Practical details

Facilities & accessibility

At a glance

Sweet Caroline Café (ground floor, level access, caters for dietary requirements)Museum shop (ceramics, jewellery, souvenirs, homeware, contactless payment and donation)Accessible public toilet on the ground floor (men's and women's toilets on the first floor via lift)Lift access from ground floor to all levelsInteractive National Forest zone (usable from standing or sitting position)Seating throughout the museumSchool visit packages for up to 60 studentsGuided group tours for up to 30 people with refreshmentsProgramme of events including art & craft workshops, artisan markets, music and comedy in the Kiln

Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible with step-free level access, an automatic main entrance door (1550mm wide), and lift access from the ground floor to all levels; assistance is available on request. For evacuation safety, only two wheelchair users are allowed on the upper floors at any one time. Large-text interpretation boards, seating throughout, a unisex/accessible toilet on the ground floor, and service dogs are welcome with water available.
Parking: Limited on-site parking for up to 5 vehicles, accessible via Alexandra Road through Sharpe's Industrial Estate, including 2 clearly marked free Blue Badge spaces off West Street; a drop-off point outside the museum is available if booked in advance. The nearest off-site car parks are Grove Street and Rink Drive, free all day.
Dogs: Service dogs are welcome and water is available; no information is given about other dogs.

Getting there

Where you'll find it

Reviews coming soon

Been here? Be the first to share your experience when reviews launch.

Is this your attraction? Claim this free listing to manage your details, add photos and see who's viewing you — two months of premium insights included.

Claim this listing →