Charlestown

Travel Guide

Charlestown which includes heritage architecture
Charlestown showing flowers
Charlestown featuring general coastal views and rocky coastline
Charlestown which includes signage
Charlestown which includes signage

Visit this pretty Georgian harbor town, once an important port for china clay and now a popular filming location for period TV shows and movies.

Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages, known for its well-preserved late-Georgian working port. Browse the town’s galleries, check out tall ships moored in its harbor and cool off with a drink at a restaurant overlooking its sandy beach.

Charlestown was built between 1791 and 1801 byCharles Rashleigh, an entrepreneur and local landowner, to facilitate exporting china clay from nearby St. Austell. Remarkably, the town continues to serve as a working port and small amounts of china clay are still exported today. Look around the harbor for one of the town’s impressive old square-riggers. The harbor is often used as a filming location for TV shows and movies, including Doctor Who, Mansfield Park and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Visit the Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre, which exhibits artifacts collected from more than 150 shipwrecks, dating as far back as the early 18th century. Set in a historic clay building, the museum houses one of England’s largest collections of underwater diving equipment. Look for artifacts from the Titanic and other failed White Star Liners, as well as memorabilia relating to Admiral Nelson.

Walk along the town’s small beach, which is located just beyond the harbor. Covered with a mix of sand and pebble, the beach is a fine spot for bodyboarding or snorkeling depending on the tide conditions. You’ll also find a few restaurants and cafés where you can sip a drink overlooking the shore. Head to nearby St. Austell Bay to enjoy golden sand beaches and even more watersports opportunities.

The town has several small galleries. The Atishoo Gallery exhibits the work of more than 80 artists, many from southwest England. Check out the gallery’s ever-changing exhibition of paintings, jewelry, pottery and crafts.

Charlestown is located 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Fowey and 2.2 miles (3.5kilometer) from St. Austell. To get here, follow the highway from the Mount Charles roundabout in St. Austell or use local bus services.

Pier House

Pier House

3.5 out of 5
Harbour Front, Charlestown, St Austell, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P12,705 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P12,705
P15,246 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach B&B in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Eden Project and Charlestown ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (349 reviews)
"What a place, great rooms and staff, the food and drink was great as well, will definitely be back"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Pier House
Rashleigh Arms

Rashleigh Arms

4 out of 5
Charlestown Road, Charlestown, St Austell, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,946 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,946
P11,935 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star inn in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Eden Project and Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage ...
9/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
Lovely place to stay
"I stayed in the house overlooking the harbour. A couple of flights of stairs. Had breakfast in the pub which was lovely although I was a bit early at 7:25 I had an evening meal in the sister hotel 50m down the road. It was very nice however £7.00 a pint seams a bit expensive"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Rashleigh Arms
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

4 out of 5
Pentewan Road, St Austell, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,572 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,572
P9,086 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,001 reviews)
Better than going abroad
"It was very relaxing and enjoyable the staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was very good and the pool was just as we remembered it looking out side apart from the trees were bigger and this time we sat out side in the sun just like going abroad but a lot cheaper."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
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.
Antonia's Pearls

Antonia's Pearls

4 out of 5
Charlestown Harbour, St Austell, England
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions Eden Project and Charlestown Harbour are located ...
Peaceful Retreat
"This property is truly a gem and so is the little town of Charleston. The Studio is immaculately maintained and comfortable - you can feel the owners’ love and effort put into maintaining it, which is so rare to come by these days. Floors, bathroom and surfaces were spotless. The bed was warm and ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

Antonia's Pearls
SeaSpace

SeaSpace

4.5 out of 5
Watergate Rd, Newquay, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Newquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Fistral ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Food could be better and they were definitely under staffed"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

SeaSpace
Bay Retreat Villas

Bay Retreat Villas

4 out of 5
St Merryn Park, St Merryn, Padstow, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Padstow. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Padstow Maize Maze are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)
"The peoperty is in a great location, check in and check out were completely hassle free. The property itself was rwally clean, comfortable and had absolutely everything you need. The washing machine was a godsend for a beach location like Cornwall. Would definitely recommend, especially for families ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Bay Retreat Villas
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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