Better Craft and Paint: pottery painting in Christchurch

If you are looking for a hands-on activity in the Bournemouth area, Better Craft and Paint is a craft shop and Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio based at The Clay Studio, 1 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AE. Although the business is often searched for in connection with Bournemouth, the venue itself is in Christchurch town centre. It has a Google rating of 4.7/5 from 199 reviews, giving a useful indication of how previous visitors have rated their experience.

The main activity is choosing and decorating pottery from a selection of more than 500 pieces. Options include mugs, plates, bowls, teapots, flower pots, piggy banks and small ornaments, so it suits both adults and children. A typical session takes around two to three hours. Once you have finished painting, the studio glazes and fires the item in a kiln. Finished pieces are usually ready for collection in about a week, generally within seven days, and can be kept for up to three months if you cannot collect them straight away.

The studio caters for different types of groups, including children’s birthday parties, hen parties and family get-togethers. Groups of 10 or more can book exclusive use of a private party room. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, either by calling 01202 475000 or emailing info@theclaystudio.co.uk. For a home-based option, take-away pottery painting kits are available: the adults’ package costs £24.50 and includes a plate and a T-light, while the children’s package costs £18.50 and includes a party animal and a fridge magnet. Kits can be returned with the brushes and palettes for firing, or posted back for a £7.50 fee.

Getting there is fairly straightforward. The studio is a short walk from Christchurch railway station and the Travel Interchange. There is a Pay & Display car park next to the venue, with further parking options around Bank, Waitrose, Saxon Square and Barrack Road. It is also approximately seven miles from Bournemouth International Airport. Opening hours are not included in the available information, so checking directly before travelling is sensible.