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Charlestown

A beautiful and unspoilt gem, the port of Charlestown with its tall ships and dramatic harbour retains the best of Cornwall's trading maritime past with some excellent modern facilities and attractions. A favourite location for period movie sets, The Eagle has Landed, The Three Musketeers, Mansfield Park and A Respectable Trade are just some of the films that have used this stunning location for their shoots.

The history of the harbour is tightly entwined with the local china clay trade which passed through here for over 200 years until finally ending in the early 1990s. Based in one of the china clay storage houses, the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre is a absorbing record of not only the history of the harbour but of maritime in general. Entered through underground tunnels that were used to transport the clay, highlights include the largest collection in the UK of artefacts recovered by divers along with fascinating displays on local shipwrecks and clay mining.

The harbour itself is a peaceful and scenic spot from which to enjoy food from well recommended restaurants whilst gazing up at the rigging of the tall ships which are often moored in the harbour seeking protection from the sea.

Charlestown is a key point on our coast walks with day and short break trips passing through or starting here. It is also one of the entry points for those heading the few miles inland from the coast on foot to visit the Eden Project.

Either side of Charlestown the coast walking heads up over cliffs and alongside the rock pools and beaches of St Austell bay. It is a fantastic start for your walk onto Fowey through the wild and stunning du Maurier coastline or a great overnight stop for those en route from Mevagissey to Fowey who will relish the chance to eat well and relax by the tiny cobbled quay and the maritime artifacts of days gone past.

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