Wheal Martyn

Set in 26 acres of woodland, on the outskirts of St Austell, the UK's only china clay museum and country park provides a fascinating day out for all the family. The park is set in the grounds of two former working china clay pits and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into china clay.

Whether you want to find out more about Cornwall's rich China Clay heritage in the interactive visitor centre, fancy exploring the nature trails, relax in the cafe or or want a unique view of a modern China Clay pit at work with monitor jets and giant machinery, Wheal Martyn has something for everyone. Even dogs are welcome throughout the site!

Bringing Cornwall's fascinating billion pound China Clay industry to life!

Discover how Cornwall's largest mining industry changed the world and the amazing uses of China Clay in our everyday lives today!

Fun, Discover and Adventure for everyone

26 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, Cornwall's largest waterwheel, Victorian clay works, children's play and much more...

Highlights of what is on offer :

• Indoor interactive displays telling the story of the men, women and  children who lived worked and played in the shadow of the china clay tips
• Cornwall’s largest working water wheel
• Fully preserved Victorian china clay works, machinery and equipment exhibitions
• Vintage commercial vehicles and locomotive
• Children’s woodland play area
• Acres of nature trails and woodland walks teeming with wild flowers, birds and aquatic life
• Visitor platform overlooking a working China Clay Pit
• Licensed cafe with outside terrace offering the best Cornish food and drink
• Gift shop selling a unique range of quality gifts and souvenirs

Wheal Martyn provides a superb combination of interest, education and fun for people of all ages. As a result we are happy to provide group rates, welcome school visits and can cater for coach parties.

In addition we also provide:

• Children’s activity sheets
• Guided tours by arrangement
• Temporary Exhibitions
• Children’s activity days (call for details)
• Cycle/walking trail to St Austell and Eden Project (Part of the Clay Trails Project)
• Free car/coach parking
• Dogs on leads welcome
• Open throughout the year (Closed over Christmas and New Year)

Education

As part of our Museum we offer all sorts of educational activities, education is not always formal visits, just learning something you didn’t know can be a fun experience.

You can learn about rich clay heritage with our education officer, by walking around the museum, benefitting from local knowledge from one of our guides, coming as a family to one of our holiday workshop activities, taking part in our curatorial work as a volunteer.

Questions you may like to find out about such as:

• What is China Clay?
• How is clay used today?
• What is a world heritage site?
• How did the get the clay out in the past?
• What is in the museum?

If you would like to bring a school group Wheal Martyn can deliver a range of Key Stage subjects please call us