Wheal Martyn Clay Works is thrilled to be celebrating its 50th anniversary! Fifty years of preserving incredible industrial heritage and welcoming countless visitors. To mark this special occasion, we’ve lined up 50 fantastic ways for you to explore and enjoy everything Wheal Martyn has to offer.

1. Dive into the past at the Discovery Centre 

A vibrant and interactive space designed to bring the story of china clay to life, your adventure at Wheal Martyn truly begins in the Discovery Centre! You’ll learn about the geological origins of the clay, the pioneering techniques used to extract it and the lives of the people who worked in this demanding industry.

2. Journey through the past on our History Trail

As you wander, you’ll encounter towering machinery, original buildings and informative signs that paint a vivid picture of daily life here. The trail offers an unparalleled insight into the scale and ingenuity of Cornish mining.

3. Immerse yourself in nature on the Nature Trail

Beyond the industrial wonders, Wheal Martyn is also a haven for nature lovers. Keep an eye out for interpretive panels that highlight the unique flora and fauna you might encounter!

4. Wander through our woodlands

Our well-maintained paths wind through beautiful woodland, offering stunning views of the surrounding Cornish countryside and glimpses of the dramatic clay pits. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more invigorating trail, there are routes to suit all abilities. The grounds are particularly beautiful in the autumn with the changing colours of the leaves – so keep this on your bucket list for later on in the year.

5. Get wildlife spotting!

Wheal Martyn’s diverse habitats make a surprisingly rewarding location for wildlife spotting. Birdwatchers can look out for an array of woodland birds such as nuthatches and tree creepers.

6. View a modern pit 

Prepare to be awestruck at the viewpoint overlooking a modern china clay pit that is still actively working today. 

7. Step into history through the blast shelter 

For a real glimpse to the working conditions of the past, step inside the authentic blast shelter. These robust structures provided vital protection for workers during the controlled blasting operations that were essential for breaking up the rock.

8. Marvel at the mechanical power of the waterwheels 

No visit to Wheal Martyn is complete without witnessing the magnificent waterwheels. These giant wheels were the heart of the historic clay works, harnessing the power of water to drive the mining machinery.

9. Get hands-on with history: Hold the tools of the trade 

Discover the fascinating array of tools that were essential to the china clay industry. From the simplest picks and shovels to more specialised equipment, the museum’s collection showcases the strength of the workers using the tools every day.

10. Explore the legacy of industrial innovation 

Wander among the machinery that ran the clay works. See the impressive engines, pumps and processing equipment that transformed raw clay into a valuable commodity.

11. Admire the vintage vehicles 

Gain a glimpse of times gone by as you admire the collection of vintage lorries on display. These vehicles were vital for transporting china clay from the pits to the ports, playing a crucial role in the industry’s logistics. 

12. Uncover a unique engineering marvel: The Lee Moor Engine  

Seek out the historically significant Lee Moor Engine. This steam locomotive was built to transport china clay from Lee Moor to Plymouth.

13. Visit the 50 Years of Wheal Martyn Exhibition 

As part of our anniversary celebrations, this special display chronicles the museum’s journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a leading heritage attraction. Discover how Wheal Martyn has grown, the people who have shaped it and the significant milestones we have achieved along the way. On display in the Roger Preston Gallery from Friday 5 September to 23 December 2025. Click here to find out more. 

14. Seek out the Piskies 

Keep an eye out for the mischievous Piskies said to inhabit the woodlands and hidden corners of Wheal Martyn!

15. Join the fun on the Teddy Bear Trail

Enjoy the delightful teddy bear trail. A charming way to engage the kids (and the young at heart) as you seek out each fluffy friend.

16. Engage your senses 

Take a moment to pause and reflect on the sensory benches located around the grounds. These provide a unique opportunity for mindful connections with nature. 

17. Get hands-on with clay

Experience the tactile joy of working with clay in our activity workshops. This is your chance to mould, sculpt and feel the material that built this industry.

18. Take a break in the crib hut

Step into the humble crib hut, a space where the clay workers would have eaten their food (‘crib’) at break time or ‘crib time’. This simple shelter provides a glimpse into the daily life of the workers, helping you to imagine the day to day working conditions and life at the clay works.

19. Experience some of the best music Cornwall has to offer 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the county by attending one of our Cornish Music Events. Throughout the year, Wheal Martyn hosts various performances, from traditional shanties and folk music to contemporary local artists. Head to the music events page on our website to find the dates of our next performances.

20. Get creative at our Family Pottery Painting Workshops 

Over the school holidays, pop in with the kids and join a family pottery painting session. In the workshop you will get a choice of items to paint ranging from ornaments to dinnerware. You will be set up with the paints and directed on how best to apply them, then you can have fun and get creative.

21. Book a Handkerchief Vase Making Workshop

Summer is here and with all the beautiful flowers in bloom why not make your own vase to display them. In this workshop you will be shown an easy technique to create a beautiful flowing vase. See all our creative workshops here.

22. Create a treasured keepsake with your pup

Make a treasured gift and memory by printing your cherished dog’s foot onto ceramic or into a clay tile. All materials are non-toxic and water soluble and won’t harm your dog. See here for more information.

23. Make a pinch pot 

Unleash your inner potter and make a pinch pot in our workshop! It’s a fantastic introduction to pottery and a tangible souvenir of your visit, allowing you to mold the very material that shaped Wheal Martyn. Available to book here.

24. Model your own clay creature 

Let your imagination run wild as you model your own clay creature. Whether it’s a fantastical beast, a woodland animal or a character from your favourite story, this workshop is a delightful creative outlet for all ages. Book through our events page. 

25. Explore the heart of the industry: The Victorian clay works 

Delve deeper into the museum and explore the preserved Victorian clay works. The complex network of structures, channels and machinery illustrate the ingenious methods of china clay extraction and processing in the 19th century. A truly immersive step back in time.

26. Look for geological wonders  

Become a budding geologist and check out the rocks on display around our grounds. Learn about the granite from which china clay is formed and discover the different mineral compositions in the rock formations.

27. Spot an SSSI

Wheal Martyn contains a SSSI or Sight of Special Scientific Interest for an area of particular ecological and geological importance! 

28. Discover the settling tanks 

These large, shallow ponds were crucial for separating the fine china clay particles from the water, allowing the valuable clay to settle at the bottom. Today the tanks are full of wildlife such as dragonflies, newts and frogs. See if you can catch a glimpse of the tadpoles swimming about in summer.

29. Learn about the pan kiln

A key final step in the china clay process, the pan kiln is where the drying of the clay took place. Find out about the heat-intensive processes that transformed the wet clay, making it ready for transportation.

30. Shelter in the Linhay 

See an example of a traditional Cornish farm building or Linhay that would have been used for storing machinery and material.

31. Watch the virtual tour 

Can’t get enough of Wheal Martyn or want a preview before your visit? Watch our virtual tour. Available online, this immersive 360 experience allows you to explore key areas of the museum from the comfort of your home.

32. Get social: Check out Wheal Martyn on TikTok 

Follow our account for short engaging videos showcasing the highlights of the museum, behind-the-scenes glimpses and fun facts about clay country. @whealmartyn

33. Engage every sense by exploring the five sensory markers 

Embark on a unique trail to discover the five sensory markers. Each marker is designed to draw your attention to a different sense – sight, sound, smell, touch and even taste. These markers enable various audiences (including those with complex disabilities and sensory needs) to access to our museum's collections.

34. Read and feel the sensory sign 

To make our museum more accessible and engaging for visitors we have created a sensory sign that tells the story of waste in the china clay industry. A tactile model was created using a pure piece of porcelain depicting a model sky tip, to show that historically, for every one tonne of china clay mined, nine tonnes of waste was created.

35. Find the secret drum set 

Find the secret drum set hidden in the woodland and strike a beat. This playful and unexpected installation is a real hit with the children. 

36. Enjoy the play area with your young ones 

Our play area is the perfect spot for younger visitors to burn off some energy and have fun within the beautiful surroundings.

37. Delve into the dressing up box 

Spark your imagination by dipping into the dressing up box! Try on costumes inspired by the clay workers from times gone by.

38. Take a walk through the flat rod tunnel 

A hidden gem of Wheal Martyn, this tunnel provides a touch of adventure to your ramble through the grounds. This historic tunnel once housed the flat rods that transferred power from the waterwheels to the china clay machinery.

39. Visit the gallery 

This summer enjoy a small selection of the museum’s collection where every object has a story to tell. An exciting mix of museum treasures from the china clay industry, Cornish history and local people. On display until 31 August. See https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/the-museum-mix-up-exhibition.

40. Relax and refuel at the picnic area

Pack a delicious lunch and take a walk to our scenic picnic area. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. 

41. Try your hand at being a kettle kid

Have fun exploring all our activities dedicated to the kettle kids of Wheal Martyn. Carry a kettle, dress up in period clothing, take a fun photograph and play historic themed games, as well as discover the real-life story of Arthur, who worked his whole career in the clay industry, starting as a kettle boy. Find out more here. 

 42. Bring your four-legged friend 

Our fascinating grounds aren’t just a journey into the region's industrial past; they are also a wonderfully dog-friendly destination perfect for a leisurely stroll or an energetic ramble. Please note dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

43. Test your strength and hold a game of Tug ‘o’ war  

Challenge your family and friends to this classic game! Perfect for a bit of playful competition.

44. Uncover a secret spot by finding Lansalson

Embark on a mini-adventure through the Wheal Martyn car park to find Lansalson pit – a lesser-known but stunning feature at Wheal Martyn. 

45. Enjoy a Cornish Pasty in the café 

No visit in Cornwall is complete without sampling its most famous culinary delight! 

46. Find the chimney landmark

Hunt for the sculpture of a chimney at the start of the Clay Trail leading from Wheal Martyn to Austell and Eden.

47. Photo fun 

Create a memorable photo opportunity by putting your head in the cut out and be transformed into a historical figure.

48. Speak like a local 

Immerse yourself in the local culture and learn some Cornish phrases. Or join us for our monthly Cornish speaking event, Lowender gans Kernewek.

49. Ask a volunteer a question

Our volunteers are truly the stars of Wheal Martyn. They are incredibly knowledgeable and many have personal experience having worked in the clay mining industry themselves or have deep family connections to it. Don’t be shy and ask them some questions!

50. Don’t forget to enter our Photo Competition

Our 50th Anniversary Photo Competition is your chance to showcase your photography skills and capture the essence of what makes Wheal Martyn and the surrounding clay country so special. Head to our competition information page to find out the categories you can enter and prizes on offer.