About Alex Allpress Pottery
Alex Allpress Pottery is a working studio, gallery and pottery school on Church Street in Builth Wells, run by Alex and Blue, two artists and potters who live in rural mid Wales. Alex, who holds a degree in ceramics, has made pots here since 1999 and has taught since 2007, and the studio's approach is that anyone can learn, with mistakes treated as part of the process. They have taught students from three to 100 years old.
The easiest way in is the two-hour taster, which covers hand building, time on the potter's wheel, and glazing and decorating your piece in British stoneware. Longer three-hour lessons give more wheel time and can be booked for anything from one to 25 people. For those who catch the bug, there are evening and afternoon courses running five to seven weeks, after-school sessions for children, a four-week throwing course for small groups, and membership with discounts on one-to-one throwing sessions.
Groups are a big part of the studio's work: pottery parties for ages four and up, hen parties, team-building days and school visits for up to 30 primary or 25 secondary pupils. One-to-one sessions are offered for neurodiverse young people and home-schooled children. Everything is by appointment, so call or text to book. The gallery and shop sell finished work, and the studio holds a summer exhibition each year, which in 2026 ran from 18 July to 21 August.
Farmers' Welsh Lavender is on a hill farm just above Builth Wells, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car, so a morning at the wheel can be followed by an afternoon among the lavender in bloom.
What to do
- Book a two-hour taster covering the wheel, hand building and glazing
- Take a three-hour lesson with more time on the wheel
- Sign up for a five- to seven-week evening course
- Hold a pottery party for children or adults
- Browse finished ceramics in the gallery and shop
Season, hours and prices
- Hours
- As posted October 2026, by appointment: Mon–Wed 9am–6pm, Thu 11am–8pm, Fri 11:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–6pm
- Admission
- As listed 2026: two-hour taster £40 per person; three-hour lesson from £65 per person
Good to know
- Reservations
- Required (call or text to book)
- Payment
- Bank transfer in advance, or cash or card on the day
Tips for your visit
- All sessions are by appointment, so book by phone or text before you go
- Beginners of any age are welcome
- Groups of up to 25 can book a lesson together
Pair it with a lavender farm
Farmers' Welsh Lavender · about 12 minutes away
Farmers' Welsh Lavender is just above Builth Wells, so a pottery lesson pairs easily with a summer visit to the lavender field.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need to book at Alex Allpress Pottery?
Yes. Lessons are by appointment; call or text the studio to book.
How much is a pottery taster?
As listed in 2026, a two-hour taster is £40 per person.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The studio has taught all ages and runs parties for children from age four.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Builth Wells & Mid Wales
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
