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The 15 Best Things to Do in St Austell

It wasn’t until the 18 th century that St Austell was anything more than a small mining town, but following the discovery of china clay pits this South Cornwall town became an influential and more prosperous market town.  The china clay, or kaolin, shaped both St Austell and the economy here for centuries and you can still see its mark in and around the town.  Today St Austell is centred around White River Place, which was built with recycled parts of the Bull Ring, from Birmingham.  St Austell is historic, it’s one of Cornwall’s largest towns, and it’s also home to the St Austell Brewery, whose flagship beer, Tribute is famous the world around.  Here are the best things to do in St Austell, Cornwall.

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Right up front, I’m going to address a nickname given to St Austell by some.  Yes, that’s right, it’s been known as St Awful in recent years.  Why?  There has been antisocial behaviour here, there’s poverty here too (and in a lot of Cornwall) and the nickname stuck.  So too, however, did the nickname “Aussie” (or Ozzie). But recent investment and economic regeneration are helping to turn the town around.  I’ve been and stayed in St Austell twice in recent years and found the places that I’ve visited friendly and open.  Why don’t you come too and find out for yourself? My guide to the best places to stay in St Austell is here.

A Brief History of St. Austell

St. Austell is named after the Cornish Saint Austol. This is not listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 but appears in writing for the first time in the mid-12th century. In the Middle Ages, St. Austell had a few hundred individuals. It was South East Cornwall’s main market. St. Austell also hosted once-a-year fairs reminiscent of medieval marketplaces. St. Austell was dirty and unhealthy, and plague outbreaks decimated the town in 1648. The town recovered, and between 1791 and 1795, Charles Rashleigh developed Charlestown near St. Austell, which is now known as the setting for the iconic television series, Poldark!

The 15 Best Things to Do in St. Austell

St Austell is a town on Cornwall’s south coast in a great location for visiting many of the major things to do in South Cornwall.  There are some great things to see and do here – from the magnificent Eden Project to the lovely Charlestown and the beaches on the coast here are just gorgeous too.  You don’t have to travel far and there’s a diverse range of eating alternatives, from more refined options to fast food.

1. Visit the Eden Project

There’s absolutely no dispute, that this is the best thing to do in St Austell, and it makes a great spot to start your trip to St. Austell! Without a doubt, the Eden Project is THE most popular tourist site in the West Country. The Eden Project is located 2 miles north of St Austell, in a deep crater left behind from centuries of China clay extraction. There are grounds here the size of 30 football fields and the Eden Project is home to two stunning “biomes” that create a climate that mimics the Tropics and the Mediterranean.

These simulated ecosystems feature a variety of plants, trees, and flowers that are native to those areas.  But the Eden Project is about much more – there are a whole lot of other gardens on the vast site, from the allotments to herb gardens, while the focus is on education and environmental aspects, this is an amazing day out and one to return to time after time.

• Address of Eden Project: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Eden Project: The Eden Project is from 08:45 until (last tickets) 4 pm.  Winter times are 30 minutes later for opening time.  Check the times of your visit here.
• Admission Prices for Eden Project: The admission fee to the Eden Project is £32.50 for adults and £11 for children.

2. Visit Hangloose Eden Adventure from St Austell

Now that you’ve explored the Eden Project, why not see it from a completely different perspective?  Above.  With Hangloose in St Austell, you can fly over the landmark Rainforest and Mediterranean Biome buildings, as well as the massive outdoor gardens.  You don’t need to pay for entry to the Eden Project, this is a separate adventure.  There’s also a climbing adventure spot here at Eden – want to see more?

• Address of Hangloose Adventure: Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Hangloose Adventure: Hangloose Adventure is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Admission Prices for Hangloose Adventure: Activities Fees for Hangloose Adventure start at £15 and packages start at £50. No Eden entrance is required.

3. Play Football Golf in St Austell

Sticking close to the Eden Project, Cornwall Football Golf is the first of its kind in the UK.  The rules here are similar to those of golf, but instead of using a club, you kick a football into a hole. It’s a bit like crazy golf but on a bigger scale.  You’ll have to deal with hazards and obstacles (see I said it was like crazy golf), and it’s suited to all age groups, from 5 to 85!  There are two courses here, a level one, called Parkland and a hillier one called Hillside, all set within 18 acres with some lovely sea views as you boot your balls around the courses!

• Address of Cornwall Football Golf Park: Cornwall Football Golf, Trenowah Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3GD, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Cornwall Football Golf Park: Cornwall Football Golf Park is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Admission Prices for Cornwall Football Golf Park: The admission fee to Cornwall Football Golf Park for 18-hole parkland or hillside is £10.00 for adults and £7.00 for children. Unlimited Play Parkland & Hillside costs £15.00 for adults and £12.00 for children.

4. Visit Tregrehan Garden, St Austell

This hidden floral sanctuary in St Austell Bay is one of Cornwall’s Great Gardens.  The Tregrehan Garden Estate is gorgeous, and the park here dates from the 18 th century. The south terrace was designed in 1843 and changed in 1970 when there was a swimming pool added.  The magnificent Victorian Glass House adds to the garden’s elegance and timelessness. The gardens include plant materials from China, Chile, Tasmania, Vietnam, Japan, and Mexico, forming Cornwall’s unique temperate rainforest. The goal is to collect data for conservation and research purposes. The charming and relaxing Tregrehan Garden is ideal for just strolling among the lovely plants and trees and enjoying their beauty.  You’ll find some of the largest trees of their types in the UK here, including the UK’s largest Gingko tree.

• Address of Tregrehan Garden: Tregrehan House, Par PL24 2SJ, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Tregrehan Garden: Tregrehan Garden is open from June 1st to October 26th, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Wednesday afternoons.
• Admission Prices for Tregrehan Garden: The admission fee to Tregrehan Garden is £10.00 for adults and children under 16 are free.

5. Visit Pinetum Gardens

Pinetum Gardens is found in the heart of St Austell, and provides a haven of serenity, and tranquillity, in the centre of town.  Pinetum is a family-owned garden that stretches for 30 acres and has been more than four decades in the making.  There are 12 unique themed garden rooms, which together contain one of the biggest plant collections in the country.

• Address of Pinetum Gardens: Holmbush Rd, Holmbush, Saint Austell PL25 3RQ, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Pinetum Gardens: Pinetum Gardens is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Admission Prices for Pinetum Gardens: The admission fee to Pinetum Gardens is £16.00 for adults and £8.00 for children.

6. Take a Wine Tour and Tasting at Knightor Winery

Knightor Winery is set amidst 4 acres of vines and orchards.  They produce top-grade English wine only a short distance from the Eden Project. This Cornish vineyard makes a limited volume of still, sparkling, and English vermouth using grapes cultivated in their own vineyards in Portscatho and Seaton on the South Cornish coast, as well as some other English vineyards. 

You can take a tour here for £20 between April and September on Sundays at noon.

• Address of Knightor Winery: Knightor Winery Trethurgy Cornwall, Saint Austell PL26 8YQ, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Knightor Winery: Knightor Winery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and closed Monday to Tuesday.
• Tour Prices for Knightor Winery: Guided tours to Knightor Winery cost £20.00.

7. Cycle the Pentewan Valley Trail (or Walk it!)

The Pentewan Trail is a 5.5-kilometre traffic-free bike route in Cornwall that connects St Austell with Pentewan down on the coast. It’s one of the best traffic-free short bike paths in Cornwall, another, the likely more famous one is the Camel Trail that goes from Bodmin to Padstow (and you can read more about that in our guide to Bodmin here ). For a period, the Pentewan Valley Trail follows National Cycle Route 3 along the St Austell River and an old railway line and then as you go into King’s Wood, there is also a wooded part.

The best location to begin is in Pentewan, at Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire, where you can rent bikes and where you can park too.

The trail to St Austell from Pentewan is simple, level, and traffic-free, cyclists should watch out for walkers (as the trail is multi-purpose) and walkers should keep their eyes open for cyclists too!  The track might get muddy after rain, so dress accordingly!  An additional traffic-free detour (3.4 km each way) will bring you to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is a great place to visit, but I’d also allocate an entire day to see one of Cornwall’s best gardens!

• Address of Pentewan Valley Trail: West End Carpark, Pentewan, Cornwall PL26 6BX, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Pentewan Valley Trail: Pentewan Valley Trail is open 24 hours daily.
• Admission Prices for Pentewan Valley Trail: Free! (Donations are welcome)

8. Tregothnan Tea and Orchard Tours

Europe’s biggest tea garden, with a 700-year history, is home to Tregothnan Estate, in Cornwall’s optimum environment for botanical gardens. Tregothnan is an approved “safe spot” for rare or endangered trees from throughout the world and this Cornish garden has numerous ‘Red Book’ endangered plants and trees that are bigger than any that may be found in the wild. Recent plants were brought from a trip to both Japan and South America in 2007 to add colour to the garden.

Tregothnan Tours of the Tea plantation here take about 2 hours.  Yes truly, you can tour a tea plantation in Cornwall and also buy Cornish tea.  There are tea tours, tea experiences, Bee Keeping experiences and Gardeners workshops available here too.  There’s more information here.

• Address of Tregothnan: Tregothnan, The Woodyard, St Michael Penkivel, Truro TR2 4AJ, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Tregothnan: Tregothnan is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday and closed on Weekends.
• Admission Prices for Tregothnan: Tregothnan’s £10 entry fee is donated to charity.

9. Visit the Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum

The Cornish Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum is the UK’s only clay works museum and this interactive discovery centre near St Austell is set within the preserved Victorian era china lay works.   This museum near St Austell contains Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel and tells the stories of those involved in the China Clay industry.  The Wheal Martyn Museum is less than 2 miles from St Austell train station and includes 26 acres of woodland and trails, there’s also a Pit View that gives you a birds-eye view of all the operations here at this current working clay pit!

• Address of Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum: Wheal Martyn, Carthew, Bodmin Road, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum: Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (winter) and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (summer).
• Admission Prices for Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum: The admission fee to Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum is £12 for adults and £6.00 for children.

10. Take a tour of the St Austell Brewery

Famous for the flagship beer, Tribute, the St Austell Brewery showcases its 160-year-old brewing technique at their Visitor Centre here in St Austell.  Guided tours of the Victorian Brewery explore how water is provided to the brewing process via a hidden spring, and take you through all of the brewing process.  From 90-minute tours that include a tasting session to 30-minute sampling sessions, this is a great way to explore one of Cornwall’s favourite drinks.  (there’s more on Cornish food and drink here ).

• Address of St Austell Brewery: St Austell Brewery Company Limited, Trevarthian Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 4BY, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for St Austell Brewery: St Austell Brewery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Admission Prices for St Austell Brewery: St Austell Brewery’s brewing experience costs £20. This includes one Beer Token, which can be used for a pint or bottle of beer to take home.

11. Visit the Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre (Charlestown)

Perfect for a rainy day in Cornwall, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown, just down the road from St Austell contains artefacts from more than 150 shipwrecks.  The museum includes more than 8,000 items and a lot of histories and tales of those who were involved in the wrecks.  There’s also a big photographic collection here detailing many of the TV shows and movies that were filmed here in Charlestown.

This is a great place to visit on a rainy day in Cornwall – for more inspiration check our guide here

• Address of Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre: Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Quay Road, Charlestown, St. Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre: Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Admission Prices for Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre: The admission fee to Shipwreck Treasure Museum and Heritage Centre is £12.50 for adults and £8.00 for children.

12. Hike or Cycle the Clay Trails around St Austell

There are now 9 – mostly off-road – clay trails near St Austell.  These multi-purpose trails, used for walking, cycling or horse-riding wind their way through the old industrial areas that were created by the clay mining industry.  The trails are peaceful, being reclaimed by nature, but still with well-made paths.  They’re a great way to explore a little more of the china clay history of St Austell.

• Address of Clay Trails: Wheal Martyn Car Park, Bodmin Road, Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Clay Trails: Clay Trails is open 24 hours daily.
• Admission Prices for Clay Trails: Free! (Donations are welcome)

13. Walk part of the South West Coast Path near St Austell

The 10-mile length of coast walk between Mevagissey and Par is my favourite part of the South West Coast Path and you should approach it in two parts.  The first section is a relatively easy stroll along the protected beaches of Par and St. Austell, including skirting through picturesque Charlestown. The walk gets considerably more difficult as you leave St Austell behind, taking in the National Trust-owned Black Head and Pentewan, with multiple climbs up the tops of the cliffs and then some pretty steep descents back down to sea level.  This part of the South West Coast path finishes in the lovely Mevagissey (there’s more on what to do in Mevagissey here ). 

If you want to walk the path one way and then return by public transport, check the times on Go Cornwall here .  The bus takes about 40 minutes, but there are only 3 a day.  We recommend taking the bus in the morning and walking back to St Austell.

14. Explore the Luxulyan Valley

The 2-mile wilderness area of the Luxulyan Valley is near St. Austell (and you’ll also see signposts for it if you’re heading to Fowey).  The Par River runs through this area and it’s a good place to go hunting for relics from Cornwall’s mining heritage.   There are two trails – one that’s 2.5 miles long and another that’s 4 miles long that takes you from the Black Hill Luxulyan Valley car park up to the Treffy Viaduct.  The trail then tracks the old horse-drawn tramway to the wheel pit, where a 30 foot waterwheel was used to push wagons back up the incline. 

You can make this into a circular walk really easily and there’s more on what you can see – and the old Cornish mine relics to see along the route here.

• Address of Luxulyan Valley: Luxulyan, Saint Austell PL26 8YE, United Kingdom
• Opening Times for Luxulyan Valley: Luxulyan Valley is open 24 hours daily.
• Admission Prices for Luxulyan Valley: Free! (Donations are welcome)

15. Visit the Beaches near St Austell

St Austell is about two miles from the south coast of Cornwall, the closest beach is at Pentewan, where there is a big campsite and caravan park, but you’ll also find lots of fabulous beaches in the area too.  There’s more on the best beaches in South Cornwall in our guide here.

Carlyon Bay: Carlyon Bay is the most well-known of the local beaches. This popular protected from the prevailing winds beach has a beautiful stretch of sand.  Carlyon Bay is extremely popular in the summer months. There is enough space for everyone, but the car park fills up quickly, so you’ll want to arrive early.

Duporth Beach: At low tide, Duporth Beach is a nice long sand and pebble beach with rock pools. There’s no parking here, and no facilities either, which means it’s often pretty quiet. 

Porthpean: Porthpean is a tiny beach in Charlestown that provides a (usually) quiet expanse of sand for relaxing and for kids to play.  Porthpean has a great view over the bay to the Dodman and the Gribbin Daymark to the west and east.

Charlestown Beach: Charlestown Beach is a south-facing, sloping shingle beach accessible by stairs on the east (left) side of the historic port.

Pentewan Beach: And we’re ending with my personal favourite, I’ve spent many an hour here at Pentewan and nights under canvas in the campsite too! Pentewan is a popular family beach where it’s safe to swim unless the wind is gusting strongly from the east. Pentewan Beach faces east into St Austell Bay, providing protection from the usual wind and waves.  If you fancy watersports, then you can rent canoes and sailing dinghies from Pentewan Sands Holiday Park. 

Map of Things to do in St Austell, Cornwall.

You can also see the St Austell map of things to do here.

Looking for more things to do? Here’s our guide to the best things to do near St Austell.

Travel Tips for Exploring Cornwall

BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN CORNWALL

• Sykes Cottages for fabulous holiday homes
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• Glorious places to stay with Rural Retreats.
• Book a Cornwall Hideaway
• Booking.com for hotels & B&B.s
• Stay on a Farmstay with Featherdown Farms

Stay on a holiday park in Cornwall with

• Haven Holidays
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Read about Cornwall in these incredible books Here’s how to get to Cornwall Book the best tours and guides on GetYourGuide or Viator here Book Trains & Buses with Omio Save on entry to Castles in Cornwall with English Heritage

Check Megabus timetables and fares to Cornwall here. Rent a Car with Discover Cars Never get lost with the Ordnance Survey Maps App

Final Words on the 15 Best Things to Do in St. Austell, Cornwall

The china clay history of St Austell that you see imprinted on the landscapes around St Austell has impacted much of her history since the 18 th century.  From the china clay pits, which now gives us the Eden Project, to the Wheal Martyn Museum and the china clay trails, this is a great place to come to learn a little more about the economics of the industry and the impact it had on this once small village.  St Austell is a good place to base yourself to explore the South of Cornwall, there are some super gardens to visit around, great walking and cycling trails as well as some fabulous beaches too!

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18 things to do in St Austell, Cornwall (2024 guide)

If you’re looking for the best things to do in St Austell, this blog post has you covered!

One of the biggest towns in Cornwall, St Austell sits at the heart of the Cornish clay mining industry, which has caused its culture to grow and expand over the centuries.

While the town centre’s not as quaint as some other places in the region, there’s a lot of history to tap into and it’s one of the best places in Cornwall to engage in local life. 

Plus, it sits a stone’s throw from the English Riviera, which is home to some of the best beaches in the region. 

It’s also in proximity to bucket-list attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, along with the fascinating town of Charlestown!

Thanks to St Austell’s wide range of restaurants and hotels – many of which have reasonable prices compared to other places in Cornwall – it’s an excellent place to stay, as you’ll be in close proximity to many of the Duchy’s best things to do. 

I’ve visited St Austell frequently on my many trips to Cornwall (I’m part-Cornish and live in Devon, the next county along, so I’m always popping over the River Tamar and exploring different parts of Cornwall!), and have put together this guide on exactly what you need to do and see while you’re in town. 

So, what are the main attractions and activities in St Austell? Let’s delve into them! 

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do in St Austell

The best things to do in St Austell include walking around the historic town centre, learning about the China clay industry, visiting the beaches on the Cornish Riviera and seeing nearby attractions like the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Charlestown.

St Austell Market House

If you’re visiting St Austell, one of the places you absolutely have to visit is the Market House – especially if you’re a sucker for history.

This building is a Grade II listed architectural beauty that was first built in 1844.

The house is made up of two market halls and a town hall is known as being the ‘jewel in the crown’ of St Austell.

It’s managed by volunteers and showcases local creative talent, including gaming events, makers markets and paranormal events with international mediums!

If you’re looking for some entertainment and want a fun local activity while you’re in town, then I’d recommend checking out their schedule .

St Austell Town Museum

If museums are your thing, the St Austell Town Museum is located within the Market House.

As it’s located in the old gaol of the building, you’ll be able to see the cells as they were back in the 1800s, along with exhibitions all about the town’s history. 

I’ve always loved chatting to the volunteers here – their passion shines through as they talk you through all the old artifacts and photos of their town.

Cornwall Football Golf Park

When we say there is something for everyone in St Austell, we really mean it!

Along with all the historical sites, if you’re looking for activities and fun things to do near St Austell then look no further than the Cornwall Football Golf Park .

It’s quite literally a giant golf course where you follow the normal rules of golf – the only difference is that instead of using a club and golf ball, you use your feet and a football!

It’s great fun for all the family, and so close to St Austell you can’t say no!

Treffy Viaduct

Tired after a game of Football Golf? We’ve got a more chilled activity on the agenda for your next stop! 

Dating back to 1842, the Treffy Viaduct is an impressive engineering achievement that was actually the first of its kind in Cornwall.

Sitting high above the trees close to St Austell, it’s used for both a railway and as an aqueduct. It’s not quite the Hogwarts Express, but it’s still pretty mesmerising as you gaze at the 90 feet high structure! 

Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, there’s parking nearby as well as a perfect picnic spot.

St Austell Brewery

Did someone say beer o’clock?! What better way to spend the afternoon than at a brewery drinking delicious, local beer?

The St Austell brewery was founded in 1851 and actually started out as a wine and spirits spot.

This was until Water Hicks (the owner) decided to try out creating his own beer that the tables turned.

If you’re a beer drinker, I’m going to bet that you’ve tried one or two St Austell beers in your lifetime – in the West Country, you’ll find it in most pubs!

Visit the brewery and neighbouring pub to sample some of the most delicious beer Cornwall has to offer.

Pinetum Gardens

When it comes to places to visit in St Austell, we couldn’t leave the Pinetum Gardens off the list.

It’s a place of perfect serenity surrounded by the most lovely garden scenery with plants and flowers a-plenty to excite the senses.

At an impressive 30 acres in size, the Pinetum Gardens is one of the country’s largest plant collections.

It’s comprised of 10 themed garden rooms, it’s open in the evenings, and you’ll also be treated to some magnificent champion trees. What’s not to love?

Eden Project

Now, let’s delve into one of the best attractions in Cornwall , and somewhere that has put St Austell on the map!

Built in a giant clay pit, The Eden Project is an enterprise that considers sustainability and eco-friendliness at the core of everything that it does. 

The tourist attraction consists of two large biomes; one is dedicated to rainforest flora, and the other to the Mediterranean with Cornish plants surrounding the outside of both.

That means that you can walk through a jungle while you’re here in the Eden Project – there’s even a waterfall!

It’s actually the largest indoor rainforest in the world, perfect if you’re in Cornwall on a rainy day and are seeking indoor attractions. 

I used to adore coming here when I was a kid, and I recently returned as an adult. I wasn’t sure if it would be the same, but I can attest that it absolutely was – my boyfriend and I loved it, especially the rainforest biome, which had valuable messages about out impacts on the world around us. 

I think it’s a valuable exhibition that immerses people, young and old, into nature that they may not see otherwise, and it educates its visitors on why, despite this nature being very far away, it’s ever-important to protect it. 

Tregrehen Garden

Now you’ve seen the world’s largest indoor rainforest, why not head to an outdoor one? 

However, first, put any preconceived notions of rainforests behind you. They aren’t all tropical – in fact, there are temperate rainforests all over South West England (my partner wrote an excellent article about the ones in Dartmoor for BBC Travel before).

Tregrehen Garden is a temperate rainforest nestled into the countryside and provides a botanical oasis like no other.

It’s surrounded by hills, trees, and parkland, and is a great place to visit if you need a touch of nature.

Visit in spring and see the wonders it has to offer as the garden comes to life in the season of rebirth.

Cornish Alps

So, we’ve gone from a tropical rainforest, to a temperate rainforest, to… the Alps?! Well, kind of.

A drive north from St Austell will take you to what is known as the Cornish Alps – a collection of beautiful sharp peaks that are reminiscent of Cornwall’s porcelain-making days.

Don’t expect chair lifts and apres ski bars here (the name is a little tongue in cheek), as the name came into being from the unnecessary material dug up when mining for what would eventually be porcelain.

They do genuinely look very much like Alps though! 

You can find them by driving along the A391 – Google Maps location here.  

Walk the Clay Trails

If you want to take in the clay mining industry a little more, try out some of these clay trails, which traverse around the areas where people historically mined for clay (and offer excellent views of the Cornish Alps!). 

There are a full range of nature trails available, from short meanders through the countryside (such as Wheal Martyn to St Austell) to longer routes that take in all the biggest sites of the area (like the Carclaze loop).

You can see all the trails here.

Restormel Castle

Restormel Castle is a remarkable site and of great importance in Cornish history.

First a defensive structure with its circular structure, the castle then became a retreat for a wealthy Medieval family.

Considering it dates back to the Norman times, parts are remarkably well-preserved and it’s definitely worth visiting when you’re driving around the St Austell region. 

A family friendly site, it’s run by the English Heritage, and members can visit free. You can read more about English Heritage membership here. 

Wheal Martyn

Situated in the China Clay Country Park, Wheal Martyn is a fascinating mine turned museum where you can learn about what equipment was used for China clay extraction from Cornwall’s natural terrain.

With around 26 acres of land to explore, over 200 years of history to discover, and a ticket that gives you access for 12 months, you can’t go wrong.

There’s even a Cornish mythology walk to do!

Luxulyan Valley

Luxulyan Valley is a beautiful part of the West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

It’s a woodland that covers the remains of the 19th-century industrial area and is full of walking trails and events of all kind.

Events like Otter Talks and dog runs are common, but you can take a trip solo and take in the scenery all the same if you’d prefer it.

Cornish Riviera

You might have heard of the French Riviera, but have you heard of the Cornish Riviera? I promise, it’s just as gorgeous! 

The stunning collection of beaches will have you feeling as if you were in the south of France, especially on a hot, sunny day!

• Porthpean Beach: while a little on the small side, this is without a doubt the best of the Cornish beaches!
• Polkerris Beach: found at the end of a winding lane, this beach was once used by the last Daphne du Maurier!
• Carlyon Bay: a beach separated into three sections with plenty of room for the whole family, this used to be St Austell’s most famous beach due to an old Coliseum that lived here!

If you’re a fan of sweeping views of the sea and want an outdoor activity, why not see some of the English Rivera from the South West Coast Path? 

This route begins at the Carlyon Bay Hotel (one of Go South West’s top picks for the St Austell area – read below for more!), and traverses past Charlestown (the ideal place to grab a refreshment!) and towards Porthpean, before making way inland to get back to Charlestown.

You can then follow the same route to the hotel. It’s an easy hike and is 4.5 miles, or around 7.5 kilometres, long. 

Charlestown

Charlestown UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall, so make sure not to miss it.

It’s home to a gorgeous harbour with historic tall ships, loads of filming locations (Poldark was filmed here), boat trips, and the Charlestown Shipwreck Centre/ Treausre Museum which is brimming with historical artefacts. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle of Cornwall’s very own moonshine at the souvenir shop here. 

When we last visited Charlestown, we did an interesting walking tour with a Charlestown local, who brought the village to life with interesting anecdotes!

See my full guide to Charlestown here.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are just as much a fairytale as they sounds.

Historically part of the Heligan Estate (I’ve traced my Cornish family back on Ancestry and I did have a link way back to John Tremayne, who at one point owned this estate!), the grandeur of the grounds was lost to nature after WWI.

Then, in 1990, they were rediscovered by chance – which started the largest garden restoration project in Europe as they were restored. 

There’s a walled garden with plenty of vegetables and herbs to learn about, a jungle section (yes, another terrain in St Austell – it proudly calls itself the “world’s only outdoor jungle”) and a range of pleasure grounds. 

If you like botanical gardens, don’t miss this St Austell highlight!

If you want to visit all the grounds, I’d recommend leaving a few hours (last time I visited, we were there for around three hours all in all). The jungle includes a rope bridge which, while very fun, is immensely popular and not suitable for small kids. 

If anyone in your group is mobility-impaired, they might not be able to make it down to the jungle, however, there’s plenty to enjoy closer to the entrance. 

Lanhydrock House

this Victorian country house is much closer to Bodmin, but at less than half an hour drive from St Austell, it’s worth popping in if you’re looking for things to do in the area!

A large manor house nestled in a vast estate, Lanhydrock was first built in the early 17th century. It was home to the Agar-Robartes family for years, but in 1881, most of the building was devestated by a tragic fire – which is why nowadays, it’s a Victorian manor house. 

Visit to see the family rooms and servant’s quarters, stroll around the beautiful gardens and explore the larger estate, which predates the mansion. 

Visit Fowey

The beautiful town of Fowey is one of my favourites in Cornwall.

Sitting at the mouth of the Fowey River, here you can enjoy both riverside and coastal scenes, the charming buildings of the town (walk down the Esplanade, with a beautiful row of pastel terrace houses – my dad used to live in one of these when he was a toddler!), and enjoy the range of independent shops and restaurants.

The water is a great spot for paddle boarding or taking boat trips – you’ll go past Readymoney Cove and Menabilly, which is where Daphne Du Maurier lived in Cornwall. 

See my full guide to Fowey here.

Where to stay in St Austell

St Austell has a range of well-equipped accommodations perfect for families, couples and solo travellers, some of which can be quite budget-friendly (in Cornwall terms!). There are also some luxury hotel options, along with various cottages in surrounding villages and pubs with bedrooms.

White Hart Hotel

This is a perfect choice for a stay in St Austell.

Only five minutes walk from the train station or a free car park if you drive, its location is central and the rooms are set in a beautiful and grand Georgian building.

It also boasts a restaurant and a bar to make sure your whole experience is catered to.

Ivy House Cornwall B&B

If a more personal B&B type accommodation is your thing, check out Ivy House.

With a garden, a shared lounge, and a terrace, it’s a great place to meet other people and enjoy breakfast together. 

The Carlyon Bay Hotel and Spa

And finally, the Carlyon Bay Hotel and Spa is the most extravagant and luxurious hotel in St Austell.

Looking like something out of a film, it’s set right on the cliffs of Cornwall with stunning sea views.

Gorgeous rooms, vintage wines, and a swimming pool overlooking the cliffs. You couldn’t ask for more!

St Austell visiting information and FAQs

What is St Austell like in Cornwall?

St Austell is a pleasant town, dating back to the 13th century, with a few interesting historical buildings, plenty of shops to enjoy and lots of local restaurants like the Nepalese Ghurka Restaurant and Cafe Tengo. There are plenty of nearby attractions too!

How far is St Austell from Plymouth?

St Austell is about an hour’s drive (38 miles or 61 kilometres) from Plymouth. To get there, you can follow the A38 over the River Tamar or take a direct train, which takes just under one hour and also calls at Saltash, Liskeard and Par.

Is St Austell Cornwall a nice place to live?

As it’s close to the sea, and with a range of attractions and a good local community spirit, St Austell is a good place to live. It doesn’t have the same charm as some Cornish seaside villages, but also has fewer overtourism problems.

How many pubs does St Austell Brewery own?

St Austell Brewery manages 38 pubs across South West England. Most of these are in Cornwall, but you may find others in Devon, including two in both Plymouth and Exeter. There’s also one in Bath, one in Bristol and one in Lyme Regis in Dorset.

Is St Austell in Devon or Cornwall?

St Austell is in East Cornwall, around 30 miles to the Tamar Bridge which marks the border between Devon and Cornwall. It’s the third biggest town in Cornwall, with a population of 25,447.

Is St Austell north or south Cornwall?

St Austell is in South Cornwall; the town is technically inland but it’s only a mile or so from the coast. It’s close to South Cornwall towns like Fowey, Charlestown and Mevagissey. However, it’s only a 40 minute drive to Newquay on the north coast.

What is St Austell famous for?

St Austell is famous for being the heart of the china clay mining industry, which still takes place today despite other mining in Cornwall terminating. It’s also famous for being home of the Eden Project, one of the most popular Cornwall attractions.

Does St Austell have a beach?

St Austell doesn’t have a town beach, but the town is very close to beautiful sands like Porthpean and Carylon Bay which is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in South Cornwall. There are some lovely coastal walks here!

Is St Austell worth visiting?

With a range of attractions for all ages, including coastal hikes, beaches, museums, breweries and gardens, St Austell is definitely worth a day or two on your Cornwall itinerary. The town isn’t the most beautiful in Cornwall, but it’s interesting enough!

What to do in St Austell when it rains?

There are plenty of things to do in St Austell when it rains!

• Explore the town’s museum
• Go to a production at the old market hall
• Visit the Eden Project
• Enjoy the Wheal Martyn Mine Museum
• Drive to Lanhydrock and see the manor house

All of the best things to do in St Austell!

Whether you want to take in beautiful views of the Cornish coast at St Austell’s coastline, or are looking to learn more about china clay extraction, or just want to explore the best of South Cornwall, St Austell is a fantastic base to enjoy the region! 

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Top 10 things to do in and around St Austell

I have to be honest, St Austell town isn't my favourite place in Cornwall. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this as I have heard the town referred to jokingly as "Saint Awful". OK, maybe that is a little harsh, but I do struggle to think of a good reason why I would head into Saint Austell for fun.

Now, with that in mind I do have to say that the surrounding area more than redeems itself and is full of fantastic places to visit. The coast, or "St Austell Riviera", is only minutes away and there are any number of charming little fishing villages and beautiful beaches within a stone's throw. Head inland and not only will find some lovely countryside but the fascinating remnants of the once great china clay industry.

Of course it is impossible to mention this area without mentioning the Eden Project. Besides being one of the UK's top tourist attractions it has done much to revive the fortunes of St Austell. So, while the fortunes of this once important Cornish town have to some extent faded this part of Cornwall is as popular a place to holiday as it ever has been.

The Eden Project

There's not a lot to say about the Eden Project that hasn't been said before. Cornwall's most famous attraction is only a couple of miles outside St Austell and is a must for anybody visiting the area, or Cornwall in general.

The Eden Project centres around the spectacle of its huge futuristic biomes built into the slopes of an old clay pit. But there is also a strong, environmentally-themed message here with the project being run by the Eden Trust, an educational charity.

Of course the main attraction at Eden is the biomes. These are effectively giant greenhouses with the biggest measuring 787 feet (240 m) long and 180 ft (55 m) high. There are two of these, or possibly three, but we'll get to that. The lush Humid Tropics Biome simulates the climate of a tropical rainforest and contains trees and plants from tropical regions of South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Marginally smaller is the Warm Temperate Biome with its Mediterranean climate. Here you will find plants from Southern Africa, California and Southern Europe, as well as a very pleasant little cafe.

The third biome is the "roofless biome", or outside as we like to call it! As Cornwall has a particularly mild climate many plants not seen in the rest of the UK thrive here. So expect to see selected plants from Chile, the Himalayas, Asia and Australia in the immaculately landscaped gardens around the main biomes.

Beaches of St Austell Bay

St Austell Bay officially stretches from Gribbin Head in the east around to Black Head in the west. However, we'd consider including the beaches up to Dodman Point, a little further south. Between these two headlands is a coastline fringed with white sand beaches.

There are too many first class beaches along this stretch to name each and every one of them and they come in a range of shapes and sizes, all with their own individual character. The closest beaches to St Austell are Carlyon Bay, Duporth, Charlestown and Porthpean. Of these Porthpean is my favourite (which is why it is featured in the photo above). With its calm, clear water and backdrop of lush, green cliffs it has something of the feel of a Mediterranean beach. It is also great for a whole host of watersports - but not surfing, which none of the beaches on this stretch of coast are.

A little further afield and the beaches only get better, and less busy. Vault beach is a particular gem, if you can find it. Whilst in the opposite direction Polkerris is a cosy little sandy beach with a historic harbour and charming village as a backdrop. Basically, there aren't any bad beaches on the Cornish Riviera, just head for the sea and you'll strike gold!

Charlestown

Only a few minutes drive from St Austell, Charlestown is a uniquely preserved example of a late Georgian working port. The village began life as West Polmear, a fishing community of just nine residents and a small pilchard fleet which used the beach as a harbour. At the end of the 18th century local landowner Charles Rashleigh more or less rebuilt the village in response to the growth of the local mining industry, and named it after himself.

Back in those days this was a major industrial hub but more recently the villages charms have not gone unnoticed. The picturesque juxtaposition of roughly-hewn fishermen's cottages and period houses, together with a fleet of tall ships, at least one of which is usually moored in the harbour, have helped to put Charlestown on the map as Cornwall's most popular filming location. It has featured in many major film and television series including Hornblower, Mansfield Park and, perhaps most notably, Poldark.

China Clay Country

Whilst Cornwall's industrial past is most strongly associated with tin mining and fishing there was another industry, and this has possibly left a greater mark on the landscape around St Austell than both of these. Visible from miles around are the sharp peaks of the "Cornish Alps", the white-capped mountains of spoil left over from the once mighty china clay industry. These are the visible remnants of a story which goes back two hundred and fifty years.

Back in the mid-1700s fine china pottery was something of a rarity and had to be imported at considerable expense. The alternative was rather crude earthenware, but the gentry wanted porcelain. Spotting this gap in the market a Plymouth apothecary by the name of William Cookworthy began looking for a home-grown substitute for the authentic Chinese clay. The actual material is kaolin, a fine powder formed from naturally decomposed granite. Cookworthy first found kaolin at Tregonning Hill near Helston, but by the 19th century the biggest deposits in the world had been discovered around St Austell. 

The reason the industry has had such an impact on the landscape is quite simple. For every ton of china clay extracted five tons of waste were created. This soon began to add up in the form of the ever rising Cornish Alps and the huge open pits that accompanied them. It is estimated that by the turn of the century approximately 1 million tons of china clay were being produced every year. It doesn't take much imagination to work out that this would result in an awful lot of earth being moved.

The result is the sometimes lunar-like terrain and blue-green lagoons that now dominate parts of the local landscape. Over recent years trees have been planted and some of the peaks have been greened over. Whilst not natural, this scenery is certainly dramatic and is now a firmly iconic part of Cornwall.

Located about 3 miles south of St Austell, the charming fishing village of Mevagissey is well worth a visit. Once the centre of Cornwall's pilchard fishing industry, the over-sized harbour here is still the focus of activity in the village. Whilst the three-storey harbourside warehouse buildings might now been shops and holiday accommodation this is still a working harbour with a few dozen fishing boats. Many visitors to Mevagissey come for the boat trips; as well as numerous fishing trips there is a daily ferry to Fowey during the summer which takes around 35 minutes.

Perhaps the most popular activity in Mevagissey though is just mooching around the harbour and village. The twin harbour here consists of an inner and outer section with a long pier which makes for a pleasant stroll. Beyond the harbourfront are a maze of narrow streets to explore and where you will also find plenty of pubs, cafes, galleries and shops. If you stay for the evening there are a few good restaurants here including some great seafood options offering locally caught mackerel, lobster and scallops.

Today Mevagissey is well equipped for visitors and there are any number of things to do for all ages. Along with the harbourside museum is a small aquarium and the long-running Mevagissey Model Railway.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

For many years I had Heligan (pronounced 'heh-liggen') as just another Cornish garden to see. Yes, Cornish gardens are great and it was on the todo list but I never go around to it. Then a few years back I had a free family pass and the weather was great so I decided to take a look. I have to say the Lost Gardens no rank up there with my favourite places to go in Cornwall and I can't wait to go back.

In the old days the gardens here were just known as Heligan and where owned by the Tremayne family for over 400 years. Shortly after the turn of the 20th century there were 22 gardeners maintaining the gardens, but tragedy struck in the form of World War I. No less than sixteen of the gardeners were killed in the war and the decline began. Over the next 70 years or so the once beautiful gardens returned to nature, buried under weeds and brambles. 

Enter Tim Smit, of Eden Project fame. Upon hearing about Heligan he had the vision of bringing them back to their former wonder and so in 1990 the work began. Today, rebranded as The Lost Gardens of Heligan, the 200 acre site is home to a wonderful array of quirky and characterful gardens featuring old potting sheds, green houses, grottos and walled kitchen gardens. There are more palm trees and ferns here than anywhere else in the UK and any number of unique features such as rope bridges, the "Mud Maid", the Melon Yard and the Pineapple Pit. This is a place with genuine appeal to all ages and is a must-see if you are near St Austell.

St Austell Brewery

If you find yourself in St Austell town, possibly on a rainy afternoon, then a visit to the town's brewery is a great way to kill a couple of hours. Founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks, St Austell Brewery now owns over 150 pubs and several hotels across Devon and Cornwall. It also makes some of Cornwall's most popular beers and sells in excess of 50,000 barrels. This apparently equates to nearly 2 billion pints having been produced since 1851.

The St Austell Brewery sits overlooking the town and has not changed a great deal in the 150 years or so since it was built. To a large extent the brewing process itself is largely unchanged either. The visitor centre tells the fascinating story of Walter Hicks' brewing empire and offers guided tours around the brewery. You will get to see Victorian Brewhouse where much of the beer is still produced, the Cask Racking Plant where the premium ales are barrelled and the Cooper's Workshop which shows how things were done in the old days.

During and after the tour there is plenty of opportunity to test some of St Austell Brewery's finest ales, including a select few from the Small Batch Bar. All tours are rounded off with a complimentary beer in the Hicks Bar, and some of the tours even throw in a pasty too.

The Clay Trails

In order to open up the fascinating and sometimes striking rural scenery inland from St Austell a number of traffic-free trails have been designated. Known as the Clay Trails these allow walkers, cyclists and horse-riders to explore the a countryside shaped by 250 years of the china clay mining industry. Along with the rolling hills and farms are a number of clay tips forming steep-sided, miniature mountains and deep aquamarine lakes often referred to as the "Cornish Alps".

There is no doubt the best way to see this remarkable and historic landscape is from the Clay Trails. Opened in 2005 there are 9 main routes, although there are many smaller interlinking paths and bridleways that criss-cross the area. One of the most accessible and popular of the trails is the Pentewan Trail which follows the route of a long-abandoned narrow-gauge railway from Pentewan harbour to the curiously named village of London Apprentice.

Another of the easier trails is the so-called Green Corridor which runs from Tremena Gardens in St Austell to the China Clay Country Park at Wheal Martyn. This gently sloping route is only a couple of miles long and takes in some of the areas decaying industrial heritage in the form of old clay dries and an impressively tall brick chimney all used in the clay drying process. The other trails take you further into Clay Country but some are significantly more challenging.

If you are planning a days walking the Clay Trails can be combined with each other and even the coast path (below) to create circular routes. This is particularly the case for the Pentewan Trail

Walking the 10 mile stretch of coast path between Mevagissey and Par is a fantastic way to see this section of coast. As well as taking in all the well known beaches of St Austell Bay this walk provides access to any number of secret coves that are not accessible from the road. It also takes you through the beautiful undulating countryside found between St Austell and the Roseland Peninsula.

There are a number of highlights along the route starting with Mevagissey itself. You could spend half a day here, but if you want to complete this walk you'll need to crack on. The first stop is Pentewan with its wide, sandy beach and silted up old harbour - this is wonderfully peaceful spot to take a breather. Next the path climbs up towards Black Head where you will get a commanding view of St Austell Bay. Beyond here is a short wooded stretch including Hallane Mill beach which is home to a waterfall.

Much of the rest of the coast path takes in St Austell's main beaches; Porthpean, Duporth and Carlyon Bay. Between these is the idyllic Georgian harbour of Charlestown, which is a great place to stop off and perhaps grab a bite to eat. The final stretch skirts the golf course at Carlyon before taking on a distinctly industrial feel as it passes through the china clay docks at Par. All that is left from here is the sandy expanse and dunes of Par Sands where you can take a well earned rest on the beach.

Luxulyan Valley

Located within a stone's throw of the Eden Project is the hidden gem of Luxulyan Valley. A two-mile long, picturesque, steep-sided wooded valley through which the Par River cascades. Whilst the natural woodland would be enough to make the valley worth a visit there are also fascinating glimpses into the areas industrial heritage scattered throughout the valley.

Much of the old workings at Luxulyan were the work of Joseph Treffry, a local mine owner. He built a series of leats, tramways and waterwheels to help transport ore from his mines to the port at nearby Par. Now in varying states of decay, and partly reclaimed by nature, these reminders of the valley's industrial heritage add an eerie beauty of their own. Most notable of the old workings is the Carmears Wheel Pit, which once held a mighty water wheel used to generate the power to haul ore trucks up the adjacent hillside.

Of all the structures built by Treffry in Luxulyan Valley is the magnificent ten-arched viaduct which bears his name. Standing over a hundred feet above the valley floor the Treffry viaduct was built to carry both mine trucks and the water used to power the Carmears water wheel.

Beyond Treffry's industrial legacy in the valley this is still a place of natural beauty and home to a range of flora and fauna. There are over 40 species of fern to be seen here and the valley is designated a regionally important geological and geomorphological site (RIGS).

All things to see and do in St Austell »

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• The South Coast

Clay Country

Home of Cornwall's China Clay industry, the St Austell Brewery and the nearby Eden Project. This large town on the south coast is a good base for touring the county.

St Austell Bay

The curve of St Austell Bay, with its many sandy beaches, is a haven for watersports and family holidays and is also fantastic for walking and cycling, with a mixture of trails through a variety of landscapes. At its centre, the town of St Austell, has grown from the riches of the China Clay industry. Walk along Fore Street and you will discover the fine Holy Trinity Parish Church and opposite, the Italianate facade of the Market House. The town centre also has a cinema, restaurants, cafes and shops.

The town is also home to the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre with an interactive museum telling the story of over 150 years of pubs, beers, wines and spirits created by the Hicks family. If you’re really keen, book yourself onto a tour of the brewery, taste the beer and enjoy a proper pasty!

Nearby is the beautiful Georgian port of Charlestown, star of many recent films and the Poldark TV shows. Just along the coast, the Carlyon Bay Hotel offers quality accommodation, a spa and a golf course.

At the eastern end of the bay, the little village of Polkerris shelters behind its beach and harbour wall. It's a great place for watersports and eating! It's also the start of a coastal walk out to Gribben Head, a landscape immortalised by the author Daphne du Maurier who lived nearby.

Going west from Charlestown, the sandy beaches at Porthpean and Duporth can be accessed between rocky outcrops before reaching Black Head where fantastic views across the bay reward a good walk.

North of St Austell, is an industrial landscape of working pits, extracting white China clay from the ground and creating vast spoil tips alongside. The clay villages are more akin to the Welsh mining valleys than the Cornish coastline, and much of the area is out of bounds to the public. St Austell grew as a town because of the industry, with a railway leading down to the harbour at Pentewan, plus other harbours at Charlestown and Par.

Those wanting to discover more about this part of Cornwall and the clay industry should head for Wheal Martyn Museum on the edge of St Austell. It's a great place to learn about the industry as you walk around the old workings, but also an enjoyable area to explore, especially in the spring when the site is full of wild flowers.

Austell Ceramic is a project that celebrates the areas culture and links through China Clay. Over the last few years it has lead to a number of sculptures erected in and around the town, including the 14 meter high 'Earth Goddess' in the town centre.

The other attraction associated with this landscape is the Eden Project, built in the remains of a former clay pit, though you would hardly believe it as you wander around this verdant wonderland.

Those wishing to explore the area on foot, or by bike, should check out the Clay Trails, nine mainly off-road routes that link the Clay villages with tourist attractions and points of interest.

Accommodation in and around St Austell

Meadow Lakes Holiday Park

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Things to do around St Austell

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Plan your trip

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to St Austell

Follow the M5 to Exeter, and join the A30 crossing Bodmin Moor. Once past the town of Bodmin take the A391 to St Austell.

There are several car parks in and around the town centre.

National Express serves St Austell from destinations throughout the UK. From St Austell Bus Station (beside the railway station) you can catch local busses to Fowey, Bodmin, , Mevagissey, Newquay and Truro.

St Austell is on the mainline down through Cornwall served by both GWR and Cross-Country trains. From the station busses serve other nearby towns and villages.

At Par, just one stop from St Austell, the branchline heads off to Newquay.

The historic harbour has been home to many old ladies of the sea over the years. These days it is home to a number of vessels, the main one being the Anny of Charlestown, a topsail schooner built in Denmark in 1930. There are also a couple of Looe luggers, a Bristol Cutter and several other historic boats. Of course, being boats, means they may not always be at Charlestown, and there's always a chance others may be visiting.

Best thing to do is go down and have a look?

The town itself is set a little back from the coast, but there are beaches at Carlyon Bay, Charlestown and Porthpean that are close by.

St Austell is the largest town in Cornwall ,with a population in 2013 of over 27,000 people. Truro, although Cornwall's only city, only has a population of around 21,000.

That all depends on how interested you are in what's on offer there? We believe it's an amazing place to visit, but agree it's not the cheapest 'attraction' in Cornwall. However, if your interested enough you can easily spend four or five hours looking around the site, and where else in the UK can you visit a tropical rainforest?

...and it's a good place to go to keep warm in the winter months!!

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St Austell: The Complete Visitor Guide

Despite being one of the largest towns in Cornwall, you have probably never heard of St Austell. At first glance, it lies very none assumingly almost just plonked in the geographical centre of the county. It definitely wouldn’t top any ‘must-visit’ list and if you google it, you probably won’t be shown a single image of the actual town itself. I know, I’m not exactly selling it here. But bear with me… ALL OF THIS… Is EXACTLY why you should go there!!! St Austell is about as Authentically Cornish as you get!

The lack of tourists means everything from less traffic to less local distaste for ’emits’ (Cornish for tourists). It’s MUCH easier to find a room at a hotel or a table at a restaurant. The streets WON’T be crowded and the vibe will be GENUINE slow-paced Cornish day-to-day life.

And on top of all that… 

It’s CHEAP! Compared to almost anywhere else in Cornwall, that during the high season will be squeezed to bursting with tourists, and prices rocket as availability dives. St Austell is reserved solely for the locals and those who take a step off the oh-so-beaten ‘Emit’ path. Oh, and that’s without mentioning its famous 160-year-old Cornish brewery and its proximity to the world’s largest indoor tropical rainforest, ‘The Eden Project’.

As well as the Cornish Alps, formed out of what were the world’s largest China clay mines of their time, and the UNESCO world heritage site, Poldark. The filming location of the British Netflix series Poldark. 

Around St Austell

First things first, let’s get our bearings. St Austell is located in the heart of Cornwall, a place where pasties reign supreme, and clotted cream flows like water. But enough about the local delicacies, let’s focus on the town itself.

It’s a town of two halves. On one side, you have the old town, where you’ll find its charming historic buildings, quaint shops, and the famous brewery. On the other side, you have the new town, where you’ll find the modern shopping centres, supermarkets, and all the other delights of modern life.

If you’re looking to explore the old town, start at Fore Street, the main street that runs through the heart of the area. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The street’s a bit narrow, so be prepared to dodge the occasional delivery truck or wayward cyclist.

From Fore Street, head down to the White River Place shopping centre, where you’ll find all the modern amenities you could ever need. It’s like stepping into a different world, where everything is shiny and new. You can even catch a movie at the local cinema, famous for its comfy reclining couches and waited service.

How to Get to St Austell

With its central position St Austell is pretty dam accessible no matter how you choose to get here. The main Cornish roads lead almost straight to it, there’s a train station direct from the North of the country, and Newquay airport is just over the hill (Cornish Alps).

Driving: St Austell is easy to access by car, and the A30 and A38 are the major roads that connect the town to the rest of the country. If you’re coming from the north, take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 until you see signs. If you’re coming from the east or west, take the A38, which runs from Plymouth to Bodmin

Train: St Austell has its own railway station, which is served by trains from London Paddington, Bristol, and Plymouth. You can also take the train to nearby stations like Bodmin Parkway or Truro, then catch a connecting train or bus to St Austell if the tickets seem to come up cheaper.

Bus:  There are several bus services that connect St Austell to other towns and cities in Cornwall, as well as the National Express services from cities like London, Bristol, and Birmingham. The main bus station is located in the town centre, near the White River Place shopping centre.

Flight: The closest airport is in Newquay, which is about 20 miles away. The airport serves several domestic and international flights, including regular services from London, Manchester, and Dublin. From the airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to St Austell.

What to See and Do in St Austell

Ah, St Austell – it’s not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of top tourist destinations. But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you – this town has plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. 

From the otherworldly Eden Project to the magical Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell’s attractions may not be as famous as the Ol Cornish Pasty , but they’re at least as tasty. 

And let’s not forget about the charming Charlestown Harbour, the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre, and the many outdoor adventures to be had in the surrounding area. 

So come and explore – you may not find crowds of tourists, but you will find plenty of quirky and unique experiences that will leave you feeling enchanted and surprised.

The Eden Project

This world-famous attraction is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. Built in an abandoned China clay pit, The Eden Project is testament to just what we can do if we really put our minds to it. From an old derelict mud hole to a chunk of lush tropical rainforest, THIS truly is a man-made wonder of the world!

So, get ready to ‘leaf’ all your troubles behind and enter this jungle paradise. With plenty of photo ops, delicious food in the large central restaurant, and even concerts and sometimes ice skating (depending on the time of year).

St Austell Brewery

If you’re a fan of beer this place is brew-tiful . Take a tour of the facility, sample some of their award-winning ales, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the brewing process. You’ll learn about the traditional methods that have been used for generations to create their award-winning beers, and you’ll get a chance to sample some of their delicious brews. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or rich and malty ales, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. And if you’re feeling peckish, their onsite restaurant serves up tasty local fare to complement your drink. 

St Austell Market House 

Built in 1844 you can step back in time at the St Austell Market House, where you’ll find a treasure trove of local history and culture. From the stunning architecture of the building itself to the eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from homemade crafts to fresh produce. But don’t be fooled by its old-world charm – the Market House is a vibrant hub of activity, with events happening throughout the year.

The Wheal Martyn Museum

This fascinating museum is dedicated to the history of China clay mining in Cornwall. Explore the exhibits, learn about the local industry, and marvel at the impressive machinery on display. 

But don’t worry – it’s not all dusty artefacts and historical facty-facts. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the Wheal Martyn Museum is a fun and engaging experience for all ages. 

The Cornish Alpes

With the biggest deposit of China clay anywhere in the world, by the early 90s Cornwall was producing some 50 per cent of the world’s demands and exporting something in the region of one million tonnes yearly. Now, for every tonne of white powdery goodness they pulled out of the ground, they would also remove 5 tonnes of waste material which needed to be dumped somewhere…

We have the Cornish Alpes.

A moonscape of white peaks and emerald lagoons. Now a popular hiking and cycling destination. There are also several museums in the area if you’re keen to learn more.

Eating and Drinking

When it comes to eating here, you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious meal. In fact, the prices here are so reasonable that you might start to wonder if you’ve somehow stumbled into a parallel universe where food doesn’t cost you your left t..urgh, Toe.

Whether you’re looking for hearty pub grub, fresh seafood, or something a little more exotic, you’re sure to find it here at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in other parts of Cornwall. So go ahead and treat yourself to that extra side of chips or that tempting dessert – Both your taste buds and your wallet will be sated. Here are a few of our favourites…

The Polgooth Inn 

This charming country pub serves up hearty pub fare and local ales. With a roaring fire in the winter and a lovely beer garden in the summer, it’s a cosy spot to enjoy a meal.

Peckish Fish and Chips

No visit to Cornwall is complete without indulging in some classic fish and chips, and Peckish is one of the best places in St Austell to do so. Their portions are generous and their fish is always fresh.

Gusto deli bar

If you’re looking for a quick bite or a takeaway lunch, Gusto is the place to go. They serve up delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as freshly baked bread and pastries.

The Spice Merchant

For those who crave spicy, flavourful Indian cuisine. With a menu featuring classic curries, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.

This cosy bistro serves up classic British dishes with a modern twist. The menu changes regularly based on what’s in season, so there’s always something new to try.

This Mexican restaurant is a hidden gem in St Austell. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas, and the bright and colourful decor will transport you to the land of the ‘Sombrero’.

Sam’s on the Beach 

This seafood restaurant is located as the name suggests, right ‘on the beach’ in nearby Polkerris, and offers stunning views of the ocean. With fresh seafood dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Where to Stay

Looking for a place to stay in St Austell? Don’t worry, you won’t need to embark on a quest to find a mythical unicorn to get a good night’s sleep here. Unlike other parts of Cornwall where accommodations can be as elusive as a leprechaun’s pot aa’ shiny stuff, St Austell has plenty of options to choose from even in the height of summer.

The Bugle Inn

traditional Cornish pub boasts a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with a roaring fire in the colder months and a beer garden for those sunny summer days. The pub offers a wide range of local and regional ales, ciders, and spirits, as well as a menu of delicious home-cooked food using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They also host live music events and quizzes, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to gather, socialize, and enjoy a taste of Cornish hospitality.

Originally built in the early 19th century as a private residence, it was later converted into a hotel and now offers luxury accommodation for guests. It boasts a stunning and spacious garden, complete with a pond, fountains, and flowers. The interior is elegantly decorated with antique furnishings and art. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine, a bar, and a spa offering massages and beauty treatments. 

The Cornwall Motel

This budget-friendly motel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location close to St Austell’s top attractions. The on-site restaurant and bar make it a great spot for a casual meal and drink.

They also offer a shared lounge and kitchenette for guests to use. The motel’s location provides easy access to the town centre and nearby attractions such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. 

YHA Eden Project

If you’re travelling on a budget, this hostel located on the grounds of the Eden Project is a great option. The hostel offers dorms and private rooms, and guests have access to the Eden Project after hours… What better a way to avoid the crowds!

Carlyon Bay Camping Park

The park offers a variety of camping and caravan pitches, including electric hook-ups and serviced pitches for those who need them. There are laundry facilities and a well-stocked shop for groceries and camping supplies, a heated outdoor pool, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The park is located near the beautiful Carlyon Bay beach.

The Cornwall Hotel

This elegant hotel is set in 43 acres of lush gardens and features an outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel’s location is perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Shopping in St Austell

For a unique and quirky shopping experience, head to White River Place, where you’ll find a variety of independent shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade gifts to vintage clothing. For more mainstream shopping, there’s also a large shopping centre with big-name brands like H&M and TK Maxx. And for a taste of local flavour, be sure to check out the St Austell Farmers’ Market, where you can pick up fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Surrounding Area 

For a bit of seaside charm, head to the nearby fishing village of Mevagissey , where you can wander through narrow streets and admire colourful boats bobbing in the harbour. If you’re looking for adventure, hop over to the coastal town of Fowey, where you can go kayaking, paddle boarding, or even take a boat tour to spot dolphins and seals. For a taste of history, there’s the nearby town of Charlestown, where you can explore the historic harbour and see tall ships from around the world. And for a slice of natural beauty, be sure to check out the Goss Moor National Nature Reserve, where you can hike through stunning landscapes and spot rare wildlife. 

So, whether you’re looking for seaside charm, outdoor adventure, or a nibble of history, there’s plenty to squeeze in.

St Austell – A Taste of Real Cornish Life

A place where locals pride themselves on their love of pasties, pints, and a good old-fashioned chinwag. Whether you’re exploring the historic clay pits or taking a stroll through the picturesque gardens, there’s a sense of charm and tranquillity that pervades this town. But don’t be fooled by its quaint exterior – St Austell also has a vibrant arts scene, with live music and theatre performances that will leave you tapping your toes and humming a tune for days.

Come for the scenery, stay for the community, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Meet Ben, a wanderlust-stricken wordsmith hailing from the surf paradise of Newquay. With a pen and a passion for storytelling in hand, from rugged coastal hikes to secret spots off the beaten tourist path, join Ben as he guides you through the very best of what Cornwall has to offer.

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Things to do in st austell, explore popular experiences, tours in and around st austell.

Private Full-Day Tour Falmouth and South Cornwall

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Top attractions in st austell.

Other Top Attractions around St Austell

What travellers are saying

• Cornwall FootballGolf Park
• St Austell Brewery
• Pinetum Gardens
• Wheal Martyn
• Porthpean Beach
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• King's Wood
• Pentewan Beach
• Charlestown Harbour
• Charlestown Walking Tours
• Shipwreck Treasure Museum

7 things to do in St Austell, Cornwall

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If you’re planning a visit to Cornwall we can recommend making St Austell your base. There’s plenty of beaches, historic sites and family attractions to explore. Here’s our tips on places to visit and things to do in St Austell.

Want more ideas for family holidays and days out? Read my tips for smashing family travel and sign up for my newsletter .

Contents - jump to what you'd like to know

Family-friendly things to do in St Austell

Here’s our favourite places to visit in and around St Austell in Cornwall:

Eden Project

One of St Austell’s best known attractions hardly needs an introduction. The Eden Project is famed worldwide for its incredible biome that have been flourishing in a former china clay pit over the past two decades. 

You don’t need to be a plant enthusiast to appreciate the awesome scale of the rainforest and Mediterranean domes. And, something I’ve found after visiting at least five times over the years, is that it’s always changing.

Read about our visits to the Eden Project .

Highlights for families have to be the The Core interactive education centre, the treetop walkway in the rainforest biome and the special events that take place during the school holidays in normal times. If you are visiting in the winter months there’s always an ice rink and a visit from Santa in December.

Find out more in my guide to Christmas in Cornwall .

Lost Gardens of Heligan

If ‘gardens’ don’t sound like the type of place that would enthuse your kids bear with me. These historic gardens are much more than winding paths and flower beds. 

There’s plenty of history packed into Heligan which was ‘lost’ after WWII as the team employed to work on it died in the war. In the 21st Century it was rediscovered. The walled gardens were recultivated, rare breeds of farm animals reintroduced and plenty of fun family activities added.

During our two visits our kids have loved the adventure playground, the Burma rope bridge in the sub tropical valley and the school holiday crafting, art and tasting activities. During the summer of 2020 the vegetable patches and fruit trees were overflowing with crops.

You can also learn about the people who originally looked after the gardens and find out about the techniques they used which continue today.

We can also recommend the freshly prepared burritos and stone baked pizzas from the cafe.

Find out more about visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan .

Visit Mevagissey 

This traditional Cornish fishing village is five miles south of St Austell and its narrow streets bustle with visitors over the summer months. 

We spent time by its picturesque harbour to have a go at crabbing – unsuccessfully. This is where you can also find a small aquarium housed in the old RNLI lifeboat house. It raises awareness of the fishing industry that has shaped this part of Cornwall for hundreds of years.

If you want to find out more about the history of Mevagissy you can visit the small Folk Museum .

And for train fans there’s the World of Model Railways .

Charlestown and the Shipwreck Heritage Centre

Visiting Charlestown is like stepping back in time.

If it looks familiar you probably recognise it from its appearances on screen in Poldark, Dr Who and Treasure Island among many other TV shows and films. 

As well as wandering around the harbour, which is free to do, we also visited the Shipwreck Museum . The cabinets are packed full of 8,000 treasures and interesting objects from more than 150 wreaks. Some date back to Roman times!

The good news for dog owners is that they can join you in the museum too. The only places dogs aren’t allowed in Charlestown during the summer months are the beaches on either side of the harbour.

Visit Fowey

Another beautiful Cornish town to explore is Fowey. Like neighbouring Mevagissey it has its own small aquarium on Town Quay where you can learn about marine life found around the Cornish coast. There’s also a museum that tells the story of the town’s seafaring heritage.

If you enjoy browsing independent shops there’s plenty in Fowey. You can also hire water sports equipment or go on a boat trip. One of the top things to do is explore the area by kayak.

Find out more about visiting and staying in Fowey .

Screech Owl Sanctuary

If your children love birds and animals then the Screech Owl Sanctuary is open to visitors all year round. This is great news for us as we didn’t get the chance to visit last summer but can pop back out of the main holiday season.

There are breeds of owls from every continent at the sanctuary, which was established thirty years ago. It now rears tame owls for educational purposes and is also home to alpacas, emus, meerkats and ponies.

Beaches near St Austell

No visit to Cornwall would be complete without a day at the beach. We visited four during our week staying near St Austell. Below is a bit about them (I’ve also highlighted some others on the map that we have been to in the past):

Pentewan Beach

Pentewan is a wide sandy beach where you will find plenty of activity as it’s owned by Pentewan Sands holiday park , which is right on the front. It’s sheltered between two headlands so is a good place for a swim or water sports. You can hire equipment and book lessons with Cornwall Watersports . There’s also a restaurant and takeaway cafe on the beach. 

If you are staying in the holiday park you can walk straight onto the beach. If you are driving to Pentewan there’s a car park in the village. 

The only down side to Pentewan Beach, for us, is that it isn’t dog-friendly.

Carne Beach 

This National Trust beach is on the Roseland Heritage Coast which is a beautiful area for walking. It’s in a shallow bay with plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. Time your visit with the tide as when its high there’s very little beach left.

We visited on a rough August day when the waves were fun to jump, surf and body board in. On a calmer day it would also be ideal for paddle boarding, although Mr Tin Box enjoyed giving it a go any way.

There’s a National Trust car park and toilets behind the beach. There’s no cafe so bring your own food and drink. Dogs are allowed all year round but must be kept of a lead in the summer months.

At low tide you can walk all the way to Pendower Beach towards the west of the bay.

Pendower Beach

This is another National Trust beach and is at the bottom of a valley that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Here’s a lot more sand here at high tide as well as rock pools.

When we visited there was a takeaway cafe in the old hotel building behind the beach.

There’s a National Trust car park and toilets behind the beach. Dogs are allowed all year round but must be kept on a lead in the summer months.

Charlestown Beach

There’s shingle and sandy beaches on either side of Charlestown Harbour entrance. The water gets deep quickly so keep an eye on young children. Also be aware of the tide if you decide to explore the rocks to the west of the beach. These are cut off at high tide.

Park in the town’s main car park and walk down to the harbour. Dogs are allowed on the beaches between November and March.

Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families .

Things to do in St Austell with dogs

If you are looking for things to do around St Austell with your dog then lots of the places I’ve mentioned welcome them including: the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, and the Shipwreck Heritage Centre. 

They can also join you on a walk around Charleton, Mevagissey and Fowey, and on the beach at Carne and Pendower.

Here’s my guide to more dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall .

Where to stay in St Austell

During our most recent trip we were camping near St Austell at Little Winnick touring park . Just down the road there’s Pentewan Sands right on the beach.

For more suggestions check out my posts about family-friendly Cornwall holiday parks and caravan sites .

If you prefer holiday cottages or lodges then we can recommend checking out Bosinver Holiday Cottages near St Austell, The Valley Cornwall cottages near Truro and Waterside Resort near Bodmin.

And for a family-friendly hotel check out this review of Fowey Hall Hotel . Further afield there’s brilliant family hotels in Newquay including The Esplanade Hotel and Sands Resort Hotel & Spa .

Read my full guide to family holidays in Cornwall .

Are you planning a family holiday in Cornwall? Why not use Pinterest to save this post about things to do in St Austell.

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The largest town in Cornwall and home to the Cornish Alps - St Austell is a town steeped in unusual beauty.

China clay was discovered in the mid 18th century and the town thrived on the industry, evidence of which can still be seen today – with the surreal landscape of sharp white pyramids pointing upwards through the horizon.

The Market House - built in 1844 and situated in the middle of the town - is an architectural must see for its Italianate façade design and vaulted ceilings. This impressive building now houses an array of eclectic small businesses and mouth-watering artisan markets. The narrow ancient streets and modern pedestrian precinct also host a wealth of high street shops and restaurants.

The Eden Project is situated two miles out of town and, with seven beaches within a few miles drive, St Austell is a great base for days out in mid Cornwall.

The Carclaze loop cycle route which provides stunning views of Gribben Head and Fowey harbour, followed by the extraordinary landscape of china clay country.

Don't miss...

Porthpean Beach – sheltered and a great place for families who enjoy swimming and exploring rock pools.

Hotels, B&B’s, self-catering, campsites and boutique retreats.

Beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, wonderful wildlife and historical wonders.

Watersports, woodland walks, activity centres, arts and culture.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and farmers markets.

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• King's Wood
• Pentewan Beach
• Charlestown Harbour
• Charlestown Walking Tours
• Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Welcome to St Austell Bay, nestled on Cornwall ’ s south coast, it is a striking curve of spectacular coastal scenery, an area rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, wildlife and creative communities. Whether you’ve been living in the area for years or are visiting for the first time, you’ll find plenty of things to do – days out for the family, the best local restaurants, cafes, bars and top attractions. Keep up to date with many of the local initiatives such as the Austell Project and discover St Austell with us.

Eat & Drink

Latest News

Austell Project

We aim to turn the St Austell area into a vast garden featuring stunning ceramic artwork.

UK’s tallest ceramic sculpture is revealed in Cornwall

The Austell Project’s Whitegold Art Trail is near completion, as the UK’s tallest ceramic sculpture is revealed in St Austell in Cornwall.

There is more to St Austell than meets the eye. The South West Coast Path connects the beaches in an area rich with natural wildlife, nautical history and maritime heritage. In-land, adventure awaits.

Clay Trails Network

The clay trails are a network of short walking, cycling and horse riding trails through China Clay Country.

Towns & villages

Whether you live in Fowey near St Austell or just visiting there are plenty of opportunities to try something new.

South West Coast Path

The South West coast path is walked by millions of people discovering new places and taking in some spectacular views.

Days Out & Attractions

The eden project.

Inside the eden biomes are plants that are collected from many diverse climates and environments.

The Lost Gardens Of Heligan

One of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England and one of the area’s most popular attractions.

Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum

Wheal Martyn in St Austell is Cornwall & the UK's only China Clay mining museum.

Austell Green

Lining the streets with colour.

A riot of colour made of wildflower meadows lined the road verges of the A391 this summer

One of the most visited house and gardens in the St Austell area.

Hidden Valley Gardens

A beautiful award-winning cottage style garden and plant nursery.

Austell Ceramic

Bringing a creative spirit to st austell.

Bringing public engagement to visually deprived areas of the town to build pride in our built environment

Towns & Villages

Life in st austell.

No matter where you find yourself in St Austell, one thing is for sure, you’ll never be too far from a beach.

Mad Hatter Sports

Friendly, always fun, often mad, events in Cornwall

madhattersportsevents.co.uk

Spit beach is a small south facing beach accessed by various points on the Coast Path.

Restormel Castle

Standing in ruins amid beautiful countryside, Restormel is one of the most remarkable castles in Britain.

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Top Things to Do in St Austell - St Austell Must-See Attractions

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Top attractions in st austell.

Other Top Attractions around St Austell

What travellers are saying

• Cornwall FootballGolf Park
• St Austell Brewery
• Pinetum Gardens
• Wheal Martyn
• Porthpean Beach
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• King's Wood
• Pentewan Beach
• Charlestown Harbour
• Charlestown Walking Tours
• Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Dozens of Cornish place names are always pronounced incorrectly

It can't be denied that the phonetic way doesn't even come close to proper Cornish in many instances. Meanwhile, with some it's hard to even know where to start, especially if coming into view on a road sign for the first time.

• 05:00, 11 MAY 2024

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As debates go, many would say the general election date is getting tedious and 'jam first' will rumble on forever - but one issue that splits both locals and visitors to Cornwall is how to pronounce our devilishly difficult place names. You can often tell the difference between a resident and a second home owner by the way they pronounce the beautiful coastal town of Fowey - Foy equals local, Foe-ey equals tourist.

But dozens of other towns and villages have monikers that can outfox the most knowledgeable of visitors. Heck, they may even have locals butting heads over how exactly they should be said.

It can't be denied that the phonetic way doesn't even come close to proper Cornish in many instances. Meanwhile, with some it's hard to even know where to start, especially if coming into view on a road sign for the first time.

Read Next: How to pronounce Cornish place names according to you

Read Next: Cornwall beach gets 'Brown Flag' for being one of the dirtiest in England

So how do you pronounce Mousehole, Delabole, Trewoon, Doublebois, Launceston , Hewaswater and other Cornish towns and villages?

It may depend on who you ask, reports Cornwall Live .

But for a bit of fun here's our guide to the place names with the trickiest pronunciations.

Get the best stories and latest news delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you want here .

Tell us where you think is the best place to live in Cornwall in our poll. If it fails to load above, click here.

The old chestnut. No, it's not mouse hole but Mowzle said in your best Cornish fisherman's accent.

I once convinced a young reporter that this village was pronounced De La Bole, as if it was the epitome of French sophistication. In reality, it's Dellerbowl.

Some pronounce it as Tre-woon, others say Tre-win for this village near St Austell . The correct pronunciation is Troon, not to be confused with the actual Troon in Camborne .

It's not the French for two woods, double bois, but Doubleboys.

If you're truly Cornish, it's not Launston or, even worse, Lawn-sess-ton, but Lanson, with emphasis on the aaaaaa.

Not He-woz-water but Hugh'ass-water.

Bideford is pronounced Bidderford so Tideford should be Tidderford, right?

Wrong. It's Tide-ford.

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Don't go all French again. It's not Breash or even Brague, but Breeg.

Surely there's only one way to pronounce the town?

It's Saint Ostell, not Saint Ore-stell. Better yet, just call it Ozzle like the locals do.

Chun Castle

The Iron Age hill fort near Penzance is not pronounced Chun but Tune.

Another favourite. Foy as in hoi polloi.

You can always spot a visitor when they say Pole-zeeth. It's Pol-zeth.

This one is contentious. No one knows the definitive answer.

I say potato you say potarto, I say Prar Sands you say Pray Sands.

You'd think no one could mispronounce Liss-card. But we've heard Lis-keer-d.

Tywardreath

Like Polzeath, it's Ty-w'dreth not Ty-ward-reeth.

Surely, you can't mispronounce the capital city?

It's Tr'row not True-row. If you're a true Truronian though, you pronounce it Tr'ra.

It doesn't have an acute on the e, so it's not pronounced as in Ferrero Rocher, but simply roach as in cockroach, which is no slight on the Clay Country village. It's not Rosh either.

The village near Callington is not pronounced like St Ives without the e. It's Saint Eve.

It's not ma-razzion, but Marra-zy-on.

It’s amazing how many people say Iller-gn. It’s I-luggan.

This place can confuse visitors to Falmouth . It’s Main Porth and not Mine Porth.

Another area of Falmouth to confuse – it’s Tresco-bays as in a Scilly harbour not Tress-co-bay-as or even Tresco-bees.

And another Falmouth tongue twister – Dra-seen-a.

It’s a hard ‘s’ so Trez-illian not Tress-illian like my mother-in-law pronounces it even though she lives there.

Similarly, Meva-gizzey not gissey. Though just call it Meva.

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For some strange reason a lot of people say Lux-illian. There’s a ‘u’ in it – Lux-ullian.

Not Zeller, but Zeeler.

The lovely estate and beach near the Roseland peninsula is pronounced Car-haze not Care-haze.

No, not curry but cury as in Marie Curie. And the well-known Cury Hunt isn’t rhyming slang either…

It’s Porth-leven, people, not Port-leven. It’s amazing how many people say that.

Perranuthnoe

Perran-ooth-no or Perran-uth-no? The jury’s out in our office. Fair enough though.

You may think the village near Looe is pronounced Pell-int, but you’d be wrong. Plint, innit.

Not D’vor-an or Dev-oh-ran but the much more Cornish Devrun.

Article originally published in 2019

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