St Austell

St Austell is a bustling market town situated close to the south Cornwall coast, retaining much of its old character and charm. St Austell boasts a variety of small traditional local shops such as butchers, bakeries and florists as well as household high street names. Large parts of the town centre are also pedestrionised making it a great place to relax and unwind over a cup of coffee. There are a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes located in and around the town centre of St Austell. For historians, visiting the Market House is a listed building which houses over 20 local market traders is a must.

St Austell History

The town of St Austell dates back to 1189 when it left its jurisdiction of the Manor of Tewington and became a town in its own right. Originally an agricultural town, St Austell owes much of its past and present prosperity to the huge reserves of China Clay found to the North and West of the town.  Mining is responsible both for the area’s unusual local landscape as well as many features of St Austell’s architectural heritage which bear testimony to the success and wealth generated by industry dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.  St Austell’s industrial heritage can be explored at the China Clay Country Park, and the resultant lunar-landscape of the disused pits are now criss-crossed by “The Clay Trails” - a collection of multi-use trails for cycling, walking, horse-riding and wheelchair use in the St Austell area.

St Austell Beaches

Being so close to Cornwall’s South Coast, St Austell is of course close to a great range of fantastic beaches for which the county is famed.  PENTEWAN SANDS, is a large sandy beach near St Austell; privately owned from cliff to cliff this beach is excellent for swimming and all water sports and there is a wide variety of equipment available for hire.  PAR SANDS is an extensive beach consisting of fine sand, protected by dunes to the landward side - situated on the sheltered south coast between Fowey and St Austell.  A lagoon to the rear of the beach and dunes and its associated reed beds is noted for its wildlife. Café, ice-cream, toilets and bowling facilities exist on the site. Further shops, catering, food outlets and public houses exist in the adjoining village.  PORTHPEAN is a smaller, sheltered beach with rocky pools at its southern end and cliffs adjoining three of its boundaries. The beach slopes gently into the sea and is regarded as being the local family beach. Sailing and boat launching facilities are also available.  CRINNIS, is a popular sandy beach, over a mile long, backed by cliffs and great for families.  CHARLESTOWN, has a Georgian harbour that may be recognised from several films and television programmes. There is a sand and stone beach to the east of the harbour and a small pebble covered beach to the west. There is a wide variety and colour of pebbles here, including some containing “Fool's Gold”.  CARLYON BAY is a long sandy beach which is currently being re-developed but is open to the public. The whole of the seafront is accessible.

The Eden Project

Even now the enormous open clay pits continue to have a huge impact on the local economy as heavy industry gives way to world class attraction.  Ten years ago an exhausted china clay pit was transformed into one of the UK’s most popular days out when the vast Biomes that form the Eden Project were built.  Now voted the best building of the last 20 years by the UK Construction industry and having won  innumerable awards for its service to environmental, conservation and educational causes, the Eden Project has deservedly claimed its place as one of the most popular and highly acclaimed  destinations in Britain.

Things to do at the Eden Project

In their own words…
“Eden is a living theatre of plants and people, and like every great theatre what happens on stage is dramatic and constantly changing. There’s all the stuff you’ve heard about: the huge rainforest, the biggest greenhouses in the world, and art and architecture inspired by the natural world. And there's a lot you may not know about: hidden corners such as Wild Cornwall, a mini Cornwall of yore, or our Spiral Garden, for instance. For children we also have new trails and endless leafy places to play with shortcuts, hideaways, stepping stones and sandpits.”

Eden Project events

An extensive calendar of events runs throughout the year at the Eden Project – and it can truly boast to have something for everyone. From Ice skating in the winter to spectacular floral planting displays in the spring.  And from courses in natural history painting and horticulture to live theatre and film premieres!  The Eden Project is also establishing itself as a live music venue with the “Eden Sessions”, the Eden Project's series of one-day summer festivals of live music in Cornwall.  2009 hosts an impressive lineup including Oasis, The Kooks, Kasabian and Razorlight.

Lostwithiel

Lostwithiel stands at the head of the Fowey Estuary.  Previously an important Stannary Town and Duchy Capital, Lostwithiel is packed with character and has an astounding array of architectural gems that bear testament to its iollustrious past.  Most notable arethe 10th Century  Restormel Castle – one of the most best examples of Motte and Bailey castles in the country, the beautiful early fourteenth century bridge with five pointed arches, and nearby the remains of the Stannary Court  with its Coinage Hall.  A small museum dedicated to Lostwithiel’s heritage is situated within the town.
Lostwithiel also has a reputation as the “the antiques and 'slow food' centre of the Duchy”.  Its selection of shops, fairs, markets, auctions and restaurants are of great appeal to locals and visitors alike.  The surrounding countryside with its abundant wildlife  is perfect for exploring on foot, bike or even kayak – and fishermen can enjoy trying to catch  salmon, trout, sea bass or flounder as the town is on the upper tidal reaches of the  beautiful and unspoilt River Fowey.