Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Free entry for Under 5's!

Book Wheal Martyn Clay Works tickets & discover the UK's only china clay mining museum in Cornwall

  • Step into the UK’s only china clay mining museum in the heart of Cornwall’s clay country
  • Explore a 26-acre site with nature trails, historic clay works and dramatic views of a working pit
  • Discover the story of Cornwall’s largest export through immersive exhibits and real-life machinery
  • Enjoy a family-friendly day out with interactive displays, outdoor play areas, and seasonal activities
  • Relax with locally sourced food and Cornish treats at the on-site café

Experience a day of discovery, nature and hands-on fun at Wheal Martyn Clay Works

  • Open daily year-round (except Christmas & Boxing Day)
  • Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm (last entry at 3:00pm)
  • Duration: Stay as long or as little as you like!
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages
  • Location: Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG
  • Tickets include: Access to the Discovery Centre, historic clay works, nature trails, play areas, café, and exhibitions

What’s On at Wheal Martyn Clay Works?

Discover the UK's only china clay museum in Cornwall! With interactive exhibits, hands-on learning and displays, there's something for everyone in the heart of Cornwall's clay country. 

  • Discovery Centre: Interactive exhibits, film screenings, and hands-on learning about Cornwall’s clay mining legacy
  • Historic Clay Works: Explore original machinery, tools, and working waterwheels from the 1800s
  • Nature Trails: Wander through woodland paths and clay country landscapes with wildlife and scenic views
  • Pit View: Witness a live working clay pit from a dramatic vantage point (access subject to safety conditions)
  • Children’s Play Area: Let the kids run wild in the outdoor space for kids to climb, play, and explore
  • Café & Shop: Enjoy homemade lunches, Cornish cakes, and browse local crafts and gifts
  • Clay Trails Access: Connect to nearby attractions like the Eden Project and St Austell via eco-friendly walking and cycling routes

Get ready to explore, learn, and play in one of Cornwall’s most unique heritage destinations! Book Wheal Martyn Clay Works tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS.

Location

Wheel Martyn Clay Works

Carthew,
Saint Austell,
PL26 8XG
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

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By Car:

  • Located just minutes from the A30 in mid-Cornwall, Wheal Martyn is easily accessible and no more than a 1.5-hour drive from anywhere in Cornwall.
  • The museum is situated in the village of Carthew, between St Austell and Bugle on the B3274 - 2 miles north of St Austell and 6 miles from the Innis Downs junction on the A30 dual carriageway.
  • Visitors arriving by car can take advantage of the on-site car park, which includes disabled parking spaces close to the museum entrance.

By Train:

  • Wheal Martyn is approximately a 40-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from St Austell train station.
  • Taxi services are available at the station, including A2B Taxis.
  • Other local taxi providers include Spot On Cabs and Star Cars.

By Foot or Bike:

  • Eco-conscious visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle to Wheal Martyn via the Clay Trails - a network of multi-use paths suitable for walking, cycling, horse-riding, and wheelchairs.
  • These short, traffic-free trails connect Wheal Martyn with Bugle, the Eden Project, and St Austell, including local bus and train stations.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Food and drink
More Info
Is Wheal Martyn Clay Works wheelchair accessible?

Wheal Martyn is a historic site, and by its very nature, some areas have limited accessibility. However, the Discovery Centre, shop, and café are fully accessible, and every effort has been made to ensure as much of the wider site as possible is open to all visitors.

Please note the following:

  • The site is located on a hillside
  • Some outdoor trails feature uneven paths and steps
  • Pit View requires a half-mile uphill walk, including several flights of steps and uneven terrain
  • Certain areas may be closed to the public at short notice for safety reasons - for example, Pit View is inaccessible during blasting operations
Is there food and drink available at Wheal Martyn Clay Works?

Yes, food and drink are available at Wheal Martyn Clay Works.

  • The licensed café offers a tempting selection of locally sourced dishes, including hearty breakfasts, homemade lunches, and daily specials suitable for all ages.
  • Visitors can also enjoy freshly baked cakes and traditional Cornish treats.
  • Drinks range from tea and coffee to beer and wine, which can be savoured on the sunny terrace or beside the cosy wood burner indoors.
Is Wheal Martyn Clay Works suitable for children?

Yes, Wheal Martyn Clay Works is suitable for children and offers a range of engaging activities for families.

  • Young visitors can explore interactive exhibits in the Discovery Centre, enjoy hands-on learning about Cornwall’s clay mining heritage, and take part in seasonal events and trails designed especially for kids.
  • The outdoor play area and nature walks provide plenty of space for adventure, and the site’s café offers child-friendly meals and treats.
  • While some areas of the historic site may have limited access due to uneven terrain, most family-friendly features are easily accessible.
Where can I get the cheapest tickets for Wheal Martyn Clay Works?

You can get cheapest tickets for Wheal Martyn Clay Works on Lovetovisit.com. Lovetovisit guarantees price match or better, so you always know you'll get the best price.

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