YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY GUIDE
Things to do in St Austell
Fore Street and the town's historic buildings
Make time for St Austell itself before heading out to the larger attractions. Holy Trinity parish church and the Italianate Market House face one another around the Fore Street area, giving a town-centre walk two clear landmarks. Look above the shopfronts as you go, then use a café stop to break up the visit. This is a manageable introduction to a town whose history is closely connected with the clay industry.
Wheal Martyn's china-clay landscape
Wheal Martyn, outside St Austell, puts the industry's machinery and working spaces into context. The museum occupies former clay works, with waterwheels, settling tanks and workers' stories alongside indoor displays in the Discovery Centre. It is a particularly useful visit before exploring the surrounding clay landscape: objects and processes help explain why this part of Cornwall looks different from its fishing villages and sandy beaches.
The Eden Project at Bodelva
The Eden Project is at Bodelva, outside central St Austell, in a former clay pit. Its Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes introduce contrasting growing environments, while the Outdoor Gardens, artworks and play spaces extend the visit beyond the domes. Build an itinerary around the interests of your group rather than racing between every feature; garden lovers and children may want to spend their time in quite different places.
Local shops, food & places to browse
Fore Street is a practical starting point for shops and a town lunch. Malcolm Barnecutts has a bakery shop at 13 Fore Street, useful for bread, pasties or something to take on an outing. The town also has cafés and a cinema, giving a self-catering holiday some alternatives when a long outdoor day does not suit the weather or the group.
Planning your holiday in St Austell
Wheal Martyn includes hillside paths, steps and uneven ground, although its Discovery Centre, shop and café have accessible facilities. The Pit View involves an uphill route and may close during working operations. Eden also includes substantial outdoor areas, so plan clothing for a mixed indoor and outdoor visit rather than treating the whole attraction as an enclosed rainy-day venue.
Choosing where to stay
A holiday home advertised near St Austell may sit closer to the coast, the town or the surrounding countryside. Use its map and ask the owner which routes you would actually use for Eden, shopping and beach days. Any caravan or lodge hire is arranged with the owner; the destination guide is here to help you choose the right area.
Before you book, check the advert’s address, sleeping arrangements, park facilities and any extra charges with the owner. Use the search filters for features such as decking, a hot tub or a washing machine, and park facilities such as a pool or clubhouse.
St Austell holiday questions
Can I find private caravans and lodges to rent in St Austell?
Any current adverts for this area appear in the holiday homes section above. If nothing is listed or your search has no matches, it will show “Nothing available right now”. The area guide remains available to help you plan.
How do I check dates and contact the owner?
Enter an arrival date, length of stay and guest count above. Results use the owner’s availability calendar and minimum stay. Open an advert to see its details and request your dates. The owner confirms final availability, prices and hire terms.
Where should I base my holiday in St Austell?
A holiday home advertised near St Austell may sit closer to the coast, the town or the surrounding countryside. Use its map and ask the owner which routes you would actually use for Eden, shopping and beach days. Any caravan or lodge hire is arranged with the owner; the destination guide is here to help you choose the right area. Check the exact address and journey to the places you plan to visit before enquiring.
Can I advertise my caravan or lodge here?
Owners can list a holiday home with an annual or monthly membership. Enter the actual town or village and select the correct country and region in your dashboard so an eligible published advert appears in the right area. See owner plans and listing prices.
Plan your days out
Use these local visitor resources to check current opening times, access, event dates and activity bookings before travelling.