St Austell in Cornwall

Lat 50.3392° N, lon 4.7936° W●Main town · Clay country

St Austell

St Austell is the hub of Cornwall's clay country, with the Eden Project, the brewery and the south coast beaches within a few miles.

Where to stay

St Austell at a glance

Clay country market town above St Austell Bay

St Austell sits inland in mid Cornwall, in the heart of china clay country. It is a working market town rather than a harbour resort: high street shops, cafes, pubs and everyday services, with the bay and south coast a short drive away.

The town grew with the clay industry that still shapes the white tips and pits around it. That landscape is part of a visit here. The Eden Project and Wheal Martyn Country Park sit in the same clay country, and the brewery visitor centre keeps a long local brewing story in town.

Toward the coast, Charlestown is the best known harbour in the wider territory: a compact Georgian quay with tall ships and a short walk to the bay. Carlyon Bay and other stretches of sand sit along the same south facing shore. Mevagissey and Fowey make easy day trips if you want a longer harbour wander.

Closer in, Trewoon, St Blazey and Mount Charles are useful neighbouring places for a quieter stay or a shorter hop into town. Use Discover & connect for the parish list, or the interactive map to see how the town, villages and bay sit together.

Plan a first visit around the town centre, then decide between clay country inland or the bay coast. Look up places to stay and food and drink for St Austell when you are ready to book, and open things to do or Cornwall walks if you want a longer day out.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about St Austell

Is St Austell on the coast?

The town centre is inland. St Austell Bay, including its Georgian harbour and nearby beaches, sits a short drive or bus ride south. Use the map for those coastal places.

What is St Austell known for?

St Austell is the main market town of mid Cornwall’s china clay country, with shops and services in town and Eden, Wheal Martyn and the bay coast close by.

What is there to do around St Austell?

Start with the town centre and brewery visitor centre, then choose clay country inland or the bay coast. Fowey, Mevagissey and Truro are straightforward day trips from here.

Which villages are near St Austell?

Trewoon and St Blazey sit close to town. The Georgian harbour on St Austell Bay is the best known coastal village. Discover & connect and the interactive map list the wider parish places.

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Interactive map

Looking for somewhere to stay in St Austell?

See the stays on the map, add your dates and guests, then check availability on Booking.com.

Plan your stay in St Austell on the map