Planning a trip to St Austell, Cornwall? This vibrant town is home to some of Cornwall’s top attractions, offering plenty to see and do. From stunning coastal scenery to rich industrial heritage, St Austell has something for everyone.
As one of Cornwall’s largest towns, St Austell sits near the coast and is famous for the Cornish Alps, the striking white peaks created by the historic china clay industry. Did you know that William Cookworthy discovered china clay here over 200 years ago, shaping the region’s economy? Discover the best of St Austell on your next visit!
The east coast of Cornwall also has excellent links to the South West Coast path if you enjoy walking. There are also plenty of beaches close to St Austell as well, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
St Austell is a great choice for family holidays in Cornwall. (Read our review of staying at Southern Halt Holiday park nearby)
Lost Gardens Of Heligan
St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
The Lost Gardens Of Heligan is definitely one of the more popular tourist attractions when visiting Cornwall. With around 200 acres of garden and a spectacular history, it’s no wonder it’s a popular place to visit.
The gardens were lost to brambles since WW1, and it wasn’t until 1990 when they were rediscovered that the regeneration began.
Many of the workforce went off to fight in World War 1 and sadly never returned. When a tiny room was discovered in the 1990’s, it sparked a desire to bring the gardens back to what they once were.
As well as the famous sculptures to discover at the Lost Gardens Of Heligan, there are also a huge variety of different gardens to explore.
These include the Sundial Garden, Italian Garden, Northern Summerhouse and the Jungle. The Jungle is a good place to start your journey around the gardens after exploring the woodland trail.
The woodland paths have plenty of trails to discover wildflowers and bluebells in the Spring months.
Read our full review of The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Eden Project
Cornwall, PL24 2SG
The world-famous Eden Project is a must visit when you’re in Cornwall. Pre book your tickets in advance to save on the entrance price. Admission prices include tickets which are automatically upgraded to an annual pass as well. The perfect excuse for a return visit another time for a great day out..
Our first visit to The Eden Project was in the Summer months, and we are looking forward to returning in the Spring to see the flowers blooming.
There are around 30 acres of ground to explore at the Eden Project in Cornwall which include outside gardens, indoor Biomes and playgrounds.
Your visit includes a choice of two biomes to explore, the warm temperate Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome. They are huge indoor experiences that are a must see on your visit to the Eden Project.
Throughout the year, the Eden Project is also home to some great events happening in Cornwall. This also includes the Christmas ice rink.
Dogs are welcome to visit the Eden Project with you, however they are not permitted inside the Biomes.
Read our full review of the Eden Project
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Carthew, Saint Austell PL26 8XG
The Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum is the UK’s only china clay mining museum. Clay works began back in the 1820’s by Elias Martyn.
Refined china clay is used as an ingredient in the production of many well known items. These include paper, ceramics, rubber, paint and toothpaste.
During your visit, you can discover all about Cornwall largest mining industry, and take part in tours of the working clay pit.
The Wheal Martyn Clay Works is also one of the many dog friendly attractions in Cornwall, so there’s no need to leave your dog behind.
Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Charlestown Rd, Saint Austell, PL25 3NJ
The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located on the south coast of Cornwall, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown.
During your visit, you can discover over 8,000 finds from over 100 wrecks. We never really know what happens at sea, but by visiting the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, we can learn some amazing information from the past.
Cornwall is a very dog friendly place to visit in the UK, and well behaved dogs are welcome at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum with you.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may happen upon events such as the Christmas Tunnel of Lights, or a visit to Santa. There are also different exhibitions through the year.
Pinetum Gardens
Holmbush, Saint Austell, PL25 3RQ
Out of the many beautiful gardens to visit in Cornwall, why not choose Pinetum Gardens in the heart of St Austell.
The family owned gardens are home to ten individually themed gardens. These include the Japanese garden, Cornish Cottage garden, Bridge garden Sunken garden and the Water garden.
Set across 30 acres, you can expect to spend a few hours exploring the stunning gardens across all seasons of the year. Dogs on short leads are also welcome during your visit.
Tregrehan Garden
PL24 2SJ
This garden in Cornwall is open seasonally on selected dates. Enjoy the walled garden, parkland and the glass house. There are also over 150 trees which have reached champion status in the United Kingdom.
There is plenty of free parking on site, and garden tours are always welcomed. Much of the garden is also on a flat level, making it accessible for wheelchairs.
St Austell Brewery
63 Trevarthian Rd, Saint Austell, PL25 4BY
The St Austell Brewery visitor centre and brewery of open for visits and brewery tours. The brewery is one of Cornwall’s oldest businesses where you can discover how the perfect pint is made.
Brewery tours can be booked to learn about the history of the brewery and the brewing process. You’ll also learn how the beer is produced and stored.
Kidzworld Adventure Play
Par Moor Rd, Saint Austell, PL25 3RP
There’s plenty to do for children of all ages at Kidzworld Adventure Play. If you’re looking for the best things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall, this may be the place to visit.
There are nine attractions which include roller skating, trampolines and a games zone. There’s also a dedicated under 4’s soft play area, slides, cannons and dodgems. You can also take pat in some adventure golf and an outdoor play area too.
Pentewan Beach
PL26 6BX
One of the stunning white sandy beaches located between St Austell and the fishing village of Mevagissey is at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park. Whilst this is a private beach, it’s is also open to the public.
The beach is very sheltered and there are lots of small coves and caved areas to discover. Nearby, there is a small pay and display car park, which is also opposite The Ship Inn.
Carlyon Bay
PL25 3RD
You’ll find Carlyon Bay in the heart of St Austell Bay. The beach stretches for around two miles and is made up of coarse sand.
Many years ago, Carlyon Bay was very popular due to the Cornwall Coliseum hosting a variety of events. The coliseum has been closed for many years now, and Carlyon Bay has many seasonal activities in it’s own right.
You can find facilities including a bar and plenty of eateries to keep you going if you’re not packing a picnic.
Shopping In St Austell
If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping in St Austell, then you’ll probably want to visit Fore Street. This is the town’s main shopping area.
Alternatively, White River Place is a large shopping complex with car parking for up to 500 cars. This is the place to visit popular high street brands and enjoy some where ti enjoy a meal.
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