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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
Nature Walk at Wheal Martyn - Tuesday 17 June 2025
Enjoy a guided nature walk around the 26-acre historic Wheal Martyn grounds led by our site Ranger, highlighting the abundance of nature that calls the former Victorian clay works and wider grounds home. You’ll also hear about some of the habitat improvements made during the past year and plans for the future. Price includes admission to the wider museum after the walk.
Includes a breakfast bap and tea or coffee in or café after the walk.
Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Price: £25.00 (includes admission to museum, breakfast bap and hot drink)
£15.00 (price for Cornwall Residents Pass holders)
Find out more on our website: HERE
Basic Introduction to Pottery - Friday 20 June 2025
Have you ever wanted to have a go at pottery but not sure where to start? We are running a one day workshop where you will be shown two basic techniques. You will be shown how to make a pinch pot and a decorative tile. You will get to paint your creations with a selection of different coloured slips. Your work will go off to have a clear glaze applied and fired in our kiln ready for you to collect. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.
Equipment & materials: Clay, slips and tools are provided. We recommend bringing an apron.
You will produce: A pinch pot and a decorative tile which will be fired in our electric kiln.
Level: Beginners, from age 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Workshop duration: 4 hours (End times may vary slightly)
Price: £30.00 per person
Find out more on our website: HERE
Wake up the Waterwheel - Tuesday 24 June 2025
Join our site team behind the scenes before we open to the general public to get the Scheduled Ancient Monument ready for the day. Help with diverting water, sluices and priming of the slurry pump to wake our water wheels and learn about Victorian engineering and the china clay industry too. Enjoy the peace of our site early in the morning, look out for wildlife before enjoying a crib time breakfast bap in our cafe. Feel free to explore the museum and site at your leisure for the rest of the day.
Dogs on leads welcome.
Price includes admission to the wider museum after the walk.
Further details: Includes a breakfast bap and tea or coffee in or café after the event.
Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Price: £35.00 (includes admission to museum, breakfast bap and hot drink)
£25.00 (price for Cornwall Residents Pass holder)
Find out more on our website: HERE
Scenic Routes Music Night - Thursday 03 July 2025
Jenna and Steve are a professional singer-songwriter couple based in West Cornwall. They form the acoustic duo "Scenic Route". Their performances showcase a diverse repertoire of stylised modern and classic hits, as well as their own original material, fusing elements of pop, country and blues with a Spanish flamenco flair. Widely recognised for their fresh approach and vibrant musicality, Jenna and Steve put their distinctive spin on well-known classics, while also crafting heartfelt original songs. Jenna's haunting vocals complement Steve's skilled guitar work, transporting listeners to the scenic beauty of Cornwall's coastline and its laid-back ambience with their captivating musical storytelling.
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £5.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Optional extra: Pre-ordered pasties £7.25
Fin out more on our website: HERE
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
