Wheal Martyn

Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in your everyday life that still shapes Cornwall and the world today…china clay! Set in 26 acres of woodland in the grounds of two former working china clay pits on the outskirts of St Austell, the UK's only china clay museum provides a fascinating day out for all the family. Whether you want to find out more about Cornwall's rich china clay heritage in the interactive visitor centre, explore the nature trails, relax in the cafe or see 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 museum and extensive outdoor grounds!

Cornish Bricks

Granite has long since been the iconic building stone of Cornwall, but from the 16th to the 20th centuries, many Cornish houses were also built of Cornish bricks. Bricks were stamped with the name of the brickworks and some were made from waste sand and clay from the china clay industry.
Cornet

Music has always been a mainstay of Cornish life and culture. In the industrial heartlands of the china clay and mining areas, silver and brass bands became popular in the 19th century. This modern cornet comes from the Bugle Silver Band, founded in 1848 and still playing today.
35ft Water Wheel

The 35ft waterwheel was made at Charlestown Foundry in the early 1880's. It is a pitch-back water wheel, the largest still working in Cornwall. It was used to pump clay slurry from the pit some distance away using a system of flat rods.
ERF Lorry

The 1934 ERF lorry, Model C15, saw the final years of it's working life with the Heavy Transport Company of St Austell. The lorry is currently being restored by a team of volunteers, and make regular guest appearances at events around the county.

Admission & prices

Please see our website for full details and to book tickets.

PRICES

Pay once and get free entry all year! (full price tickets only).

The café and gift shop are free to enter.

Adults (16+) £12
Children (5 – 15) £6.00
Children (under 5) Free
Family saver ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £30.00
Family saver ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children) £38.00

Please be aware that all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Companions assisting disabled visitors are admitted free of charge.

Groups:
Groups and coaches are welcome and reduced rates are available for groups of 10 or over. Guided tours and group catering packages are also available on request. Please contact us for more information at info@wheal-martyn.com

Pre-booking of tickets is currently required at www.wheal-martyn.com

Find us

Museum news

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Clay Walks and Wheal Martyn set the tempo for dance in Museums

Wheal Martyn sprang, sang, danced and drummed with creativity and energy on 14th and 15th June with the spectacular performance of Clay Walks......

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Industrial Heritage Conference at Wheal Martyn

Industrial Heritage Conference at Wheal Martyn Cornwall has an incredibly rich, varied and fascinating industrial heritage......

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Information

Indoor interactive displays

Cornwall's largest working water wheel

Victorian china clay works, machinery and equipment exhibitions

Children's woodland play area

Visitor platform overlooking a working China Clay Pit

Conference facilities

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:

Activity trails

Guided tours by arrangement

Temporary Exhibitions

Activity sessions for children (call for details)

School Group visits - with led workshops from the Education Officer

Cycle/walking trail to St Austell and Eden Project (Part of the Clay Trails Project)

Volunteering opportunities for all ages

Free car/coach parking

Open throughout the year (closed over Christmas and New Year)