Wheal Martyn Clay Works

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Discover Cornwall's secret at the UK's only china clay museum, set within 26 acres of atmospheric woodlands. 

Check out the original Victorian clay works, bursting at the seams with tools and machinery. Explore the real-life stories and tales of the industry which shaped the landscape and lives of people in mid-Cornwall. Find out about Cornwall's largest mining industry, past and present, and catch a glimpse of modern machines in action in the working clay pit. 

Take a stroll along the nature trails, woodland walks and adjoining 'Clay Trails', scattered with nature and heritage. Why not bring your dog along too? On your way, see if you can find the workers' historic crib hut, view the rather curious settling tanks and beautiful vintage vehicles, and see Cornwall's largest working water wheel.

Explore the interactive Discovery Centre indoors, featuring displays and exhibitions. Test your understanding of local dialects, try your strength against the village tug-o-war team and meet a Victorian kettle boy.

Children can get active on the adventure trail, dive into the dressing up box and let off steam in the play area. Keep an eye out for our exciting activities throughout the year! 

Facilities

  • Dogs Welcome
  • WC
  • Disabled Access
  • Disabled WC
  • WiFi Available
  • Food & Drink
  • Picnic Area
  • Shop
  • Outside Seating

Opening Times

  Open Closed
Daily 10am 5pm

Opening hours: 10.00am - 4.00pm (winter) and 10.00am - 5.00pm (summer).

Prices

Adult 16+ £15.00
Children 0-5 FREE
Children 5-15 £7.00
Family Saver - 2 adults and 2 children £38.00
Family Saver - 2 Adults and up to 4 children £48.00

Group discounts are available.

Contact Details

Wheal Martyn
Carthew
St. Austell
PL26 8XG

Telephone: 01726 850362
Email: info@wheal-martyn.com
Web: http://www.wheal-martyn.com

Social Media

Upcoming Events

50 Years of Wheal Martyn exhibition - Friday 05 September 2025 to Tuesday 23 December 2025

his year we are celebrating 50 years of Wheal Martyn as a museum, and this exhibition will chart the many changes that the museum has undergone throughout the decades.

Enjoy the story from 1975, when the museum first opened, until today and hear about the exciting milestones we have reached. 

Time:         10.00am to 5.00pm
Price:         Included in standard museum admission
Contact:     engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Location:     Roger Preston Gallery


 

Cornish Units Exhibition - Wednesday 14 January 2026 to Sunday 19 April 2026

This exhibition shares the story of the Cornish Unit home. Initially built as post-war social housing, many of these prefabs still exist today.

30,000 units were built by Selleck and Nichols, a subsidiary of English China Clays, to combat the housing crisis after World War 2.

Although problems occurred with the concrete, are there lessons from the design and build that could be learned today during another period of housing uncertainty?

Time:         10.00am to 4.00pm

Price:         Included in standard museum admission

Contact:     engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com

Location:     Roger Preston Gallery

Special Offers

Present your device to the cashier

Present this voucher to receive £1.50 per person off the standard admission prices.

£1.50 off per person (max 6 persons) at Wheal Martyn Clay Works.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or the family saver ticket.  

Valid for the 2025 season.

REF: For One & All Voucher