Lancashire and the Peaks Feature

The area known as the Potteries, about 55 mi southeast of Liverpool, is still the center of Britain's ceramics industry, though production is increasingly being transferred overseas. There are, in fact, six towns, now administered as "the city of Stoke-on-Trent." Famous names such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Spode, and Coalport carry on, though they have been taken over by other companies.

The most famous manufacturer, Josiah Wedgwood, established his pottery works at Etruria, near Burslem, in 1759, and created the cream-color ware (creamware), which so pleased Queen Charlotte that in 1762 she appointed him royal supplier of dinnerware. More recent innovators include the very collectible Clarice Cliff, who strove to brighten plain whiteware in the 1920s with her colorful geometric and floral designs. Also bold and colorful were the classic art deco pieces of Susie Cooper. Museums portray the history of this area, and there's still plenty of shopping, with good prices for seconds.

Emma Bridgewater. While others are being taken over by big corporations, Emma Bridgewater continues to run her very successful pottery firm, known for its whimsical designs including Polka Dots, Union Jack, and Figs. The 45-minute factory tour shows how she adapted 200-year-old pottery techniques. Another highlight is a visit to the decorating studio, where you can try your hand at creating some designs of your own. There's also a gift shop and a little café. Lichfield St., Hanley, ST1 3EJ. 01782/201328. www.emmabridgewaterfactory.com. £2.50. Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30, Sun. 10-4.

Gladstone Pottery Museum. The city's only remaining Victorian pottery factory, the Gladstone Pottery Museum contains examples of the old bottle kilns, surrounded by original workshops where you can watch the traditional skills of throwing, casting, and decorating. The Flushed with Pride galleries tell the story of the toilet from the 1840s onward. There are daily workshops, too. Uttoxeter Rd., Longton, ST3 1PQ. 01782/237777. www.stokemuseums.org.uk. £6.95. Daily 10-5; last admission at 4.

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. The modern Potteries Museum and Art Gallery displays a 5,000-piece ceramic collection of international repute, and is recognized worldwide for its unique Staffordshire pottery. Other highlights are an original World War II Spitfire plane and works by Picasso, Degas, and Durer. Bethesda St., Hanley, ST4 1RN. 01782/232323. www.stokemuseums.org.uk. Free. Mar.-Oct., Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 2-5; Nov.-Feb., Mon.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4.

Wedgwood Museum and Visitor Centre. At the Wedgwood Museum and Visitor Centre you can learn about the history of Wedgwood, and see samples of its finest pieces. The visitor center has craft demonstrations and also displays Doulton and Minton ware. Both the museum and visitor center have shops where you can buy firsts and seconds. There's also a buffet restaurant serving hot lunches and afternoon tea on—you guessed it—Wedgwood china. Off A5035, Barlaston, ST12 9ES. 01782/371919. www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk. £6 museum, £10 museum and visitor center. Weekdays 9-5, weekends 10-5.