China Clay Country Park - Information for School Visits

We aim to provide learning opportunities that both engage and excite within the context of Cornwall's history. To assist with this the Country Park has developed six primary teaching units to reflect the impact of the Clay Industry on the surrounding communities and countryside and to complement teacher-led visits and guided tours to the Country Park.  Details of these units can be found on the 'Activities and Lesson Plans' Page.

The musuem has developed a schools loan box service of rocks and mineral to work with our rocks, soils and minerals teaching unit. Handling objects can also be loaned out to schools and to arrange this please contact the curator at the musuem.

Facilities for groups

For pre-booked visits we have a small education room where you can base yourselves. It is here that any ‘hands-on’ resources can be made available. School parties can eat in the education room or use one of the grassed picnic areas. Toilets are situated by the exit to the Interactive Exhibition and there are also toilets in the café/shop complex. There is an on site shop which sells a variety of gifts from pocket money value upwards. Guided tours of the site are available free of charge but these must be booked in advance.

Booking your visit

Prior booking is essential. Provisional booking can be made by telephone but must be confirmed in writing using the School Booking Form which will be sent to you. It is recommended that you allow at least half a day for your visit, in order for your pupils to fully appreciate the museum. Once a booking has been confirmed a FREE preliminary visit to the museum is strongly advised for one of the teachers intending to bring the party. This gives you the chance to select those aspects of the collection of special interest to you, and provide an opportunity to discuss with the museum staff particular arrangements for your visit, for example any ‘hands-on’ resources you may require. Children must remain in SUPERVISED GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM AT ALL TIMES, with a maximum of 6 children per responsible adult.

Admission Charges - Pre–booked educational parties: £2.50 per pupil, one adult admitted free with every 6 children, additional adults £5 each

Clothing and Footwear - The China Clay Country Park is an open air site. Please ensure children wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Disabled Access - The nature of the site has made steps inevitable and access for wheelchairs to one part of the museum is particularly difficult. If necessary we will be pleased to discuss this with you in more detail. .

Risk Assessment - The site is situated on an old industrial site with un-even pathways, floors and steps, steep gradients, slippery surfaces, drains, ditches and deep water tanks. Whilst we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of you and your pupils the very nature of the site makes it important you follow some simple guidelines. A copy of the Country Park’s Health and Safety Guidelines for School Visits will be sent upon confirmation of booking.