Comparing Local Pottery Courses: Why Earth Sand & Fire Stands Out
If you’re searching for pottery classes near me or wheel throwing courses in North Wales, you’ll quickly find a few great local studios to choose from.
The most local options are Earth Sand & Fire in Deeside, The Pottery Rooms in Chester, and Wrexham University’s pottery workshops.
But how do these courses compare — and which one gives you the best value, creative freedom, and experience on the wheel? Let’s take a closer look.
Course Length, Price, and Class Size
All three studios are priced around £250, but the structure and value differ quite a bit.
At Earth Sand & Fire (Deeside), our 6-week pottery course costs £250 and has a maximum of four students per class. That means you get lots of one-to-one guidance from your tutor, more time on the wheel, and a relaxed, hands-on learning environment.
The Pottery Rooms (Chester) run a 5-week course, priced at £250+ depending on what you make. Their class sizes are small (around five students), but you’re limited to three finished items included in the price — anything extra is charged by weight.
Meanwhile, Wrexham University offers a 6-week course for £250, but with 10+ students per class, meaning less individual attention and wheel time.
What You’ll Make
At Earth Sand & Fire, there’s no limit to how much you can make during your course. You’ll start by learning to centre clay and throw basic bowls and vessels, then progress to mugs or your own creative projects.
Wrexham University is a similar setup, you’re only bound by time and skill level.
The Pottery Rooms include three items in the course price, with additional pieces charged separately.
If you love experimenting, making mistakes, and improving through practice, Earth Sand & Fire offers the most creative freedom — without extra costs or restrictions.
Glazing and Finishing Options
Glazing is where your pottery truly comes to life, and this is an area where Earth Sand & Fire really shines.
We offer a wide selection of brush-on and dipping glazes, including special effect glazes such as lava, crystal, and reactive finishes.
Both Wrexham University and The Pottery Rooms provide a standard range of in-house dipping glazes, which are great for beginners but don’t offer the same variety or creative options.
Studio Facilities and Parking
While all 3 studios are fully equipped, Earth Sand & Fire offers you a relaxing and plant filled studio where you can feel free to make a mess!
Convenience matters too — especially if you’re coming straight from work or carrying your creations home.
At Earth Sand & Fire, there’s plenty of free parking right outside the studio in Deeside, so you can relax and enjoy your session without worrying about finding a space.
The Pottery Rooms, located in the heart of Chester, don’t have their own parking, so you’ll need to use nearby public car parks.
Wrexham University has limited free parking, which can fill up quickly during term time.
Progression and What Comes Next
After completing the 6-week beginner wheel-throwing course at Earth Sand & Fire, you can move on to our 8-week advanced throwing and glazing course. It’s designed to help you refine your technique, develop your own style, and master more complex forms.
At Wrexham University, most students simply repeat the same beginner course rather than moving to a higher level.
The Pottery Rooms offer a 5-week developer course, which is a nice next step but shorter and still limited in how much you can make.
The Verdict: Why Choose Earth Sand & Fire
All three studios offer a welcoming environment to get started in pottery, but if you’re looking for:
✅ Small, hands-on classes
✅ Make as much as you can!
✅ A huge choice of glazes and effects
✅ Free, easy parking in Deeside
✅ A clear progression to advanced courses
Then Earth Sand & Fire is the clear choice.
Our goal is to give you the freedom, space, and support to grow your pottery skills at your own pace — and to enjoy every step of the process.
Looking for Pottery Classes Near Deeside, Chester, or Wrexham?
Join our next 6-week pottery wheel course at Earth Sand & Fire and discover just how rewarding making pottery can be.
Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to clay after a break, you’ll find a welcoming studio, expert teaching, and plenty of room to create.
👉 Book your place today and start your pottery journey with Earth Sand & Fire in Deeside.
