What is Ball Pit Pottery?
It's a fun-forward wheel-thrown pottery studio in Manchester from Altogether Otherwise.
You can use as much clay as you like, to make as many things as you like, that all get smushed at the end of the session.

What will I learn?
We have a technician who will give you a quick demo of centering the clay on the wheel and getting started, but beyond that you are on your own. You might learn that you like pottery - hopefully you will!

What if I’ve never done pottery before?
This is for you, you’ll be fine.

Will I leave with anything?
Nothing but the memories and joie de vivre.

Can I take my pots home?
Afraid not, all clay gets recycled. Nothing is fired.

Why don’t you fire anything?
This is a funtime pottery where people will mostly make silly, quite terrible pots.
We think recycling everything at the end of each session is cathartic and keeps the emphasis on fun — not things. Firing stuff is a faff and would make the sessions more expensive. There are loads of brilliant pots in charity shops; go and have a dig.

How long is a session?
50 minutes, which is about enough really!
Sessions start on the hour sharp.

Can I book multiple hours?
Oh yes please, why not!

Do you take walk-ins?
Yep, but we give no guarantees.

Can I book as a group / party / date?
Yeah, please do, you can book the place out by booking three sessions all at the same time. That gives you the run of the place for up to ten people. Great for a party or a date. Doing that thing from Ghost is discouraged but not banned.

Will I get messy?
Yeah, maybe, probably. We have aprons but we are using clay and it might get on things.
It washes out but maybe don’t wear your new Issey Miyake suit or your most favourite collectable football shirt.

Do you have aprons?
Yep, we have aprons.

What should I wear?
Dress to impress. Flat shoes, hair tied back, no flappy jewellery.

Can I bring the kids?
Yep, a very fun way to spend an hour with kids age 6 and up.
Children must always be accompanied by an adult in the pottery and we encourage adults to get involved.
We have baby-changing facilities and space to park buggies.

Is the space accessible?
We have an access ramp and accessible toilet. You can either sit or stand at the wheels.

Sensory Stuff
Pottery is a hands-on, slightly messy, but generally calm activity.
The wheels make a bit of a racket, there’s music on, and the space is evenly lit (no flashing lights or surprises). If you prefer quieter times, Friday afternoon is probably best.

What is the cancellation policy?
Email us here and we can arrange a refund, but please give us as much notice as possible and we can't give refunds for cancellations on the day. Hope this seems OK.

Can I move my booking?
Yep, email us here and we will work that out for you!

Do you sell gift vouchers?
Absolutely we do! Here…

Where is this again?
We are within Altogether Otherwise, at the very top of Hanover Street, NOMA, Manchester.
Right in the middle of Manchester City Centre.
If you put in M4 4BB you’ll be pretty close.
What3Words — ///foster.owls.influencing

Can I park my car?
We encourage walking and cycling.
We’re right by Shudehill tram stop, opposite the bus station, and 3 mins from Victoria train station. There is also an RCP car park next door to us.