St Austell

Photo of St Austell
Credit: Image by Penstones from Pixabay
Photo of St Austell
Credit: Image by Volker Lekies from Pixabay
All hotels in St Austell Apartments & villas in St Austell Find more hotels in St Austell

About St Austell

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 the town is also a good base for exploring atmospheric Bodmin Moor, and the tiny, but entirely charming harbour of Charleston. The best places to stay in St Austell are idyllic Cornish retreats, but St Austell is far less popular as a holiday destination than it is as a day-trip destination from elsewhere in Cornwall so quiet a bit quieter than many other coastal spots. But stay overnight and you’ll have easy access to some of Cornwall’s best beaches (Dupforth and Parthpean spring to mind); Charleston Harbour, where Poldark was filmed; and of course the Eden Project and Heligan.

None of our recommendations here are close to the centre of town, they’re surrounded by lush green countryside, with almost magically tropical gardens. So they're surrounded by fabulous walking and cycling opportunities and close to other local highlights including the Charleston Shipwreck and Heritage Centre on Charleston Harbour. 

As with most of Cornwall the best places to stay in St Austell are incredibly busy during the peak summer season. If you're planning a visit in July or August, you'll need to book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in St Austell

For families

  • The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is a four star hotel, set in 43 acres of grounds. 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. 

Best b&bs

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

For a pub with rooms

  • The Pier House is a charming inn located overlooking Charlestown Harbour. As well as a range of lovely rooms, there's a seafacing bar with great outdoor area for sunny days, and restaurant serving pub classics featuring delicious local produce. Friendly and relaxed.

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 tax. Exeter Airport is second closest, about an hour and a half by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London trains leave from Paddington, and the quickest journeys are four hours and 40 minutes 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. 

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

The best hotels in St Austell

Pier House
Pier House

St Austell

This historic hotel overlooking Charlestown Harbour offers a blend of traditional charm and stunning sea views. The rooms exude comfort with modern touches, while the vibrant restaurant and bar serve up fresh, local fare and real ales. A perfect spot to unwind and explore the Cornish coast.

  • Sights nearby - Explore the Eden Project's Rainforest Biome, immersing yourself in tropical climates and diverse plant life
  • Local exploring - Immerse yourself in historic Charlestown with stunning views and easy access to the Eden Project
  • Beach Life - Unwind with scenic views, fresh seafood, and the nearby Porthpean beach just a short walk away
  • Learning - Embark on a guided walking tour of Charlestown Harbour, delving into its rich maritime history
from £110 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Lower Barns
Lower Barns

St Austell (St Ewe)

Delightful boutique B&B nestled amidst rolling Cornish countryside outside St. Austell. Six individually designed rooms featuring bright colours inspired by the owners' travels, two with private hot tubs. Gorgeous mature gardens and table d'hote style dinners. Perfect for a romantic hideaway.

  • Romantic Break - With only six individually designed rooms, two featuring a private hot tub, Lower Barns is perfect for a romantic getaway
  • Local exploring - In the heart of rugged Cornish countryside, it's a great launchpad for exploring the area around St. Austell
  • Private Hot Tub - Two of the rooms have their own private hot tub and secluded garden. One even has a woodburner
  • Sights nearby - Six miles from the amazing Eden project which boasts an enormous indoor rainforest
from £130 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

Cornwall (Tregorrick)

A luxury hotel set in 43-acres of estate land. Spacious bedrooms are tastefully designed with plenty of light and simple modern furniture. There is the option to take a self-catering lodge too. Expect a spa, Cornish restaurant, indoor pool, and expansive grounds. Suits families or couples.

  • Self catering - 23 self catering cottages available for those who want the amenities of a hotel but an independent stay
  • Families - With self-catering lodges, family suites, plenty of activities, and 43 acres for kids to run around in
  • Spa - The expansive spa includes a relaxation room, indoor pool, sauna, and steam room plus a wide range of treatments
  • Restaurant - The restaurant serves Cornish dishes with locally sourced produce
from £167 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Antonia's Pearls
Antonia's Pearls

St Austell

These individual cottage stays offer a unique maritime charm, in a peaceful corner of Charlestown. Interiors blend vintage elegance with handcrafted, quirky touches like reclaimed wood floors and roll-top baths. Coastal views, well-equipped kitchens and lovely gardens and terraces.

  • Country Escape - A tranquil retreat with charming Georgian cottages, a private courtyard garden, and easy access to the scenic Cornish coast
  • Families - Cottages with fully equipped kitchens, games, and nearby beaches make it ideal for a relaxing family getaway by the sea
  • Beach Life - Enjoy an afternoon on nearby Carlyon Bay’s sandy beach, perfect for a peaceful swim or a relaxing sunbathe
  • Sights nearby - Wander along Charlestown's historic harbour, a picturesque spot where tall ships and quaint cottages transport you back in time
from £210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms