Wheal Martyn Clay Mines emerges as a distinctive and enriching destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the unique industrial heritage of Cornwall. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes that typify the region, this preserved site offers an insightful glimpse into the historical clay mining industry that has shaped the area's economy and culture for centuries.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by an impeccably maintained facility, indicative of the care and dedication invested into preserving this important piece of Cornish history. The grounds themselves are a pleasure to explore, with well-marked trails leading through the remnants of the mining operations, including the iconic waterwheel and clay pits, which are testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the miners.
One of the standout features of Wheal Martyn is the wealth of information available. The museum displays are both informative and engaging, offering a deep dive into the processes involved in clay mining, the evolution of the industry, and its impact on the local community. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, ensuring that visitors of all ages leave with a richer understanding of the area's industrial past.
The staff at Wheal Martyn deserve special mention for their professionalism and warmth. Each member of the team demonstrates a genuine passion for the site and its history, contributing to an atmosphere that is both welcoming and educational. They are always on hand to answer questions, offer insights, and share stories that enrich the visitor experience.
In conclusion, Wheal Martyn Clay Mines is a splendid destination for those looking to explore Cornwall's industrial heritage in a serene and picturesque setting. The combination of fascinating exhibits, scenic walks, and the exemplary service provided by the staff makes for an unforgettable visit. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an interesting day out, Wheal Martyn offers a rewarding and...
Read moreWe visited here on the bank holiday weekend & were surprised by how quiet it was. The museum is fantastic & very interesting, but what really won me over was the magical landscape outside, everything was draped in moss & it felt like a fairytale. Lots of trails to follow & plenty to delight the senses, there is so much to explore & enjoy here. We had a pram with us & some areas were a little awkward but we are used to extreme pramming 😉 so nothing too much out of the ordinary for us. Of course that means though that disabled access isnt really available here to a lot of the areas.
We spent ages here & didn't get to do the nature trail so we will return for that, although really speaking the entire site is one big nature trail.
There are quizzes & activities for the kids, my 3 were more interested in running & exploring.
Once you pay to get in (quite pricey I thought) you get a return ticket for the next year so that you can get in free for subsequent visits...after our visit I would definitely pay to get in again & to me the entry fee was well worth it even without the free return ticket.
The only downfall I would say is the cafe. The service was slow, the luxury hot choc was half empty & really not luxury, the coffee was done 1st & by the time I got to sit down it was luke warm...so personally I would avoid the over priced cafe ...
But if you love history & exploring, if you love the outdoors & magical scenery & want to spend a day surrounded by beautiful nature then you should...
Read moreThis is one of the best industrial heritage sites around detailing the history of clay making. There is an informative exhibition on the history of clay mining all laid very well and presented in an excellent and easy to understand way so the visitor has a clear understanding and the processed and the exhibition itself is interesting and fascinating. You can wander into the clay country park where there is a choice of trails to do including the nature trail, which takes you to the viewing point of the current working clay pit and you can some picteresque and spetacular views of the area around you. There is the historical trail which takes you to the old site of the clay making where you can see the machinery used and there is information boards that is very informative about each machinery in the clay making process. On the old site there are the features such as the waterwheel, crib huts and slurry pits with some informative information boards about each feature. The staff are very helpful and pleasant on site and the food in the cafe is delightful. Overall a fantastic place and one that delivers in every department and...
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