7 cool things to do in St Austell

Granted, it may not the first place that comes to mind when you think of hip travel destinations. But don’t under estimate the capital of the Cornish Alps! There are plenty of cool things to do in St Austell for the whole family!

Eden Project

Without personally witnessing the sites brilliance and sheer scale, it can be easy to write off the Eden Project as just a fancy collection of greenhouses. However, there is a lot for both green-fingered experts and novices to enjoy, including numerous micro-climates, aerial walkways, art exhibitions, music concerts and England’s longest zip wire.

The iconic architectural bio-domes contain thousands of plants from all over the world, and Eden is constantly evolving so there are always new and intriguing sights to see. Adult tickets cost £23.50, children between ages 5 and 15 cost £10.50 while kids 4 years old and under are free. Get 15% off ticket prices online, or arrive on foot, bike, or public transport to get the big green discount.

Browse our listings for Eden Project accommodation (camping and glamping, naturally!).

Wheal Martyn

Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Wheal Martyn is set in 26 acres of woodland and is the UK’s only china clay museum. There are interactive displays about the mine’s history and you can investigate the intriguing old machinery. Alternatively, take a trip down to the pit to see modern day mining in action.

Wheal Martyn is also a park with challenge trails, cycle tracks, and dog walks to enjoy all year round. Admission prices vary from £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for concession, and £4.75 for kids over the age of 6. There are also person family rates for 4 to 6 people costing £22 and £26, respectively.

Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre

The Charlestown Centre offers a fascinating collection of artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks. The displays housed in an old china clay building exhibit the history of the village, the china clay industry and shipwrecks. There are also harbour walks, remote controlled boat replicas to play with and one of the country’s largest collections of diving equipment.

Please note that the centre is only open from March 1st to November 1st. Kids under 10 go free wile adult tickets cost £5.95.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Our childhood memories of the gardens remain incredibly vivid. The mystical jungle, mud woman feature, rhododendron trees, and giant rhubarb really make a lasting impression! For £29, the whole family can experience the awe and wonder the garden’s atmosphere inspires, while learning how to respect, protect, and develop the beauty of nature.

Caerhays Estate

It’s huge! It’s beautiful! And therefore it’s easy to spend an entire day here. There are three guided tours of the castle every week day from March to June. The surrounding 120 acres of woodland gardens are Listed Grade II and it is the site of the National Magnolia Collection. This spring garden is open February to June with independent walks or guided tours available for booking. Dogs on leads are also welcome.

Tickets for the castle and garden can be purchased separately for £8 each, or buy both together to save a few pounds. Locals get £1 of the admission price. There is also a cracking beach on the edge of the estate grounds with spectacular cliff walks. It is a hidden gems where the kids will be desperate to go fly their kites even in the worst weather.

Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary

Come meet the inhabitants at Wingz, learn their names and be amused by often cheeky behaviour. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds and animals, from common to rare and endangered species. Wingz is open all year and offers wheelchair access, a picnic area and refreshments, as well as free dog kennels.

Roseland Observatory

The Sunday Times voted Roseland Observatory one of the top 100 locations in Europe to star gaze. See digital projections of the night’s sky, hold real meteorites, learn how telescopes work and see close up views of the moon, planets and stars. Admission prices are £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children, while under 8’s go free.

Having visited each attraction as a child, teenager and adult, I can testify that each of these attractions will keep you entertained regardless of your age. St Austell’s attractions are world famous and will make you want to return again and again. These attractions also benefit from being located close to camp and caravan facilities.