Name: Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Rating: 5.0

Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Discover Cornwall's Secret at the UK's only china clay mining museum. A fully Accredited Museum, we are based within two Victorian china clay works, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We tell the story of this fascinating industry and the people who worked and lived in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’.

Visit to discover Cornwall's secret dig deep and discover the special ingredient in your everyday life that still shapes Cornwall and the world today…china clay! It hides in your toothpaste, your paper, your car tyres and even your cosmetics. It’s a billion pound, global industry.

Prices starts from £17.00 for adults (age 16+), £7.50 for Children (age 5 - 15 yrs) and £43.00 for Family (2 adults and 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Our museum: China clay mining has shaped the landscape, lives of people and economy of mid-Cornwall for over 250 years. It is Cornwall’s largest mining industry. A fully Accredited Museum, we are based within two Victorian china clay works, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Crib Huts: See the vital role these modest buildings played and find out what crib means!
Settling Tanks: Now home to an array of wildlife, discover the important role these rather curious and beautiful pools played in the china clay industry.
Wagon Huts: Wheal Martyn is home to beautiful vintage vehicles, including a 1934 ERF lorry and 1916 Peerless lorry, used in World War One before coming to Cornwall.
Waterwheels: See Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel in action, and discover how these magnificent feats of engineering, with their associated ‘flat rods’, helped in mining the clay.
Billion Pound Boulders: Discover fascinating examples of local geology from which valuable china clay is ‘unlocked’, as well as a unique example of exposed granite (a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest) which demonstrates a stage of kaolinisation usually only seen underground.
Woodland Trails: The museum is set within 26 acres of woodlands. Take a stroll along nature trails and woodland walks, and follow the historic trail to uncover the reasons why Wheal Martyn is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Play: Get active on the children’s adventure trail, wander through the flat rod tunnel, and try to locate the secret drum set! Dive into the play area and dressing up box and get involved in holiday activities, tug-o-war, trails and quizzes.
Refuel: Visit our vibrant cafe in the old clay works and indulge in a homemade lunch, a slice of cake and other Cornish treats. There’s even a tasty Little Miners menu!
Guided Walks: Follow in the footsteps of our knowledgeable volunteer guides and gain a unique insight into the lives of people who worked in the china clay industry (subject to availability).

Facilities

Parking: We have a car park, including disabled parking close to the museum.
Food & Drinks: Our licensed café serves delicious, locally sourced food including tasty breakfasts, homemade lunches and specials for all ages, as well as freshly baked cakes and yummy Cornish treats.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome at the museum on leads.

What to see

Events
Music Nights
Creative workshops
Exhibitions
Arts and crafts for health

For more information please visit: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Pages/Events/Category/events-listing

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16+): £17.00
Child (5–15): £7.50
Child (Under 5): Free
Family Saver (2 Adults & 2 Children): £43.00
Family Saver (2 Adults & up to 4 Children): £50.00
Gift Aid (Optional): Free
Cornwall Residents Pass – Adult (16+): £12.50
Cornwall Residents Pass – Child (5–15): £5.50

Pricing URL: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/buy-admission

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Birthday Parties: £200 for a group of 10 (quotes for larger groups can be provided).

Looking to host a birthday party with a difference? Wheal Martyn might just be the place for you! The historic grounds provide an atmospheric sense of history, with plenty of space for children to explore, let off steam and enjoy themselves! We can also provide a tasty birthday tea at our café. Both of our party options below include admission to Wheal Martyn for the day and the use of the children’s play area and activity trail sheets. Party food and birthday cakes can also be booked for an additional fee.

Outdoor Explorer: Delivered in our woodlands by Badger Forest School, these parties include two hours of fun exploring the woods with challenges, games, hunts, crafts and a campfire.
Choose from a range of themes including:

Robin-Hood
Pirates of Kernow
Den and shelter building
Survival skills
Nature kitchens
The Gruffalo (or another favourite book!)
Teddy’s picnic
Woodland fairies
Animals and dinosaurs
Be prepared for fun in the woods, whatever the weather! Wear trainers or wellies, and bring waterproofs and layers if chilly. Snacks and drinks are provided under the camp fire shelter.

For more information please visit: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/birthday-parties

Open daily: From 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Address: Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG, UK

Post Code: PL26 8XG

Council: Cornwall

County: Cornwall

By car: Just minutes from the A30 in mid-Cornwall, we are within easy reach and no more than 1.5 hours’ drive from anywhere in Cornwall. We are located 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.
By train: We are a 40 minute walk or a 10 minute drive from St Austell train station. There is a taxi service based at the train station (A2B Taxis).
By foot or bike: Why not go eco-friendly and walk or cycle here? The Clay Trails are a collection of multi-use trails for cycling, walking, horse-riding and wheelchairs. They are short, easy to navigate and traffic free trails, connecting Wheal Martyn with Bugle, the Eden Project and St Austell, including local bus and train stations.
Parking: We have a car park, including disabled parking close to the museum.