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.

Published:

Author:

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.

Published:

Author:

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’.

Published:

Author: Annabel Underwood

2025 is a great time to discover Wheal Martyn 

26

 Acres to Explore, Discover and Enjoy!

205

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

12

 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

    Start:

    End:

    Published:

    Updated:

    Author:

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

    Share this page

  • Mevagissey Shanty - Joint Fundraiser

    Join the Mevagissey Shanty Festival at Wheal Martyn for our annual fundraising concert! The Block House Chainers from Fowey and The DerryAirs from Downderry will be performing traditional and original shanties and folk songs inspired by Cornwall and our rich mining and maritime heritage. Read more

    Start:

    End:

    Published:

    Updated:

    Author:

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

    Share this page

Latest news