St Austell

Travel Guide

St. Austell showing a city and signage
Lost Gardens of Heligan showing a park
St. Austell showing heritage architecture
Lost Gardens of Heligan which includes a garden
St Austell

This busy market town is a great place for starting your exploration of some of Cornwall’s prettiest beaches.

St. Austell stands in front of the white peaks of the Cornish Alps, towering clay tips made of excavation waste from the town’s china clay industry. The town’s long history stretches back to the 13th century. Enjoy the golden sand beaches of St. Austell Bay, explore a spectacular town garden and learn about local china clay excavation history.

The Eden Project, set in a former china clay pit, is a remarkable garden representing three climate zones. Plants from temperate zones are outdoors, while plants, insects and birds from other zones are housed in geodesic domes. Climb to the viewing platform above the treetops in the Rainforest Biome and note the fascinating sculptures in the outdoor garden.

Check out the 19th-century St. Austell Market House, which once housed the town’s fire station, town hall and police cells. The building’s timbered roof, made from yellow pine was, at the time it was built, the largest unsupported span of any roof in Britain. During summer, the building houses theSt. Austell Town Museum, a small collection dedicated to the town’s history. Look for an early 20th-century Cornish stove from the 1900s, as well as film posters dating back to the building’s brief tenure as a picture house.

Learn more about the town’s history of china clay production in the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum. Here, you’ll find a visitor platform overlooking a working china clay pit, as well as nature trails around the museum.

Tour the St. Austell Brewery, which was founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks. Learn about traditional brewing processing and sample St. Austell beers at Hicks Bar after the tour.

Just outside St. Austell are a number of lovely beaches. See the rock pools of popular Porthpean Beach or enjoy watching ducksandwildfowl in thepond at Par Sands.

St. Austell is located close to the east coast of Cornwall, 12 miles (19 kilometres) south of Bodmin. Ride the bus or train here from London. If you’re driving, take roads from Exeter or Plymouth.

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

4 out of 5
Pentewan Road, St Austell, England
The price is €131 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€131
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
definitely would love to be back
"Great cottage for the 6 of use! Beautiful place and definitely would love to be back"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
The Llawnroc

The Llawnroc

4 out of 5
33 Chute Lane, Gorran Haven, St Austell, England
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in St Austell. Enjoy free parking and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Gorran ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
Just lovely
"Lovely hotel, lovely setting. Big room, comfy bed. Quiet. Friendly and accommodating staff, free breakfast."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

The Llawnroc
Carlyon Bay Hotel

Carlyon Bay Hotel

4 out of 5
Sea Road, St Austell, England
The price is €220 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
€220
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with a spectacular view of the coastline. Service was brilliant and we loved how family friendly the hotel was. Would happily come again"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Carlyon Bay Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pochin House Collections

Pochin House Collections

4 out of 5
Pochin Drive, St Austell, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in St Austell. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Eden Project and St Austell Brewery are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"Our second stay at this property and we can’t fault it, perfect location for us, spotless and comfortable, we always feel at home here."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Pochin House Collections
Pinetum Garden Cottages

Pinetum Garden Cottages

3.5 out of 5
Holmbush Rd, St Austell, England
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eden Project and Pinetum Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Quirky perfect for plant/garden and nature lovers!
"What an amazing place! Set in beautiful gardens and full of wildlife! Beautiful accommodation and so nice to be able to walk around all the gardens! The Japanese garden was our favourite! Also the cakes and coffee in the cafe are lovely!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Pinetum Garden Cottages
PRISTINE MODERN APARTMENT, PRIVATE BEACH, STUNNING SEA VIEW. LAST MINUTE 25% OFF

PRISTINE MODERN APARTMENT, PRIVATE BEACH, STUNNING SEA VIEW. LAST MINUTE 25% OFF

Duporth
Stay at this apartment in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Eden Project and Duporth Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful apartment. Very well equipped with everything you could need. Spotlessly clean.Nice welcome pack of tea, coffee, milk and toilet rolls was much appreciated.Wonderful sea view from both balconies.Great communication from owners regarding directions, check in and lots of information.No ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

PRISTINE MODERN APARTMENT, PRIVATE BEACH, STUNNING SEA VIEW. LAST MINUTE 25% OFF
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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