Attractions and Places To See around St. Austell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around St. Austell, a historic market town on Cornwall's south coast, blend its rich china clay heritage with natural beauty and cultural sites. The area offers a diverse range of attractions, from preserved harbours to world-renowned gardens. St. Austell serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around St. Austell
- The most popular attractions is Mevagissey Harbour, a historical site that was once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery. This picturesque fishing village still operates a small working harbour and features narrow streets with shops, galleries, and traditional fish and chip establishments.
- Another must-see spot is Charlestown Harbour, a preserved Georgian harbour. This Grade II-listed site is the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is known for its tall ships and frequent use as a filming location.
- Visitors also love Fowey Harbour, a natural deep-water harbour. Located on the south coast of Cornwall, it is a significant seaport and popular sailing destination, accommodating around 1500 boats.
- St. Austell is known for its china clay heritage, historic harbours, and diverse gardens. Visitors can explore industrial museums, coastal paths, and world-renowned eco-parks.
- The attractions around St. Austell are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 280 upvotes and 150 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Mevagissey Harbour
Highlight • Historical Site
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Charlestown Harbour
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Fowey Harbour
Highlight • River
The mouths of the River Fowey and the Pont Pill form a protected natural deep water harbor accessible in all weather and tidal conditions. The port is home to around 1500 boats and is a popular sailing destination. Annually in August, the week-long Fowey Royal Regatta takes place, one of the most famous sailing events in Great Britain. Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Queen have already taken part in the regatta
Elizabeth II.
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The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Highlight • Natural
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the most famous gardens in England. It is located eight kilometers south of St Austell near Mevagissey in Cornwall. Originally the garden was part of the 400 acre property of the Tremayne family. The Cornish name Heligan means Weidenbaum. A wonderful place for hiking and walking. A special highlight is the rope bridge in the "jungle".
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Treffry Viaduct
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
The harbor lock is still under repair. Currently, there are no ships worth seeing in the harbor. Just an old shipwreck. So, nothing really worth seeing.
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Charlestown Harbour is the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its historic tall ships and picturesque setting, the harbour remains a vibrant working port and a popular filming location for TV and film productions such as Poldark and Taboo.
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The Harbour gate failed in a recent storm due in part to a long-term lack of maintenance. As a result, the ships that were in the harbour all have been stranded every time the tide goes out. They have recently put shipping containers filled with aggregate where the gate was to keep water in as a temporary "fix"
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If you would like to find out more about this fantastic garden, you have come to the right place on the following website: https://www.heligan.com/
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Cornwalls industrial heritage at its finest! Fabulous peaceful valley with a lovely tranquil atmosphere. Be aware if leaving the road to explore the trails it does get extremely muddy when it's been raining!
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Fabulous harbour that often has sailing ships alongside. The harbour is often used as a filming location for films and TV shows.
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An absolutely magical stretch of shared cycleway and footpath that follows the River Par on what was once an old tramway. You're surrounded by reminders of the Luxulyan Valley's historic past, with crumbling buildings, chimneys and Treffry's Viaduct which were all used in clay extraction here. Today, the route is blissfully peaceful, though the river does flow with quite some force alongside the path. Look out for dippers here.
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Treffry's Viaduct was used as a tramway and for carrying water across the Luxulyan valley. This was built in the 19th century by Joseph Thomas Treffry, owner of the Fowey Consols Mine. This impressive engineering project stands at 90ft tall and 670ft in length. Water carried across the viaduct was used to power the nearby Carmears Wheel. The viaduct is built with local stone from nearby quarries, which were linked by tramways to the viaduct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore near St. Austell?
The area around St. Austell is rich in history. You can visit Charlestown Harbour, a beautifully preserved Georgian harbour and UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its tall ships and as a filming location. Another significant historical site is Mevagissey Harbour, a picturesque fishing village with a working harbour and narrow streets. Don't miss Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Cornwall's only china clay mining museum, offering a deep dive into the region's industrial past.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around St. Austell?
Yes, several attractions are great for families. The Eden Project is a world-renowned eco-park with futuristic biomes and educational exhibits. The Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a captivating experience with unique features like a rope bridge in the 'jungle' and diverse plant collections. Both Mevagissey Harbour and Charlestown Harbour are also considered family-friendly, offering interesting sights and places to explore.
Where can I find natural beauty and scenic viewpoints near St. Austell?
St. Austell is surrounded by stunning natural features. The Clay Trails offer a network of off-road routes through unique landscapes shaped by the china clay industry, featuring 'Cornish Alps' and deep aquamarine lakes. The South West Coast Path provides spectacular coastal views and opportunities for cliff-top walks. For a tranquil experience, Pinetum Gardens boasts over 6,000 plant species across various themed gardens. You can also find great views from Helman Tor, a nature reserve with a prehistoric hill fort.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available in the St. Austell area?
The St. Austell area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore the unique landscape on the Clay Trails, which are suitable for walking, cycling, and horse-riding. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Wheal Martyn Trail Loop' or 'St Austell & Charlestown loop from the station'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Pentewan Railway Trail' or the 'Wheal Martyn & the Eden Project' MTB trail. Find more routes and details in the hiking guide, MTB guide, and running guide for the region.
Are there any notable gardens or green spaces to visit?
Absolutely. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a must-see, known for their romantic restoration and diverse plant collections. The Eden Project is another world-renowned site, showcasing diverse ecosystems within its iconic biomes. Pinetum Gardens offers 30 acres of themed gardens with over 6,000 plant species, providing a peaceful retreat. Further afield, Caerhays Castle & Gardens are celebrated for their spring blooms, especially camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.
What are the best beaches near St. Austell?
The coastline around St. Austell Bay boasts several beautiful sandy beaches perfect for relaxation and watersports. Popular choices include Carlyon Bay, Porthpean, Duporth, Pentewan Sands, and Gorran Haven Beach. These offer varied experiences from family-friendly shores to more secluded coves.
What is the significance of the Luxulyan Valley?
The Luxulyan Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its significant mining heritage and natural beauty. It offers scenic trails where you can discover historic industrial structures, including the impressive Treffry Viaduct, a 19th-century engineering marvel that once served as a tramway and aqueduct.
Can I learn about local industry and heritage in St. Austell?
Yes, St. Austell's identity is deeply tied to its china clay heritage. Wheal Martyn Clay Works provides an immersive experience into this industry with historic machinery and interactive exhibits. You can also visit the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre to learn about over 150 years of brewing history, take a tour, and sample local beers.
What do komoot users enjoy most about the attractions around St. Austell?
Komoot users appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from the historical charm of Mevagissey Harbour with its shops and traditional fish and chips, to the unique atmosphere of Charlestown Harbour and its tall ships. The natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as exploring the 'jungle' at The Lost Gardens of Heligan or walking along the coast, are also highly valued.
Are there any unique architectural or engineering marvels to see?
Beyond the natural beauty, the area features impressive man-made structures. The Treffry Viaduct in Luxulyan Valley is a remarkable 19th-century structure, serving as both a viaduct and aqueduct. In St. Austell town, the Market House, dating back to 1844, is a Grade 2* listed building with stunning architecture. Charlestown Harbour itself is a Grade II-listed Georgian harbour, a testament to historical engineering and preservation.
What is the best time of year to visit the outdoor attractions in St. Austell?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the best weather for exploring outdoor attractions, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Spring is particularly beautiful for visiting gardens like Caerhays Castle & Gardens when camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons are in bloom. However, many coastal paths and natural sites are accessible year-round, offering dramatic scenery even in cooler months.
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