Saint Austell: Culture, Ceramics and Trails through Cornwall

Saint Austell combines cultural history with ceramic art, brewing traditions and a variety of trails through the countryside. Anyone planning a trip to Cornwall can combine different kinds of holiday days here: discoveries in the town, a train journey, or walks and bike rides along various routes. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth considering the pace of travel you want.

Culture and Special Places in Saint Austell

A prominent historical landmark is Holy Trinity Church in St Austell. The church is a Grade I listed building. St Austell Market House, a Grade II* listed building dating from 1844, is also part of the town’s architectural history. Both buildings give Saint Austell a visible historical character, without requiring you to focus your stay on a single theme.

Ceramics can also be encountered outdoors. The Whitegold Ceramic Art Trail is a public art exhibition featuring 18 individually crafted ceramic works in the centre of St Austell. This ceramic theme is complemented by the Earth Goddess, a ceramic sculpture in the centre of St Austell. Families who would like to discover ceramic art together therefore have two different options in the town centre.

Brewing History and Excursions on Trails

St Austell Brewery was founded in 1851. Its visitor centre offers an interactive attraction and tours of the historic family brewery. This adds another aspect to the history of the place: alongside architecture and art, a long-established company is also at the centre of attention. For your specific travel plans, check the visitor information currently in effect if you would like to include the visitor centre.

Several different routes are available for active days. The Coast and Clay Trail leads into St Austell along a route that is mostly free of traffic. The Pentewan Valley Trail follows the route of the former Pentewan Railway between St Austell and Pentewan. It is mostly flat and 3½ miles long.

There are also nine Clay Trails near St Austell, mostly running away from roads and suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. Pinetum Gardens is a 30-acre botanical garden in Holmbush near St Austell. This allows you to combine cultural destinations with trails and a visit to a garden, or to focus your stay more strongly on activity and the landscape.

Saint Austell as a Base

Saint Austell lies on the main line through Cornwall and is served by GWR and CrossCountry trains. The rail connection is a practical factor when choosing your accommodation: if you do not want to plan excursions exclusively by car, you can include Saint Austell, with its rail connection, in your considerations as a destination. When choosing the right holiday apartment, the main question is then whether culture, trails, a garden visit or the history of the brewery should be the focus of your days.

If you would like to explore more places on the portal: Wendron, Torpoint, Sladesbridge, Marhamchurch, Gunnislake, Saint Eval, Brighton, Herodsfoot.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cornwall.