Pottery enthusiasts, history lovers and anyone with an appreciation for Staffordshire’s industrial heritage are invited to take a nostalgic journey through time this summer as Wood’s Walking Tour & Afternoon Tea with Beryl makes its debut on Saturday 15th August 2026.
This inaugural event celebrates the story of one of the Potteries’ most iconic names, taking visitors on a guided walk through the former Wood’s factory sites in Burslem before finishing with a celebratory glass of fizz and a traditional Afternoon Tea inspired by the much-loved Beryl tableware collection. Former sites of Ralph, Enoch and Moses Wood as well as the more recent manufacturing sites of Wood & Sons Potteries.
The guided walking tour traces the remarkable story of the Wood family of Burslem, one of the Pottery region’s most influential ceramic dynasties. Spanning over three centuries and seven unbroken generations of Master Potters, this lineage began in the early 18th century with pioneering modellors and potters Ralph, Aaron and Moses Wood. The tour follows their journey from humble early workshops in Burslem to the internationally acclaimed Enoch Wood and Wood & Sons Potteries, whose ceramics were exported worldwide and became house hold names. As you explore former factory sites across Burslem, you’ll discover the people, innovations, and craftsmanship that helped establish Staffordshire as the world capital of ceramics.
The experience begins at 12 noon with a meet and greet at the Market Place Café in Burslem, before guests set off on a fascinating 1½-hour guided walking tour exploring the places where generations of skilled craftspeople helped build the worldwide reputation of Staffordshire ceramics.
Following the tour, guests will enjoy a glass of fizz at Barewall Art Gallery before making their way to the beautifully restored Pavilion Tearoom in Burslem Park for Afternoon Tea with Beryl.
Served from 3.30pm, the premium grazing-style Afternoon Tea features freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade quiche, traditional sausage rolls, delicious cakes, and classic scones with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by freshly brewed tea or coffee.
