Wetheriggs Country Pottery can be found close to Penrith in Cumbria, set in 7 acres of natural beauty and open all year. Wetheriggs Country Pottery is a place for all the family where you can have 'pots of fun' in the studios where you can create your own piece of work from painting a pot, plate or throw your own.

Towards the end of the 17th century, bricks became the most common building material in use. The pottery at Clifton Dykes was established about 1855, and was originally a brick, tile and pipe works, supplied by a rich seam of red clay at Clifton Dykes, and coal from the pits of West Cumbria. Almost all the wares produced were for local use.

During the 1860's with the arrival of the Schofields from the North East some innovations occurred, and Wetheriggs started producing house wares. After the second World War, a new market emerged for decorative wares, as people brightened up their homes. The pottery became a popular visitor destination.

The Beehive Kiln ceased to be used in 1960's when the railway closed, and coal could not be easily transported to the site. Wetheriggs was scheduled as a National Industrial Monument in 1973 to preserve it for posterity, as it is the UK's last remaining steam-powered pottery. Today the machinery is operated on electricity however, it is hoped that one day the steam engine will be operational once again.

Wetheriggs is home to a collection of independent businesses including crafts, retail, an animal rescue centre with approximately 600 animals, birds and reptiles, plus a café. Within the 7 acres of beautiful surroundings, there is much to observe of the natural world, including a newt pond which is home to a number of rare newts.

Entrance to Wetheriggs is free however, there is a charge to visit the animal rescue centre, which is put towards caring for the rescued animals.

So why not come along and discover all there is to be seen at Wetheriggs?