Middleport Artisan Christmas Markets

Middleport Pottery is hosting its Artisan Christmas Markets over four weekends this winter, with the first dates falling on 28 and 29 November and the next two on 5, 6 and 12, 13 December. It's an indoor market, so you're out of the weather while you browse, and it runs from 10am to 4pm on each of those days. The pottery is on Port Street in Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE.

Inside, the market brings together local artisan traders with unique Christmas gifts, alongside tasty treats and creative creations. It's the kind of place where you can pick up something a bit different for the people you're actually thinking about, rather than just ticking off a list. The organisers also encourage you to look beyond the market stalls: there are independent shops along Port Street and Range & Harper Street to explore, the Burleigh shop to call into, and The Packing House Café for when you need a break.

Middleport Pottery is the home of Burleigh and an award-winning visitor destination in the Potteries, so there's plenty to see around the market itself. The wider festive programme includes a Clay Poppy Making Workshop, a Christmas Festival run in partnership with Steelite International, and a Christmas Wreath Workshop, so if you're in the mood to make something rather than just buy it, there are a few ways to do that too.

It's a free event, and since it's spread across four weekends, you can pick whichever one suits you best. The markets run 28-29 November, 5-6 December, and 12-13 December, 10am to 4pm each day, at Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE.