Wheal Martyn Museum

Wheal Martyn museum, is situated the heart of the Cornish Clay area, at Carthew, just on the outskirts of St. Austell, and is THE china clay museum of England.

The site, was actually a genuine clay working, and many of the original features have been preserved and can be seen, some working, such as the big water wheal, and following a walk up to the top of the hillside on which it is situated, one can look down onto a working clay pit and watch china clay being excavated.

Following the success of the Eden Project, the museum has seen a big increase in visitor numbers, and many plans are afoot to develop the site further to its full potential.

There are always displays and events, which can be found on their web site http://www.wheal-martyn.com, something for everyone, especially during school holidays for the children.

There is a video display taking you on a journey through time, with many interesting features about the history and making of china clay.

The museum houses a collection of archives, such as tools and pictures/sketches, records of sales, expenses and profit/loss going back to the very beginning of china clay in Cornwall.

The grounds afford a lovely walk, and dogs are allowed, there is a great deal of nature all around, a children's play area and plenty of picnic tables for those wishing to bring their own food. The cafeteria boasts scrumptious locally made food.