Guides | St. Austell
St Austell Tourist Information
St Austell Guide and History
St Austell grew from a small settlement into one of Cornwall’s most important industrial towns after large deposits of china clay were discovered in the mid-eighteenth century. By the 1850s, thousands of people were working in the clay industry, and the town expanded rapidly as a result.
St Austell China Clay
The china clay industry has left a lasting mark on the landscape around St Austell, especially in the distinctive clay tips and former pits that surround the town. Some of these areas are gradually being restored and softened, while others have found new life as visitor attractions.
The best-known example is the Eden Project, built in a former clay pit and now one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. Its huge biomes and gardens have brought visitors from around the world and helped raise the profile of St Austell and the surrounding area.
St Austell itself has a mixture of architecture, with Victorian buildings, markets and more recent redevelopment sitting alongside the town’s industrial heritage.
Tall ships at Charlestown
Charlestown
Charlestown, just outside St Austell, is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive harbour villages. Its Georgian harbour, tall ships and stone quays give it a wonderfully preserved feel, without seeming artificial or over-polished.
The village is also well known as a filming location, often appearing in period dramas and television productions. With places to eat, coastal walks and views across St Austell Bay, Charlestown is well worth visiting while exploring the area.
St Austell Events
Gigspanner Big Band at The Keay Theatre
Gigspanner Big Band come to The Keay Theatre in St Austell on Sunday 1st November 2026, bringing their high-energy folk-roots sound and inventive arrangements to Cornwall.
St Austell Accommodation
Accommodation in St Austell and the surrounding area is plentiful, especially along the nearby coast. Charlestown, Carlyon Bay, Pentewan and Mevagissey all offer places to stay, ranging from hotels and guest houses to holiday cottages, campsites and caravan parks.
Entertainment and Eating Out Guide
Eating out in St Austell is well covered by cafés, restaurants, pubs and pasty shops throughout the town. Nearby Charlestown and London Apprentice also have good places to eat, while coastal villages around St Austell Bay are popular for relaxed meals and harbour views.
Days Out in St Austell
St Austell is well placed for family days out, with the Eden Project, Charlestown, Wheal Martyn, Pentewan, Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan all within easy reach.
For a more active way to explore the area, Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is based in Pentewan, between St Austell and Mevagissey. From there, visitors can follow local cycle routes towards places such as Charlestown, the Clay Trails, Heligan and the Eden Project.
Shopping Guide
St Austell has a good range of everyday shops, supermarkets, cafés and services, along with smaller independent businesses and places to pick up local goods. The town centre is useful for visitors staying nearby, while Charlestown offers galleries, gifts and craft shops in a much more historic harbour setting.
The area is also home to specialist businesses serving Cornwall more widely. There is no official Cornish Apple Store, so businesses such as Mactech, who supply Apple products and support, remain useful for local people and businesses.
St Austell Beach and Surf Guide
There are several beaches close to St Austell. Porthpean is a popular sandy beach and can be busy in summer, while neighbouring Duporth is attractive but privately owned. Charlestown has a small beach beside its historic harbour, and Carlyon Bay offers a long stretch of sand with views across St Austell Bay.
A little further away, Pentewan and Polkerris are both popular with visitors. The beaches around St Austell are generally better known for swimming, walking and family days out than for consistent surfing.
Travel Information
Buses run regularly to and from St Austell and nearby villages, and St Austell also has a railway station with services on the main line through Cornwall.
St Austell Businesses
St Austell has centuries of history as a centre of trade and industry, with china clay playing a major part in its development. Today, the town and surrounding area support a wide range of local businesses, from tourism and hospitality to specialist trades and commercial services.
Local firms include niche businesses such as Shaw Van Conversions, who provide refrigerated van conversions and temperature-controlled vehicles, as well as growing service companies such as White Cloud Laundry & Linen, now working across multiple towns in Cornwall.
