Around St. Austell

The old market town of St. Austell is just a few miles from the coast and is one of Cornwall’s biggest towns. It was for centuries an important mining town but it was a discovery in the mid 18th century that really put the town on the map.

William Cookworthy, a chemist from Devon, discovered massive deposits of kaolin (a form of decomposed granite), or china clay in the area. The mineral is used in not only the production of porcelain but a whole host of industries including paper, pharmaceuticals and textiles. The extraction of china clay became the mainstay of local industry and accelerated the growth of the town from the eighteenth century onwards.

The industry not only changed the town itself but has left its mark on the landscape around St. Austell. The Cornish Alps as they are sometimes referred to are the spoils from the clay pits which form large, originally white, conical mounds. Over recent years some of these have been landscaped and flattened to form a less surreal landscape.

The China Clay Country Park World Heritage Site provides a comprehensive insight into Cornwall’s China Clay mining. Walk through the old Victorian workings of Gomm and Wheal Martyn with reconstructions, photographs, vintage commercial vehicles, railway rolling stock and locomotive, plus many other exhibits and the largest water wheel still working in Cornwall.

Go back in time or catch up with the present in the interactive display area which paints a vivid picture of the communities and the lives of the people who depended on the china clay industry. See the exhibitions of pastoral and utility items, walk through the old Flat Rod tunnel.

Explore the 10 hectares of woodland and nature trails complete with children’s adventure course and play areas. Look into modern working china clay pits from the viewing platform on site.

Have a picnic in the grounds or relax with a meal in the competitively priced licensed café. Browse in the shop which carries a varied stock of quality related gifts and goods for that special present or memento. The china clay trail cycle paths and walks can also be accessed from the car park providing something for everyone.

Another long running industry in the town is St. Austell Brewery. Founded in 1851 by Walter Hicks it has grown to become easily the biggest brewery in Cornwall with many outlets. The brewery is open to the public for tours.

Japanese Garden at Pine Lodge Gardens

Close by is St. Austell’s port, the lovely harbour of Charlestown, where you will frequently see old sailing ships. The port has been used as a film location for numerous films and television series, such as Poldark, and there is a small museum open during the season.

Developed by local landowner Charles Rashleigh at the end of the 17th century, Charlestown is still a working port exporting a small amount of china clay - averaging 30-40 ships a year.

Perhaps the town’s biggest draw these days is it’s proximity to the mighty Eden Project, only 2 miles away. Eden is now, without doubt, the most popular single tourist attraction in Cornwall. Interestingly enough the biomes were built in an old china clay pit.