The Clay Villages and the Visitor Attraction Centre at Wheel Martyn are full of fascinating glimpses into Cornwall's mining heritage

Mining Heritage

In the 18th Century, the town of St Austell prospered from the 'white gold' mined in the countryside to the north - China Clay.  William Cookworthy, a pharmacist, discovered the China Clay and set up a porcelain factory in 1768 at Plymouth. Nowadays, the China Clay is used in many products and processes - from tyres to toothpaste!  You can find out more at the Wheal Martyn Museum & Country Park.

The Georgian harbour village of Charlestown, just a mile from St Austell, was created by Sir Charles Rashleigh to allow the transport of the valuable China Clay to the potteries in the north and across to Europe. Visit the Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre.

Check out the attractions below

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Eden Project

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Wheal Martyn

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Shipwreck Centre

Places to visit in St Austell Bay

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And much more to see and do

Walking

Walking

Gardens

Gardens

Beaches

Beaches

Cycling

Cycling

Other Leisure Activities

Other Leisure Activities

Mining Heritage

Mining Heritage

For the Kids

For the Kids

Days Out

Days Out