Pictures of St Austell

in the county of Cornwall

Horses galloping at Parr Sands, Nr St. Austell. Cornwall

Take a picture tour of St Austell

About St Austell

One of the blessings of St. Austell, is its parish church, a glorious structure that has a beautiful carved 15th-century tower built of local yellow stone. The tower has deeply carved niches inset with stone figures, it is an inspiring sight. The interior of the church is a source of fascination with many treasures and reminders of its ancient past.

China clay is extracted and worked in this area and the white 'heaps' to be seen on the fringe of the town are naught but spoil-heaps of quartz and sand from the quarries. The clay is chiefly used for the making of porcelain and is shipped world-wide. On the site of an old clay works from the 19th-century is a museum that tells of the history of the industry. The site has been restored to it's original state and of the equipment on view is an 18ft water-wheel. It is well worth visiting for much of the history of St.Austell lies in its clay industry.

As you would imagine, the town stands on a steep slope and with a fine network of narrow streets and interesting passage-ways along which ancient houses and cottages cling together, it is easy to see why tales of smuggling abound throughout the area. It is said that booty from shipwrecks was carried down the narrow streets and quickly passed from one cottage to another.

The Town and Market Hall is an italianate granite building which dates 1844. Other interesting features in the town include the Market House of 1791, The White Hart Hotel which dates 18th-century and the Megagew Stone in Fore Street, and the Menacuddle Holy Well. The former Quaker Meeting House was built in 1829.

In historic terms the town of St.Austell was not noted until the mid-12th-century and in the middle ages was known to have a population of only a few hundred. To-day, is vastly different, St.Austell is a lively place which all during the year, especially the summer months, is thronged with visitors from England and beyond. They come to experience the delights of the town and for the beautiful bay which takes its name from the town. It is an area of sandy bays, cliffs and tiny hamlets. The beaches offer soft sand on which to relax and soak up the sun. A receeding tide reveals little rock pools where children search for crabs and shells. It is all so very pleasant and when you tire of the beach there are many places to explore. The Eden Project is close-by, so too is the Wheal Martyn Heritage centre, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan to name but a few attractions in this famous region. Best of all though, is the locally caught fresh fish and sea-food to be found in nearly all the pubs and inns along the coast - a rare treat and not to be missed.

Add town to favourites

Submit a history of St Austell

Recommended towns & villages near St Austell

	Charlestown (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction E) This lovely little port hugs the rugged south Cornish coast overlooking picturesque St. Austell Bay... Information \| Pictures (115) \| Hotels
	Mevagissey (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S) One of a ribbon of picturesque fishing villages dotting the fabled Cornish coastline. Mevagissey has ancient buildings flanking steep and extremely narrow streets which during..... Information \| Pictures (170) \| Hotels
	Fowey (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction E) The picturesque harbour town of Fowey has a history as colourful as some of the pretty boats sailing in and out of its waters... Information \| Pictures (87) \| Hotels
	Portloe (9.3 miles, 14.9 km, direction SW) "One of the least spoiled and most impressive of Cornish fishing villages" - Sir John Betjeman (famous poet 1906-1984).. Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	Bodmin (9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction N) Historically fascinating and naturally beautiful, this area of North Cornwall has so much to offer. Equidistant from both the north and south coasts, Bodmin is an excellent base..... Information \| Pictures (122) \| Hotels

All towns in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near St Austell

	Pine Lodge Gardens (1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction E) .. Information \| Pictures (2) \| Hotels
	The Eden Project (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction NE) This is a joyous celebration of precious plant life established as a millennium project to mark the birth of the 21st century. ..... Information \| Pictures (177) \| Hotels
	Lost Gardens of Heligan (3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction S) .. Information \| Pictures (63) \| Hotels
	World of Model Railways (4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction S) .. Information \| Hotels
	St. Catherine's Castle (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E) .. Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels

All attractions in St Austell
All attractions in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in St Austell

	Wisteria Lodge Boscundle, Tregrehan, St Austell, Cornwall, England (1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction E) Wisteria Lodge and Country Spa is a small, elegant hotel offering a relaxed atmosphere & high level of personal service. The hotel enjoys an idyllic location set in an acre of lovingly tended private ... More info and book online.. Price from £125.00
	Porth Avallen Hotel Sea Road, Carlyon Bay, Cornwall, England (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction E) The Porth Avallen Hotel - our country house hotel by the sea. The only thing that we overlook is the bay. All rooms are en-suite and well appointed. Children's tariff available - please contact reserv... More info and book online.. Price from £74.00
	Cliff Head Hotel Sea Road, Carlyon Road, St. Austell, Cornwall, England (2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction E) If you are looking to explore this picturesque county and visit the highly acclaimed Eden Project, then look no further. The Cliff Head is also ideally situated for the glorious Lost Gardens of Heliga... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	The Carlyon Bay Hotel Sea Road, St Austell, Cornwall, Cornwall, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction E) Occupying a stunning cliff-top location, this refined hotel boasts AA Rosette-winning cuisine, an 18-hole Championship Golf Course and an exclusive Beauty Room. During their stay, guests can unwin... More info and book online.. Price from £90.00
	Victoria Inn Victoria Road, Roche, St Austell, Cornwall, England (6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction N) We are a 42 bedroom Inn located just off the main A30 in Cornwall, ideally situated for business or pleasure. All our rooms are furnished to a high modern standard. We also offer great local food and ... More info and book online.. Price from £48.00

More St Austell hotels...

Nearby travel help

St. Austell Station	(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
Par Station	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction E)
Newquay (Cornwall) Airport	(11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction NW)
Plymouth City Airport	(30.5 miles, 49.1 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 31	(60.9 miles, 98.0 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 30	(63.9 miles, 102.8 km, direction E)
St Austell to London	(219.1 miles, 352.6 km, direction E)