Top 10 Awesome Things To Do In St. Austell, England - Updated 2024

1. Caerhays Castle

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3/3 Caerhays Castle

Built 200 years ago, the large estate hugs the coast and overlooks the beaches. There are hiking trails and gardens for visitors who wish to explore the castle grounds and the coastline. This activity is great for families who wish to be active and experience traditional Cornish style of living. Visiting in the spring is the ideal time to come visit because that is when the gardens will be the most colorful!

Caerhays Castle

Address: Gorran, PL26 6LY Saint Austell, United Kingdom

Website: Caerhays Castle

2. Eden Project

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The Eden Project is an educational environment project that teaches and practices sustainability to all visitors. Large Biome housing was built to grow rainforests and other ecosystems not native to southern England. Gardens, exhibitions, and concerts are set up year round, and it is extremely family friendly! The Eden Project is a great place to visit on cloudy or rainy days because of its indoor facilities.

Eden Project

Address: PL24 2SG Bodelva, Par, UK

Website: Eden Project

3. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

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3/3 The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Once belonging to a family estate for over 400 years, the Heligan gardens outgrew itself when most of the workers left to fight during World War I and never returned. The estate fell into ruins until it was rediscovered and turned into a garden restoration project. Today, there are a vast variety of plant species, and the gardens are open to the public to explore and admire.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Address: Pentewan, PL26 6EN Saint Austell, UK

Website: The Lost Gardens of Heligan

4. Wheal Martyn museum

Discovered in a nearby hill in Cornwall, china clay helped develop the economy and increase population in St. Austell in the late 19th century. The site is now a museum, and it teaches visitors about the history of St. Austell and the rest of Cornwall. The museum shows historical objects, old machinery, photographs, and documents that reveal what life was like working in the china clay industry.

Wheal Martyn Museum

Address: Carthew, PL26 8XG Saint Austell, UK

Website: Wheal Martyn Museum

5. St Austell Brewery

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2/2 St Austell Brewery

A family business: St Austell Brewery has filled many pints in southwest English pubs and the business continues to grow internationally. The brewery has won UK Regional Brewer of the Year more than once, and they have won numerous pub and beer awards. You can visit Hicks Bar at the brewery where you dine and enjoy 9 exclusive beers crafted only in St Austell!

St Austell Brewery

Address: 63 Trevarthian Rd, PL25 4BY Saint Austell, UK

Website: St Austell Brewery

6. Charlestown shipwreck center

Artifacts from over 150 shipwrecks were collected and displayed at this shipwreck center, including exhibits on the Titanic and remnants from World War II. The center also includes a historic port that was built to sustain the china clay industry, and it continues to be in use today. This family-friendly center is perfect for children and adults to explore and learn about historic events in St. Austell and the rest of Cornwall.

Charlestown shipwreck center

Address: Quay Rd, Charlestown, PL25 3NJ Saint Austell, UK

Website: Charlestown Shipwreck Centre

7. Cornwall Football Golf

Enjoy playing golf and soccer (football)? You can do both at this football golf park for all ages on the east side of St Austell! The park has 18 holes large enough for a soccer ball, and it is played like golf. You use your feet to kick the ball into the hole, and if the ball lands on a different fairway, you get a one-shot penalty to bring the ball back!

Cornwall Football Golf

Address: Trenowah Rd, PL25 3GD Saint Austell, UK

Website: Cornwall Football Golf

8. Porthpean Beach

Visited for its family friendly atmosphere and soft sand, this beach is explored for rock pools, swimming, sailing, and enjoying the summer sun. There are many bird nests burrowed in the cliffs, and the rest of the beach provides a glimpse of southern English natural habitats. Chances of rain, wind, and cloudy days are high, however, so it is best to visit during the summer!

Porthpean Beach

Address: Porthpean Beach Rd, PL26 6AY Saint Austell, UK

Website: Porthpean Beach

9. Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary

Once part of a family owned private animal and bird collection, Wingz developed relationships with other zoos and animal shelters. They opened an educational exhibit for visitors, teaching people about the rare and endangered species that currently reside in the safe haven. The sanctuary is home to many species of birds from cockatoos to owls and mammals such as meerkats!

Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary

Address: Lowarth An Ydhyn, PL24 2TX Treesmill, Par, United Kingdom

Website: Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary

10. Pinetum Park and Pine Lodges

With over 6,000 species of plants and 12 hectares (30 acres) of land, this estate is a collection of botanical gardens. It is perfect for strolling around with family and friends and admiring the wildlife. Some of the gardens include a Cornish Cotton Garden, which includes native shrubs and trees of south England, and a Japanese Garden made to replicate gardens from Kyoto. Late spring is the best time to visit this garden if you want to witness the height of blooming season!

Pinetum Park and Pine Lodges

Address: Holmbush, PL25 3RQ Saint Austell, UK

Website: Pinetum Park and Pine Lodges

Go outdoors!

Each activity in St. Austell encourages visitors to be outside, appreciate nature, and learn about the native plants and animals in Cornwall. There is educational value for both children and adults, from learning about endangered plant and wildlife to shipwrecks out in the ocean. If you and your family are active people, St. Austell is a great vacation spot for you!