1. South West
  2. Cornwall
  3. St Austell

About Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Fun, discovery and adventure for everyone! Wheal Martyn Clay Works is bursting at the seams with tools, machinery and real stories of Cornwall’s largest mining industry.

Follow the historic trail to discover the processes and follow in the footsteps of the clay workers, explore historic buildings such as the crib hut, pan kiln, flat rod tunnel and much more. You will see Cornwall's largest working waterwheel, industry tools and artefacts and vintage commercial vehicles including a locomotive. At the peak of the site you'll stand back in awe as you discover a spectacular view of a modern working clay pit with monstrous machines at work and if you are lucky you may even get to see blasting in the pit!

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The UK's only china clay mining museum!

Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in our everyday lives that still shapes Cornwall and our world today - china clay. Check out the original Victorian clay works, bursting at the seams with tools and machinery; discover the real-life stories and tales of the industry which shaped the landscape and lives of people in mid-Cornwall; and find out about Cornwall's largest mining industry, past and present.

Something for everyone

Children's adventure trail and play area.

Find the flat rod tunnel, secret drum set dressing up area, tug-o-war, and quiz sheets.

Woodland trails.

Sensory trail and benches.

Large print and easy-read guides, BSL clips.

Guided tours.

Dogs welcome.

Creative workshops, activities and exhibitions

Enjoy creative family workshops, and activities or explore one of our fun seasonal trails. Try your hand at pottery painting, clay sculpting, and other crafts. Be sure to visit the Roger Preston Gallery where you'll find an inspiring programme of changing exhibitions.

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Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Onsite Parking iconOnsite Parking
  • Accessible Toilets iconAccessible Toilets
  • Baby Changing iconBaby Changing
  • Food Available iconFood Available
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Dog Friendly iconDog Friendly
  • Pushchair Friendly iconPushchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
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Opening Times

Open Daily: 10:00 - 17:00 Winter Opening: 10:00 - 16:00

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Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Child (5-15) : £7.50
  • Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
  • Adult (16+) : £17.00

Family Saver tickets also available. A full price ticket gives you free return visits for a whole year from the date of purchase. Buy online or on the day.

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Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 3 - 4 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

Hot and cold drinks, cakes, pasties, light lunches.

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FAQs

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Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

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Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

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Accessibility Information

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Tickets & Bookings

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Private Hire & Birthday Parties

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Public Transport

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Contact Details

Wheal Martyn, Carthew
St Austell
Cornwall
PL26 8XG
England

Tel: 01726850362

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Transport Information

We are a 40 minute walk or a 10 minute drive from St Austell train station.

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Verification & Last Updated

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last Updated: 09:13 19/02/2026

Wheal Martyn Clay Works Reviews

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