Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, St Austell has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in St Austell.
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Sights in St Austell
The English town of St Austell is located in the county of Cornwall. The town has a population of around 20,000 people and is situated on the south coast of England. St Austell is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning coastal views and its many attractions. The town is home to the worldfamous China Clay Country Park, which is a great place to learn about the local history and see the beautiful landscapes. Other popular sights in St Austell include the Eden Project, Charlestown Harbour, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
History of St Austell
St Austell, a town in mid Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, lies on the River Tywardreath in the St Austell Bay area of the English Channel. It is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Truro and 30 miles (48 km) west of Plymouth. A former market town and important mining area, it is currently undergoing regeneration, with tourist attractions including the Eden Project and Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre.
The earliest mention of St Austell is in John Leland’s Itinerary, where he says “At Austell is a paroch church and a chapel”, indicating that there were two churches in the area at the time. The site of the chapel is now marked by a cross in the graveyard of the parish church of StAustell.
The parish church, dedicated to Saint Austollus, is of Norman origin but has been much rebuilt and restored over the centuries. In the 15th century it was the richest parish in Cornwall, a status it maintained until the 19th century.
The town’s market charter was granted by Henry III in 1261. It was the site of a large Cornish fair, which started on 25 March and lasted for eight days, until Michaelmas. The fair was held every year until it was suppressed by Edward VI in 1547.
Mining was an early industry in St Austell, with clay and tin being mined in the area since at least the 13th century. By the early 18th century, the town had become an important mining centre, with four tin mines and 22 copper mines in operation. Mining was so extensive that one of the local collieries was known as ” richest square mile on earth”.
The clay industry also grew during the 19th century, with around 80 potteries in operation at its peak. The China clay (kaolin) extracted from the local hills was used in the manufacture of porcelain, and the town became known as the “Capital of China”.
St Austell was a thriving market town until the late 19th century, when the collapse of the local mining and clay industries led to a period of decline. The town’s position was not helped by its location, which made it difficult to access by road.
However, the town began to recover in the early 20th century, with the opening of a railway line to London in 1903, followed by the establishment of the Eden Project in 2001. Thesedays, St Austell is a vibrant and thriving town, with a bright future ahead.
Vacation in St Austell
When visiting England, many tourists make a beeline for the bright lights of London. But if you want to experience a different side of the country, head to the southwestern city of St Austell. This historic city is steeped in culture and offers a wealth of vacation possibilities, from exploring its meandering streets to enjoying the great outdoors.
One of the best ways to get to know St Austell is by taking a walking tour of its old town. Start at the church of St Peter and Paul, which has been standing since the 13th century, then explore the narrow lanes lined with traditional cottages. Be sure to stop by the Cornish Hair Company, a local institution that’s been giving haircuts since the 1920s.
If you’re a fan of the arts, you’ll be spoilt for choice in St Austell. Pay a visit to the Brewery Yard, where you can see local pottery being made, or take in a performance at the Regal Theatre. For a taste of the city’s literary history, follow in the footsteps of Daphne du Maurier and visit Bodmin Moor, just a short drive away.
When the weather is fine, there’s no better place to be than Porthpean Beach. This sheltered cove is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk along the South West Coast Path to Charlestown, a quaint fishing village with a fascinating maritime history.
No matter what time of year you visit, St Austell is sure to have something to offer. So why not add it to your list of mustsee destinations in England?
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