Discovering St Austell: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Introduction
St Austell is a picturesque town located in Cornwall, England. Known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, St Austell attracts thousands of visitors every year. This travel guide will help you explore the best that St Austell has to offer, from hidden gems to well-known attractions, and everything in between.
Top Attractions
Eden Project
The Eden Project is an iconic attraction located in St Austell. It features two biomes, one with a tropical climate and the other with a Mediterranean climate. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy live music performances, and learn about sustainable living.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is another must-visit attraction in St Austell. These beautiful gardens were restored after being lost for years, and now feature a variety of plants, flowers, and sculptures. Visitors can explore the gardens on their own or take a guided tour.
Hidden Gems
Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach is a hidden gem located just a few miles from St Austell. This quiet beach features crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Cornish coastline. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun.
Charlestown Harbour
Charlestown Harbour is a historic port located just a few minutes from St Austell. This picturesque harbour features tall ships, charming shops, and quaint restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring.
Food Scene
The Cornish Bakery
The Cornish Bakery is a local favourite that serves up delicious pasties, sandwiches, and baked goods. Their pasties are a must-try, and they have a variety of flavours to choose from.
The Rashleigh Arms
The Rashleigh Arms is a traditional Cornish pub located in Charlestown. They serve up classic pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches. They also have a great selection of local beers and ciders.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Walking Tours
St Austell offers a variety of free walking tours that are a great way to explore the town on a budget. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will show you the best that St Austell has to offer.
Bring a Picnic
There are plenty of beautiful parks and beaches in St Austell that are perfect for a picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking
St Austell is surrounded by beautiful countryside that’s perfect for hiking. There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Kayaking
Explore the Cornish coastline by kayak. There are a variety of rental companies in St Austell that offer kayaking tours, or you can rent your own and explore at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Activities
Kidzworld
Kidzworld is an indoor play centre located in St Austell. They have a variety of activities for kids of all ages, including soft play areas, trampolines, and a climbing wall.
Wheal Martyn
Wheal Martyn is a museum that’s dedicated to the history of Cornish mining. It’s a great place for families to learn about the mining industry and its impact on the local area.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Clay Trails
The Clay Trails are a network of walking and cycling trails that wind through the beautiful Cornish countryside. These trails offer a unique way to explore the area and see some stunning scenery.
The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum
The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum is a fascinating museum that’s dedicated to the history of shipwrecks and the maritime industry. It’s a great place to learn about the area’s rich nautical heritage.
Natural Wonders
The Cornish Coastline
The Cornish coastline is one of the most beautiful in the UK. Take a walk along the coastal path and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the rugged coastline.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile trail that runs along the entire length of the Cornish coastline. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
Vibrant Nightlife
The White Hart Hotel
The White Hart Hotel is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They have a great selection of beers and spirits, and they often host live music events.
The Bowgie Inn
The Bowgie Inn is a traditional pub that’s located right on the beach. They serve up classic pub fare and have a great selection of local beers and ciders.
Local Markets
St Austell Market
St Austell Market is held every Saturday in the town centre. It’s a great place to find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods.
Fowey Market
The Fowey Market is held every Sunday in the nearby town of Fowey. It’s a great place to find local art, crafts, and food.
Beaches and Mountains
Pentewan Beach
Pentewan Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located just a few miles from St Austell. It’s the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is a rugged and remote area that’s perfect for hiking and exploring. It’s home to some of the most stunning scenery in Cornwall.
Cultural Immersion
The St Austell Brewery
The St Austell Brewery is a local institution that’s been brewing beer in St Austell for over 150 years. Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the history of beer-making in Cornwall.
The Wheal Coates Tin Mine
The Wheal Coates Tin Mine is a historic mine that’s located on the Cornish coastline. It’s a great place to learn about the area’s mining heritage.
Art and Music Scene
The St Austell Arts Centre
The St Austell Arts Centre is a hub for local artists and musicians. They host regular exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.
The Keay Theatre
The Keay Theatre is a local theatre that hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and other performances. It’s a great place to catch a show while you’re in town.
Walking Tours
The St Austell Town Trail
The St Austell Town Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes you through the town’s historic centre. It’s a great way to learn about the town’s history and architecture.
The Charlestown Harbour Trail
The Charlestown Harbour Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes you through the charming port of Charlestown. Learn about the port’s history and see some of the area’s most beautiful ships.
Architectural Marvels
The Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful church that’s located in the heart of St Austell. It features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.
The Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
The Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre is a unique museum that’s housed in a historic building. It’s a great place to learn about the area’s maritime heritage.
Historical Sites
The St Austell Market House
The St Austell Market House is a historic building that’s located in the town centre. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s history and architecture.
The St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
The St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre is a great place to learn about the history of beer-making in Cornwall. Take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their delicious beers.
Biking Routes
The Clay Trails
The Clay Trails are a network of biking trails that wind through the beautiful Cornish countryside. These trails offer a unique way to explore the area and see some stunning scenery.
The Camel Trail
The Camel Trail is a popular biking route that runs along the Camel Estuary. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Cornwall.
Wellness Retreats
The Eden Project