Altarnun, Cornwall

Altarnun, Cornwall

Altarnun

Harbour, heritage and St Austell Bay

Nestled deep within the dramatic beauty of Bodmin Moor, Altarnun presents a serene and utterly timeless Cornish experience. Far from the bustling high streets of larger towns, this…

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A first look

Start here

Nestled deep within the dramatic beauty of Bodmin Moor, Altarnun presents a serene and utterly timeless Cornish experience. Far from the bustling high streets of larger towns, this enchanting village offers a tranquil escape, where the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the surrounding landscape. It's a genuine hub for exploring the wild moorland, embodying an unspoiled charm and a strong sense of community. Visitors will discover a peaceful haven, renowned for its picturesque setting and as a true gateway to some of Cornwall's most rugged and breathtaking natural beauty.

The village

Harbour, heritage and a living village

Charlestown is a preserved Georgian harbour on St Austell Bay, built around the trade in copper and china clay. Its granite quays, old warehouses and close-set cottages still give the village a strong sense of place.

Today the harbour is both a historic setting and a real visitor destination: a place for maritime stories, food, a slow wander and a route towards the beaches and coast path beyond.

Signature experiences

What to do in Charlestown

01 · Walk the harbour

The quays and tall ships

Read the harbour in the granite, warehouses and changing tide.

02 · History

Shipwreck stories

Explore the museum and the maritime history around the port.

03 · Make a day

Food, beach and coast

Pair the harbour with a meal, Porthpean or a coastal walk.

Local directory

Eat, stay, browse and explore

Places to stay

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Bowden Farm Cottages

Bowden Farm Cottages Altarnun sits in Altarnun, Cornwall — a practical place to stay for visitors exploring the…

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East Rose Cottage

Looking for East Rose Cottage Altarnun? This place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall is listed on Cornish.co.uk so…

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Penpont Farm Cottages

Penpont Farm Cottages Altarnun sits in Altarnun, Cornwall — a practical place to stay for visitors exploring the…

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The Bridge Inn

The Bridge Inn Altarnun is a verified place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with contact…

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The Old Inn

The Old Inn Altarnun sits in Altarnun, Cornwall — a practical place to stay for visitors exploring the…

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The Old Rectory

Looking for The Old Rectory Trewint? This place to stay in Trewint, Cornwall is listed on Cornish.co.uk so…

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Tredown Farm

Looking for Tredown Farm Altarnun? This place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall is listed on Cornish.co.uk so you…

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Trengrove Cottages

Trengrove Cottages Altarnun is a verified place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with contact details…

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Treravel House

Treravel House Trewint sits in Trewint, Cornwall — a practical place to stay for visitors exploring the area.…

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Trevadlock Cottages

Looking for Trevadlock Cottages Altarnun? This place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall is listed on Cornish.co.uk so you…

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Trewhella Farm Cottages

Trewhella Farm Cottages Altarnun is a verified place to stay in Altarnun, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with contact…

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Outside

Beaches and walks

Beaches near Charlestown

Walks from the village

Before you go

Plan your Charlestown visit

01

Arrive ready to walk

The harbour and surrounding streets are best explored on foot; allow for uneven surfaces and changes in level.

02

Allow a proper visit

Build time for the harbour, museum, food and the wider coast rather than making it only a photo stop.

03

Use St Austell as your base

The nearby main town is the practical connection for wider transport, services and a longer day out.

  • Main town
  • ParishAltarnun
  • Directory places20

Place finder

Explore Charlestown on the map

Further afield

Nearby places