St Austell

Travel Guide

St Austell showing a city and signage
Lost Gardens of Heligan which includes a garden
St Austell featuring 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 the St. 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 ducks and wildfowl in the pond at Par Sands.

St. Austell is located close to the east coast of Cornwall, 12 miles (19 kilometers) 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,559 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,559
P9,071 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, staff and location"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (420 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Llawnroc
Carlyon Bay Hotel

Carlyon Bay Hotel

4 out of 5
Sea Road, St Austell, England
The price is P11,585 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P11,585
P13,902 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (413 reviews)
"Hotel was excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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.
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 Jul 6, 2025

Pinetum Garden Cottages
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! (31 reviews)
"Lovely, modern, spacious apartment. Catered for everything, towels, tea towels, dishwasher tablets, even cling film! Only downside was that the beds weren’t the most comfortable but stunning view. Great communication from host too."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Pochin House Collections
The Annexe, Laburnum

The Annexe, Laburnum

3 out of 5
St Austell
Stay at this 3-star cottage in St Austell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Eden Project and Wheal Martyn China Clay Country ...
"Lovely little self contained annexe had everything you could want. Peaceful location."

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

The Annexe, Laburnum
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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