This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
.jpg)
+smaller+file.jpg)
Discover Cornwall's secret at the UK's only china clay museum, set within 26 acres of atmospheric woodlands.
Journey through a Victorian china 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.
Adventure 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. Experience our changing creative clay workshops, events, exhibitions and refuel in our café, offering delicious homemade food.
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+ | £17.00 |
| Children 0-5 | FREE |
| Children 5-15 | £7.50 |
| Family Saver - 2 adults and 2 children | £43.00 |
| Family Saver - 2 Adults and up to 4 children | £50.00 |
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
Arsenic: What Price Beauty? - Friday 16 October 2026 to Wednesday 23 December 2026
Terrye Teverson is a contemporary Cornish fine artist, digital printmaker and sculptor whose multidisciplinary practice bridges historical narrative and contemporary critique. This exhibition investigates the arsenic trade in Cornwall, blending traditional and contemporary mediums to create immersive experiences that challenge viewers to confront the desire for ‘beautiful’ objects and contemplate the means of production.
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Spooky Eye Spy Trail - Saturday 24 October 2026 to Monday 02 November 2026
Join us during October half term for a spooky trail through the grounds at Wheal Martyn. Discover the all the mysterious eyes lurking around the woodland and match them to the spooky faces on your worksheet. Experience the grounds of the museum like you never have before.
Further details: No booking required, take part during your visit – information provided at admissions desk.
Price: Included within the general admission fee
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Dalla Duo Cornish Music Night - Thursday 05 November 2026
Dalla Duo offer a celebration of the very best of Cornish traditional music in all its varied glory, from wild and mesmerising dance tunes to beautifully haunting slower pieces. This includes instrumentals on bouzouki and clarinet, as well as songs in Cornish and in English.
Often referred to as 'Cornish traditional music royalty', Neil Davey and Hilary Coleman are individually very well known to anyone familiar with Cornish music having both played an integral part in the great revival of this genre seen over recent decades. They were co-founders of the 'nos lowen' approach to Cornish dance and music, and are probably best known for being the two original founding members of the internationally acclaimed pioneering Cornish music group Dalla, and also continue to play together in the hugely popular nos lowen dance band Skillywidden which grew out of Dalla.
As well as an opportunity to experience some fantastic Cornish music, this event will be supporting the charitable work of Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838), with money raised from ticket sales contributing to our fundraising.
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £6.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Please note that music night tickets are non-refundable.
Christmas Craft Fair - Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 15 November 2026
Join us for our annual craft fair with lots of special individual gift ideas, including a variety of handcrafted goods made in Cornwall ranging from ceramics, bags, paintings, cushions and jewellery to bird houses, crocheted toys, wood turned items and much more!
The café will be open offering delicious treats.
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Price: Free entry to craft fair (normal admission fee applies to the museum and grounds)
Contact: sford@wheal-martyn.com
The Stuns'ls Candle-lit Concert - Thursday 03 December 2026
Born from the salt, sweat and occasional chaos of Cornish Pilot Gig rowing, Stuns’ls Shanty Group was formed from the rowing clubs of Mevagissey, Charlestown and Truro.
The name comes from one of our earliest songs, Old Maui. A stuns’l (studding sail) is an extra sail set by a square-rigged ship to catch the faintest breeze and squeeze out a little more speed. It seemed a fitting name for a bunch of rowers who figured that if we could pull together on the water, we could probably sing together on dry land too.
What started as a few voices raised after training sessions and regattas has grown into a harmony-loving crew with a passion for sea shanties, Cornish folk songs and a good old-fashioned singalong.
As well as an opportunity to experience some fantastic Cornish music, this event will be supporting the charitable work of Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838), with money raised from ticket sales contributing to our fundraising.
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £10.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Please note that music night tickets are non-refundable.
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 2026 season.
REF: For One & All Voucher
