The market town of St Austell is crammed with great things to see and do to satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Once the centre for the prosperous china clay industry, the conical spoil pits are locally known as the Cornish Alps. A visit to the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum is a must. Another historic business is the St Austell Brewery, still supplying ale to many of the local pubs in Cornwall. Guided tours of this historic brewery, museum and visitor centre always end with a pint in Hicks Bar, which is named after the founder.
Carlyon Bay is just a short drive from holiday rentals in St Austell and has beautiful sands and excellent amenities while Polkerris Beach is ideal for swimming. Daphne du Maurier fans will want to see her former homes, Kilmarth and Menabilly, but nowhere is lovelier than the nearby historic port of Charlestown. It is frequently used as a film location with its old schooners moored in the narrow harbour.
As if all this is not enough, the Eden Project is just outside the town creating several climatic environments in a series of biomes, an engineering wonder in themselves. Wander through the indoor rainforest with its gushing waterfall and see how pineapples, spices, rubber and cocoa grow. This award-winning attraction is so much more than a tropical garden and conservation project; it also hosts many concerts and offers a day of educational fun for all ages.
Here is our selection of the very best holiday homes in the St Austell and Eden Project area…
The Marine Pearl, Charlestown is a charming 3-bedroom home with a private garden, near local attractions. Exuding charm in a Georgian Grade II listed villa, it's ideal for family getaways with stunning harbour views and a serene setting by the sea.
A charming holiday home, perfectly located for exploring the historic harbour and local attractions
The Old Smoke House, Charlestown, is a delightful and characterful property in a fantastic location beside the harbour. This creatively decorated two-bedroom house offers a memorable place to stay with a private terrace and views of the tall ships.
A characterful property in a fantastic location with a sea view terrace
Hideaway Barn, Charlestown is a comfortable two bedroom, two bathroom holiday cottage in a former barn. Spacious open living room with modern kitchen & dishwasher. Outside offers off-road parking & gardens for relaxing. Stroll to harbour, beach & pubs.
Lovely converted barn in garden setting close to historic Charlestown harbour
28 Clock Tower Court, Duporth is a contemporary two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on third floor with sea views. Tasteful open plan living & modern kitchen with dishwasher. Bi-fold doors onto furnished balcony. Garage parking & lift. Walk to beach.
Contemporary luxury apartment with furnished balcony and sea views
Chapel Green, Polgooth is a luxury five bedroom holiday cottage with indoor pool, conservatory & 4-poster bed. Enjoy 1.3 acre lawned gardens in this family-friendly holiday retreat which is three miles from the beach, St Austell & Lost Gardens of Heligan.
A characterful cottage with four poster bed and indoor pool
Silvermine House, Porthpean near St Austell is a luxury barn complex with 6 bedrooms, sea views, games room, pool table, gym & hot tub. Set in 8.5 acres, it is perfect for families & groups of 12. Close to golf course, Eden Project & beach.
A luxury barn complex with sea views, games room and hot tub
The Ark Cottage in St Blazey is a cosy woodland hideaway with one bedroom, open plan living area with woodburner & modern kitchen. A glazed porch overlooks the garden. The off-the-beaten path location close to the Eden Project has woodland walks.
A cosy woodland cottage with garden near Eden Project
3 Waterwheel Apartments, Charlestown is the chance to stay in a well-equipped 4-star apartment to sleep four. It has two bedrooms, one with ensuite bathroom, an outdoor balcony, WiFi and off-street parking in the heart of this historic harbour village.
A stylish apartment in the historic village of Charlestown
