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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
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
Cobweb Crew - Thursday 05 February 2026
Cobweb Crew are a bunch of friends who enjoy singing a song whilst supping a pint or two. They sing shanties and Cornish songs, based at the Cobweb Inn, Boscastle.
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.
Pasties available, pre-order essential - £6.95 each.
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, performance starts at 7.00pm
Price: £5.00 - £15.00 per person (age 12 and under free)
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Book online at https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/cobweb-crew
The Lost Miner's Journal - Saturday 14 February 2026 to Monday 23 February 2026
The pages of a lost journal have scattered across the museum. They belong to a miner from long ago who was learning the Cornish language and writing about his work. Can you find all the pages and figure out what he was saying?
No need to book, just come along and have some fun discovering this mystery!
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm (Museum opening hours).
Price: Included in standard admission
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Create your Cornish Memory - Monday 16 February 2026 to Friday 20 February 2026
Celebrate Cornish heritage at Wheal Martyn this February half term, paint a Cornish pasty or a beam engine decoration or make something out of clay to take home with you! What do you love about Cornwall?
Further details: Drop-in sessions, no need to book.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry at 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on item created
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Shanty Sam - Thursday 05 March 2026
Shanty Sam has been performing solo for just over a year and has recently joined the popular Stuns’ls group. He has a wide variety of shanties with his own unique style.
Bar open on the day and pre-booked pasties are available at point of booking. Proceeds raised from the event support the charitable work of the Wheal Martyn Trust (Charity no. 1001838).
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 £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Book online at https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/shanty-sam-performs-live-at-wheal-martyn
Easter egg hunt - Wednesday 01 April 2026 to Monday 20 April 2026
Hop into the Easter Holidays and join our Egg Hunt! The Easter Bunny has been busy hiding eggs all around the museum grounds. Put on your detective hat and follow the trail to crack the clues and search high and low to uncover hidden eggs across the museum. Each stop will uncover a letter and another piece of the puzzle.
Complete the hunt by finding all the letters and figure out the special Easter phrase! Then claim your Easter reward from the front desk.
Perfect for curious eggs-plorers and egg-cellent detectives of all ages.
Further details: The ceramic eggs were decorated by community groups at the museum including our weekly Arts for Health group, and they were made by our resident potter, Selina.
Price: Included in admission.
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Foresail - Thursday 02 April 2026
Foresail is a group of friends from Cornwall with a love for singing and performing shanties, including a healthy dose of Cornish sea songs, folk and anything that takes their fancy. Their style can range from foot stomping and loud, to lyrical and funny to entertain their audience on the night.
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.
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 £6.95
Contact: info@wheal-martyn.com
Book online: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/foresail
Easter fun creative activities - Friday 03 April 2026
Get creative this Easter holiday with our family-friendly craft sessions. Children can shape and model with air-drying clay and create an Easter bunny, a tile to decorate or something else entirely! Or you could paint your own pottery to take home, from ceramic decorations to beautiful Easter Eggs! Come in any time, find a seat and have fun.
Further details: Drop in, get hands-on, and let imaginations run wild. All materials are provided, and every creation is uniquely theirs to keep.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on item and materials
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Easter fun creative activities - Monday 06 April 2026 to Friday 10 April 2026
Get creative this Easter holiday with our family-friendly craft sessions. Children can shape and model with air-drying clay and create an Easter bunny, a tile to decorate or something else entirely! Or you could paint your own pottery to take home, from ceramic decorations to beautiful Easter Eggs! Come in any time, find a seat and have fun.
Further details: Drop in, get hands-on, and let imaginations run wild. All materials are provided, and every creation is uniquely theirs to keep.
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm. Last entry 2.30pm.
Price: £1.00 - £5.00 depending on item and materials
Contact: engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com
Spring nature walks - Thursday 09 April 2026
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.
Further details: Includes a breakfast bap and tea or coffee in our 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 holder)
Book online: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/spring-nature-walks-at-wheal-martyn-09-april-2026
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
