Denby Factory Tour, Denby, Derbyshire
Take the Denby factory tour and discover how four generations of local artists have shaped the history of this iconic British brand. With its shops, cookery demonstrations, Christmas food fair, factory outlet and museum, Denby is a popular day out in Derbyshire attracting over 250,000 people a year.
If you got married in the 1990s, a Denby Pottery dinner service may well have appeared on your wedding list. Its Imperial Blue range is a British design classic. Known for its incredible durability, it’s capable of serving up many happy meals over the years but also surviving the odd marital spat of the plate-throwing kind (plates often bounce if you drop one on the floor). Visit the shiny Denby Visitor Centre, just 15 miles from Chatsworth House, to discover its heritage and see how this British brand is transforming itself today.
- Take the Denby factory tour
- Visit the Denby shop and outlet store
- Watch cookery demonstrations
- Eat in Bourne’s restaurant
- Visit the museum
Discover the Strength of Denby
They’ve been making Denby Stoneware in the heart of Derbyshire for over 200 years ever since they discovered a seam of stoneware clay. Apparently, it’s the secret glaze that makes the pottery stronger than steel. A popular choice for everyday tableware, it’s still chosen by more brides in the UK than any other brand. In fact, it’s so strong that four up-turned Denby mugs are capable of holding the weight of a double decker bus.
Take the Denby Factory Tour
Watch the stoneware being handcrafted in the factory where many of the artisans learned their skills from older generations of their family. If you’ve visited the nearby David Mellor Cutlery Factory, you’ll see that here too, it’s still very much a manual process. Each pot can pass through as many as twenty pairs of hands so it’s impressive that the plates produced each month would form a tower taller than the Empire State Building.
Watch a Cookery Demonstration
Cooks will enjoy the daily cookery demonstrations in the shopping emporium. There are also ticketed special events including regular visits from one of Britain’s best-loved chefs, and Denby brand ambassador, James Martin.
Shop For Denby Cookware
It’s worth taking a look at the Denby cookware range which includes cast iron, cutlery and glass. The Azure cast iron casserole dishes are very stylish. Denby also own the Burleigh brand whose pretty designs grace many a kitchen dresser across the country. Don’t leave without buying a few regional food specialities from the shop including flour from Caudwell Mill in Rowsley.
Tips
- Eat lunch at Bourne’s Restaurant or enjoy a slice of homemade cake with a cup of tea (all served on Denby stoneware)
- Find out more about the history of Denby in the small museum
- Visit in the winter for the Christmas Food and Gift Fair
Where to Stay in the Peak District
The Devonshire Arms
Pilsley, Peak District
Devonshire Arms at Pilsley is only a 20-minute walk from Chatsworth House.
Rooms from £106 a night.
Dogs
I’m very welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.
How to Find the Denby Pottery Visitor Centre
Denby Pottery Factory and Visitor Centre, Derby Road, Denby, DE5 8NX
Visit the Denby Pottery Website
Explore
Find more Foodie Things To Do in the Peak District.
Discover more Food Museums & Attractions.
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.