St. Austell

St. Austell on the south coast of Cornwall is a market town The discovery of china-clay in the hills north of the town became the main source of the economy from the mid 19th century. The mineral from the clay is used in porcelain as well as in other industries.


St. Austell Church
Consecrated on 9th October 1259, built of Elvan stone quarried at Pentewan, St. Michael's Chapel is the oldest part of the church. Both the Nave and the 94ft high tower date from the 15th century. Leading into the south aisle there is a carved pelican above the arched doorway.

The Queen's Head
Built as an ale house dates fron the 17th century.

The White Hart Hotel
Georgian house built for Charles Rashliegh, the founder of the port of Charlestown.

St. Austell Brewery - http://ww.staustellbrewery.co.uk/
Founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks. Open to the public for tours of the brewery.

The Town Hall
Dates from 1884 Italian Renaissance style.

Gwallon Longstone
Standing in the grounds of Penrice Community College, stands approx. 13ft high.

Things to do:
Eden Project – http://www.edenproject.com/
Built in a disused clay mine and opened to the public in May 2000. Botanical Gardens. It has 2 geodesic conservatories, one a rainforest, the other houses fruits and flowers. The grounds are landscaped, Eden holds special events throughout the year, there is a Cafe and disabled facilities.

Wheal Martyn China Clay Country Park – http://www.wheal-martyn.com/
Set in the grounds of former china clay mines this 26 acre park offers visitors an insight into the workings of the mines and what the china clay is used for. There is a working waterwheel, modern mining in action, woodlands, cafe, gift shop and children's play area.

Beaches near to St. Austell
Carlyon Bay Beach, large sandy beach approx. 2 miles from St. Austell centre.
Duporth Beach, sandy beach nearest facilities are at Charlestown.
Porthpean Beach, large sandy sheltered beach.

Charlestown is on the south coast of Cornwall and is the port of St Austell. It was a small fishing village, the outer quay was built in the late 18th century, it transported copper and china clay from local mines. The harbour is still used by local fishermen. Tall ships are often docked in the harbour. Charlestown has been the scene for many TV and film productions including Poldark.

St. Paul's Anglican Church
Built in 1851 and completed in 1971 when a fibreglass spire and a ring of six light bells were added. The treble bell was donated by the late Noel Coward and is called Noel.

Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre - http://www.shipwreckcharlestown.com/
Historical artefacts, the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe. The varied exhibitions include amongst other things: Charlestown village life, maritime history, shipwrecks, China Clay industry and a collection of underwater diving equipment.

Events in Charlestown:
Charlestown Regatta Week
Annual event held in July, music, live bands, pony rides, stalls, gig racing, children´s sports amd entertainment, carnival, fireworks, competitions, triathlon, sailing, and raft racing

Charlestown Beach
Accessed from the harbour steps, amenities within a minutes’ walk. Good for rock pooling and paddling.

Places to visit near St. Austell:
Par
On the south coast of Cornwall approx. 4 miles from St. Austell was once a very busy port handling large cargoes of china clay. The harbour was completed in 1840. South of the harbour is Par Sands beach with Spit Point beach to the west of the harbour.

St. Blazey
Is approx. 3 miles from St. Austell and was once a centre for the copper and tin mining industry and later china clay. Now it is associated with the Eden Project which is about a mile from the town.