My day out: Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Wheal Martyn is Cornwall’s China Clay Museum. It’s a Victorian clay works telling just part of Cornwall’s mining history. Beyond the storytelling of the museum it has built up a sizeable family attraction with indoor and outdoor exhibitions as well as activities and trails to keep everyone in the family entertained.
We didn’t have kids in tow but you can appreciate all that’s on offer for those that do when they visit Wheal Martyn. We enjoyed a walk around the grounds, a wander around the museum and a spot of lunch.
It’s one of those signs I’ve passed numerous times en route to St Austell and yet I’ve never known what to expect. I thought it about time to see what it is actually all about.
The museum and its various exhibits are really very interesting from the settling tanks and water wheels to the children’s adventure trail and Flat Rod Tunnel. There’s also an indoor discovery centre and a woodland walk (one of many walks around the site) that leads you to stunning views of clay pit being worked still.
It is largely a museum of information gathering and while there are some interactive exhibits in the discovery centre, it’s not as engaging as other more modern museums.
Family friendly and dog friendly
This day out can be enjoyed by most. Although the walks are quite steep in places so may not be suitable for some who struggle with mobility. They accept dogs on leads in all areas of the museum, which worked well with our two cocker spaniels, although we did have to sit outside to eat but this is understandable.
Once you visit the museum you get free entry for the rest of the year. It offers a nice place to walk the dogs and the perfect excuse for a cream tea (jam on first for me!) – there’s a very nice cafe here too.