Wheal Martyn Clay Works
St Austell, Cornwall
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!
Children can don a hard hat while they explore, test their strength against the local tug-o-war team or try out the children's adventure trail. Dogs are welcome throughout the site and there is a wonderful cafe and gift shop catering for the needs of the whole family.
- The UK's only china clay mining museum
- Great fun whatever the weather
- Pit View overlooks modern machines in the working clay pit
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.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
Open Daily: 10:00 - 17:00 Winter Opening: 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- 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.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Hot and cold drinks, cakes, pasties, light lunches.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
We are a 40 minute walk or a 10 minute drive from St Austell train station.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
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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