Local attractions
Why not combine a walk or ride on the Clay Trails with a visit to one of these local attractions in mid-Cornwall?
Eden Project
The Eden Project features the world's largest rainforest in captivity, housed in a stunning bubble-shaped Biome. With three climatic zones and more than a million plants, this vibrant global garden tells the fascinating story of plants, and how we use them for things like medicine, fuels, materials and food the world over. Based right next to the Clay Trails, the Eden Project offers a green discount on the entry price for those who turn up on foot or by bike.
Visit the Eden Project website
Wheal Martyn
Find out about Cornwall’s rich china clay heritage in the interactive visitor centre, explore nature trails complete with children’s woodland play area and adventure course and gain a unique view of a modern china clay pit at work with monitor jets and giant machinery. Wheal Martyn is the only visitor attraction of its kind in the country and makes a fantastic starting point to discover the Clay Trails. Why not finish a day out on the trails with a cuppa and piece of cake in the cafe?
Visit the Wheal Martyn website
Knightor Winery
Situated just over a mile from the Eden Project, this beautifully converted barn that’s now a winery and restaurant also offers guided tours to the public. Come along to learn about different grape varieties, see how wine is made and enjoy some tastings.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. The gardens were created by members of the Cornish Tremayne family in the mid-18th century, however they were neglected after the First World War, and left to completely grow over. A chance encounter led to their ‘discovery’ in the 1990s and the restoration became the subject of several popular television programmes and books. Nowadays Heligan is one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK.
Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
The shipwreck and heritage centre displays one of the largest private collections of historical shipwreck items in Europe. Brought together over the last 45-50 years it forms the basis of one of the most interesting and unusual collections of its type open to the public. Displays include artefacts recovered by divers, diving suits and a diving bell.
Visit the Shipwreck centre website
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
Explore St Austell Brewery’s interactive museum, walk through the Victorian Brewery and experience the whole brewing process. End your tour in the bar for some beer sampling and the chance to enjoy some home cooked pub food
Visit the St Austell Brewery website
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is an all-weather family attraction that includes a Civil and Naval Prison housing a museum within its walls split over six levels. It was last county jail in Cornwall eventually closing in 1927. Wander in the ruins of the Naval wing and sense what it may have been like to serve time here and undergo the hard physical regime
Mid Cornwall Galleries
Mid-Cornwall Galleries houses one of the largest selections of contemporary arts and crafts in the West Country, featuring the work of artists and makers living in the UK and Europe. On display and for sale are an incredible range of paintings, ceramics, woodwork, glass, limited edition etchings, linocuts and prints.
Visit the Mid Cornwall Galleries website
Other great multi-use trails
Once you've finished enjoying the Clay trails why not check out some of the other great multi-use trails in Cornwall?
The Camel Trail runs from Bodmin to Padstow and offers superb views of the Camel Estuary. It is suitable for cyclists, walkers, horse riders and mobility scooters. Cycle hire available
Cardinham woods, situated near Bodmin is a Forestry Commission woodland, popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Trails are waymarked and graded according to ability. Find out more
Opened in 2000 as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, the Cornish Way starts at the county boundary near Bude, and consists of six inter-linking trails for cyclists and walkers. Trails pass through towns and villages as they make their way through Cornwall's distinctive countryside to Land's End. Certain off-road routes are also accessible to equestrians and the mobility impaired. Visit the website for more details
Discover more in the St Austell area
Visit the St Austell website for a wealth of information on things to do in the area.