The Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and the beaches along the St Austell coastline are the three main reasons people head for St Austell, but our Gurus would like to add atmospheric Bodmin Moor to that list too, and the tiny, but entirely charming harbour of Charleston. The best places to stay in St Austell are idyllic Cornish retreats, not quiet — because the Eden Project is a deservedly successful attraction — but St Austell is far less popular as a holiday destination than it is as a day-trip destination from elsewhere in Cornwall. But stay overnight and you’ll have easy access to some of Cornwall’s best beaches: our Gurus love Dupforth and Parthpean; Charleston Harbour, where Poldark was filmed; and of course the Eden Project and Heligan.

Neither of our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in St Austell are close to the centre of town, they’re both surrounded by lush green views, with almost magically tropical gardens. Which is a nice tone setting for this part of the world. The lush valleys and hills around here are wonderful for walkers. Especially those with an interest in the history of the local area, because all around are the old clay pits that made this region rich - if that piques your interest more our Gurus’ recommend you visit the China Clay Country Park, and the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum. They also rate the Charleston Shipwreck and Heritage Centre on Charleston Harbour, a picturesque spot otherwise charmingly dotted with bobbing fishing boats. The best places to stay in St Austell as also ideal for striking out onto Bodmin Moor. It’s so different to the near-tropical lushness of the coastline that St Austell can feel like two very different holidays - especially when you mix in all the botanical variety of the Eden Project - which was also created from an old clay pit.

We haven’t mentioned it yet, but St Austell is also home to a famous brewery, one of the largest in Cornwall, and still a family-run enterprise. Its Tribute IPA is highly recommended by one of our Gurus in particular, who also enjoyed the brewery tour, and meal afterward.

The Best Places to Stay in St Austell

For Families

• The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is a luxurious hotel, set over 43 acres of estate. Accommodation is in rooms, suites apartments and villas, with both hotel and self-catering options. So there’s plenty of choice for families, and couples. The hotel also has a large indoor pool, an impressive spa, a gym, and a well-regarded Cornish restaurant. Families will probably appreciate the spacious grounds.

Best B&Bs

• Lower Barns is a charming stone bungalow converted into a six room B&B, in beautiful, mature gardens in the rolling Cornish countryside just outside St Austell. Each room is individually designed and decorated, with plenty of colour, and nic-nacs collected from the owners’ travels. Two of the rooms have private hot tubs. Table d’hote style suppers are offered some evenings, and by request. Ideally positioned for walkers, and romantic too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to St Austell is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about half an hour away by car or taxi, or two and a half to four hours by public transport. Exeter Airport is second closest, about an hour and a half by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London trains leave from Paddington, and the quickest journeys are four hours and 40minutes direct.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• St Austell is busiest in the summer, it’s just two miles from the Eden Project, which is now one of Cornwall’s most significant tourist attractions, and it’s close to some of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches. St Austell’s closest port is the pretty harbour of Charlestown, which has a very nice collection of old sailing ships. The Eden Project is open year round, so there’s always a reason to visit St Austell. Our Gurus do remind you never to travel anywhere in the UK without wet weather gear, though.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall?
• or expand your search just beyond St Austell, to include neighbours, like the best places to stay in Mevagissey? Fowey? Or Portloe?
• Or you could refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? And consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families? Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms? the most romantic hotels in Cornwall? Or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.