How to spend a week in St Austell Bay
If you’re craving a week of seaside bliss, stunning landscapes, and maybe a pasty or two, St Austell Bay in south Cornwall is right up your alley. This horse-shoe-shaped corner of the county is characterised by its sandy beaches, fishing villages and coastal walks. Here’s how to spend a week in St Austell Bay.
Where is St Austell Bay?
St Austell Bay is set on the south coast, with St Austell, Cornwall’s largest town, at its centre. The bay stretches from Pentewan and Trenarren in the west, around to popular Carlyon Bay and Par Sands, and over to Polkerris in the east.
St Austell Bay’s ‘Cornish Alps’, stunning coastline and landscaped gardens offer a variety of landscapes to explore. Add in plenty of golden sandy beaches and pretty seaside villages, and you have the perfect destination for an escape by the sea.
Seven days of things to do in St Austell Bay
Get ready for a week that’s a great blend of relaxation and adventure.
Day 1: Discover China Clay Country
Less well known than Cornwall’s tin mining heritage and ancient sites is China Clay Country, the villages and countryside around St Austell. The stark white and green clay tips – the spoil from the china clay industry – give the area its nickname, the Cornish Alps, which are worth exploring. Despite the industrial backdrop, try Clay Trails for plenty of pleasant walks that go through the heart of the pits and waste tips.
Learn more about the china clay industry at Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park. This excellent open air museum is dedicated to the area’s all-encompassing industry and as well as displays of bygone work practices, you can also view the breathtakingly massive modern working pits where high-pressure hoses blast the clay from the ground.
Day 2: Get back to nature at Eden and Pinetum Gardens
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Possibly China Clay Country’s most famous export is the ever-evolving Eden Project. It’s like stepping into a sci-fi movie, but with more plants and fewer aliens. Explore the huge rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, learn about sustainable living, and don’t forget to snap a selfie with the massive sculptures!
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Nearby Pinetum Gardens is an oasis of tranquility, peace and calm. More traditional than Eden, this family-owned garden offers an intimate experience with a personal touch. Lovingly created over the past four decades, it is home to one of the largest plant collections in the county. Set within stunning parkland, there are 10 individually themed garden ‘rooms’, including an authentic Japanese garden.
Day 3: Hit the beach and South West Coastal Path
There’s nothing like the sound of waves and seagulls to soothe the soul. In St Austell Bay, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pretty beaches and coastal walks. Pack your swimmers, lace up those walking boots and hit the South West Coast Path. The views are epic, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins showing off in the bay.
Polkerris
Families will love the pretty sandy cove at Polkerris, where there’s a café, shop and pub. It’s sheltered by the harbour wall, where calm waters allow for safe swimming and watersports. It’s also the start of a coastal walk out to Gribbin Head, where the views inspired author Daphne du Maurier, who lived nearby.
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Porthpean
Golden sands and blue waters make Porthpean feel almost mediterranean on the right day. Another great choice for families, there’s ample opportunity for swimming, exploring rock pools and building sandcastles. Take to the coast path for a lovely walk to Charlestown Harbour.
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Par Sands Beach
This large expanse, fringed by dunes, is ideal for a family beach day and dog walking. It’s a popular kitesurfing spot and there are plenty of facilities and parking.
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Carlyon Bay
Carlyon Bay is a long, south-facing beach, made up of three coves, each distinct in character and beauty. There’s lots of parking and an award-winning restaurant in the form of Edie’s on the seafront – perfect for a long, lazy lunch.
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Day 4: Step back in time in Charlestown
Charlestown, with its historic harbour and tall ships, is the place to be. The picturesque port is often used as a film location for such treasures as Poldark (we can’t promise Aidan Turner himself will be there though).
The harbour is surrounded by a variety of trendy restaurants and bars where you can grab a snack on the go or settle in for the afternoon. Or simply gaze out over views of the bay, as far as Dodman Point to the east and Gribbin Daymark to the west.
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Don’t forget to explore the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which showcases more than 8,000 items recovered from wrecks around the world.
Day 5: Get lost at Heligan
Prepare to get lost – in the best possible way. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a horticulturist’s dream come true. Meander through the mystical pathways, discover the jungle, and say hi to the Mud Maid, Giant’s Head, and Grey Lady – all waiting to be discovered along Woodland Walk.
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Pro tip: bring a picnic, find a pretty spot, and savour the tranquility.
Day 6: Mevagissey Magic
Today, venture to the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey. This place oozes charm with its narrow streets, colourful houses, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.
Take a boat trip, explore the quirky shops, and treat yourself to an unbelievably mouth-watering array of cakes or a traditional Cornish cream tea at She Sells Meva. Jam first, always!
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Day 7: Finish up in Fowey
Wrap up your week with a visit to the charming town of Fowey. With a tumble of pastel-coloured houses and picturesque pubs overlooking one of Cornwall’s finest natural harbours, chic Fowey is a sailor’s haven. Once the sea mists roll in, you’ll see why Daphne du Maurier set her classic Rebecca here.
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Explore the narrow streets lined with independent shops, grab a pasty to fuel your adventures, and take a relaxing boat trip along the Fowey River. It’s the perfect ending to a fantastic week in St Austell Bay.
There you have it – a week in St Austell Bay that’s as laid-back or action-packed as you want it to be. So, pack your bags, embrace the salty air, and get ready for a Cornish adventure like no other! Book your St Austell Bay holiday cottage escape here.
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