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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
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
The Stuns'ls Candle-lit Concert - Thursday 04 December 2025
Join us for an atmospheric candle-lit concert by our local International performing shanty group, The Stuns’ls.
The Stuns’ls Shanty Group are formed from Mevagissey, Charlestown and Truro Cornish Pilot Gig rowing clubs and named from one of their earliest songs “Old Maui”. They have a passion for harmonies, heritage and Cornwall.
Over the past few years, they've had some incredible opportunities. From performing for King Charles and Queen Camilla to being featured in Rick Stein's Cornwall (2021) and recording for Warner Brothers in 2022. They have also headlined at many Shanty Festivals in Cornwall including Falmouth and Mevagissey, the UK and all over Europe.
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.
To balance our fundraising needs with the reality of the current cost of living challenge our customers face, we have made this a pay what you can event. All tickets are equal, simply pick the price you wish to pay (between £5 and £15). Age 12 and under free.
Pasties available, pre-order essential.
For more information and to book: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/the-stunsls-candle-lit-concert
Festive Fun Day and Father Christmas - Saturday 13 December 2025
Dress up in your fun festive finery and explore the museum and woodland trails to celebrate the festive season. We are incredibly excited that Father Christmas and his elf will be joining us for the day and sharing a special Christmas story!
There will be lots of activities on offer, including clay decorations.
Tickets are £3.00 for adults and £10.00 per child which includes visiting Father Christmas and a small gift from Santa. A booked time slot is required. Pre-booking is required.
Activities will include making Elf and Reindeer crowns and Cornish Christmas cards, getting creative with clay decorations, conjuring up a Christmas wand, being spellbound by a festive story, exploring the Angel and sensory Reindeer Trail, tapping your feet to the tunes of the local band and choir, and popping along to the Christmas craft table!
After all the fun and action, pop in to the café for a festive treat and relax with a cup of something warm and one of our homemade cakes.
Those who wish to see Father Christmas will also need to purchase an entry ticket for the Festive Fun Day.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Price: Adults £3.00, Children £10.00
Buy a combined ticket for the festive fun day and lantern trail for £5.00 adults, £14.00 for children
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Book online at https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/festive-fun-day-and-father-christmas-13-dec
Lantern Trail - Saturday 13 December 2025
Enjoy an atmospheric lantern trail at Wheal Martyn to include lantern making, willow crafting, campfire and marshmallows, followed by a lantern lit walk around the historic grounds before ending at the Wheal Martyn atrium for a festive sing-song!
The café will be open before serving festive treats. The event is a collaboration between Wheal Martyn and Choose Nature CIC with proceeds from entry supporting fundraising for both organisations.
Booking required.
Time: 3.00-5.30pm
Price: Adults £3.00, children £7.00
Buy a combined ticket for the festive fun day and lantern trail for £5.00 adults, £14.00 for children
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Book online at https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/lantern-trail-2025
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
