The Lost Gardens of Heligan
18 July 2026
Magical gardens, restored by Tim Smit, who later went on to create the Eden Project. There's also a well-stocked farm shop here where you can stock up on local produce.
Things to do near St Austell
1
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Magical gardens, restored by Tim Smit, who later went on to create the Eden Project. There's also a well-stocked farm shop here where you can stock up on local produce.
2
The Rashleigh Arms
A centrally located pub with relaxing lounge bar and modern, open plan restaurant. Food is served from 12 noon to 9pm daily using locally sourced produce and guests are welcome to use the patio and gardens during the summer.
3
Mevagissey to Charlestown
iwalkcornwall.co.uk have some great walks in the area and this one, starting with a bus ride from Charlestown to the fishing port of Mevagissey offers a lovely scenic seven and a half mile coastal trek. Take a look at their website for further details and other walks in the area.
4
The Crown Inn
One of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, The Crown Inn offers fantastic locally sourced food. With meat from the local butchers at Kilhallon and from top Cornish meat wholesaler Robert Trevarthen, fish landed in Looe and shellfish from Fowey Fish, plus local game when in season, there is plenty to delight on this menu.
5
Porthpean Beach
Great for nature-lovers, Porthpean beach's cliffs are home to nesting birds up high and rockpools down low. A short walk from the car park on a relatively steep incline, the beach is also a pleasant walk away from Charlestown along the beautiful South West Coast Path.
6
Britannia Inn
With a lounge bar, separate restaurant, large play area and oodles of outside seating, The Britannia Inn is the ideal place to go for lunch, dinner and everyting in between.
7
The Eden Project
It hardly needs any introduction…This global garden with its iconic Biomes is home to millions of plants and flowers reflecting the diversity of our planet. Marvel at the largest greenhouse in the world, see internationally-acclaimed architecture and art inspired by nature, or go to a gig at the renowned Eden Sessions. Children can learn about humans' complex relationship with nature in The Core interactive education centre or go free-range and explore trails, hideaways and sandpits. A wide range of cafes and restaurants provide delicious, responsibly-resourced refuelling stops and the shop is crammed full of interesting gift and souvenir ideas. An organic project that just keeps on growing, a visit to The Eden Project is an awe-inspiring experience. You can also have a go on the new zip wire, reported to be the longest in England - go on, you know you want to!!
8
Par Sands Beach
A lovely wide open beach with golden sands and backed by sand dunes. With shallow waters and and easy access from a large car park nearby, this is a great beach for family days out. There's a shop, cafe, pub and toilets nearby and dogs are welcome year round.
9
Luxulyan Valley Circular Walk
iwalkcornwall.co.uk have some great walks in the area including this lovely circular three and a half mile ramble following leats and horse-drawn tramways through the World Heritage site of the Luxulyan Valley. Recommended in guide books as early as the 1920's as "one of the most glorious walks in all Cornwall" take a look at the link for further details.
10
Dolphin Inn
Re-opened in 2025, The Dolphin Inn has new tenant landlords, much to the delight of the local community. Located in the heart of the village, visitors and locals are welcome.
Things to do near St Austell
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
The Rashleigh Arms
15 April 2026
A centrally located pub with relaxing lounge bar and modern, open plan restaurant. Food is served from 12 noon to 9pm daily using locally sourced produce and guests are welcome to use the patio and gardens during the summer.
Mevagissey to Charlestown
15 April 2026
iwalkcornwall.co.uk have some great walks in the area and this one, starting with a bus ride from Charlestown to the fishing port of Mevagissey offers a lovely scenic seven and a half mile coastal trek. Take a look at their website for further details and other walks in the area.
The Crown Inn
15 June 2025
One of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, The Crown Inn offers fantastic locally sourced food. With meat from the local butchers at Kilhallon and from top Cornish meat wholesaler Robert Trevarthen, fish landed in Looe and shellfish from Fowey Fish, plus local game when in season, there is plenty to delight on this menu.
Porthpean Beach
24 May 2025
Great for nature-lovers, Porthpean beach's cliffs are home to nesting birds up high and rockpools down low. A short walk from the car park on a relatively steep incline, the beach is also a pleasant walk away from Charlestown along the beautiful South West Coast Path.
Britannia Inn
7 October 2024
With a lounge bar, separate restaurant, large play area and oodles of outside seating, The Britannia Inn is the ideal place to go for lunch, dinner and everyting in between.
The Eden Project
22 July 2024
It hardly needs any introduction…This global garden with its iconic Biomes is home to millions of plants and flowers reflecting the diversity of our planet. Marvel at the largest greenhouse in the world, see internationally-acclaimed architecture and art inspired by nature, or go to a gig at the renowned Eden Sessions. Children can learn about humans' complex relationship with nature in The Core interactive education centre or go free-range and explore trails, hideaways and sandpits. A wide range of cafes and restaurants provide delicious, responsibly-resourced refuelling stops and the shop is crammed full of interesting gift and souvenir ideas. An organic project that just keeps on growing, a visit to The Eden Project is an awe-inspiring experience. You can also have a go on the new zip wire, reported to be the longest in England - go on, you know you want to!!
Par Sands Beach
2 June 2024
A lovely wide open beach with golden sands and backed by sand dunes. With shallow waters and and easy access from a large car park nearby, this is a great beach for family days out. There's a shop, cafe, pub and toilets nearby and dogs are welcome year round.
Luxulyan Valley Circular Walk
24 April 2024
iwalkcornwall.co.uk have some great walks in the area including this lovely circular three and a half mile ramble following leats and horse-drawn tramways through the World Heritage site of the Luxulyan Valley. Recommended in guide books as early as the 1920's as "one of the most glorious walks in all Cornwall" take a look at the link for further details.
Dolphin Inn
3 September 2023
Re-opened in 2025, The Dolphin Inn has new tenant landlords, much to the delight of the local community. Located in the heart of the village, visitors and locals are welcome.