Since reopening on the 5 July, we have enjoyed welcoming back lots of familiar faces as well as some new visitors. We are delighted with the feedback we have received from those who have visited and are fortunate that the historic grounds at Wheal Martyn lend themselves very easily to social distancing; one way-routes ensure a safe visit during the pandemic, without compromising the visitor experience significantly. 

This is borne out by the experience of visitors who have said they felt comfortable and reassured by the measures we have put in place to ensure their safety: "We really enjoyed our day. There was a good amount of information throughout the visit and the route around the site was clear and easy to follow." Find out more about the measures we have in place and how to book a visit here.

Unfortunately we are not able to have all our interactive features available at present to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus. However, we are pleased to have reopened the play area, which we ask people to enjoy by following simple instructions on site and guidance - available here. We do understand that not everyone will be ready to use the play areas yet so we encourage families to make their own ‘wild nature play’ throughout the woodlands and trails.

The café is serving some wonderful homemade cakes and snacks which you can enjoy in the spacious outdoor seating area – new parasols will be with us soon to help shade you from the sun! We will also be offering half price food in the café in August on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in line with the government's ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme.  Don’t forget you can pop into the café (or shop) at any time without buying an admission ticket for the museum.

Sue Ford, our Museum Manager said: 

‘A lot of work has gone into ensuring things are in place to welcome everyone back to Wheal Martyn safely. We are so pleased to have been able to make this happen so quickly and hope you’ll be inspired to take some time this summer to retreat from the stresses of the world in the sanctuary of our historic grounds.  Our timed tickets available on the website will enable us to retain this tranquillity and feeling of space at this time’.

We are also delighted to be welcoming back some of our wonderful volunteers, who have been helping to greet and orientate our visitors on arrival and clean collection items and displays ahead of reopening. In August we will be opening our outdoor photographic exhibition #CelebrateClayCountry in the grounds as well as new interpretation in the Pan Kiln and Mica Dry buildings – watch this space!