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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.
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
Claylines exhibition - Saturday 02 May 2026 to Sunday 07 June 2026
Claylines is a joint exhibition of four local artists (Sarah Davies, Justine Hambly, Eleanor Russell and Olivia Drew) exploring the china clay landscape through collage, ceramics, printmaking and mixed media.
Further details: Some work will be available to purchase.
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Location: Roger Preston Gallery
Wildlife Encounters Trail - Friday 22 May 2026 to Monday 01 June 2026
Take a walk on the wild side through the Wheal Martyn grounds! Can you find all the animals, trees and plants that call our china clay works their home?
Take a picture inside our wildlife ‘peep’ boards – you can be a caterpillar, a bumblebee and more!
Scavenge for fallen leaves and natural materials to use in our creative activities. Fill in your nature spotter booklet as you go.
The trail is available during your visit, so no need to book.
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
May half term activities - Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 29 May 2026
Capture the beauty of the natural world in art this May half term! Join us to make seed bombs, create animals out of clay and use your scavenged natural materials found during your visit to make something truly unique and special.
Drop in during your visit, get hands-on, and let imaginations run wild. All materials are provided and every creation is uniquely yours to keep.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on materials used (in addition to normal museum admission fee).
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Garker Street Band - Thursday 04 June 2026
Garker Street Band are a seven piece band with three singers, sax, two guitars and percussion, performing a mixture of known and popular songs from 1960 to 2020.
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 £6 and £15). Age 12 and under free.
Pasties available, pre-order essential - £6.95 each
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
For more info and to book: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/garker-street-band
100 Years of Bugle Band Content - Saturday 13 June 2026 to Friday 24 July 2026
100 Years of Bugle Brass Band Contest is a celebration of the centenary of the Bugle Brass Band Contest which is held within our parish.
It will showcase memorabilia collected from previous contests and share the significance of the contest – the stories of how it was formed, its roots in the community, and where it is today.
Further details: The 2026 Bugle Brass Band Contest will be held on Saturday 20 June at Molinnis Park, Bugle.
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry to museum 4.00pm)
Price: Included in standard museum admission
Contact: info@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 2026 season.
REF: For One & All Voucher
