Location: St Austell
Top Things to do in St Austell
Top 10 Nature & Parks in St Austell, England
St Austell (/sɪnt ˈɔːstəl/; Cornish: S. Austel) is a civil parish and major town in Cornwall, England, UK. It is situated on the south coast, approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Bodmin and 30 miles (48 km) west of the border with Devon.
Restaurants in St Austell
1. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,334 reviews
Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
Reviewed By Eggie2014 - London, United Kingdom
Very interesting, it was lovely to see both historical and up to date parts all in these gardens, there are some very rugged areas so I recommend anyone planning a visit to wear good footwear, Exploring the gardens can be as exerting or relaxing as you like, Personally, I preferred these gardens to the Eden Project
2. Porthpean Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By JonPH123
We love Porthpean beach! Calm seas very safe for children and great rock-pooling. Car park at the top of the hill charges £5 for all day stay or £3.50 for up to 5 hours or £2.00 for up to 3 hours (change required as no notes or card facilities). Kiosk / shop is pretty decent. Food, drinks, ice creams, etc and beach "stuff". Can hire kayaks / paddleboards - approx £15 p.hour. Really helpful & informative bunch doing the hiring. Able to see seals, plenty of fish and visit some secluded beaches.
3. Pinetum Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Pinetum Gardens is a place of tranquillity, peace and spectacular garden scenery, a creation of Ten gardens from around the world. 40 years in the making, by the people who share the same values and dreams, with the least intention, we have flourished and grown to become the largest 'new' garden, and home to one of the largest plant collections in Cornwall. Destined to be a place where kindness and friendship matter, between us, between human and nature. We offer an intimate experience with a personal touch rarely found in our busy world. we are as much a delight for gardeners as we are a wonderful retreat for walkers and a place for families to explore and have fun with nature. Our gardens are wheelchair accessible almost everywhere and mobility scooters are available to use, dogs are welcome on a lead, plenty of seats around ensuring a relaxed moment to be enjoyed.
Reviewed By VickiP715
Such a well-cared-for, interesting attraction - you can't call it "a" garden as there are about ten small gardens to explore, each with its own theme. It is calm and quiet, and we enjoyed a couple of hours wandering around, taking photos and feeding the ducks. Plants seem to be well-labelled, and you can buy a few at the courtyard shop. Families with young children would love it, I think, as there are places for the children to run about and others where they would need to be a little more sedate - there are also trails to do. The courtyard cafe is beautifully situated, and the staff there very friendly - we had cake and a drink and it was all brought to our table outside. Easy, free parking, although on a busy road and it might be difficult to get out sometimes.
4. Indoor Active
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Indoor Active is a fantastic new Indoor Soft Play centre and Clip n Climb centre all under one roof. Our soft play is suitable from toddlers up to 11 year olds. OurClip n Climb center is the first in Cornwall and is suitable for ages 4+ but is perfect for adults too! We also provide party packages for both soft play and Clip n Climb.
Reviewed By uniqcutebabier
Child and adult heaven! kids let off steam in the safe play area, whilst Adults sit and relax! Or opt for a more focused activity of supervised rock face climbing, aimed at all level abilities. Then, enjoy a meal from the variety of eateries at the Services. No cooking to go home to ~ a perfect end to the day!
5. Hemmick Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By hopehousecottage - Worcester, United Kingdom
On a blustery October afternoon in Cornwall, filling time between a largely uninteresting visit to Mevagissey and our allotted time slot at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, we had a bit of pootle about in the car. Pootling about with no real purpose can often result in an unexpected discovery. On this occasion, following the coast road out of Mevagissey toward Port Mellon, Gorran Haven and beyond we happened upon a fabulous stretch of gated road high above the cliffs and then, down a typically steep and narrow winding lane the stunning and perfectly formed Hemmick Beach. There is a small car park (National Trust) about a quarter of a mile up the steep hill, although we didn’t know that at the time since we only stumbled on this place. There is enough room at the beach to park one or two cars (although this is discouraged) so we parked up for 10 minute “blow” on the beach. Sun shining, waves crashing in, golden sand, dramatic rocks and nobody else there. Beautiful. Don’t drive here if your reverse hill starts are not up to scratch or you’re one of those people who have no ability to judge the width of your vehicle. If you meet traffic there are very few passing places.
6. King's Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
A circular walk through the King's Wood Woodland Trust reserve to the lost port of Pentewan, along the trackbed of horse-drawn tramway that once carried china clay to the busy port and via the system of reservoirs and sluices that were used to flush sand out of the harbour. 3.2 miles. Steepness: easy.
7. The Clay Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By RescuedVegan - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Staying in St Austell and like to take the dogs somewhere different each day. These trails are brilliant, so well situated. You can access them from Eden Project, and various other routes, then they cross and meet. Some have a stream running alongside, some are hard stone path walks, perfect for the rainy days we experienced. If you want a good few hours peace, google the nearest path to you. So much to see!
8. Pentewan Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By 186samuel - St Blazey, United Kingdom
No dogs from 1st March to I think 31st October. Very nice little beach with great views. A little walk from main car park in Pentewan, which charges, but also a view spaces which don't charge, which are in a separate area to main car park. Worth a visit. One of my favourite beaches.
9. Crinnis Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By uniqcutebabier
Crinnis beach has a very wide and long sandy beach, however, beware the beach does have quite a steep bank to the sea, not a problem, just something to be aware of especially with little ones. I, as Nanna to five Grandchildren and my family of parents, love the place. There is also a beach disco hut which holds fun beach discos with a food and drinks bar which is child friendly too. Great hidden little gem!
