A PLACE WORTH KNOWING
A little colour outside the lines
A pottery painting session, something from the café and a piece of your own to collect afterwards. A gentle way to spend a Dartington afternoon.
Make space for an afternoon that leaves you with something of your own. Choose a pottery piece at Designs Café, settle into the studio and add your colours. The team glazes and fires it afterwards, so this is a creative plan with a second little moment to look forward to.
The lovely little details
- Pottery painting café at the Cider Press Centre in Dartington.
- Choose a pottery piece, paint it in the studio and return after it has been glazed and fired.
- Also offers creative workshops and a retail section of handmade gifts and homewares.
SOMETHING TO LOOK OUT FOR
Paint a keepsake over coffee
Choose a mug, bowl or teapot to decorate, then settle in with a coffee and cake. For another project, ask for the Art Menu: the venue also lists jewellery, acrylic and tote-bag painting.
From the venueTHE USEFUL LITTLE DETAILS
Make a little plan.
Find them here
Designs Café, Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner’s Bridge, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6TQ
Open directionsGetting there
Find Unit 3A in the Cider Press Centre courtyard. On-site parking has two hours free; allow for extra time if you stay for coffee after painting. Shinner’s Bridge bus stop on the A384 is about a minute away on foot, and Totnes station is roughly five minutes away by car.
Before you set off
Book a two-hour pottery-painting slot online. Walk-ins are welcome when there is room; coffee-only visits are walk-in. Email info@designscafe.uk for groups of more than six.
Check bookings & availabilityTake your creation home later
Painted pieces stay for glazing and firing and are normally ready within two weeks. If you are visiting on holiday, ask the team about arranging UK postage.
Check the detailsA separate piece and studio charge
You pay for your chosen ceramic plus a studio fee covering paints, brushes, glazing and firing. Check current prices when booking.
Check the detailsStep-free access
The café says it is wheelchair accessible, with a step-free route inside.
Check the detailsChildren welcome
Children can join a pottery-painting session with adult supervision.
Check the detailsCoffee without the crafting
Come just for Voyager coffee and Exploding Bakery cakes if you like. The café lists vegan and gluten-free cake choices, decaf and oat milk.
Check the detailsDetails checked 23 October 2026. Opening times, menus and access arrangements can change; confirm anything essential directly before travelling.
About this feature & our sources
This is an editorial discovery, researched from the venue’s own information and any visitor sources linked here. It is not a paid partnership or a first-hand review. Individual visitor tips reflect that person’s experience; they are not a live rating or a promise about your visit.
- Designs Café — directions, parking and accessibility ↗
- Designs Café — painting, bookings and collection ↗
- Designs Café — coffee, cakes and dog policy ↗
- Designs Café — official Instagram feed ↗
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