DISCOVER CORNWALL'S SECRET
at the UK's only china clay mining museum

Why visit

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. We are telling the story of Cornwall’s secret, and the people who brought it to you, from the heart of Clay Country.

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Donate

Please consider making a donation to Wheal Martyn. Your donation will go where it is most needed; for example, preserving our collections or the Victorian clay works, providing educational opportunities or developing community activities such as our Memory Cafe.

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Target amount: £0.00

Amount raised: £957.90

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. We tell the story of this fascinating industry and the people who worked and lived in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’.

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Author: Annabel Underwood

2026 is a great time to discover Wheal Martyn 

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 Acres to Explore, Discover and Enjoy!

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 Years of mining at Wheal Martyn and new facilities and exhibitions launched

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 Months admission with your ticket

Upcoming events

  • More Cornish Than May Day - Celebrating the Centenary of Bugle Band Contest

    More Cornish than May Day is a celebration of the centenary of the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival, known locally as Bugle Band Contest which is held annually within our parish. Read more

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    Location: Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Carthew, St Austell, PL26 8XG

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  • Boats & Houses Pottery Workshop

    Make your own mini ceramic Cornish cottage, harbour or boat out of clay, inspired by places from around Cornwall. Read more

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    Location: Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell, PL26 8XG

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  • Redruth Town Band

    As part of our celebrations and exhibition of the centenary of the Bugle Band Contest we are delighted to have Redruth Town Band doing a free performance on our café terrace. Redruth Town Band is one of Cornwall’s oldest brass bands, with roots dating back over 200 years and references to musicians in the town as early as 1828. Read more

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    Location: Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Carthew, St Austell, PL26 8XG

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Latest news

  • Wheal Martyn on tour in London

    Our Inspiring Minds and Miners for Our Future project went on tour to London for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2026. Read more

  • Success for Wheal Martyn at Cornwall Heritage Awards 2026

    Wheal Martyn swept the board at the Cornwall Heritage Awards 2026. Shortlisted for four of the eight awards, along with the final ‘Spirit of The Award’ category, the team were highly commended in three categories, won the Collaboration category and were declared Winner for Spirit of the Award! Read more

  • Exploring Nature Art Trail

    Discover Wheal Martyn's new Art Trail, featuring nine stunning installations by young artists, celebrating nature and raising awareness on biodiversity. Read more