St Austell cottages, hotels in St Austell, B&Bs, campsites and hostel accommodation in St Austell

Cornwall » St Austell accommodation

The old market town of St Austell is just a few miles from the coast. The production of china clay became an important local industry and hastened the growth of the town from the eighteenth century onwards.

The town is an ideal centre for some of the loveliest beaches in Cornwall. If you are looking for a busy resort, try Carlyon Bay. If you prefer somewhere quieter and smaller, Polkerris is ideal for swimming. Not far from this delightful cove are the two former homes of local author Daphne du Maurier. On Gribbin Head stands Menabilly, the Manderly of Rebecca, whilst closer to the Par-Fowey road is Kilmarth, the original House on the Strand. Neither of these properties is open to the public, although there are several coastal walks passing close by.

St Austell’s port is the lovely harbour of Charlestown, where you will frequently see old sailing ships. The port has been used for numerous television series, such as Poldark, and there is a small museum open during the season.

Within easy reach of St Austell are the old fishing ports of Fowey and Mevagissey. The town is on the main railway and bus routes from London.